Dispatches from View Royal

Quick! We Must Return To Obscurity!

2007-01-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

Well, it didn't take long for the new Stelmach government in Alberta to backpedal on the most intriguing idea... the private health care debate is now done. Apparently, and I'm just kidding, we can look forward to a provincial sales tax and higher consumption taxes in Alberta too - just to make it less... unfair?

Here's the link to the Post

I Have Two Mommies And A Daddy

2007-01-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

Where are our legislators exactly?

Critics Decry 3 Parents and a Baby

Change Is Good

2006-12-28T19:31:00.000-08:00

A quick post to draw your attention to the blog name change and some added links (to the right of the screen). Some things you can expect to see soon:

1) Some pictures of the new (old?) Digs
2) NYE @ The Lodge report (pictures?)
3) The Lodge Celebrates Part One - Boat burning

Stay tuned!

Rick Mercer Spends Christmas In Afghanistan

2006-12-28T19:12:00.000-08:00

Please read this all the way through - it's worth every second

Christmas in flak jackets

From a showbiz perspective, General Hillier is a tough act to follow, says RICK MERCER

RICK MERCER From Thursday's Globe and Mail

A few months ago, General Rick Hillier promised me a Christmas I would never forget; turns out he is a man of his word.

This year, on Christmas morning, I was in Sperwan Ghar in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan sitting around a single-burner Coleman stove with a dozen Canadian soldiers. Rush was on the stereo and we were watching a pot of Tetley tea bags threaten to boil. Outside it was wet and muddy, but inside the sandbag bunker where these Royal Canadian Dragoons ate and slept it was warm and as comfortable as one could expect under the circumstances. Corporal Frank Farrell was in charge of the pot and there was no top on it this morning -- this was not to be rushed.

Gen. Hillier is a very persuasive man. He is also a Newfoundlander. And while he is the chief of the Canadian Forces it has been suggested that he might think he is the chief of all Newfoundlanders. He'll call you up and suggest to you that on Dec. 25 there is only one place you should be and it's so special that by agreeing to go there you render your life insurance null and void. You aren't asked so much as you are told.

This was my third trip to Afghanistan but my first at Christmas. Gen. Hillier was on a personal mission to shake hands with every man and woman wearing a Canadian uniform in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf and I was along for the ride. The way he described it was simple: "It's Christmas" he said, "and all we are going to do is pop in and say hello to a few folks." In Canada "popping in to say hello" at Christmas is just a matter of arranging for a designated driver or making sure you have cab fare in your pocket. This was a little more complicated.

It started with a nine-hour flight overseas, stopping in Croatia for gas, and then onward to a military base that dare not speak its name or reveal its location. Once there, we immediately boarded a Sea King helicopter for a night flight across the water so we could land on the deck of the HMCS Ottawa.

On this leg of the trip there were three other Newfoundlanders -- broadcaster Max Keeping, singer-songwriter Damhnait Doyle and my old colleague Mary Walsh -- and three members of the Conservative caucus -- whip Jay Hill, MP Laurie Hawn and President of the Treasury Board John Baird. I was happy they were issued flak jackets and helmets because I had a sneaking suspicion that the combination of Walsh and the three Tories might make some recent skirmishes with the Taliban insurgency seem tame in comparison. If it came down to a three-on-one donnybrook, my money was on the Warrior Princess.

And so, on the night before Christmas Eve, our little gang of Newfoundlanders along with 50 or so sailors closed the mess on the HMCS Ottawa. We laughed until we were stupid. It felt like Christmas. After sunrise, Gen. Hillier addressed the troops on the deck of the ship. This was the first of countless speeches he would give over the next four days. He is funny as hell and inspiring as anyone I have ever seen speak. He makes soldiers laugh and then he makes them cry. He thanks them all in a way that makes everyone grow inches. From a show business perspective, he is a tough act to follow, but follow we did. When it came Damhnait's turn to say a few words she sang a song, and if there is a better way to kick off an adventure than watching Damhnait Doyle and 250 sailors sing O Canada on the deck of a Canadian warship as it sails the Gulf I can't think of it.

After HMCS Ottawa, it was straight back to the base for a three-hour nap before a 3 a.m. wakeup call for the flight to Kandahar. Once in Kandahar, we had the standard briefing that is mandatory for visiting entertainers and or the head-injured. When the siren goes, do what you're told, when everything seems fine do what you're told and, when in doubt, do what you're told.

From there we went "over the wire." It was Christmas Eve and Gen. Hillier wanted to make it to all the forward operating bases. These bases are all former Taliban strongholds. For the most part they are high points of land that were hard-fought-for. Some of the bases are nothing but points of land with soldiers living in tents, trenches and bunkers. This is the front line of a war.

Charlie Company at Patrol Base Wilson was the first group we spoke to. These are the men and women who are working under maximum threat levels in Afghanistan. They are out there on patrol every day, for days at a time, engaging the enemy. They have all lost friends here. They have a bit of the 10,000-mile stare -- which is to be expected -- so from the point of view of a guy who stands around and tells jokes for a living, this is what you would call a tough crowd. Gen. Hillier was right, though; he told me that just showing up was enough and everything else was gravy.

That afternoon we made our way by convoy to Strong Point West, home to Bravo Company. This was still Christmas Eve and we arrived in time to help serve their Christmas meal. Gen. Hillier worked the turkey, senior officers worked the potatoes and vegetables and I pulled up the rear as chief gravy server. I must admit I felt pretty darn important serving the gravy. These guys get a cooked meal about every three to four days. For the most part they eat rations out of a bag wherever they find themselves. Plus they get shot at. Anything hot with gravy is a very, very big deal. As the guy with the gravy ladle I was probably -- for the duration of the serving line -- the most popular man on Earth.

And so this year for Christmas dinner I sat on the ground in the dust and ate turkey loaf and gravy on a paper plate. Everyone except me had a gun. There was lots of talk of home and, like anyone's Christmas dinner, there were lots of pictures. At one point, the designated photographers had 10 digital cameras in their hands at a time trying to get the group shots.

Everywhere you go in Afghanistan where there are Canadian soldiers you see Christmas cards and letters supporting the troops. Some of the tents and accommodations are decorated with so many home-made cards from schoolkids that you would swear you had wandered into an elementary-school lunchroom and not a mess hall. It's amazing to see groups of battle-weary soldiers wrapped in ammunition and guns stopping to read these things with the attention that is usually reserved solely for the parent. I was in a tent with two guys in their early 20s who were poring over a stack of letters and class photos and separating them into piles. I was a little taken aback that these young guys, in the middle of a war zone, would be so moved by support from Grade 4 classes until I realized the deciding factor for the favourites pile was which teacher was hotter.

On Christmas morning, the convoy headed to Sperwan Ghar. The troops here sleep in dugouts with sandbag perimeters. After the speeches and hellos, a corporal asked me back to his quarters for a cup of tea. He was, like so many guys here, a Newfoundlander. And so that's where I spent Christmas morning, watching corporal Frank Farrell stir the teapot while a dozen or so guys hung out and exchanged cards and had a few laughs.

The crowd in the bunker wasn't there just for the tea. They had been waiting a long time for Corporal Farrell to open the Eversweet margarine tub that he received a few weeks ago in the mail. In the tub was his mom's Christmas cake. When the tea was perfect and our paper cups were filled, the tape was pulled from the tub and we all agreed: Bernadette Farrell makes the best Christmas cake in Canada.

The trip carried on. We visited more forward operating bases. Gen. Hillier made good on his goal of shaking hands with practically ever soldier in harm's way this Christmas. And by late afternoon we took the convoy back through "ambush ally" to the main base in Kandahar for the prime show of the tour for about 800 soldiers in the newly opened Canada House.

Max Keeping was our master of ceremonies, Gen. Hillier gave a speech of a lifetime, Mary Walsh made me laugh like the old days, Damhnait Doyle sang like an angel and the Montreal rock band Jonas played late into the night. I was supposed to take the microphone for 15 minutes, but I stayed for 25. A tad selfish, but honestly I can't imagine I will have so much fun performing ever again.

Everywhere we went on this trip men and women in uniform thanked our little gang for giving up our Christmas to be with them in Afghanistan. I know that I speak for everyone when I say we gave very little and we received far too much. We met great friends, we had lots of laughs and dare I say had the best Christmas ever.

This an excellent piece of writing by a guy I didn't even know could write! (Kidding). In all seriousness, this is a very kind gesture to all our CF members overseas.

The Finest Christmas Address Since Mulroney

2006-12-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T00:54:00.000-08:00

A quick note to wish all a safe and prosperous Christmas holiday. I think it's safe to say we're all taking a day off!

Merry Christmas CBC

2006-12-24T15:50:00.000-08:00

This is reprinted from the Toronto Sun... Thanks Brian for sending it to me:

CBC's war coverage is indefensible

By PETER WORTHINGTON

The CBC's Peter Mansbridge and the Globe and Mail's TV critic John Doyle are embroiled in one of those "I know better than you do" imbroglios that celebrities sometime indulge in, to the entertainment of the rest of us.

Doyle started it by writing he thought it was "creepy" how the CBC's coverage of the war in Afghanistan and its treatment of the military "give the appearance of an obedient press corps, placating the government." To some, this startling assessment of the CBC's view of the military was worthy of questioning whether Doyle's employers should not require him to take a saliva test.

Mansbridge responded in such a way that suggested perhaps he, too, should undergo a saliva test. While declaring the war in Afghanistan was a "crucial public policy issue" that warranted CBC coverage, he added: "Not only has CBC News been covering this conflict . . . for several years before this current government was even elected, the CBC has been reporting on Canadian troops in war and conflict zones for 67 years. War coverage is part of our network's heritage." Good gracious!

From a military point of view, the CBC has not only been negligent in its coverage of our military, it's been downright hostile -- not overtly criticizing, but loaded with "nuance" (a favourite word), eager to depict the military as unnecessary and bumbling.

CBC coverage is at its most lavish when things go wrong.

Despite Peter's boast of 24/7 coverage in Kandahar today, CBC excels in covering the dead -- body bags coming home, coffins being loaded on and off aircraft, funerals, the pain and fears of military families. The CBC is a charter member of "the death watch crowd," obsessed with the fallen. Little on roads, bridges, schools being built. Best of all, when Americans inadvertently kill Canadian soldiers.

Forty-four dead soldiers over three years is extrapolated in the public's mind to the World War II ratio of casualties. Why? Not to honour the military, but to create concern about the military's mission, and the futility of soldiers.

When Canadian soldiers were in Somalia, CBC coverage was minimal until a prisoner was tortured to death.

Courts martial and inquiries dominated CBC coverage until a regiment was disbanded.

The CBC was nowhere to be seen, except for photo visits, when Canadians were in Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo. Peter talks of 67 years of CBC coverage of conflicts. When I was a soldier in the Korean war, the only journalist visible was Canadian Press' Bill Boss.

CBC? Forget it.

Objectively, the CBC's coverage of Canada's military is one of the great shams and shames of our country.

What CBC documentaries exist of Canadian soldiers on foreign missions? None.

The paramount TV documentary-maker of Canadian soldiers overseas is Garth Pritchard, an independent Calgary film producer, every one of whose documentaries (Burma, Somalia, Kosovo, Bosnia, Croatia, Afghanistan) has won important awards, but who is blacklisted by the CBC because he tends to be outspoken.

For Doyle to suggest that CBC News "may have leaned too far in covering the government's lead" is as nonsensical as Mansbridge's 67 years of CBC covering wars and conflicts. (CBC declined to be embedded with troops invading Iraq and quit Baghdad before the bombing began, preferring to use American TV footage and adding their own selective commentary.)

Not brave -- but no personal risk.

Doyle is the TV critic who dislikes Fox News coming to Canada and mocks those whose politics he disagrees with -- like Bill O'Reilly -- while remaining uncritical of CNN commentators who work for Democratic candidates.

What's intriguing in this in-fighting is Mansbridge is a good guy defending the indefensible, while Doyle's scolding what doesn't exist -- the CBC's objectivity.

Some Changes Around Here...

2006-12-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! It's that time of year again - the great move. Well, okay, so it's not going to be a traditional Christmas around here. No, instead I will be cleaning, dusting, and preparing all of my stuff for the great 29th of December - Moving Day.

Much like in the Rats of NIMH, I must move to the lee side of the stone prior to the start of plowing season. For those of you that aren't aware, the lee side of the stone in this case is the beautiful home atop the hill behind Canadian Tire in View Royal. AKA "The Lodge". I am trading my view of my neighbours' homes for a view of the Gorge.

This, of course, causes one major problem: My blog won't be properly named anymore - So it's changing.

Effective the 29th Dispatches from Saanich will become Dispatches from View Royal. I'm looking for input on what to do with the tagline "A Conservative looking for signs of life in Gordon Head" - so send in some chintzy replies!

Once again, Merry Christmas to everyone - let's enjoy our not so white christmases together! Here's an old picture of Yellowknife - this is what snow looks like!

Politically Correct Christmas

2006-12-14T18:38:00.000-08:00

This just blows my mind.

Let's just forget that a tree has NOTHING to do with religion. It had alot to do, of course, with old pagan rituals.

I think we should do either one of two things:

1) Ban all religious symbols from public display. Put the proper hats back on sikh RCMP members, take the kirpans away from school children and take prayer out of schools. We should bleep out use of any words associated with a particular faith when spoken on television. Ban the Naval prayer and change the words to O Canada to reflect our happy new "non-denominational" country. Make religion associated holidays working days, and make Canada day a celebration of how fucking inclusive we are by standing around in a big circle singing "non-denominational" songs - we can probably start with Cumbaya.... oh wait. Once we have completed that we must spend federal dollars (and lots too) to expunge our history books of any and all references to any religion - a book burning may be in order. Next, we must also ban and burn all religious-themed movies, television shows and record albums. Once that is done we must, of course, ban access to internet sites containing the word "religion" and stop showing anything on our new state run TV station that doesn't talk about our "inclusiveness". Then, all the CANADIANS can be psychologically analyzed and our memories altered using interesting "techniques". PERFECT!

2) Stop this willy-nilly "don't offend anyone with our culture" bullshit and tell people that are here or plan on coming:

WELCOME TO CANADA - DON'T EVEN THINK OF FUCKING WITH OUR SHIT. THE 25TH IS A HOLIDAY - WE CALL IT CHRISTMAS AND WE PUT UP TREES, GIVE PEOPLE PRESENTS AND SHOP OUR ASSES OFF. WE SING OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM PROUDLY AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT OR LEARN IT....

We will happily provide you with the only government handout you will ever need:

A PLANE TICKET HOME

Merry Christmas everyone - except you "Your Honour" (The coal is in the mail)

Petty Politics Indeed

2006-11-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

MP Jim Karygiannis said the following in the house. The email I sent to him is also below. I suggest you all email him from his site here.

/EMAIL

Mr. Karygiannis,

I found the following of your comments in the house sadly misplaced and reprehensible - the deaths of our soldiers should be respected and not used for petty politics. I request you retract them as uncalled for and an insult to the grieving families.

Respectfully,

Lucas J Kenward

Hon. Jim Karygiannis (Scarborough—Agincourt, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, I realize how difficult this must be for the minister. Just today we had two soldiers killed in Afghanistan and tomorrow or the next day their remains will be brought home, draped in a Canadian flag and a nation will be very thankful of the work that they were doing in that part of the world, not a nation of nations, but a nation. I am sure that the minister will join me in recognizing that we are paying respect to them as a nation for the work that they are doing in fighting for human rights, justice and peace around the world.
I am wondering what we tell the parents of the two soldiers who are coming back. Do we say that this is a nation which is grateful to your sons and daughters or is this a nation of nations which is respectful to your sons and daughters? I am wondering if the minister will share with us the exact expression that he is going to use when he meets those two families.

/END EMAIL

VMT to SDA for the addition as well. Don't forget to send those emails!

This is the link to the actual session of parliament... search for Karygiannis

Link fixed. You have to search beyond the first list of session attendees.

My BC Snowstorm Adventure

2006-11-27T19:16:00.000-08:00

It was with somewhat misguided delight that I watched the first snowflakes fall. After all, any snow is bound to cause a "snow day" at work, and it was, of course, Sunday. I awoke to fully half a foot of snow covering my yard, patio and - much to my horror - street. Of course, this left my entire household - three cars - with no reasonable way to get around (we all have summer tires you see). Now, being stereotypical Victorians we never really saw a need for "all season" tires. This day would prove to be somehow different.
At around noon something happened. Or rather, something DIDN'T happen. The lights didn't stay on. Kevin and I were quickly faced with a full fledged power outage - something that hardcore consumers like us couldn't quite fathom. It took us three whole hours before we became stir crazy. No music, no television and - worst of all - no computer! We looked towards a future of stale wheat thins and Pilsner Beer (the latter wasn't so bad). The snow abated and the streets looked at least somewhat passable. We had to get out, we would have no doubt starved to death otherwise.
Into the 95 Golf (summer tires and all) we went. After spending what seemed an eternity wiping all the snow off the car, we were off. Where? Well that was just it, we didn't know how far flung the power outage was. We figured out that it was, quite literally, JUST OUR HALF OF THE STREET. Angered, we carried on to the main roads where the going was much better. I was surprised how well the summer tires garnered traction in the slushy muck. With the exception of one particularly interesting moment, we made it clear across town to a pub and some much needed food. Like naturally positive people, we figured a quick bite at the pub would result in the power having come back on.
The error of our ways was soon realized when we arrived home. No lights, no heat, no... well anything. To add insult to injury the temperature was continuing to drop. Perhaps worst of all, the temperature in my aquarium continued to plummet - the fish were now in mortal danger. Kevin braved the night at home... I decided to go out for a bit - this time smartly taking a taxi as the slush was becoming increasingly ice like.
So I thought. Fifteen minutes into quite a harrowing cab ride we approached a corner at a speed I judged - rightly - to be far too fast. The two tonne rear wheel drive taxi spun once, I saw where we had come from. I then saw a ditch and before I could really think about it - we were in it. The cab was, of course, quite well stuck in the ditch. The driver attempted to spin the wheels - hoping against hope that he might hit something solid. The only solid object he did get grip on was some poor lady's rose bush, which was now quite torn up (and in her front lawn). The driver informed me he would call me another cab, and a tow truck for himself.
Dejected, I continued on.
The following day, after calling into work early to say I couldn't possibly make it in, I returned home to a continued power outage. The temperature in the fish tank was miraculously still 14 degrees (down from 28) and my tropical fish looked very near death indeed. At this point we could see our breath in the house, the only option that remained (we had burnt just about everything in the fire place) was to curl up into our respective beds and wait out the outage. Things were looking grim. A call to BC Hydro assured us things would be back to normal by 6pm!
Fast asleep at 1715 something happened. Accompanied by a sudden cacophony, the lights came back on... the computer speakers popped. Was power really back? I bolted out of bed and looked around. The lights were on! We were saved!
One minute later we were plunged into darkness anew. We sat there, staring out the window, watching the BC Hydro trucks driving by. We knew they must be close to a fix. The lights came on again, the furnace fired up. Three minutes later we were huddled around the fireplace trying to burn anything that would keep us warm - the power had gone again.
Eventually services were restored, and we hoped beyond hope that finally we would be able to return to a state of normalcy. A knock at the door brought more bad news - a cable was badly burned and needed replacing - the power would be out for a final (we promise) 15 minutes.
Indeed the lights went out again. We counted down the time over cigarettes and more newspaper in the fireplace. The lights came on again, the furnace kicked in, the aquarium started gurgling and heating up again.
So far it's been almost 30 minutes with stable power... everything is going well. The fish might actually survive.
Lessons learned? Well, always have a flashlight handy for one. Secondly, a cell phone is a really great thing too.
Oh and BC Hydro - please stop forwarding emergency calls to a busy line, and please PLEASE take "Or Visit BChydro.com for outage details" - It's bad enough I didn't have power, you don't have to remind me I don't have the internet either.

Private Healthcare - NOT In Alberta?

2006-11-25T16:14:00.000-08:00

Well well well. I wonder how many New LiberalDemocrats are backtracking now on less than favourable comments made about Alberta's so called "push for private healthcare"? Lo and behold, it is indeed British Columbia that has opened that nation's first private Emergency Room!

"It's clearly a violation of the Canada Health Act,"

Really? Boy, thats kind of a bummer. God forbid a province, the constitutionally mandated owner of health care services, should decide that perhaps the Act isn't effective?

Thankfully, the leftist British Columbian masses can go ahead and vote out the governing Liberals in the next election. Or maybe we've grown too accustomed to the low taxes and free market spirit?

Why... It's Almost Economical!

2006-11-24T15:52:00.000-08:00

We're nearing the final figures for the Evacuation of "Canadian Citizens" from Lebanon.

94 million dollars....

At a shade over 6 grand a piece we could all only be so lucky.

Just one more reason to review the idea of dual citizenship. Oh, and CBC did manage to find ONE person who appreciated the effort by the Canadian government. One. I guess all the people that complained will refund the 6000+ dollar cost to the tax payer? Oh wait, they've used it to fly back home - To Lebanon.

Ridiculous.

Oh My! Morton Second? Who Could've Predicted That?

2006-11-23T22:26:00.000-08:00

From the Calgary Herald:

Tory membership holders were asked:

Q: Of the eight candidates to replace Ralph Klein as PC leader, which one will you vote for?

Jim Dinning 21%

Ted Morton 18%

Lyle Oberg 11%

Ed Stelmach 10%

Mark Norris 7%

Dave Hancock 6%

Gary McPherson 2%

Victor Doerksen 1%

Don't know 25%

This most certainly spells a second ballot on 02 December! Stay tuned.

PM accused of 'secretiveness' and 'manipulating media'

2006-11-21T22:12:00.000-08:00

Headline should read:

Media accused of "secretiveness" and "manipulating Canadians".

If I were the PM I wouldn't talk to the media much either. I think it's widely acknowledged that the media haven't exactly been kind to the Prime Minister. First of all, how the hell do you "manipulate" the media? Has anyone heard the term "Wag the Dog"? Sure, Stephen Harper isn't very candid with the media nor is he as camera happy as a certain number of his predecessors. Can you blame him?

Let's look at some key "good job media" times:

1) They hung on every word Paul Martin said, until there wasn't a poll left that said the Liberals were leading - then they dropped him like a hot potato
2) They lambasted Rona Ambrose for "blaming the Liberals" for Canada's inability to toe the Kyoto Accord line - Even though they once were VERY critical of Jean Chretien for signing on to it (I think they used terms like "Trying to create a legacy")
3) Three words: The Mulroney Tapes
4) Days the "two nations" idea from Ignatieff made headlines on CBC - 2. Days Stephen Harper's "Alberta Agenda" have made the headlines since elected PM - 12!
5) Headlines in the Globe and Mail regarding the broken GST promise by the Liberals since they made it in 1993 - 5. Headlines in the same rag calling the Conservative GST cut reckless, stupid, or an abandonment of income tax cuts - 20.
6) Times the "bring home the troops" mantra of Jack Layton made the headlines on CBC and CTV in the week preceeding and the week after the House voted to extend the mission in Afghanistan to 2009 - 14 (once per day, yes). Times the fact that most of the Liberal party failed to show for the same vote showed up - 14. Headlines that the mission was actually extended? Zero.

I'm surprised the media is even allowed to talk to the man.

How does this pass CBCs Editors?

2006-11-21T22:01:00.000-08:00

Reprinted IAW the Fair Dealings Provision of the Copyright Act: (From CBC)

A 92-year-old Atlanta woman was shot to death Tuesday evening after she fired at three narcotics officers trying to serve a warrant at her house, officials said.

Neighbours and relatives said it must have been a case of mistaken identity, but police said they had the right address.

Police said the woman, identified as Catherine Johnson, was the only person home at the time, and had lived there for about 17 years.

As the plainclothes Atlanta police officers approached the house about 7 p.m., a woman inside started shooting, striking each of them, said Officer Joe Cobb, a police spokesman. One was hit in the arm, another in a thigh and the third in a shoulder.

The officers were taken to a hospital for treatment, and all three were conscious and alert, police said.

Sarah Dozier, identified as a niece of the woman, told WAGA-TV that there were never any drugs at the house.

"My aunt was in good health. I'm sure she panicked when they kicked that door down," Dozier said. "There was no reason they had to go in there and shoot her down like a dog."

EMPHASIS MINE

Now... who shot who down like a dog? Is the fact that the woman, armed mind you, is 92 that the police are at fault? I'm not aware of any law in Georgia that allows 92 year old women to shoot at plainly clothed individuals.

And at what point during the "approach" to a residence does kicking the door down come into play? Even if the police did kick down the door (a fact you can't prove from the article, short of the statement of a person who wasn't there) this 92 year old woman must have had that gun REAL close by.

Just another clear case of police brutality right?

"Whatever was taking place on the bridge at the time of the sinking was equivalent to an abandonment of the responsibilities of navigation"

2006-11-20T22:42:00.000-08:00

It's just one of those statements that puts many comments from watchkeepers I've heard into a more colloquial context. This is, of course, from the former Master (Captain?) of the Queen Of The North - the ferry which "sank" "near" Gil Island. Of course, she hit Gil Island at full steam.

Many have questioned exactly what happened that night. Of course, the REAL question is - "Does it matter?". I think the former Captains comments echo my feelings quite well. Whatever the situation was, from engineering problem to alleged sexual activity it simply DOES NOT MATTER. It wasn't only an abandonment of responsibility... it was a flagrant disregard for the safety of the people on that vessel.

The media seems willing to cover this, albeit filling the vast world with talk of "lack of training", as best they can given the dearth of information coming out. I will say this - look out the window. I have sailed past, around and near Gil Island many times... it's not, contrary to popular belief, invisible.

If the rumours hold true that the watchkeeper at the time simply turned off the electronic navigation display rather than dim the monitor (lack of training be damned, it's a computer monitor) then sure, thats reckless. The fact that after so doing he still ran the ship into a LARGE, very visible island (nav aids anyone?) is completely - IRRESPONSIBLE.

Original CBC Article

A Quick Note (and some disturbing numbers)

2006-11-18T14:34:00.000-08:00

Fear not readers - More posts will be coming up in the near future. I've been working on a few using good old Microsoft Word. A couple are nearing completion. Of course, with the Liberal Leadership Convention coming up, there will be a post or two about that too.

On an unrelated tangent, a question was recently posed at "Weekly Rib Nights" at Montana's. Is it possible for 15 people per night to celebrate their birthdays at one restaurant?

I did some number crunching and it basically means that fully 3% of the birthday celebrating public goes to Montana's. I'm not a statistical whiz or anything, but that seems quite high. Any input on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Incidentally, did you know that Montana's is owned by the Cara Group? Yes, the same Cara that makes airline food (or did I daresay). They also own Kelsey's, Milestones, The Second Cup, Swiss Chalet and Harveys. Quite the array of places. Though admittedly, I always thought Swiss Chalet was an American company.

Cara is, of course, 100% Canadian owned (privately owned too). Look! More random stupid information I've picked up.

'Till next time!

Feist - Some excellent live videos

2006-09-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Ahh, You tube.

Really good quality videos below:

Secret Heart

Mushaboom

Major Label Debut - actually a BSS tune

The Alberta Leadership Race Is Underway

2006-09-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Ralph Klein is gone. Well, sort of anyhow. He filed his letter of resignation, did departure interviews with both major Canadian networks and described his departure as "Business as Usual" to Rex Murphy. In recent times, many people have suggested that King Ralph really didn't have much of an idea how to run a government awash in cash. Articles were written, the Liberals hounded the government... "How could it be?". Interestingly, in traditional and well documented Ralph fashion he simply admitted "We weren't prepared!". Wow. How on earth do you argue with that?

Prepared. Are Albertans prepared for the leadership contest that is to come? Better question, are Canadians prepared for what some of the hopefuls have to offer vis a vis Provincial-Federal relations? The platforms of the contenders haven't made much news recently. I find that a little odd considering the departure of Alberta's 14 year veteran premier. The absence of reporting is even more remiss given the hard right turn the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party is going to take come December - regardless of who wins.

Three widely acknowledged frontrunners - Lyle Oberg, Jim Dinning and Ted Morton - have all identified (using different terms, of course) "Protecting Alberta's resources from federal intrusion" as key parts of thier platforms. Ted Morton, in fact, wrote a key document that many people may be familiar with - It isn't unimportant to mention here that current PM Stephen Harper co-wrote it (as did Tom Flanagan and three others). The "Alberta Agenda" or better known by it's reviled MSM title "The Alberta Firewall" proposed the immediate establishment of an Alberta Pension Plan and establishment of an Alberta Provincial Police Force when the current RCMP contract runs out in 2012 (just to name two). Morton, a reknowned constitutional expert and (just incidentally) an ELECTED Alberta senator in waiting, is also, perhaps unsurprisingly still planning to push through some legislation to protect the clergy and teachers by allowing them to refuse to perform same sex marriages or teach "same sex" values to students if it is against thier religious beliefs. This is groundbreaking by the way - The Bill actually protects the rights of a majority in Alberta all the while not going against the Charter of Rights. In fact, if he is elected and passes the bill it would be the first such "majority" protection ever afforded and entrenched in a Human Rights Code.

Morton, it should be said, was the ONLY member of caucus who opposed the Prosperity Bonus cheques handed out by the Alberta government.

Now, many people might think Alberta pulling out of the CPP isn't a big deal - after all Quebec has had it's own pension plan for years. Think about this - Alberta has the highest (nearly 25% higher) average household income in Canada (excluding the territories) - it is indeed among the top three jurisdictions in North America - and the youngest population. What do those two factors mean? Think about it this way: The 25 year old making 120,000 dollars a year will pay into the CPP for at least 30 more years. The average age in Alberta is so low, in fact, that this proposed APP would allow for some pretty risky investing by the managers - still allowing generally higher rates of return. There are less people collecting CPP benefits in Alberta than there are in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nova Scotia - combined. This young pool of workers, coupled with the highest birth rates in Canada and the highest rate of immigration for those under 30, means Alberta would enjoy a Pension Plan with more flexibility and new income than even the venerable Ontario Teachers Pension fund. The best part? The government could legislate that ALL funds in the APP go towards business and investment in Alberta. (Just like Quebec does with the QPP)

As for the establishment of an Alberta Provincial Police Force, what effects would this have? First, you must consider that Alberta established thier own highway patrol officers just this Labour Day weekend. (If there is a message within this, it's probably that Alberta intends non-renewal of the RCMP contract in 2012). There are currently 2,000 or so RCMP officers working in Alberta. Granted, they're not all working the "beat" but even if just 1,000 of them are (which I think is reasonable) where will they go to work in 2012? Will they quit? Or, perhaps more likely, will they be well compensated by a provincial government flush with cash and simply join the newly established force? Consider this - RCMP officers are, as a matter of fact, quite well paid. Though a corporal can make 65K as an RCMP officer after about 5 years of service, consider that a Calgary Police Service officer with the same 5 years experience is making a shade under 70K (they offer CASH bonuses to qualified officers who join as well). In short, why will the RCMP lose officers to a new Alberta police force? They get paid better, will likely (if the CPS is any example) get a hefty cash incentive, and don't have to be worried about postings to Inuvik, Churchill or, god forbid, Surrey.

The Firewall concept, it must be stated again, is endorsed by all three leading candidates in the Alberta PC leadership race.

When asked, "Does having a federal conservative government make you rethink the firewall idea?", Ted Morton replied,

"There won't be a federal conservative government forever"

Watch out Canada - the most powerful economic machine in North America is having a leadership race - and they're not looking back.

Retention Issues

2006-09-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

For those of you unaware, a great site called http://army.ca exists and has some really great threads dealing with all aspects of life in the Canadian Forces (including the navy!). A recent thread got my attention regarding some current issues affecting our "reserve force" fleet. It's quite a read, but I strongly encourage all of you, both civvie and navy, to check it out:

http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,47912.0.html

As well - here is a VERY cool piece on the Navy that will probably never see airtime. Too bad, i think it's the best produced thing to come out of Ottawa since the Liberal attack ads about Soldiers in our cities (gasp!)

Domestic Security Video

The NDP convention - Does anyone REALLY care?

2006-09-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

News Flash - The New Democratic Party of Canada is having a policy convention. There are good odds that you haven't heard of it yet. In fact, short of the recent acceptance of the policy to have Canada's troops pull out immediately from Afghanistan you probably have no idea what sorts of plans and policies the Dippers really have. Of course, all wasn't especially good at the beginning of the Convention - oh no - apparently some people disagree that the NDP should run on a platform of anti-capitalist, pro socialist doctrine. Now that Layton has effectively destroyed the long standing partnership his party had with Organized Labour who actually votes for these guys?

I mean, of course, besides students and other stereotypical lovers of the "great socialist machine" (teachers, environmentalists, etc.). Some people really do like thier policies. They speak to geniune needs in Canada - more taxes, less free enterprise and certainly bigger, more intrusive government. In the last election, 17.5% of Canadians who actually bothered to go out and vote put a tick in the column of their favourite NDP candidate. Isn't that wonderful?

Basically, what this means is ALMOST one out of five people you pass on the street voted for the NDP (depending on your riding of course - in some places you'd run into many more - like BC, err the "lower mainland and the island" for example). One out of five! You are just as likely to run into a person without a college or university education. There really isn't a point to be made here.

Funny, the NDP never really did well when they won majority governments. Bob Rae, who now wants to lead the federal Liberals (ummm... what?) ran the province of Ontario into the ground. It's an important statement that. If you still hold on to the idea that the Liberal leadership race is relevant consider the fact that Bob Rae, generally disliked and much maligned in Ontario, is one of the forerunners to be leader. Ha! Ralph Klein would have had better luck getting votes in Ontario after his infamous "bums and creeps" speech. Then of course there is BC, which had it's own run-in with an NDP majority. BC became a have not province under that government - by the way. We also (the taxpayers of BC) bought some very nice fast catamaran ferries. They were then sold for a mere fraction of thier cost to the same company who built them. If you'd like to see a billion dollars rusting (and this is odd considering the aluminum construction), feel free to take a tour of the North Vancouver facilities of the Washington Marine Group.

The real only "success" for the NDP has been Saskatchewan. Things seemed to be going well, it remained a have not province and lost nearly 17% of it's population in the process. 17%. That means nearly one on five people left Saskatchewan during the reign of the "great" NDP government of Roy Romanow. (Rather, the Honourable Roy Romanow). Saskatchewan is now a have province again - perhaps there is a sign of life for the NDP after all?

I'll be honest - I don't like the NDP. I don't care for their policies, and I don't care for the "vision" they have started to form at this convention. That shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, but consider this, a draft resolution from the convention floor included the idea that Canadian troops in Afghanistan were "acting like terrorists".

Thanks for the vote of confidence my Dipper friends.

After much thought...

2006-08-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have heard from many people that it has been far too long since my last post. Honestly, I'd like to say that nothing has happened - but that just isn't the case. After countless weeks at sea, two weddings, a friendship dissolved over inappropriate comments regarding the past and "The whole Isreal-Lebanon" thing... wow... so much to talk about. So allow me to fire up some Feist, grab a beer, and get started:

Point #1 - Being at sea

You know, it's funny. Some people (in the Navy) complain continuously about being at sea. There are a million and one arguments about why being away from home is a horrible experience. I'd like to think that there are ten million reasons why being at sea is the best thing in the world. First off, for those of you that don't know me, I'm in the Naval Reserves and we spend most of our time plying the waters of Canada's west coast. I wake up every morning, coffee and cigarette in hand looking out at the single best view on earth. I could be staring at the west coast of Vancouver Island (Barkley Sound anyone?), the city of Vancouver, Tekearne Arm (my favourite), Hakai Pass, Sansum Narrows, Seymour Narrows, Fitz Hugh Sound or even (god forbid) Clayoquot Sound. Every day at sea is different. Sometimes I sit there, in the early morning light, and wonder, "Who could ask for anything better than this?". Funny enough, there are more than enough people in the Navy looking for the military to pay them to spend time at home. Those few (and they are few) who wish the Canadian government could pay them to work 9 to 5 - five days a week. I work with some of these people.
Nothing - and I do mean nothing - makes me more angry than people who have "made the jump" to join the CF (Canadian Forces) and who expect life to remain "normal". Perhaps I should blame our inept recruiting system for this. I will say it now and forever hold my peace - The CF is not a 9 to 5 organization. If you think it is... go sit in a drivethru and get your double double. I will stare contently off into sea wondering where tomorrow may bring me.

Point #2 - Weddings

There are many VERY good things about weddings when you're a single guy. By far one of the best is being asked to be part of a wedding party - To share a very special moment with a good friend on thier most important day of all. Let me tell you about how proud and impressed that I am that my two very good friends - Rory and Donny - finally tied the knot and got on with "their real lives" as it were. First, I get to spend a fantastic week in Calgary with all my friends and witness Rory get married to Kristin (Wow - by the way, great ceremony). Secondly, I come home to sail for a few weeks only to be part of Donny's wedding party (Kilt and all) to witness him and Allie finally make it official. For those of you out there that have never been to a wedding let me say this, "Go at your next opportunity". For those of you that have had the pleasure - We know the true fun that can be had. Funny, only being part of the "Wedding Party" or "Bridal Party" can we ever have so much (all knowing) fun! To Rory and Donny - Thanks boys.

Part #3 - Friendships Dissolved

I won't delve too much into this topic for two reasons. One, I don't expect everyone reading this blog to give a flying fuck what goes on in my personal life and; Two, I don't really feel like I should spend too much time rambling about an issue so perpetually frustrating to me. This has been cropped and edited. Yet another reason blogs are useful - you can change what you've said.

Part #4 - The whole "Isreal-Lebanon" thing

First off I want to address the Hesbollah friendly Liberal party of Canada. Wait, apparently it was only two MP's and not the whole party. Search Hezboliberal.com and you'll see what I mean. Frankly, if terrorists (and Hezbollah are terrorists) were attacking my country from behind the shield of civilian buildings and the country of Lebanon I'd bomb them too. Sorry all my more Liberal readers - We SHOULD applaud Israel for doing what the rest of the world was too timid to do ---> Give Hezbollah a real wake up call. Now, I don't want this to be a call for debate about the mere existance of Israel, that's not the issue. Frankly people, let's pull our heads out of our collective asses and realize that Hezbollah played the first card in a long standing "peace" by kidnapping two Israeli soldiers. Even the leader of the "party" agrees with that. Oh well. If you still think Hezbollah should be a legitimate party - Vote Liberal.

I'm out for now.

First Liberal Leadership "Debate"

2006-06-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

I made plenty of notes from the debates while I eagerly watched in hopes of seeing something interesting. I wasn't too impressed that Newsworld cut off their coverage a mere 30 minutes in, but I think I had seen enough by then anyhow.

There seemed to be alot of argument about the definition of Liberal values. Best I could gather most candidates thought Social Justice, Universal Healthcare and Environmental Stewarship were Liberal values. There was alot of talk about "Aboriginal issues" - probably a direct result of the Conservatives canning Kelowna and the recent and ongoing dispute (read: illegal activity) in Caledonia. In fact, EVERY candidate went out of thier way to espouse a commitment to multiculturalism, minority rights AND aboriginal issues. Why aren't first nations people's considered minorities? I don't know.

Anyhow, a lot of interesting topics were covered by the candidates. One particular debate-like event occurred between Stephane Dion, Bob Rae and Micheal Ignatieff regading the recent extension of the Canadian commitment in Afghanistan:

Ignatieff - "We must be present in both Darfur and Afghanistan. We must have a combat capable military force. I supported the extention to our commitment in Afghanistan. We are a serious country… If we are to remain serious we should stay in Afghanistan until we get the job done"

Rae - "I disagree with Micheal profoundly on this issue. I really do think its unfair that we are put in the position where if we don’t support the motion to extend the commitment that somehow we don’t support the troops. The risk we run is that the missions must be very carefully chosen… with a combat force engaged in counter insurgency we will lose our way as peacekeepers. Are we prepared to craft an independent foreign policy that goes back to Pearson and Trudeau?"

Stephane Dion was very animated, and switched frequently between French and English - and the translation on Newsworld was terrible.... here are my notes on his thoughts on Afghanistan:

"Afghanistan… we dont have adequate information now… Harper made the decision and it was irresponsible."

Some other interesting quotes/thoughts:

Scott Brison on Equalization - "...is fundamental. I got a good education because of it in Nova Scotia. I think a 10 prov standard makes sense. Equalization is based on tax revenue, I don’t think that makes sense. It should be based on GDP." (My comments: Yes, EQ made his education affordable even though NS has more post secondary institutions than Alberta and BC. Dalhousie, SFX, UCCB, St Marys, etc etc. Glad Equalization is paying for that)

Stephane Dion on Equalization - "This a debate. No one here has even expressed an opinion. Fiscal capacity must be equal. We’re not talking about economy… we need to count all ten provinces including resource revenues". (My comments: At least he gave an opinion)

Overall, I was impressed with Gerard Kennedy, who really seems to want to get the party back to it's progressive social roots. Stephane Dion, Micheal Ignatieff and Bob Rae were also very impressive. Not much policy talk, except from Dion who is very impassioned and very obviously has more experience than everyone else.

Many of the candidates showed inexperience with foreign policy questions. In particular (no offense meant here) the female candidates got lost with the Afghanistan Question and Foreign Aid. Hedy Fry was particularly unimpressive.

Round 2 is next Saturday - I will be in Montreal and likely unable to watch! Someone take notes?!

Fiscal Imbalance or Inequity?

2006-06-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Fiscal Imbalance (or balance, depending who you talk to). Is it really the most important issue in Canada today?

Equalization has become such a convoluted and mathematical process as to make it nearly irrelevant. The way transfer payments are calculated makes even the most prominent mathematicians blush. We're all taught from a fairly early age the 5 keys in any situation - Who, What, Where, When and Why (sometimes how). Equalization makes sense in a Federation such as ours. The economies of all the provinces are entirely, at times, divergent. Alberta has a resource based economy... Ontario manufacturing... Newfoundland a burgeoning resource economy. How can we possibly calculate how the federal government distributes monies...

Here's a more apt question - Why don't we take services into account? Everyone is talking about whether resource amounts should be included. Shouldn't Quebec's generous social programs be included? Why isn't PEI's subsidization of Gasoline included? Ontario spends money running a provincially regulated liquor chain... BC runs it's own Insurance Corporation. All the talk lately has been about resource income. Not just any resources, but those of a non-renewable kind. Finally, there is plenty of talk about Economic "capacity". What exactly does that mean?

To find out, I checked some fairly accessible references. I took a look at Andrew Spicer's well referenced blog.... very good stuff... lets look at some numbers:

Below is each province's share of contribution to equalization:

PEI: $31M
NB: $176M
NL: $129M
NS: $244M
MB: $311M
QC: $2,218M
BC: $1,315M
SK: $317M
ON: $4,283M
AB: $1,751M

Here's how much each province received:

PEI: $277M
NB: $1,326M
NL: $762M
NS: $1,313M
MB: $1,607M
QC: $4,155M
BC: $652M
SK: $682M
ON: $0
AB: $0

Therefore, the net for each province was:

PEI: +$246M
NB: +$1,150M
NL: +$633M
NS: +$1,069M
MB: +$1,296M
QC: +$1,937M
BC: -$663M
SK: +$365M
ON: -$4,283M
AB: -$1,751M

A couple interesting things to note:

BC actually got back less than it would have saved if there was no equalization program at all
Nearly 44% of the contribution to equalization revenues comes from "have not" provinces

Here is something interesting - and it's worth restating:

Nearly 44% of the contribution to equalization revenues comes from "have not" provinces

Can anyone explain to me why - logically - have not provinces are even paying into Equalization?

Notwithstanding my own opinions on Equalization, I can't really fathom why provinces that recieve an INCOME from the program are having to pay monies at all.

Frankly, I don't understand why Albertans and Ontarians have to pay for the social excess of Quebec or the gasoline policy of PEI. Face it, many of us have lived or travelled to many provinces - every place has certain benefits. I'll tell you, if I had kids I would KILL to live in Quebec. On the other hand, as a single guy living in Quebec is fiscally retarded. Provincial tax rates here are 124% of the federal rate! Why?

Is it because the economy is so poor? Hardly. Quebec had excellent new employment numbers in the last report - all signs are pointing towards a thriving economy here.

Contrast some social services yoou can get in Quebec with Alberta or British Columbia. While the latter two provinces have the LOWEST tax rates in the country - federal and provincial combined - they don't have the same social benefits. But whose economy is hotter? Well, you don't need a degree in economics to figure that out.

Interestingly, BC was a have not province for years. Can you believe that?! Sure, the pragmatist might point at balooning Provincial NDP spending in BC at the time... but I digress. (Actually, they might well re-elect those morons soon enough – foolish)

There is a strong voice in the nation that says:

"Alberta used to be a dust bin of agricultural failure, and was supported by the rest of the country"

This is true. And it was appreciated at the time. Albertans don’t hate giving money to other provinces – everyone just wants to see the money spent wisely.

It's key to note that in the 70’s and 80’s Albertans never wanted help from the Federal Government. In fact, any time the feds tried to "help" during that period we got the NEP and revised Equalization formulae. Thanks.

Dalton McGuinty said it best during the premiers conference (keep in mind this man represents the LARGEST and most ECONOMICALLY powerful province in the country):

"Equalization in it's present form is fiscally unsustainable for Ontario"

The perfect Equalization formula might just be a baseline of services that ALL provinces currently provide at a generally accepted “equal” level. The budgets of all the provinces should be ripped apart to see where monies are spent – find out which provinces can afford these basic services and, more importantly, at what median tax rate.

Essentially assuming all programs are equal and all tax rates are equal the provinces that need help (those that geniunely cannot afford basic services at a reasonable tax rate) would receive Equalization on a per capita basis for the shortfall. An example:

PEI (Pop 120,000) is 120 million dollars short when a reasonable tax rate is assumed. The Equalization formula would kick in the shortfall at 1,000 dollars per resident. Why is the per capita important? Populations change and so do the costs of various services. The only way to really keep track of relative change in cost is on a per capita basis. This also ensures the provinces don’t “cheat”. I.E. Pass legislation that increases the cost of services just to increase Equalization payments. It also allows for a formula that anyone can understand. And the best part: PEI doesn’t pay into it under this system.

Now there are, obviously, a few problems with this system:

1) We need to have all provinces and the Federal government agree on acceptable median levels of services – and more importantly – establish a framework to evaluate compliance
2) We need to establish a base tax rate to supply minimum services – likely based on a provincial average

Now all the hoopla about resource revenues is garbage. Under the current Equalization formula they SHOULD NOT be included simply because it punishes the nation’s poorest province (NL) and rewards the ever outstretched hand of Quebec for no good reason. I DON’T CARE THAT IT INCLUDES NON RENEWABLE RESOURCES – JUST THAT IT IS OBVIOUSLY COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE

People argue that resource revenues are money that the provinces spend on services. This is very true – and they should be included under a new formula that respects the differences between the provinces and treats all of them in a fair and equitable manner.
Isn’t that how a Federation is supposed to work?

Caledonia - A true paradise of ignorance

2006-06-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

Why is it that we, as a nation, can't possibly be too "righteous" with obvious criminality? This whole situation has made me very mad since the very beginning. It's not as though we've asked nicely and went to court (actually we have)... enforce the legally binding injunction already!

Notwithstanding the fact that I've had a few beer - here's the latest from Caledonia (thanks Kate and smalldeadanimals.com)

We do not negotiate with bank robbers or drunk drivers. We arrest them and throw them in jail. If they resist? Well, that’s why cops have handcuffs, nightsticks and tear-gas grenades.

http://www.thepolitic.com/archives/2006/06/08/a-good-liberal-on-caledonia/

Even better - and more frustrating:

"If we see these pictures anywhere, we know where you live."

http://www.therecord.com/links/links_06060211027.html

Again, thanks to SDA for the links (not to mention the disgust and frustration at the resultant links).

http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/

Aboriginal Leader Requires Forgiveness

2006-06-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

I can't even express the words

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/06/08/ahenakew-newtrial.html

A quote:

Ahenakew told Parker that the Holocaust was a good thing and praised Adolf Hitler for having "fried" six million Jews during the Second World War.

And

Following a trial, Irwin found Ahenakew guilty and fined him $1,000.

Wow... I want my taxpayer dollars back

Property Challenges

2006-06-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

Click for the link to the whole thread http://http://www.vwdov.ca/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=98279&pagenumber=3

As already pointed out, enjoyment and ownership are - legally - two completely seperate issues and have very distinct meanings. Property rights are enforced by the Provinces, and to date ALL of the provinces could take an individuals property WITHOUT compensation.

Some key pieces before legislators in BC are:

Heritage Conservation Act (this allows the province to UNILATERALLY decide a property is historic - therefore making it impossible for the owner to renovate, alter or submit his property for sale for another use)

-and-

Streamside Protection Regulation within the Fish Protection Act (BC) (this allows the provincial government to UNILATERALLY decide a property or portion thereof become provincial lands in order to effect protection of streamside species - effectively stealing land from the rightful owner - again all WITHOUT compensation)

Let's take a look at "without due process of law"

This basically means - "until so legislated". So, the two aforementioned pieces of legislation effectively make regard for "due process of law". Keep in mind, while PRECEDENT may exist dealing with private property rights, they are NOT CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED. In fact, it is quite the opposite, the provinces are passing legislation to ensure they remain unprotected.

If private property rights were covered in the Charter (which they aren't) provinces wouldn't be able to enact legislation like the two noted above without using the NOTWITHSTANDING clause. Remember, unless protected withing the FEDERAL document specifically (I.E. ownership of property vice enjoyment of property) the Federal government cannot enact any laws infringing on provincial powers over property. (Read Ultra Vires)

What bothers most people about it's lack of constitutional protection is the lack of Compensatory regulation. The government can simply take your property.

"Enjoyment of property" IS most certainly protected. This is the basis for arguments about loud neighbours etc etc - they negatively affect your enjoyment. Once again, however, the government can simply take your property without compensation.

The Heritage Conservation Act includes the following line with regards to compensation:

(8) Nothing in this section authorizes the government to give any financial or other benefit to an owner except that which is commensurate with the reduction in market value of the designated property as caused by that designation.

Pretty piss poor really.

My house is worth 500,000 on the day before a Provincial designation is made on my property (at least that is what the property value was assessed at by the province). I have an independant inspection done (at my own cost, mind you) and it turns out that my house is actually worth 550,000. I get no compensation AND I get the joy of living in a Heritage home with the added benefit of no longer being able to alter my property OR building without writing to the provincial government to get permission. I know this is getting off topic for the thread, but let me just finish with another quote from the Heritage Conservation Act:

(2) Except as authorized by a permit issued under section 12 or 14, or an order issued under section 14, a person must not do any of the following:

(a) damage, desecrate or alter a Provincial heritage site or a Provincial heritage object or remove from a Provincial heritage site or Provincial heritage object any heritage object or material that constitutes part of the site or object;

(b) damage, desecrate or alter a burial place that has historical or archaeological value or remove human remains or any heritage object from a burial place that has historical or archaeological value;

(c) damage, alter, cover or move an aboriginal rock painting or aboriginal rock carving that has historical or archaeological value;

(d) damage, excavate, dig in or alter, or remove any heritage object from, a site that contains artifacts, features, materials or other physical evidence of human habitation or use before 1846;

(e) damage or alter a heritage wreck or remove any heritage object from a heritage wreck;

(f) damage, excavate, dig in or alter, or remove any heritage object from, an archaeological site not otherwise protected under this section for which identification standards have been established by regulation;

(g) damage, excavate, dig in or alter, or remove any heritage object from, a site that contains artifacts, features, materials or other physical evidence of unknown origin if the site may be protected under paragraphs (b) to (f);

(h) damage, desecrate or alter a site or object that is identified in a schedule under section 4 (4) (a);

(i) damage, excavate or alter, or remove any heritage object from, a property that is subject to an order under section 14 (4) or 16.

So I can petition the government to let me... renovate, put in an in ground pool, paint my siding, replace my gutters, put in a garden on the front lawn, buy new curtains.... I mean come on...Oh, and just to ensure the government has you by the proverbial balls:

35 (1) Except as provided in section 11 or 14 (9), no compensation is payable to a person for any loss or damage, or for any reduction in the value of property, that results from the operation of this Act, the performance in good faith of any duty under this Act or the exercise in good faith of any power under this Act.

and

2) An action for damages must not be brought against the minister, an employee of the government, a member of a committee established or authorized under section 22 or a person who is subject to the direction of the minister, because of anything done or omitted to be done in good faith in the performance or intended performance of a duty or in the exercise or intended exercise of a power under this Act or the regulations.

Quite lovely indeed

Media Terrorism

2006-06-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

Part of my morning routine here in Quebec includes turning on CBC Newsworld for the morning news show. I've been watching fairly extensive coverage of the Toronto arrests - especially interesting (and revealing) are the CBC's interviews with family members of the accused.

I can't remember the last time a group of people were arrested and CBC made efforts to speak to the family. I'm sure, however, that speaking to family members expands substantially on the information the public needs to know. Sarcasm aside, I can't yet convince myself that ANYONE would believe in the culpability of thier own children in these sorts of activities. First of all, why the hell hasnt any Muslim person interviewed by CBC denounced the supposed activities of these terrorist groups? I keep hearing how they are worried about a backlash against the community (I'll get to that in particular later on), or how they feel religion is irrelevant (That too - later) but not even the Imam of the local mosque that was "vandalized" denounced terrorist activities. I am, if the media is to be believed, to have sympathy for a whole community of some 750,000 (minus 17 - as it turns out) because they may be singled out by "average" (read white) Canadians for hatred. Does this actually make any sense?

Further, apparently we're supposed to sympathize with the accused:

The lawyers also complained about a number of restrictions placed on their clients. They are in solitary confinement, under 24-hour surveillance and have been denied access to family members.
Donald McLeod said he and his colleagues have only been able to speak to their clients through Plexiglas and want private visits with them. (CBC)

I mean, come on, these guys aren't accused of drug trafficking or impaired driving. They are suspected of being TERRORISTS. Not radicals, or misunderstood malcontents - the word is Terrorist people. Do terrorists pose potentially more of a risk than other violent criminals? Should terrorists be allowed to talk to each other while in custody? Should they not be surveilled 24/7?! These people are accused of what i would consider to be fairly terrible things - let's review:

"My client's alleged to have been part of a plot to blow up Parliament buildings in Canada, storm the CBC, take over the CBC, as well as, among other things, behead the prime minister," lawyer Gary Batasar said. (CBC)

Wow. Those sound like pretty rational crimes. Sure, they should all be released on thier own recognisance. Wake up Canada. We have lived so long in this imaginary cocoon of invulnerability. Doesn't anyone remember Air India?! That was all planned (and generally excecuted) in CANADA. The FLQ? The reign of terror wrought by biker gangs in Quebec? Why does everyone profess "shock" that people were arrested? Is it because our history of conviction for terrorism charges is - ummm - less than stellar?

We live in a first world nation who actively pursues it's own, independant, foreign policy. We will be liked by some and hated by others. Is it so hard to fathom that Canadians would want to harm thier own country?

It's more than about time we realize that we aren't this perfect nation. We have had the blinders pulled over our eyes by the media - who is, quite frankly, sensationalizing this. One piece on the CBC was particularly funny to watch. They asked people on the streets of downtown Toronto if they were "Worried about terrorism". I laughed so hard when the ONLY person who actually answered in the affirmative looked much like half the tree hugging population living around Clayoquot sound. Everyone else didn't much care.

So, let's be like 95% of those interviewed on CBC. Let's carry on with life - maybe finally realizing we're not immune from Islamic fundamentalist terror attacks. And while we're at it why don't we also admit that religion had everything to do with this. And yes, they were all Muslims. Whatever happened to reporting the "facts"? Oh well, the media will learn soon enough - just ask Stephen Harper.

Laptop Fever

2006-06-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased my very first laptop. I had always thought a laptop would be a good idea. For too long I've lugged my home computer around whenever I'm out of town for lengthy periods of time. This is not a fun process - especially when you have other bags and suitcases to go with you.

When I first started going to the West Coast for summer employment I would leave Calgary with everything I deemed essential. Clothes, Pillows and, of course, my computer and monitor. If you've ever lugged around a 19 inch CRT monitor and a fairly heavy computer tower, you can understand my pain.

So, finally the day arrived when I had enough. We were quickly coming up to a period at sea, and I wasn't looking forward to moving my computer onto the ship once again. (It's actually more of a pain when we get back home, when lugging it off the ship with all my crap becomes more than slightly inconvienient). I went to Dell and surfed through some computing options (their words, not mine). My main reason for not buying a laptop years ago was the big performance hit you used to take for the sake of portability. I'm a fairly big fan of graphically intensive games, so I was still skeptical I would find a laptop that met my needs.

In order of importance then, I made up my top five priorities:

1. Powerful processing
2. Minimum 256MB Video Car
3. Good battery Life
4. Portability
5. Larger screen size

So, with those set out, I went surfing through the dell site like a madman. I looked at various models and quickly realized that it was MORE than possible to find a good laptop that met all my priorities. So I added a sixth priority:

6. Not ugly or full of useless LED lights

Any of you who have gone around the Dell site know what I'm talking about here. The dreaded XPS series laptops. While VERY powerful, they look more like a laptop a 12 year old transformer fan would own.

So I was stuck. The XPS had the performance and terrible looks. The 9400 didn't seem to have the performance. I felt dejected.

Then, after a chat with a buddy I realized something that most people would have recognized right away - YOU CAN CONFIGURE THE 9400 BEYOND WHAT IT SHOWS YOU INITIALLY. Well duh, I guess clicking that link could have helped.

Suddenly I got excited. I felt a wave of nervousness come over me. "Is it possible to XPS this much better looking laptop?".

The answer.... YES!

So, I am now the proud owner of a not ugly at all computing powerhouse:

2.0GHZ Dual Core Centrino Processor
2 GB of RAM
256MB ATI X1400 Video Card
DVD Burner

Now, many will say, "But Lucas, the X1400 is a dog of all laptop video cards". I will admit that it certainly isn't the most powerful - but it is easily a leap ahead of the 9800 PRO in my home computer. But, aside from it's performance (which is more than adequate by the way) it meets another one of my priorities far better than the NVidia Go series would:

3. Good Battery Life

All told, I can sit here quite happily surfing the net and listening to music for over 4 hours. Try that with a comperably equipped NVidia graphics laden beast.

So, I have now, after years of being nothing more that an internet geek, finally moved into the portability enhanced future...

Now I just need to find another wireless spot closer to my current temporary residence.

Quebec City - Vacation in the Nation

2006-06-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

"Welcome to Quebec - The National Capital"

This is the first sign you see when you come across the border into Quebec City from it's surrounding communities (Ste Foy in my particular case). It's really like stepping into a time machine - the Old City is, after all, the oldest walled city in North America. I'm not going to speak to he politics of this place, since most already know my thoughts (and I have to save something for a blog later on down the line).

It's been a while since I've posted anything new on here (January in fact). It's time to break out the keyboard once again and speak my mind.

I'm here for another three weeks of fun and frolic in the seemingly endless rain. It's like being in Victoria in February!

Buzz Hargrove - More Intelligent Than You Think?

2006-01-18T17:35:00.000-08:00

"Mr. Harper doesn't have a sense of Canada and its communities," the union leader said. "His sense is about Alberta. The wealth of Alberta everybody recognizes is much greater than it is anywhere in Canada. Those principles that he is brought up with and believes in coming out of there don't sit well with the rest of Canada."

Let's do some deconstruction:

1. doesn't have a sense of Canada and its communities

Well, he was born in Ontario and moved to Alberta. Both are still part of Canada (last time I checked) and he seems to have a pretty good sense of what Canada is - especially considering he was all over the country in the last few weeks.

2. The wealth of Alberta everybody recognizes is much greater than it is anywhere in Canada

Well. He certainly hit the nail on the head here. Alberta is wealthy. True. Much greater than anywhere else in Canada. True.

How many unions are in Alberta?

What proportion of the population is unionized?

What is the average household income in Alberta?

Answers:

Less than any other jurisdiction.

Lower than any other jurisdiction.

The highest in Canada.

Thanks Buzz... go build a car.

Majority Minoratives...

2006-01-18T17:09:00.001-08:00

This morning was the same as any other - Shower, Shave, Tim Hortons then to work. In fact, it was so unusually normal that I even had time for my morning smoke and read without a single issue presenting itself.

Then - It Happened.

Not one but two people from my workplace (the ship, of course) came up to me and said that the new polling numbers came out and they didn't look too good for the Conservatives. I put my smoke out and went to check the news online. Sure enough it was there. After digging a little deeper though I found out that there were a few other polls out - and they showed drastically different figures. I began to question how it was possible for one poll to show the Conservatives with only a 6 point lead and another to show a 12 point lead. Even the margins of error couldn't explain it. Then it struck me - The Polls are innacurate as they are in any election. The most reliable source of polling information, in my opinion, is the UBC Election Stock Market. It showed little difference from my last viewing the night before. Odd.

Then around lunch I hear the Supreme Court Of Canada is going to hear a case of a woman who was paralysed by a drunk driver. Read the story here. What I don't understand is how a homeowner is responsible for the actions of this particular driver. In fact, if the SCOC is bold enough to side with this woman, I don't think I'll have any more house parties - EVER. Now, you might be asking yourself, "Doesn't this apply to bars?". Yes it does. Let me tell you why:

A licensed establishment is just that - Licensed. Part of being in the BUSINESS of alcohol distribution is an inherent duty to ensure your consumers are being practical and not getting smashed and driving home. Prudence, certainly in business, demands that you at the very least attempt to ensure your clients aren't intoxicated. The LAW also says that people cannot be served if they are clearly intoxicated.

A homeowner however isn't in the BUSINESS of selling alcohol. In fact, most people nowadays host BYOB events where people bring thier own stash of booze to get faced with. My question to the SCOC is this:

"How can an individual be held responsible for the consumption of alcohol that they didn't supply, purchase or distribute?"

Indeed.

Imagine this scenario: I have people over for a BYOB event - let's say the Grey Cup or Stanley Cup Playoffs. People show up with cases of beer and bottles of booze they have purchased. Being somewhat intelligent I buy disposable cups they can use so I don't have to do dishes the following day. The game runs on and people continue to drink. At the end of the evening I call those who drove taxis and ensure those who spend the night have a place to sleep. I collect car keys from those too drunk to drive. One person goes to sleep (as do I) but wakes up two hours later and decides to drive home. They do so, and plow into another car on the way home.

In the opinion of this woman - *I* am responsible. Why? Well it must be because I supplied the cups for the booze, the electricity for the fridge and the salted munchies that made people drink more. To prison I go.

Anyone else see the problem here? I'll tell you what is going on here. This woman collected insurance money from the person who actually did the driving and that individual is now bankrupt. More money options needed to be opened, so she went after the next person in line who could, under our glorious system, possibly be responsible as well.

This may be oversimplifying things - but it really just goes to show how absolutely ridiculous our system has become.

It also goes to show how money hungry people really are sometimes.

To the crew of HMCS Calgary - Happy sailing folks, see you soon.

Attacking the Armed Forces the Liberal way...

2006-01-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

Fear is a powerful tool.

Apparently the Liberals are scared of the military. Of the many people I know in the military a few were going to vote Liberal

THIS

may change minds...

Thanks to bourque.com for that link

I've been surfing around the sites monitoring progress on the french debates. Overall? Not quite as stimulating as last night's but good nonetheless.

For a liveblog look at the debates (and some good cynical summary) check out Andrew Coyne's blog.

Debate - Part 2 (Notwithstanding this debate)....

2006-01-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

Okay... I'm not going to go on for hours here. I will simply put things like this...

THE LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA WILL REMOVE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S ABILITY TO USE THE NOTWITHSTANDING CLAUSE

If those words didn't scare you, maybe this will... PAUL MARTIN said them!!!

I'm not the biggest fan of the Charter. Nor am I the biggest fan of the unilateral patriation of the Constitution of 1982. I am, however, a very large supporter of the idea (a provincial one, negotiated by Alberta, Ontario AND Quebec) of the Notwithstandign clause. What it provides, essentially, is the ability for governments to rule that decisions made by the courts are out of line with the "moral fabric" of Canada. For example - The courts could rule tomorrow that Caucasian males should be taxed at a higher level because thier incomes are generally higher than other "minority" groups (to this end, keep in mind that traditionally the courts have ruled in favour of minority groups rather than the collective good due primarily to Trudeau's Charter of Rights and Freedoms - also take into account that this is a purposely extreme example). If, for example, this decision was made at the SUPREME COURT OF CANADA the Federal government, Liberal or otherwise, could overrule it using something called the "Notwithstanding clause", out of a simple realization that this could (and would) polarize the nation against the ridiculous power of the Charter.

Paul Martin, the prime minister of Canada, wants to remove this ability.

It is now obvious where the Liberal Party of Canada would like this nation to go. All Canadians should be subject to law as INTERPRETED by the courts. In fact, the people of Canada should be subject to the whims of appointed officials over the ones they ELECT to government. This is simply ridiculous - and downright frightening.

The objectives of a democracy include the ability for PEOPLE to make the calls on where the laws of this nation are going. People, by the way, do so through voting in elections. We like to call this idea, Democratic representation. I don't care if you're a Libertarian, Conservative, Liberal, Red Tory, Hippie, Socialist or otherwise... we MUST all value our ability to elect people to represent us. We DO NOT elect judges in Canada. It is perversely abhorrent to me (and to many people I would imagine) that the current Government of Canada would remove the only ability for a government to OVERRULE the decisions made by appointed officials. It is simply ridiculous, shameful and, quite frankly, ludicrous.

Paul Martin can have his vision of Canada. It is a Canada where LIBERAL appointees to the courts can decided OUR fate. Let's get down to brass tacks here people, the Liberal government has just sold out EVERY Canadian who didn't vote Liberal in the last election. Need I remind you that WE (those who voted for another party) represent the MAJORITY in this country. It is not a vision that I share. Even though less than 60% of the Canadian populace came out to vote in the the last election one out of every three Canadians just got the good ol' Liberal finger from the back of the train. I don't care if you live in Kenora, Charlottetown, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Saskatoon, Victoria, Halifax, Moncton, Montreal or St. John's - You have to realize how bad of an idea this really is. I emplore those of you who didn't vote to do so in the upcoming election. Canada has been sold out to what amounts essentially to bureaucrats (and the worst kind - appointed bureaucrats).

I will vote Conservative - this much is sure. But even those of you out there who may vote NDP or even Bloc... DO NOT VOTE LIBERAL. At this point, fuelled by anger and a feeling of shame brought on by a PRIME MINISTER who is willing to sell out what amounts to the only legal protection for US - The Electorate - I emplore you to vote for ANY party except the Liberal Party of Canada.

Even if you belong to a minority group, no matter how described. Do not vote Liberal.

I'm reminded of something. Something that we could very well be even more dangerously close to than any Canadian could've ever imagined:

"First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up, because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me."

Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945

An extreme example it may indeed be, but WAKE UP. Who will speak for us (The Electorate) if even our elected representatives are left without recourse?

I hate to do this, but:

STAND UP FOR CANADA - VOTE (for ANY party other than the Liberals)

New Year's in Borden...

2005-12-30T08:31:00.000-08:00

After a thrilling trip to Toronto, including witnessing the paranoia of a city in the throes of a "gang war" (CBC's words - not mine), I'm now in Borden for the New Year. Yes, I've left the scary big city for the far more imtimidating snow country of Barrie. It's actually quite amazing to see so much snow, since it's been months since I've seen the white stuff. Of particular note, many people from far and away have met up here at Iain and Nicole's place for some catching up and celebrations.
I don't have too much to write as the political side of things has been somewhat slow, save for the usual Liberal gaffes.
Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas...

2005-12-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

As the title states - Merry Christmas to everyone. Hope your holidays are going well.

Ontario - Cold and Miserable...

2005-12-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

Could there be anything in the world less entertaining than flying Air Canada? The answer, is of course, yes. You could fly Air Canada into Toronto. Terminal One is a wonderful new facility. It has all the ameneties you could want in an Airport Terminal - moving sidewalks, bars, lounges (all smoke free of course), and shopping. The arhictecture is quite stunning. Yet, with all these advances and convieniences is it still possible that things don't go as well as they do, say, in Calgary or Victoria or Vancouver?

Yes. First off, Toronto's airport staff should have a new motto - "How can I make your experience as horrible as possible?". It seems that most people, from Comissionaires to storekeepers are the rudest people on the planet. Ask a simple question like, "where do I get my bags?" and you recieve the most condecenting answer - "Follow the signs". Thank you. Had I noticed the sign, I would have done so. Secondly, you walk for an interminable amount of time through the terminal - following the signs - only to be coralled into a small stairway leading to the baggage claim. Third, it takes FAR too long for your bags to actually materialize. I timed it (I'm a dork that way). My flight arrived at 1555. I had my bag at 1645. You do the math. I think fifty minutes can be termed excessive - if not outright annoying. And this from the Airport that charges the highest landing fees on the planet. Ridiculous.

Well, congrats Pearson International. Between the traffic fuss, the rude staff, the long waits and the expensive parking... I am now going to fly into Hamilton - all the time.
Additionally, now that Air Canada no longer offers food - or change for the money you pay for your cold cut sandwich with, it's hardly worth it. (Don't they prepare for people to not have correct change?) Sidebar: Remember when you would buy beer or booze and they would always run back to you with change once someone else paid with change? You would think this system would have been gauged too inefficient for FEEDING people. So, no food, no frills and, quite frankly, bad service. The only remaining advantage Air Canada has is the direct flights. I will NEVER fly Air Canada again to Ontario unless I can get a comparably priced flight into Hamilton.
Comparably priced compared to whom?
Westjet. At least they don't pretend to be a "frills" airline. They're even quite pleasant and capable of joking around with you while they quickly dispense change for your 20 dollar bill.

On to Ontario - the most apt definition of hell in winter. If you thought it impossible to drive 40km/h over the speedlimit on salt encrusted roads below zero degrees centigrade - think again. Welcome to the province that's in a hurry to get to the next traffic jam. I used to live in Southwestern Ontario (London to be exact), and I never did figure out what the hurry was, or why you had to change lanes back and forth to get one car ahead in bumper to bumper traffic. I like to drive fast - this much is certain. I don't understand why you need to drive fast when traffic is gridlocked 500 metres ahead. It makes no sense. Then - so little does in the Greater Toronto Area.

Welcome to Toronto - The city that has seen it's best days. That's how the signs should read. All signs are pointing towards the slow demise of this once impressive bastion of Canadian Economic Power. The economy is sluggish compared to Western Canada. The people are just plainly rude - and take no time to watch the inevitable destruction of their fair city. The looming energy crisis (I speak directly to electricity generation, and the cost of alternative sources) is blatantly ignored, just as approval has been granted to increase Natural Gas prices by 35%!!! (And no rebates exist here - unlike Alberta). Gas here costs anywhere between 88.9 to 91.9 cents a litre which makes no sense considering that cost is comperable to Vancouver ISLAND. That's right - I said Island. People gleefully drive around salt encrusted cars just as the auto industry is pulling out back to the States. Enjoy! The Old economy of Ontario is on the outs. At least the CAW managed to get a good pension deal - They're going to need it!

It's not all bad here, of course. The winter air is surprisingly clean - no humidity to hold the smog in. The beer is well priced, though the government run Beer Store hours are terrible. All in all, the housing prices are reasonable (outside Toronto proper) and people pay among the lowest income taxes in the country. The newer homes are of sturdy brick construction and are mere inches from your neighbour - good for community ties I suppose. At this time of year the big box stores are filled with consumers, and the parking lot full of illegally parked vehicles casing traffic congestion. Everyone speaks a different language, but none of them are a comprehensible form of English or French.

*Sigh*. I once longed to move to Ontario from Alberta back in the mid eighties. Things out here seemed so promising. The large city centres had culture, jobs and people! Now, everything has come full circle. Southern Ontario is the LAST place I would ever live, except maybe the Niagara Region and Kingston/Cornwall (which is apparently Eastern Ontario anyway). As an old song goes - words in no particular order:

The rent's too high - the air's unlcean
The beaches are dirty and the people are mean
The children are loopy 'cause they live in a slum
The water is polluted and the mayor's a dork

Ontario sucks - Ontario sucks

No truer words have ever been spoken.

From Port Credit, Ontario - I'm cold.
From the

Off To Ontario Tomorrow...

2005-12-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

This will be my last post from Victoria. VERY early tomorrow I am off to the lovely city of Toronto. Woo hoo. My yearly pilgrimage to Ontario - The Mecca Of Stupidity - is a result of my parents. I don't BLAME them for me going there, I just wish they would've moved to Mexico. Seriously though, it's always nice to see family - and snow. Besides the usual fun of packing, setting my alarm clock fifteen times so I get up - the flight is at 0700 - and last minute Christmas shopping, I also get the added bonus of doing last minute shopping in the overcrowded malls. Why? To prevent myself from having to do it in Toronto, of course.

I will, of course, post here while out in the Big Smoke. Speaking of that:

"Liberal Leader Paul Martin was out pursuing the rural vote in Southwestern Ontario on Tuesday, offering to help farmers market their products around the world, and a new renewable fuels standard.

Speaking on a family farm in North Buxton, Ont., a tiny community 75 kilometres east of Windsor, Martin said the Liberals would introduce a national fuels standard that would call for gasoline and diesel fuel to be a mix of five per cent biofuel, such as ethanol."

from this article.

This seems like a great idea. NOT. First off, Canada already has at least one private company, Mohawk, that does this. I'm not at all in favour of the government "forcing" a new fuel standard on an industry. Who is going to build the ethanol plants? They are, last I checked, VERY expensive both to build and run. So is the federal government going to force private industry to build ethanol refineries? Or will they build them as a national mega-project, where they will no doubt all be built in Ontario and Quebec and use Alberta natural gas to make the ethanol?

While I think the idea of reduced emissions is a good one, why not just tell the industry that they have to reduce average gasoline emissions by five percent? I'm sure through better refining techniques that could be much more affordably realized. If this is an environmental goal, I think the liberals need to realize that it's not a perfect solution. Click on this link and scroll down to some of the environmental reasons why.

Government should NOT be in the business of deciding how fuel is made, period. Especially considering how sensitive inter-governmental relations have been vis a vis the Petroleum industry, perhaps a simple emissions limit is in order. Why doesn't the federal government take "The One Tonne Challenge" and stop blowing so much hot air! From the same CBC article it was noted that:

"Much of what Martin discussed on Tuesday has already been implemented or at least introduced."

Wow. Another ground breaking announcement. Thanks Paul.

To that end, I'd like to thank Jack Layton for this lovely soundbite, which made me laugh out loud:

"The Liberals are a Toronto version of a Seinfeld show: a caucus about nothing, and that does nothing,"

That made me laugh for two reasons: First, because of the nothing comment. Secondly, for it's Torontocentric view. Doesn't this apply to all of Canada Mr. Layton? I guess he made his point and his wheels didn't fall off.

You had to know this was coming! In other related news (hinted at in the top picture) Paul Martin encountered some problems on the campaign trail recently. Click here to find out why.

Suffice it to say - That was my laugh of the week.

Merry Christmas All - talk to you from Ontariooo.

PS - What is going on with messenger? Is it just me?

24 Marathon complete?

2005-12-19T00:14:00.000-08:00

I just sat through 13 straight episodes of 24 Season 4. After filling up on McDonald's around 1 in the afternoon, we managed to last until 2330. I would strongly recommend never attempting anything of this sort. Let me tell you why:

1. I can't actually remember what happened in which episode;
2. If you've seen Season Four you'll understand that I am not really sure how it's different from Season Three Re: Characters
3. I can't remember any names - or if I do they're dead
4. McDonald's was a bad choice

I contemplated drinking to stave off the "glossy eyed" effect. Though I'm sure I wouldn't remember anything past the fifth or sixth episode. My spine never seemed fully capable of adjusting to any position I was sitting/lying/crouching in. I hurt all over.

All in all, it is a pretty good season, though after watching three others it becomes readily apparent very early on that the initial "crisis" is nothing more than icing on a VERY multi-layered cake. Quite frankly, if i had to work in such a deceptive workplace I'd probably have gone bananas.

I'm still waiting for the return of Nina... they just have to resurrect her somehow.

Another Friday night...

2005-12-17T00:43:00.000-08:00

There is something to be said for The Trailer Park Boys. I just recently finished a four episode "marathon" and I have to say, It's pretty funny. Nevermind the hapless characters, or even the zany plot lines. There is one thing about this show that makes it truly extraordinary:

JOHNATHAN TORRENCE

Okay, any of you who remember the CBC show "Street Cents" may remember this guy. Quite frankly, I still have some nightmares about the show. I can't even fathom some of the absolute crap they threw into "The pit". The fact of the matter is, this show is stuck in my head in a way that should be illegal. I still remember the number to call if you "had a beef" (1-800-565-BEEF in fact). As far as low budget consumerism for teenagers goes, it was pretty addictive. Or maybe that was just me.

I digress.

The point here is that Mr. Torrence plays J-ROC on the Trailer Park Boys. If you want to see something truly - how should I put this?- depressing? depraved? odd? Sure. You have to see him play this character. Besides Bubbles, who makes me laugh just for some of his inane comments, J-ROC really cracks me up. I really can't put my finger on why it's so goddamned entertaining. Perhaps it's like watching a train wreck - We're intimately involved with the complete "personality change" of Johnathan. Now, some of you will no doubt remember some of the zany characters he played on Street Cents (and god forbid you remember the horribly bad Johnovision), but this one takes the cake.

I know I'm about five years behind the Trailer Park Boys bandwagon. I guess I found solace in what can be widely considered more intellectually stimulating shows like Band Of Brothers, The Sopranos, 24 and so on. Basically, I'm asking for some forgiveness in allowing this jewel of Canadiana to escape my viewing attention.

Speaking of 24, the new season is out on DVD and it looks like we're going to be doing a true to life 24 marathon... from 7am Sunday until - you guessed it - 7am Monday. It's nice to be on vacation with nothing pressing on the agenda.

A final thought...

2005-12-16T20:25:00.000-08:00

Just doing some last minute surfing and came across this:

http://www.vwdov.ca/forum/showthread.php?threadid=85661

Check it out. Oldie but a goodie.

2005-12-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

Anonymous Bitch #256 writes in her comments via MSN:

AB256 says:
It's just really weird, that some of the stuff you typed in it, I was screaming at my television...

(Me)The new debate format sucks says:
I fell asleep at one point

AB256 says:
It needed something...Debate pretty much.

AB256 says:
Did you count the number of Ed Broadbent references? GEEZ Jack is canned.

The new debate format sucks says:
Yeah that little twerp drives me crazy

AB256 says:
and I was saying earlier, Gilles is just in the wrong party
he is a charismatic speaker...
if he were a Tory, I dunno, the CPoC just needs some french people like him
if he were part of the mainstream, I think he would be a force to be reckoned with.

AB256 resides in Calgary, Alberta and has graciously allowed me to use her comments in my blog. Hopefully more guest comments will be added in the future.

Debate Part 2 - Meet the new boss...

2005-12-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

Well. That was... BORING. I'm not sure this new debate format is doing anyone any favours. First off, I have to mention that I thought all the leaders did a good job of sticking to thier platform ideas. Not as though that's very hard to do when you aren't actually in a DEBATE. I can't say I was overly impressed with Stephen Harper, though he would have to collapse pretty significantly to sway my vote away from the Conservatives.
The more Gilles Duceppe speaks the more I actually LIKE the guy. Although I certainly don't support his views on separation, I do agree with his strong stance on governmental jurisdiction. Sadly, Harper didn't really take full advantage of that - I think that is one of the palpable differences between him and Martin - Harper should have vigourously defended the Constitutional definition of the jurisdictions.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the six hundred and fourty two times Jack Layton said, "Elect New Democratic MP's to make change". Whatever came over him to say that SOOO many times makes me wonder - Do all NDP supporters need to be told a million times to get something done? I guess it's just that they need coaxing since there is no chance on this frozen planet that they will ever form a government.
Anyhow, it's time for me to head out for the evening. Cheerio!

English Debate Tonight

2005-12-16T16:15:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to the English Debate tonight. After the boring affair that was the French debate here's hoping for a little more - "oomph?"

On a separate note, I started leave today! No more work until 2 Jan 06! Woot.

Le Test Post

2005-12-15T22:24:00.000-08:00

Since this is merely a test post, here is one of my two vehicles. It's a 2002 VW GTI 337, a limited production model that has a few after market additions including E-Code headlights, H&R Coilovers, Neuspeed front and rear sway/stress bars, the front upper stressbar from an Audi A3, blanked side marker lights, and European 25th Anniversary GTI taillights (and more)

My other car is a 1995 VW Golf CL with over 277 thousand kilometres on the clock. Part of my future plan includes a new motor for her, but I have yet to find the time.