Glad to see that someone with scientific credentials (of which I have none) agrees with my thoughts :
"...if we believe that the size of the human 'footprint' is a serious problem (and there is much evidence for this) then a rational view would be that, along with a raft of measures to reduce the footprint per person, the issue of population management must be addressed."
Exactly.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
British Quirks
Those crazy Brits actually have a “National Archive of Memorial Inscriptions” – that’s right, tombstones.
My favourite (so far)
I you see as you pass by,
As you are so once was I,
As I am so must you be,
Therefore prepare to follow me.
Sadly, it costs 4 pounds to see more.
My favourite (so far)
I you see as you pass by,
As you are so once was I,
As I am so must you be,
Therefore prepare to follow me.
Sadly, it costs 4 pounds to see more.
Modern Pentathlon
Apparently Canada took silver in the Modern Pentathlon at the Pan Am Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
10 points if you can guess how many sports make up modern pentathlon.
15 points if you can name any single sport.
A: The sports of modern pentathlon are: Chess, Sudoku, Crossword, Spot The Differences and Where’s Waldo.
Monica Pinette of Langley, BC finished a very close 196 points behind the Brazilian winner. So close! Said Monica: “I would have won, except for in the final Where’s Waldo, I was geared up for a hoser in a toque, instead they went with Waldo in a Carmen Miranda tutti-frutti hat. I think that favoured the Brazilian…it is so unfair”.
Seriously:
penta = five in Greek
The 5 sports are running, shooting, fencing, swimming and equestrian
10 points if you can guess how many sports make up modern pentathlon.
15 points if you can name any single sport.
A: The sports of modern pentathlon are: Chess, Sudoku, Crossword, Spot The Differences and Where’s Waldo.
Monica Pinette of Langley, BC finished a very close 196 points behind the Brazilian winner. So close! Said Monica: “I would have won, except for in the final Where’s Waldo, I was geared up for a hoser in a toque, instead they went with Waldo in a Carmen Miranda tutti-frutti hat. I think that favoured the Brazilian…it is so unfair”.
Seriously:
penta = five in Greek
The 5 sports are running, shooting, fencing, swimming and equestrian
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Who "owns" a witness?
The short answer is, of course, "no one".
But here is an article about the Edmonton Police Service and Const. Joe Slemko, who is a recognized blood spatter expert. Const. Smelko recently testified in the coroner's inquest into the death of Ian Bush (see earlier post - Shot To Death by the RCMP). Const. Smelko testified that the way Ian Bush died, as related by the RCMP officer, was "not possible".
Turns out that the EPS is not happy with Const. Smelko testifying for the defence. He has been reprimanded for insubordination by the force. Apparently in the eyes of the EPS, the police and Crown are "indivisible" in prosecuting crimes, therefore an officer is in a conflict of interest if they testify for the defense.
THIS IS NUTS.
Sure, the police are essential to laying charges, gathering evidence, investigating, etc. No argument there. But if the police have knowledge of something that can be used to throw doubt on the charges, surely they have an obligation to state that, to make the facts known. Don't they? Of course they do. Otherwise, the police become merely the enforcement arm of the government, and subject to its whims and political agendas. This is not good for anyone.
Const. Smelko is sticking to his belief that a police officer has a duty to collect evidence, regardless of how that evidence looks or may be used. Evidence is evidence - the interpretation of that evidence is debated, weighed and decided at a trial. It is NOT sorted, sifted and decided by the police. The police union is standing behind Const. Smelko, and the police commission has now asked the EPS Chief to come before it and explain the policy to them. This is a good start.
Adding to the stench this "policy" creates is that in the past EPS has been quite happy to have Const. Smelko testify in cases in other countries (England and Australia, for example) - even for the defence. But when Const. Smelko tries to testify against and RCMP officer in Canada, the force has a problem with that? It makes them look like there is an unstated 'agreement' between forces - which is unfair and just plain wrong.
The whole incident stinks.
Stick to your guns, Const. Smelko, and do what's right.
But here is an article about the Edmonton Police Service and Const. Joe Slemko, who is a recognized blood spatter expert. Const. Smelko recently testified in the coroner's inquest into the death of Ian Bush (see earlier post - Shot To Death by the RCMP). Const. Smelko testified that the way Ian Bush died, as related by the RCMP officer, was "not possible".
Turns out that the EPS is not happy with Const. Smelko testifying for the defence. He has been reprimanded for insubordination by the force. Apparently in the eyes of the EPS, the police and Crown are "indivisible" in prosecuting crimes, therefore an officer is in a conflict of interest if they testify for the defense.
THIS IS NUTS.
Sure, the police are essential to laying charges, gathering evidence, investigating, etc. No argument there. But if the police have knowledge of something that can be used to throw doubt on the charges, surely they have an obligation to state that, to make the facts known. Don't they? Of course they do. Otherwise, the police become merely the enforcement arm of the government, and subject to its whims and political agendas. This is not good for anyone.
Const. Smelko is sticking to his belief that a police officer has a duty to collect evidence, regardless of how that evidence looks or may be used. Evidence is evidence - the interpretation of that evidence is debated, weighed and decided at a trial. It is NOT sorted, sifted and decided by the police. The police union is standing behind Const. Smelko, and the police commission has now asked the EPS Chief to come before it and explain the policy to them. This is a good start.
Adding to the stench this "policy" creates is that in the past EPS has been quite happy to have Const. Smelko testify in cases in other countries (England and Australia, for example) - even for the defence. But when Const. Smelko tries to testify against and RCMP officer in Canada, the force has a problem with that? It makes them look like there is an unstated 'agreement' between forces - which is unfair and just plain wrong.
The whole incident stinks.
Stick to your guns, Const. Smelko, and do what's right.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Finally – some roundabouts
A story here says that the province is putting in a roundabout at the intersection of Highways 8 and 22 on the southwest side of the city. It is about time. Right now it is a T-intersection with a stop sign for people traveling west on Highway 8.
Roundabouts just make sense. They are not hard to navigate. In North America, you yield to traffic approaching from the left (or even more generally, traffic in the circle takes priority over traffic merging into the circle). When there is a space, you go. And use your turn signal to indicate when you are getting off. It is not complicated.
I note the story says the roundabout will cost $8M (peanuts for road construction) and be done by October – very fast. Compare this to some of the interchanges the city has built recently. Glenmore and Elbow – over 2 years of construction at $110 million. Crowchild and Nose Hill – 2 years. In a paper here, the authors “conclude that roundabouts are the safest and most effective type of intersection traffic control available today”
I am sure people will say “those are much bigger intersections, more lanes and more traffic”. Bah! the principle is the same and they work elsewhere. Arc de Triomphe in Paris? Roundabout. Piccadilly Circus in London? Roundabout. When I was in Qatar several years ago, there is a roundabout there with at least 6 lanes of traffic feeding in at each intersection (perhaps even 7 or 8).
Until now, roundabouts in Calgary have been limited to one lane in low traffic, low speed residential areas (and few of them at that). Good to see that changing.
Roundabouts just make sense. They are not hard to navigate. In North America, you yield to traffic approaching from the left (or even more generally, traffic in the circle takes priority over traffic merging into the circle). When there is a space, you go. And use your turn signal to indicate when you are getting off. It is not complicated.
I note the story says the roundabout will cost $8M (peanuts for road construction) and be done by October – very fast. Compare this to some of the interchanges the city has built recently. Glenmore and Elbow – over 2 years of construction at $110 million. Crowchild and Nose Hill – 2 years. In a paper here, the authors “conclude that roundabouts are the safest and most effective type of intersection traffic control available today”
I am sure people will say “those are much bigger intersections, more lanes and more traffic”. Bah! the principle is the same and they work elsewhere. Arc de Triomphe in Paris? Roundabout. Piccadilly Circus in London? Roundabout. When I was in Qatar several years ago, there is a roundabout there with at least 6 lanes of traffic feeding in at each intersection (perhaps even 7 or 8).
Until now, roundabouts in Calgary have been limited to one lane in low traffic, low speed residential areas (and few of them at that). Good to see that changing.
The Gentle what?
Saw a commercial last night (sometimes I forget I have most things on my PVR and can skip the commercials) for PEI tourism – their tag line is “The Gentle Island”. Soft sounds and images, etc.
Is it just me or does this resemble a laxative commercial?
Evacugen – great (or awful) name for a laxative!
Evacugen – great (or awful) name for a laxative!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Computer Viruses are 25 years old
Interesting article here - Friday the 13th (oh the irony!) marked 25 years since the first computer virus was reported. Interesting, the first virus was on an APPLE, not a PC. Perhaps Apple took it more seriously at the time and did something about it?
Just another example of how someone decides to have some mischievous 'fun' and the idea then morphs into the scourge of today. No doubt, back in 1982, people dismissed it as a 'fad' that would soon pass...
(PS. I looked it up - the plural of virus is viruses, not virii - I stand corrected)
Just another example of how someone decides to have some mischievous 'fun' and the idea then morphs into the scourge of today. No doubt, back in 1982, people dismissed it as a 'fad' that would soon pass...
(PS. I looked it up - the plural of virus is viruses, not virii - I stand corrected)
More Refreshed Than You Ever Thought Possible!!!
If you really want to laugh, check this out:
Clean Is Happy
Click on the "Washlet 101" link, which is the first girl (on the left).
This is quite "clean" in every sense of the word! And hilarious.
If you want one, check out the manufacturer
Clean Is Happy
Click on the "Washlet 101" link, which is the first girl (on the left).
This is quite "clean" in every sense of the word! And hilarious.
If you want one, check out the manufacturer
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Calgary Stampede Thoughts
The Calgary Stampede is The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. But after many years of attending, I have noticed some changes, and they are not good.
On Monday I was at the grounds, having lunch before the rodeo and met a couple from England. They are from a small farm near Hadrian’s Wall and were surprised to learn that I have been there – twice. As a farmer, he expressed some disappointment at the relative lack of farming exhibits, and spoke with many of the farmers who are there. According to the hearsay, the Stampede is deliberately limiting the agriculture exhibits, as they don’t generate any revenue. “We were told we were not wanted” according to the fellow.
Then, as I watched the rodeo, the announcer did his standard speech about Guy Weadick’s belief that the Stampede needed the participation of the natives to be successful (the speech hasn’t changed in years). While the speech is trite, the thought is true. But does this not also apply to agriculture? As a city resident, I rarely visit a farm, and it is good to understand and appreciate how food is produced. My daughter appreciates it.
Finally, as we were leaving, we wanted to see the art showcase. To get there, you have to go through the “Marketplace” - a vast hall in the Corral full of “As Seen on TV!” signs, selling every type of junk imagineable (lifetime knives, vegetable slicers, plastic shoes, Pot of Gold lotteries, etc.) at inflated prices. While this undoubtedly generates revenue for the Stampede, exactly how does it fit into the idea of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth?
Another change from years ago is the traditional Stampede breakfast. While the breakfast is no healthy choice (pancakes, pork sausage, syrup, perhaps hash browns and/or eggs) there used to be a great number of free ones in the downtown core. When I first moved to Calgary, we would plot out the free breakfasts each morning at work, and then hit two or three in short order. As I went to one this morning, I noticed lots of breakfasts – and every single one was a “Private Function” (including mine). What happened to the Stampede Spirit? The community and cameraderie of dishing out a breakfast, just because it was Stampede? It is not like the oil patch or the city in general is hurting economically. Yes, there are still a few free ones, such as the Stampede’s at Olympic Plaza, but mostly they seem limited to suburban malls and community associations. What happens when oil prices drop and companies are hurting – will we have a “no breakfast” Stampede?
I hope not!
On Monday I was at the grounds, having lunch before the rodeo and met a couple from England. They are from a small farm near Hadrian’s Wall and were surprised to learn that I have been there – twice. As a farmer, he expressed some disappointment at the relative lack of farming exhibits, and spoke with many of the farmers who are there. According to the hearsay, the Stampede is deliberately limiting the agriculture exhibits, as they don’t generate any revenue. “We were told we were not wanted” according to the fellow.
Then, as I watched the rodeo, the announcer did his standard speech about Guy Weadick’s belief that the Stampede needed the participation of the natives to be successful (the speech hasn’t changed in years). While the speech is trite, the thought is true. But does this not also apply to agriculture? As a city resident, I rarely visit a farm, and it is good to understand and appreciate how food is produced. My daughter appreciates it.
Finally, as we were leaving, we wanted to see the art showcase. To get there, you have to go through the “Marketplace” - a vast hall in the Corral full of “As Seen on TV!” signs, selling every type of junk imagineable (lifetime knives, vegetable slicers, plastic shoes, Pot of Gold lotteries, etc.) at inflated prices. While this undoubtedly generates revenue for the Stampede, exactly how does it fit into the idea of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth?
Another change from years ago is the traditional Stampede breakfast. While the breakfast is no healthy choice (pancakes, pork sausage, syrup, perhaps hash browns and/or eggs) there used to be a great number of free ones in the downtown core. When I first moved to Calgary, we would plot out the free breakfasts each morning at work, and then hit two or three in short order. As I went to one this morning, I noticed lots of breakfasts – and every single one was a “Private Function” (including mine). What happened to the Stampede Spirit? The community and cameraderie of dishing out a breakfast, just because it was Stampede? It is not like the oil patch or the city in general is hurting economically. Yes, there are still a few free ones, such as the Stampede’s at Olympic Plaza, but mostly they seem limited to suburban malls and community associations. What happens when oil prices drop and companies are hurting – will we have a “no breakfast” Stampede?
I hope not!
Hockey In Canada
An article here in “The Tennessean” calls Canada a bunch of ‘hockey snobs’ for wanting the Predators to move to Canada, presumably Hamilton. David Climer, Senior Writer, accuses us of being hockey ‘snobs’, and that we have been watching too many Hee Haw re-runs. Also, that this desire to see more NHL teams in Canada is driven by patriotism, that “Our Sport rhetoric is as thick as a Saskatchewan accent.” (At least he could type Saskatchewan – wonder what that did to his spell checker?)
Hmmm. Interesting this, coming from a country where baseball is considered the national pastime, and is (or at least, was) so revered that it is exempted from anti-trust laws. And a sport so arrogant that it bills is championship as the “World” series, and did so long before any non-Americans played at the highest level. Even then, I am willing to bet that the number of nationalities represented in both sports is similar. And then NFL, that Goliath of sports, recently folded their league in Europe.
No such exemption exists in this country for hockey. When hockey holds a World Cup, it North America vs. Europe. The World Championships are countries competing, and the IIHF is not based in Canada or North America. And it is the Stanley Cup, the largest trophy for sports in the world, named after the man who donated the original cup, Lord Stanley. Yes, we fret when a team leaves Canada, and that is because we care about the game here, its birthplace. More Canadians watch hockey on Saturday nights than Americans, despite having one tenth the population. And we actually pay money for the broadcast rights. If his line of reasoning was true, we would have seen much angst over Anaheim winning this year – and it didn’t happen because the best team won.
Snobs? More like custodians of the game, who care about where it is played, how it is played, and want to see it succeed wherever it is played.
Hmmm. Interesting this, coming from a country where baseball is considered the national pastime, and is (or at least, was) so revered that it is exempted from anti-trust laws. And a sport so arrogant that it bills is championship as the “World” series, and did so long before any non-Americans played at the highest level. Even then, I am willing to bet that the number of nationalities represented in both sports is similar. And then NFL, that Goliath of sports, recently folded their league in Europe.
No such exemption exists in this country for hockey. When hockey holds a World Cup, it North America vs. Europe. The World Championships are countries competing, and the IIHF is not based in Canada or North America. And it is the Stanley Cup, the largest trophy for sports in the world, named after the man who donated the original cup, Lord Stanley. Yes, we fret when a team leaves Canada, and that is because we care about the game here, its birthplace. More Canadians watch hockey on Saturday nights than Americans, despite having one tenth the population. And we actually pay money for the broadcast rights. If his line of reasoning was true, we would have seen much angst over Anaheim winning this year – and it didn’t happen because the best team won.
Snobs? More like custodians of the game, who care about where it is played, how it is played, and want to see it succeed wherever it is played.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Shot to death by the RCMP
Last week the Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Ian Bush in Houston, B.C. concluded with some pretty tame recommendations, like officers should not be alone with arrested suspects, and that audio and visual recorders be installed in detachments.
The whole incident stinks.
The officer involved, Const. Paul Koester, declined to take the stand to explain or demonstrate how he was pinned face down to a couch by Mr. Bush, felt so endangered that he drew his revolver and managed to shoot Mr. Bush in the back of the head. Worse, he destroyed his notes of the incident, and was not questioned by the RCMP for three months after the fact. He was even provided the questions ahead of time.
The whole incident stinks.
A blood spatter expert testified that the evidence did not support Const. Koester’s version of events – it was ‘impossible’. The Constable declined to take the stand and explain anything. As a public employee, Const. Koester was provided with three paid attorneys. The Bush family solicited donations to pay for their lawyer, and no doubt used a large amount of personal savings. Is this fair? Is this justice?
The whole incident stinks.
The RCMP has a new Commissioner that takes office this week. The first Commissioner to not be an RCMP officer, William Elliott has the opportunity to right a wrong, to send a clear message to the force that change is needed and change is coming. He should call for and support a full public inquiry into the arrest, death, and investigation of Ian Bush. Anything less threatens to tarnish further the RCMP’s reputation.
The whole incident stinks.
The officer involved, Const. Paul Koester, declined to take the stand to explain or demonstrate how he was pinned face down to a couch by Mr. Bush, felt so endangered that he drew his revolver and managed to shoot Mr. Bush in the back of the head. Worse, he destroyed his notes of the incident, and was not questioned by the RCMP for three months after the fact. He was even provided the questions ahead of time.
The whole incident stinks.
A blood spatter expert testified that the evidence did not support Const. Koester’s version of events – it was ‘impossible’. The Constable declined to take the stand and explain anything. As a public employee, Const. Koester was provided with three paid attorneys. The Bush family solicited donations to pay for their lawyer, and no doubt used a large amount of personal savings. Is this fair? Is this justice?
The whole incident stinks.
The RCMP has a new Commissioner that takes office this week. The first Commissioner to not be an RCMP officer, William Elliott has the opportunity to right a wrong, to send a clear message to the force that change is needed and change is coming. He should call for and support a full public inquiry into the arrest, death, and investigation of Ian Bush. Anything less threatens to tarnish further the RCMP’s reputation.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
America and Canada - Best Friends
Happy Fourth of July to our American cousins! (and my relatives in the US!) While we do not always agree on all issues, there is far more that brings us together than pulls us apart. Our culture and geography will always be intertwined together...just remember we are up here! And while we are "best friends", let's forget the "with benefits" part, OK? OK!
Do Not Call - My solution
Canada is trying to institute a national do not call list, similar to the one operating in the US. People could register their land line, cells, fax machines, etc. and telemarketers could not call those numbers or possibly be fined. UNLESS they have had dealings with you in the past 18 months, are political parties, pollsters, newspapers, etc. etc. etc.. See any holes?
I have had a system that I have used religiously for years and it has worked well. Only 2 types of institutions have my real phone number - the government and my banks. Everyone else has a phone number I USED to have, many years ago and in another province. The first phone number I ever had, actually - I still remember it. The principle is this: if you don't want to be called, don't give out your phone number! Really it is a 10-digit identifier that people want to use to identify you; any 10-digit number will do.
So Safeway groceries, Blockbuster video, the YMCA, any online surveys or orders, registrations, etc. get my "old" number - with my current area code (that saves questions and hassles). BUT before you do this, PLEASE make sure the phone number is not in use. There are many places to check a "reverse phone" number. In Alberta, MyTelus.com is one place (click Phone Book, then Reverse Phone). While it is possible that the number you choose is unlisted, the chances are slim.
Since I have been doing this, I get about one telemarketing call every 3 months or so - from my bank.
It takes time, so don't give up! Your phone eventually drops off the lists anyways as it gets 'old'. And if the number does not work, guess what - they drop you altogether! And if you DO get a telemarketer, rather than politely refuse (the Canadian way!), or scream at the fellow in India or wherever (we all want to do that sometimes), simply say "I am sorry, that individual is no longer at this number" and hang up - they will take you off.
What about email you ask? Well, I have my own domain name (only $10 per year or so). With this, you setup a 'default' address that any email with your domain address can go to, if it is not valid (e.g if RyanO@mydomain.com is valid, an email addressed to RyanB@mydomain.com will go to the 'default' address). So what? Well, when someone wants an email address, I give them 'companyname@mydomain.com' e.g. blockbustervideo@mydomain.com. If I really am expecting something from them, well I go into it and check. But if I don't want any email from them, well they just get deleted periodically. A small inconvenience for peace of mind, peace from the phone, and a clean inbox.
There are lots of other ways to accomplish this - this is my method. The key is to create an online persona and use that when online. And that persona does NOT have any of your real information on it.
Update:
Try using one of these phone numbers - from the National Rejection Hotline! (remember: don't use your real e-mail address!). In Calgary, it is 403-775-9982.
For temporary email addresses, without using Hotmail or Yahoo, try Spambox or Melt Mail
I have had a system that I have used religiously for years and it has worked well. Only 2 types of institutions have my real phone number - the government and my banks. Everyone else has a phone number I USED to have, many years ago and in another province. The first phone number I ever had, actually - I still remember it. The principle is this: if you don't want to be called, don't give out your phone number! Really it is a 10-digit identifier that people want to use to identify you; any 10-digit number will do.
So Safeway groceries, Blockbuster video, the YMCA, any online surveys or orders, registrations, etc. get my "old" number - with my current area code (that saves questions and hassles). BUT before you do this, PLEASE make sure the phone number is not in use. There are many places to check a "reverse phone" number. In Alberta, MyTelus.com is one place (click Phone Book, then Reverse Phone). While it is possible that the number you choose is unlisted, the chances are slim.
Since I have been doing this, I get about one telemarketing call every 3 months or so - from my bank.
It takes time, so don't give up! Your phone eventually drops off the lists anyways as it gets 'old'. And if the number does not work, guess what - they drop you altogether! And if you DO get a telemarketer, rather than politely refuse (the Canadian way!), or scream at the fellow in India or wherever (we all want to do that sometimes), simply say "I am sorry, that individual is no longer at this number" and hang up - they will take you off.
What about email you ask? Well, I have my own domain name (only $10 per year or so). With this, you setup a 'default' address that any email with your domain address can go to, if it is not valid (e.g if RyanO@mydomain.com is valid, an email addressed to RyanB@mydomain.com will go to the 'default' address). So what? Well, when someone wants an email address, I give them 'companyname@mydomain.com' e.g. blockbustervideo@mydomain.com. If I really am expecting something from them, well I go into it and check. But if I don't want any email from them, well they just get deleted periodically. A small inconvenience for peace of mind, peace from the phone, and a clean inbox.
There are lots of other ways to accomplish this - this is my method. The key is to create an online persona and use that when online. And that persona does NOT have any of your real information on it.
Update:
Try using one of these phone numbers - from the National Rejection Hotline! (remember: don't use your real e-mail address!). In Calgary, it is 403-775-9982.
For temporary email addresses, without using Hotmail or Yahoo, try Spambox or Melt Mail
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Happy Canada Day! 140 !
Happy Canada Day! A few things caught my eye today. First, from the first verse of our national anthem:"With glowing hearts, we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!"
Little known is that our name, The Dominion of Canada, and our motto, comes from Psalm 72, verse 8:
"He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth."
Further along is this passage:
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
HAPPY CANADA DAY! HAPPY 140th !
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