On my earlier post, I talked about gas prices and how many believe there is a conspiracy to raise prices at Holiday times. So with Christmas just past, and many people driving to visit relatives and friends, it would seem a perfect time to raise the price, right? NO!
As this chart shows, reatil prices in Calgary were incredibly stable since mid-December, and have come down since the start of the month.
Still think there is a conspiracy? Didn't think so.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Smart Strips - a good idea
I came across what for me is a new idea - and a good one. Smart Power Strips. Take a look at one here.
The concept is simple. One outlet is a control, and when power is shut down on that outlet, the other outlets are also shut down. Very applicable to PC's (monitor, printer, router, etc.) as well as TV/video/DVD areas. The small power draw of transformers and the 'standby' state is small but adds up over the days, weeks, and months.
If anyone still needs a Christmas gift for me....
I read about these in The Simple Dollar - a web log on basic finance and living frugally (not the same as cheap). So far, I quite like it and agree with about 90%+ of the articles. Not bad for a man of my opinions!
The concept is simple. One outlet is a control, and when power is shut down on that outlet, the other outlets are also shut down. Very applicable to PC's (monitor, printer, router, etc.) as well as TV/video/DVD areas. The small power draw of transformers and the 'standby' state is small but adds up over the days, weeks, and months.
If anyone still needs a Christmas gift for me....
I read about these in The Simple Dollar - a web log on basic finance and living frugally (not the same as cheap). So far, I quite like it and agree with about 90%+ of the articles. Not bad for a man of my opinions!
Happy Birthday Sir Arthur
Sir Arthur C. Clarke, author of 2001: A Space Odyssey, turned 90 yesterday (Dec. 16). ACC is one of my favourite authors. 2001 came out around the time I was born, and I saw it when I was a young man. I loved the huge panoramas of space and the ship, and the voice of the HAL-9000. I have to admit I found the opening sequence (with the chimps) very weird at first, but I came to appreciate it as I grew older and read (and re-read) the book.
Although Isaac Asimov is probably my overall favourite, ACC is right up there. Childhood's End, Against the Fall of Night, The Sands of Mars, and all of the 2001 series. Sir Arthur is also a noted scientist, who helped develop ground control assisted radar, thought up the concept of geosynchronous satellites (you do like long distance, don't you?) as well as developed the idea of the space elevator.
Happy Birthday Sir Arthur!!
Although Isaac Asimov is probably my overall favourite, ACC is right up there. Childhood's End, Against the Fall of Night, The Sands of Mars, and all of the 2001 series. Sir Arthur is also a noted scientist, who helped develop ground control assisted radar, thought up the concept of geosynchronous satellites (you do like long distance, don't you?) as well as developed the idea of the space elevator.
Happy Birthday Sir Arthur!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
A 14 year old buys a car?!??!
An article here notes that a 14 year old teen was involved in a car accident, where the vehicle rolled over three times and killed two 15 year-old passengers. The 14 year old had recently purchased the car, as a gift for his 15 year old brother.
Let’s see:
The parents of the teen insist they had no idea he had purchased the car. Maybe the car was a real beater, and he purchased it for $500 from someone. But he had to then use cash (who would take a cheque form a 14 year old?). What if it was a $2000 vehicle? Or even new? How the heck does a 14 year old make a purchase like that without the parents even knowing about it? And where the frak did he park the thing??
Meanwhile, the Premier (Dalton McGuinty) is vowing to ‘look into what, if anything’ they can do to keep unlicensed drivers off the road. Wow…such a bold statement!
This just boggles my mind…
Let’s see:
- you can’t legally drive in Ontario at 14
- apparently it is quite legal to purchase a car though
- quite legal to license the vehicle
- quite legal to insure the vehicle
- just not legal to drive it
The parents of the teen insist they had no idea he had purchased the car. Maybe the car was a real beater, and he purchased it for $500 from someone. But he had to then use cash (who would take a cheque form a 14 year old?). What if it was a $2000 vehicle? Or even new? How the heck does a 14 year old make a purchase like that without the parents even knowing about it? And where the frak did he park the thing??
Meanwhile, the Premier (Dalton McGuinty) is vowing to ‘look into what, if anything’ they can do to keep unlicensed drivers off the road. Wow…such a bold statement!
This just boggles my mind…
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The Way Nature Intended? WTF?
So I am driving around town and I see a sign for Fabutan. Their signs are always amusing, promoting the benefits of exposing yourself to radiation. Today's example is particularly funny. More and more evidence is pointing towards Vitamin D as being key to health, especially in northern latitudes (such as Calgary). Normally produced by exposure to sunlight, this is in short supply in the Great White North half the year. So what does Fabutan do? Claim that their artificial bulbs are the way to get "Vitamin D - the Way Nature Intended It!"Ummm...no. That would be getting outside more. Maybe you want to tan, but a week in Mexico is a far better alternative. Better scenery too!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
I called it - gas WAS too cheap
This week saw gas prices rise about 6 cents per liter to around 97 cents. See my earlier post on gas prices where I said it was too cheap!
Look at it another way. In the summer crude oil was approx. $65-75 per barrel. In October, the average price was more like $85-90 per barrel. Have gas prices actually gone up 20-30% over that time? NO! Until this week, the price was actually down slightly over that time. Cost up, revenue down. Doesn't take a genius to realize that major integrated oil companies are reporting lower profits.
(Good to see the media catching up to me)
Look at it another way. In the summer crude oil was approx. $65-75 per barrel. In October, the average price was more like $85-90 per barrel. Have gas prices actually gone up 20-30% over that time? NO! Until this week, the price was actually down slightly over that time. Cost up, revenue down. Doesn't take a genius to realize that major integrated oil companies are reporting lower profits.
(Good to see the media catching up to me)
Another Bush-ism?
"You can't be the president and the head of the military at the same time" Bush said.
Granted Bush is a civilian commander, but he still technically outranks all military commanders and can assume control if he desired.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Boycott Telus
Telus will now charge customers for accessing their long distance, even if they have selected another carrier as their long distance provider.
What?!? You have the right (due to deregulation) to choose your LD provider. It may be the same as your local provider, it may be different. But now Telus wants to charge local customers a LD fee ($2.95 per month) for NOT using LD. Of course, you can avoid this fee by choosing one of the following options:
Today, I spent an hour looking at alternatives to Telus. For me, the package of Shaw Digital Phone Lite and Shaw High Speed Internet will nicely replace my Telus services, thank you.
If you do this, make sure you send a note to Telus and let them know!
What?!? You have the right (due to deregulation) to choose your LD provider. It may be the same as your local provider, it may be different. But now Telus wants to charge local customers a LD fee ($2.95 per month) for NOT using LD. Of course, you can avoid this fee by choosing one of the following options:
- Subscribe to a Telus LD plan, starting at $4.95 per month
- Block ALL LD calls from your phone (but there is a fee to remove this block). 'Dial around' services 10-10-xxx will not work with this option.
Today, I spent an hour looking at alternatives to Telus. For me, the package of Shaw Digital Phone Lite and Shaw High Speed Internet will nicely replace my Telus services, thank you.
If you do this, make sure you send a note to Telus and let them know!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Gas is too CHEAP!
Whenever gasoline prices peak in the summer, there are lots of loud complains about the price being too high; that this is somehow evidence of a "cartel" or "collusion" amongst oil companies, rather than the simple effect of supply and demand. Of course, no one (except me) complains when the price is TOO LOW.
Therefore, I take this opportunity to state clearly that retail gasoline prices are too low right now. For the past 2 weeks or so (I keep track) I have paid about 91 cents for a litre of regular unleaded at a major brand station. Why is this too low? Consider the math:
Price of crude oil at Edmonton, first half of Oct/07: approx. 44 cents/l ($440 per m3)
Basic refining costs (estimated, based on crack spreads): 5 cents/l
Transportation costs to Calgary (estimated pipeline): 2 cents/l
Federal excise tax: 10 cents/l
Alberta tax: 9 cents/l
Subtotal: 70 cents/l
GST on this portion: 4.2 cents/l
Total raw cost: 74.2 cents/l
So more than 74 cents is taken up with the basic cost of making raw gasoline and getting it to Calgary. Of course I have missed some significant costs, such as terminalling and trucking within the city, selling and administration costs (or G&A), marketing costs, the cost of the station, including all the electrical, wages, etc. of running a station, GST on all these other costs, and last but not least - an actual profit for the refiner, as well as the retailer.
Keep your tank topped up. And remember, if there was collusion, the prices would be much, much higher right now.
Sources: AB Facts on Gasoline (tax info)
Competition Bureau (crack spreads)
Manitoba Gov't Pricing report (Crude price)
Transportation (my experience in the industry)
Therefore, I take this opportunity to state clearly that retail gasoline prices are too low right now. For the past 2 weeks or so (I keep track) I have paid about 91 cents for a litre of regular unleaded at a major brand station. Why is this too low? Consider the math:
Price of crude oil at Edmonton, first half of Oct/07: approx. 44 cents/l ($440 per m3)
Basic refining costs (estimated, based on crack spreads): 5 cents/l
Transportation costs to Calgary (estimated pipeline): 2 cents/l
Federal excise tax: 10 cents/l
Alberta tax: 9 cents/l
Subtotal: 70 cents/l
GST on this portion: 4.2 cents/l
Total raw cost: 74.2 cents/l
So more than 74 cents is taken up with the basic cost of making raw gasoline and getting it to Calgary. Of course I have missed some significant costs, such as terminalling and trucking within the city, selling and administration costs (or G&A), marketing costs, the cost of the station, including all the electrical, wages, etc. of running a station, GST on all these other costs, and last but not least - an actual profit for the refiner, as well as the retailer.
Keep your tank topped up. And remember, if there was collusion, the prices would be much, much higher right now.
Sources: AB Facts on Gasoline (tax info)
Competition Bureau (crack spreads)
Manitoba Gov't Pricing report (Crude price)
Transportation (my experience in the industry)
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Canada's Tainted Blood Scandal
Making the news yesterday was the criminal trial in Ontario of 3 individuals and a corporation, charged in the Tainted Blood scandal of 20 years ago. In short, not only were they acquitted, but the judge went the extra distance of actually declaring that the charges were disproved!
Recap: Several public health officials and the Red Cross were implicated in distributing blood tainted with HIV and Hepatitis C in the late 1980's and early 1990's, when evidence was showing a problem in the screening of blood. Many hemophiliacs, as well as many individuals who received a transfusion, caught these horrible diseases through donated blood. The Krever Inquiry was formed to get to the bottom of why it happened (their report was over 1000 pages long, I believe), and these charges stemmed from those findings.
The Red Cross settled charges many years ago, paying a small fine and making a large donation to research schools to settle the issue. Compensation was also offered to some of the victims, but not all. Subsequent governments extended the compensation to everyone who got sick. Many have died, many others live with the fear of Hep C, my Mother included.
The net result is that not one person has been held responsible for this public health disaster. One would like to think that this could never happen again, but you can never really know. It is not vengeance that makes me say this, but rather the culture of escaping and passing blame that seems so prevalent. This reminds me that it has been with us for some time now, with no end in sight. Whether you are talking about blood, the Air India disaster, Alberta royalties, or other problems (too many to mention), think about this:
When was the last time you actually heard someone say "It happened on my watch, I am responsible?"
Recap: Several public health officials and the Red Cross were implicated in distributing blood tainted with HIV and Hepatitis C in the late 1980's and early 1990's, when evidence was showing a problem in the screening of blood. Many hemophiliacs, as well as many individuals who received a transfusion, caught these horrible diseases through donated blood. The Krever Inquiry was formed to get to the bottom of why it happened (their report was over 1000 pages long, I believe), and these charges stemmed from those findings.
The Red Cross settled charges many years ago, paying a small fine and making a large donation to research schools to settle the issue. Compensation was also offered to some of the victims, but not all. Subsequent governments extended the compensation to everyone who got sick. Many have died, many others live with the fear of Hep C, my Mother included.
The net result is that not one person has been held responsible for this public health disaster. One would like to think that this could never happen again, but you can never really know. It is not vengeance that makes me say this, but rather the culture of escaping and passing blame that seems so prevalent. This reminds me that it has been with us for some time now, with no end in sight. Whether you are talking about blood, the Air India disaster, Alberta royalties, or other problems (too many to mention), think about this:
When was the last time you actually heard someone say "It happened on my watch, I am responsible?"
Beware Drunk, Tattooed, Pierced, Idiot, Arsonist Bankrupts!
Really, what's not to like? I am frustrated at work right now due to someone whom I affectionately call the DT-PIAB. When you have someone who:
- Has been convicted of drunk driving, bad enough to have a serious suspension, and a breathalyzer installed into their ignition;
- Tattoos (see an earlier post);
- A tongue pierce (and likes to show people it);
- A person who calls themselves a developer, but can't code their way out of a paper bag;
- Who once burned down 45 acres of fields, a quonset hut, AND a house;
- And is just emerging from bankruptcy;
- All in One!
They might not be your best choice for an employee. I could be wrong...but I don't think so! Tattooed? Sadly, not the social stigma it used to be, I could live with that alone. Pierced? Questionable judgement, especially on the tongue, but maybe a youthful indiscretion. Idiot is somewhat subjective to others (but not to me!). But I definitely cannot abide with the drunk driving, bankruptcy, and arson.
All in all, a sad example of humanity, with no glimmer of reforming. If you must be pierced, how about a vasectomy or castration?
- Has been convicted of drunk driving, bad enough to have a serious suspension, and a breathalyzer installed into their ignition;
- Tattoos (see an earlier post);
- A tongue pierce (and likes to show people it);
- A person who calls themselves a developer, but can't code their way out of a paper bag;
- Who once burned down 45 acres of fields, a quonset hut, AND a house;
- And is just emerging from bankruptcy;
- All in One!
They might not be your best choice for an employee. I could be wrong...but I don't think so! Tattooed? Sadly, not the social stigma it used to be, I could live with that alone. Pierced? Questionable judgement, especially on the tongue, but maybe a youthful indiscretion. Idiot is somewhat subjective to others (but not to me!). But I definitely cannot abide with the drunk driving, bankruptcy, and arson.
All in all, a sad example of humanity, with no glimmer of reforming. If you must be pierced, how about a vasectomy or castration?
Friday, September 28, 2007
Buying a New Car
One thing I did this summer was buy a new car. Those who know me know that I have not bought a new car since 1984, or even a used one since 1991, so this was a big deal. Like millions of others, I bought a Honda Civic. Decent, reliable transportation at a decent price. Very fuel efficient, I am averaging about 34 MPG in mostly city driving.
Like millions, I also hated the car buying experience. 4.5 hours, for what shold have been a 30 minute transaction. I paid cash, knew the option I wanted (note: singular), was flexible on colour. But they insisted on adding in things I didn't want, and telling me I had to pay. When I asked how could I tell if the invisible etching was done, the sales guy didn't understand...it's invisible...how do I know you did it? Duh!
Afterwards, I came across this video on You Tube, and it makes sense. I wish I had walked away more often.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPor5b7JLLE
Like millions, I also hated the car buying experience. 4.5 hours, for what shold have been a 30 minute transaction. I paid cash, knew the option I wanted (note: singular), was flexible on colour. But they insisted on adding in things I didn't want, and telling me I had to pay. When I asked how could I tell if the invisible etching was done, the sales guy didn't understand...it's invisible...how do I know you did it? Duh!
Afterwards, I came across this video on You Tube, and it makes sense. I wish I had walked away more often.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPor5b7JLLE
Summer Break Over
And what a good summer it was. Got lots done around the house, had a nice vacation in the Crow's Nest Pass area of southern Alberta, even survived a couple of family visits.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Global Warming and Population
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.
"...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.
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 !
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
JFK in Berlin, 1963
Today is the anniversary of John F. Kennedy's famous speech in West Berlin, where he proclaimed "Ich bin ein Berliner" (I am a Berliner), to show solidarity with the people of the city divided by the Iron Curtain.
What is often missed, however, is that to a German, a berliner is a jelly donut. So the quote is really "I am a jelly donut!". Really? What flavour? I bet there were more than a few people trying to control their laughter that day.
Also today, Paris Hilton was released from jail. Sad coincidence. Paris, all I can say is this: "du bist ein berliner!" (you are a jelly donut!)
What is often missed, however, is that to a German, a berliner is a jelly donut. So the quote is really "I am a jelly donut!". Really? What flavour? I bet there were more than a few people trying to control their laughter that day.
Also today, Paris Hilton was released from jail. Sad coincidence. Paris, all I can say is this: "du bist ein berliner!" (you are a jelly donut!)
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Airport Security and Canada's No Fly List
From Margaret Wente’s column in the June 19/07 Globe and Mail on airport security and Canada’s no-fly list:
“As Canada's very own no-fly list goes into effect, I'm glad my name isn't Mahmoud Mohammad Issa Mohammad. For that matter, I'm also glad my name isn't Patrick Martin…That's because there is, or was, another suspicious character named Patrick Martin. There also are, or were, suspicious Kennedys, Thompsons and Williamses.
The American no-fly list has 44,000 names on it, many of them common Anglo-Saxon ones. It includes everyone who was ever connected to the IRA and a lot of people who are dead. But it does not include the would-be terrorists who were rounded up in Britain last August, even though they'd been under surveillance for a year. That's because putting their names on the list could have tipped off the wrong people.
Thankfully, our made-in-Canada no-fly list will be much, much better than the American one, the authorities say. For example, many of the names on it will come from the RCMP, which, as we know, is among the most reliable and best-run security forces in the world. If you're on the list by mistake, you can even appeal to something called the Office of Reconsideration (although not in time to make your flight).
No doubt, our no-fly list will deter terrorists as effectively as our long-gun registry deters criminals. It will work especially well in intercepting terrorists who forgot to acquire fake IDs and are travelling under their own names, just as the long-gun registry has helped catch thousands of criminals who shoot other people with their own legally registered firearms.
Going through airport security today is like going to the theatre of the absurd. None of it makes sense, but everyone takes it seriously….As far as I know, there are no Margaret Wentes on the no-fly list. But my metal hips mean that I'm always pulled aside for the full pat-down. What happens when every aging boomer has a beeping artificial part is a question without an answer.
Sometimes I ask my sister, who's in the airport-security business, if all of these precautions make us safer now. She always laughs and tells me how easy it is to get access to a plane. Drug smugglers have no problem; they just hire airport workers who handle cargo…
But the nature of bureaucracy is to be literal and dumb. It can't imagine an event that's never happened.”
Exactly.
“As Canada's very own no-fly list goes into effect, I'm glad my name isn't Mahmoud Mohammad Issa Mohammad. For that matter, I'm also glad my name isn't Patrick Martin…That's because there is, or was, another suspicious character named Patrick Martin. There also are, or were, suspicious Kennedys, Thompsons and Williamses.
The American no-fly list has 44,000 names on it, many of them common Anglo-Saxon ones. It includes everyone who was ever connected to the IRA and a lot of people who are dead. But it does not include the would-be terrorists who were rounded up in Britain last August, even though they'd been under surveillance for a year. That's because putting their names on the list could have tipped off the wrong people.
Thankfully, our made-in-Canada no-fly list will be much, much better than the American one, the authorities say. For example, many of the names on it will come from the RCMP, which, as we know, is among the most reliable and best-run security forces in the world. If you're on the list by mistake, you can even appeal to something called the Office of Reconsideration (although not in time to make your flight).
No doubt, our no-fly list will deter terrorists as effectively as our long-gun registry deters criminals. It will work especially well in intercepting terrorists who forgot to acquire fake IDs and are travelling under their own names, just as the long-gun registry has helped catch thousands of criminals who shoot other people with their own legally registered firearms.
Going through airport security today is like going to the theatre of the absurd. None of it makes sense, but everyone takes it seriously….As far as I know, there are no Margaret Wentes on the no-fly list. But my metal hips mean that I'm always pulled aside for the full pat-down. What happens when every aging boomer has a beeping artificial part is a question without an answer.
Sometimes I ask my sister, who's in the airport-security business, if all of these precautions make us safer now. She always laughs and tells me how easy it is to get access to a plane. Drug smugglers have no problem; they just hire airport workers who handle cargo…
But the nature of bureaucracy is to be literal and dumb. It can't imagine an event that's never happened.”
Exactly.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Cineplex - prepare for a New One!
I did something on the weekend that I rarely do – I went to see a movie. Now I want to Rip a New One for Cineplex and every other major theater chain.
Is it too much to ask that the movie actually start at the advertised time? This isn’t a live event, where delays could affect things. Weather is not a factor. It is not the occasional ‘equipment malfunction’. This is a regular, steady occurrence. And I am not alone! When the movie finally started (only 15-20 minutes late), someone in the show shouted “Finally!”.
I have come to accept pre-show advertising. Trailers for upcoming movies are OK too (they often confirm my desire to NOT attend). If the theater wants to put something on their screen before the movie, they can do that. But surely I am entitled to my time and schedule, and if I plan on a movie starting at 3:35 is it too much to ask that it does? We wouldn’t accept this for other scheduled appointments (although doctors, hairdressers, etc. are dealing with situations that can take longer than planned). The theater knows how long the movie is, there is no excuse for this!!!
Is it too much to ask that the movie actually start at the advertised time? This isn’t a live event, where delays could affect things. Weather is not a factor. It is not the occasional ‘equipment malfunction’. This is a regular, steady occurrence. And I am not alone! When the movie finally started (only 15-20 minutes late), someone in the show shouted “Finally!”.
I have come to accept pre-show advertising. Trailers for upcoming movies are OK too (they often confirm my desire to NOT attend). If the theater wants to put something on their screen before the movie, they can do that. But surely I am entitled to my time and schedule, and if I plan on a movie starting at 3:35 is it too much to ask that it does? We wouldn’t accept this for other scheduled appointments (although doctors, hairdressers, etc. are dealing with situations that can take longer than planned). The theater knows how long the movie is, there is no excuse for this!!!
Monday, June 4, 2007
Role Models can be Good OR...
"I'm really scared but I'm ready to do this," she added. "And I hope that I'm an example to other young people."
With those words, Paris Hilton checked into a ‘special needs’ jail, to start serving a sentence for violating the terms of her probation for a drunk driving conviction.
If young people want a role model - for narcissism, lewd behaviour, believing you are above the law, living off family money, having no skills other than the ability to film your sexual escapades, and being as dim as a 10-watt bulb – then yes, you are quite the role model.
What scares me is that there really are young people who think she IS a role model.. Let’s hope a few weeks in jail straightens her out, but I am not holding my breath.
With those words, Paris Hilton checked into a ‘special needs’ jail, to start serving a sentence for violating the terms of her probation for a drunk driving conviction.
If young people want a role model - for narcissism, lewd behaviour, believing you are above the law, living off family money, having no skills other than the ability to film your sexual escapades, and being as dim as a 10-watt bulb – then yes, you are quite the role model.
What scares me is that there really are young people who think she IS a role model.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Please - Tattoos and Strapless dresses do NOT mix
Yet another downside to the tattoo craze (is it dying out yet? I hope so).
If you have tattoos...
AND you are asked to be in a wedding party..
PLEASE, do not go with the strapless dress.
Seeing the hearts, Celtic designs and other nonsense spread across your arms, shoulders, neck, etc. is not pleasant. We are not impressed with your toughness. We don't get the message, whatever it is you are trying to say.
What's that? It was a private tattoo? Then KEEP IT THAT WAY. Cover it up!
If you have tattoos...
AND you are asked to be in a wedding party..
PLEASE, do not go with the strapless dress.
Seeing the hearts, Celtic designs and other nonsense spread across your arms, shoulders, neck, etc. is not pleasant. We are not impressed with your toughness. We don't get the message, whatever it is you are trying to say.
What's that? It was a private tattoo? Then KEEP IT THAT WAY. Cover it up!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Cutty Sark - Clipper Queen
Early Monday morning a fire ravaged the Cutty Sark, the first ship to be preserved in dry dock from the great British Maritime heritage. My father is a huge fan of the ship, once owning several models. I myself visited the ship at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich in 1991 on my honeymoon. It was a beautiful ship, very sleek, truly one of a kind. Police are investigating arson. A little piece of history has disappeared. They may rebuild her, but it will not be quite the same. I hope they catch the yobs that did this.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Second Sign of the Apocalypse
A Manitoba Indian Chief is calling for more rail blockades this summer, up to a month long. Apparently he is not happy with CN filing a lawsuit against the Mohawks in Deseronto (see earlier post).
"... There are only two ways of dealing with the white man. One, either you pick up a gun, or you stand between the white man and his money," said Terry Nelson of the Roseau River First Nation. Someone has also posted a video on YouTube, on how to go about blocking a rail line (hint: wear gloves).
"... There are only two ways of dealing with the white man. One, either you pick up a gun, or you stand between the white man and his money," said Terry Nelson of the Roseau River First Nation. Someone has also posted a video on YouTube, on how to go about blocking a rail line (hint: wear gloves).
Reacting in Ottawa, Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice said rail blockades are illegal, would be counterproductive and squander goodwill with non-native Canadians.
"I continue to say blockades are not acceptable or necessary because we are making progress on land claims disputes," he said. "I am fearful someone will be hurt. I call on all chiefs, the national chief in particular, to ensure that does not happen."
All true. Indians/Natives/First Nations had better be careful. By calling for arms against the "white man", they may just get what they are asking for eventually. They want to be nations? Nations have a way of settling disputes when diplomacy and negotiation fail.One Sign of the Apocalypse
The Alberta Court of Appeal has decided that photographs on a driver's license is an infringement of the religious freedoms guaranteed under the Charter of Rights. The case was brought by the Wilson Colony Hutterites, who believe that having their photograph taken is a sin.
This is nuts. What else do you expect from a Charter case?
A driver's license is not a mandatory requirement that can infringe on your rights. You want to drive, you have to play by the rules. And the rules are there, clearly stated. You can choose to comply, or you can go without a driver's license. Effectively, driving is now considered a right, instead of a privilege.
If not having anyone in the Colony with a driver's license is a problem, then I guess you have to find some other way to get around. Maybe hire someone who does have a license?!?!
What's next? They have to attend some convention of Hutterites outside the country? Will they demand photo-less passports? Good luck getting the Americans to accept that!
This is nuts. What else do you expect from a Charter case?
A driver's license is not a mandatory requirement that can infringe on your rights. You want to drive, you have to play by the rules. And the rules are there, clearly stated. You can choose to comply, or you can go without a driver's license. Effectively, driving is now considered a right, instead of a privilege.
If not having anyone in the Colony with a driver's license is a problem, then I guess you have to find some other way to get around. Maybe hire someone who does have a license?!?!
What's next? They have to attend some convention of Hutterites outside the country? Will they demand photo-less passports? Good luck getting the Americans to accept that!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
It’s About Time
The CBC is reporting that CN Rail has filed a lawsuit against the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory band council and other individuals involved in the protest near Deseronto, Ont. CN claims that the blockade of rail traffic disrupted $100M of goods being transported. Rail passengers had to be shifted to buses to get around the blockade.
At least some action is being taken. By resorting to the courts, CN is attempting to hold people accountable for their actions. Since the police and Federal Government seem unwilling to move quickly against illegal protests (the dispute at Caledonia, Ont. has been ongoing for more than a year, despite court orders), perhaps lawsuits will succeed where the rule of law is failing.
By not enforcing court orders, governments and police are empowering native protesters to be even bolder in the future, without fear of retribution. By selectively enforcing laws, the rights and freedoms of all citizens are diminished. Kudos to CN Rail for doing their part. If only the Government would do theirs.
At least some action is being taken. By resorting to the courts, CN is attempting to hold people accountable for their actions. Since the police and Federal Government seem unwilling to move quickly against illegal protests (the dispute at Caledonia, Ont. has been ongoing for more than a year, despite court orders), perhaps lawsuits will succeed where the rule of law is failing.
By not enforcing court orders, governments and police are empowering native protesters to be even bolder in the future, without fear of retribution. By selectively enforcing laws, the rights and freedoms of all citizens are diminished. Kudos to CN Rail for doing their part. If only the Government would do theirs.
Monday, May 7, 2007
A Little Sense, please
Why do some companies not get it? I am buying something online tonight, and when they ask for my credit card and expiry date, the drop down list STARTS at 2001 !?!?!! Have they not looked at their web site in 5 years or so? Would the system accept a credit card that has been expired for 5 years? (It would be an interesting test - would the website catch on entry, or pass it to the bank?)
Do not underestimate the power of a good Quality Assurance person!
Do not underestimate the power of a good Quality Assurance person!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
This is so wrong
The Queen of the North is a BC Ferry that sank on March 22, 2006. The Globe and Mail is reporting that three crewmen, who refused to talk about the final 14 minutes of the journey, have been fired for failing to keep a proper lookout.
Their union now says it will grieve the dismissals.
Fail to do your job properly. Ram your ship into an island, sink it while killing two people. Refuse to talk to your employer or the Transportation Safety Board about what happened.
And the union defends this??? What the hell?
The union can grieve the dismissals. The families are still grieving as well. Shame to the BC Ferry and Marine Workers' Union.
Their union now says it will grieve the dismissals.
Fail to do your job properly. Ram your ship into an island, sink it while killing two people. Refuse to talk to your employer or the Transportation Safety Board about what happened.
And the union defends this??? What the hell?
The union can grieve the dismissals. The families are still grieving as well. Shame to the BC Ferry and Marine Workers' Union.
It's Not a lie if....
How this for a howler...The General Manager of the Blue Jays admitted that their closer, BJ Ryan, does not have a back injury as they claimed to the press in spring training. During a radio interview:
Ricciardi denied he ever lied about the nature of Ryan's injury.
"It's not lies if we know the truth," he said. Source: globesports.com
Hmmm...let's see...the definition of a lie is 'a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive' OR 'something intended or serving to convey a false impression' OR 'an inaccurate or false statement'.
Yes, it is a lie BECAUSE you know the truth.
God, this irritates me. I am not a baseball fan, I really don't care about their closer's health. But if they are going to lie, at least admit it if you get caught! Or better yet, don't lie in the first place! Is that so hard?
Those of us who worked for a small software company here in Calgary know the consequences of a management style that believes "it's not a lie if we know the truth".
Thursday, May 3, 2007
SaveDoan.ca
http://www.savedoan.ca/
Sign the petition. Give the politicians a 5 minute major, a 10 minute misconduct, a game misconduct, and a gross misconduct. (The only downside - Gary Bettman gets to decide supplemental discipline)
The "leader" of the Bloc Quebecois does not want Quebecers to be treated 'like second class citizens'. FINE. Here's my plan.
All the Premiers present legislation in the Rest of Canada affirming the Constitution and Charter of Rights, as they are today, and further that any Province that has not signed the Constitution is not recognized as a Province, and the Federal Government should pull out all employees, programming and transfer from such non-Provinces.
Either it passes everywhere, we have then effectively kicked them out of Canada.
Even if it doesn't pass, I would say that Quebec would quickly hold a referendum and this time succeed in the vote.
Either way, Canada wins.
Sign the petition. Give the politicians a 5 minute major, a 10 minute misconduct, a game misconduct, and a gross misconduct. (The only downside - Gary Bettman gets to decide supplemental discipline)
The "leader" of the Bloc Quebecois does not want Quebecers to be treated 'like second class citizens'. FINE. Here's my plan.
All the Premiers present legislation in the Rest of Canada affirming the Constitution and Charter of Rights, as they are today, and further that any Province that has not signed the Constitution is not recognized as a Province, and the Federal Government should pull out all employees, programming and transfer from such non-Provinces.
Either it passes everywhere, we have then effectively kicked them out of Canada.
Even if it doesn't pass, I would say that Quebec would quickly hold a referendum and this time succeed in the vote.
Either way, Canada wins.
Calgary Transit Thoughts
Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union want to hit Calgary Transit with a strike. Do the members not remember how successful their last strike was? After 50 days or so they had to call in leadership from head office and settled for less than the last offer before the strike. That’s successful bargaining.
The ATA is saying now that a full strike may not happen, but that they may target the Federation of Cdn. Municipalities conference in early June, the ‘big cities mayors conference’ the week before, and the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators, also the week before – do they really think the mayors and officials coming to the city for a conference take public transit? Shouldn’t they be targeting the city residents, the ones who ultimately pay their salaries? Better yet, shouldn’t they realize that it is not worth striking over 1% or 2%? Lose more than a couple of days of work, and you are behind.
The ATA may also target Stampede Parade day – union president Mike Mahar said it would be a “nasty day” to have mgmt running the LRT (source: Cgy Sun). That’s the sort of mature discourse we expect from union leadership. They are already targeting students with a work to rule campaign that has hit school runs hardest. Now they want to target parents, small children and grandparents? Nice work! Fools.
Apparently they have been working to rule – who can tell? Service is just as bad as always. This week I got the LRT driver from hell, who could only snarl “stand clear of the doors!”, rather than say it nicely.
It is no secret that Calgary is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. City Council has a deliberate policy of restricting all day parking in the core, to encourage transit use. If this doesn’t make transit an essential service, what does?
More CT:
What is it with people parking cars? Is it really that hard? Today I pull into the parking lot and someone decided that they would park far away from other cars. Apparently their Sunfire is too precious, too special, or something to be near other cars. Except this is transit – the lot fills up eventually. Naturally, they parked too close to someone, and too far away from someone else, so that effectively a space is wasted. Smarten up, idiot! Just park reasonably close next to another vehicle. Is that too much to ask? Apparently so…
The ATA is saying now that a full strike may not happen, but that they may target the Federation of Cdn. Municipalities conference in early June, the ‘big cities mayors conference’ the week before, and the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators, also the week before – do they really think the mayors and officials coming to the city for a conference take public transit? Shouldn’t they be targeting the city residents, the ones who ultimately pay their salaries? Better yet, shouldn’t they realize that it is not worth striking over 1% or 2%? Lose more than a couple of days of work, and you are behind.
The ATA may also target Stampede Parade day – union president Mike Mahar said it would be a “nasty day” to have mgmt running the LRT (source: Cgy Sun). That’s the sort of mature discourse we expect from union leadership. They are already targeting students with a work to rule campaign that has hit school runs hardest. Now they want to target parents, small children and grandparents? Nice work! Fools.
Apparently they have been working to rule – who can tell? Service is just as bad as always. This week I got the LRT driver from hell, who could only snarl “stand clear of the doors!”, rather than say it nicely.
It is no secret that Calgary is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. City Council has a deliberate policy of restricting all day parking in the core, to encourage transit use. If this doesn’t make transit an essential service, what does?
More CT:
What is it with people parking cars? Is it really that hard? Today I pull into the parking lot and someone decided that they would park far away from other cars. Apparently their Sunfire is too precious, too special, or something to be near other cars. Except this is transit – the lot fills up eventually. Naturally, they parked too close to someone, and too far away from someone else, so that effectively a space is wasted. Smarten up, idiot! Just park reasonably close next to another vehicle. Is that too much to ask? Apparently so…
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Making It So Easy to Not Vote
Members of Parliament are holding a special hearing under the Official Languages Committee to investigate Shane Doan being named captain of Team Canada for the IIHF World Hockey Championships in Russia (see here for links).
Members of Parliament - Making it EASY to not vote !!!
Do we have nothing better to discuss in Parliament? How about the RCMP scandals (sponsorship, Arar, now pensions...what next?). Afghanistan. Iraq. Russia and nukes. Immigration. Climate change. The Budget. Income trusts. Competitiveness. ANYTHING but this.
Shame to all members, all parties. Shame.
Members of Parliament - Making it EASY to not vote !!!
Do we have nothing better to discuss in Parliament? How about the RCMP scandals (sponsorship, Arar, now pensions...what next?). Afghanistan. Iraq. Russia and nukes. Immigration. Climate change. The Budget. Income trusts. Competitiveness. ANYTHING but this.
Shame to all members, all parties. Shame.
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