They are saying the NHL might not participate in the Olympics after 2010 in Vancouver. Hmmm, why wait that long to bow out? Go now. They can easily be replaced by Canadian competitors who WANT medals, our wonderful women!
When you see the picture of Clara Hughes lying on the ice completely winded after her Gold Medal skate, you see someone who gave all she had for her country. Those are the kind of competitors we want, win or lose.
caterwauls are my screams in the night from the back fence, aimed at the inequitable situations in our present society and the ridiculousness of life's paths........ With a little silliness too . . . for sanity.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
The tragedy of Fanny Albo
The tragedy of Fanny Albo needs to be brought into the light of scrutiny.
91 year old Fanny Albo died just days after being separated from her 97 year old husband, Al, at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital. The couple had been married for almost 70 years. This story is enough to bring tears to a compassionate person.
SOMEONE made the decision to remove Fanny from her home care facility.
SOMEONE knew they were separating an elderly man and wife.
SOMEONE actually wheeled Fanny out of her home to take her away to another care center.
SOMEONE didn't even allow Al to hold her hand or comfort her before she left.
It is time we learned the identity of these uncaring people. They do not deserve to work in a health care system!
This is how the Liberal Government under Gordon Campbell started out. They weathered that earlier furor over separating old people and closing their care facilities, in effect, casting them out of their homes. Was the money to keep this man and wife together too much for these merciless people? Did they think they were making points with the government by doing this?
We need to know WHO made the decision. We need to know WHY it was made. We need to know WHO actually went there to get Fanny. We need to know WHY they ignored Al Albo.
This is a BC Liberal government with a priority on ecomonic issues that shows continual contempt for the people of BC. Gordon Campbell's policies have caused old people to be treated like discards. We shouldn't allow the people who did this heinous act to remain faceless. SOMEONE needs to account for it. We can't let the story die all over again. Letting Fanny Albo die was enough.
More than Al Albo are crying tonight.
UPDATE: People from the Interior Health Care met in Victoria to discuss the sadness of this case. (Al Albo has died within two weeks of seeing his wife die alone in a strange place) It looks like a bunch of rhetoric to avoid blame to me; telling us they're going to put more money in. (They took it away in the first place) That it shouldn't happen again. etc etc. Same old protecting the guilty parties. These parties need to be NAMED! And FIRED! These are not the kind of people that should be looking after the elderly! They should have a new policy of having NOTHING happening regarding the movement, care or interests of people in these facilities without PAPERWORK on everything. NO phone calls. NO MIScommunications. NO slipping away from blame later! ALL workers should do NOTHING without paperwork that can be traced to the original orders relating to the person in care.
Again, SOMEONE made the terribly UNcaring decision to move this woman away from her husband of 70 years and that person needs to account for it!
UPDATE 2: When questioned recently by Christie Clark on the Bill Good show about this incident and who took part in the decision to move Fanny, Health Minister George Abbott went into a rhetoric about not having enough nurses and doctors and other good people in the Health Services, saying in effect that the ministry is willing to accept BAD people working in health care? Deputy Minister Penny Ballem, who did the investigation also commented that certain people were not available to her for inquiries. Mr. Abbott seemed to say it was alright because he HAD talked to 'other' higher ups. Perhaps it is time to call for a coroner's inquest, where people are forced in a court to testify instead of hiding until it blows over.
Seems that the cover up for these bad decisions is working just fine. Sad isn't it?
Wouldn't we just like to know WHO decided this tragedy?
91 year old Fanny Albo died just days after being separated from her 97 year old husband, Al, at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital. The couple had been married for almost 70 years. This story is enough to bring tears to a compassionate person.
SOMEONE made the decision to remove Fanny from her home care facility.
SOMEONE knew they were separating an elderly man and wife.
SOMEONE actually wheeled Fanny out of her home to take her away to another care center.
SOMEONE didn't even allow Al to hold her hand or comfort her before she left.
It is time we learned the identity of these uncaring people. They do not deserve to work in a health care system!
This is how the Liberal Government under Gordon Campbell started out. They weathered that earlier furor over separating old people and closing their care facilities, in effect, casting them out of their homes. Was the money to keep this man and wife together too much for these merciless people? Did they think they were making points with the government by doing this?
We need to know WHO made the decision. We need to know WHY it was made. We need to know WHO actually went there to get Fanny. We need to know WHY they ignored Al Albo.
This is a BC Liberal government with a priority on ecomonic issues that shows continual contempt for the people of BC. Gordon Campbell's policies have caused old people to be treated like discards. We shouldn't allow the people who did this heinous act to remain faceless. SOMEONE needs to account for it. We can't let the story die all over again. Letting Fanny Albo die was enough.
More than Al Albo are crying tonight.
UPDATE: People from the Interior Health Care met in Victoria to discuss the sadness of this case. (Al Albo has died within two weeks of seeing his wife die alone in a strange place) It looks like a bunch of rhetoric to avoid blame to me; telling us they're going to put more money in. (They took it away in the first place) That it shouldn't happen again. etc etc. Same old protecting the guilty parties. These parties need to be NAMED! And FIRED! These are not the kind of people that should be looking after the elderly! They should have a new policy of having NOTHING happening regarding the movement, care or interests of people in these facilities without PAPERWORK on everything. NO phone calls. NO MIScommunications. NO slipping away from blame later! ALL workers should do NOTHING without paperwork that can be traced to the original orders relating to the person in care.
Again, SOMEONE made the terribly UNcaring decision to move this woman away from her husband of 70 years and that person needs to account for it!
UPDATE 2: When questioned recently by Christie Clark on the Bill Good show about this incident and who took part in the decision to move Fanny, Health Minister George Abbott went into a rhetoric about not having enough nurses and doctors and other good people in the Health Services, saying in effect that the ministry is willing to accept BAD people working in health care? Deputy Minister Penny Ballem, who did the investigation also commented that certain people were not available to her for inquiries. Mr. Abbott seemed to say it was alright because he HAD talked to 'other' higher ups. Perhaps it is time to call for a coroner's inquest, where people are forced in a court to testify instead of hiding until it blows over.
Seems that the cover up for these bad decisions is working just fine. Sad isn't it?
Wouldn't we just like to know WHO decided this tragedy?
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
In case you didn't get it ....
Here's what David Emerson is going to do - He's going to go and negotiate with the Americans on the softwood lumber deal. Then he's going to come back and announce that we got a great deal, they got our five billion dollars and try to sell his 'deal' to us.
Here's what Emerson doesn't seem to get - The Americans have been waiting for us to negotiate a SEPARATE deal from NAFTA all along. It is exactly what they want, because they cannot play by the established rules.
Here's what the public doesn't seem to get - There is no need to negotiate DOWNWARD from a deal that we already have and win every time in the world court.
So by David Emerson having no mandate from the voters, he is going to single-handedly destroy everything we have with NAFTA regarding lumber when all we have to do is hold the USA to the deal THEY signed. They need to honour their contracts. There is a time we need the guts to stand up for what is right. No matter how it hurts us in the short term. There ARE many other markets out there and we needn't take the easy way at the detriment of the Canadian lumber industry.
In spite of what is being said by some, Emerson is NOT the man for the job. The attitude of Canada should be that we are right and we'll hold to our principals. Any negotiation defeats the purpose of future treaties as well if we cannot trust in them.
No one believes Emerson shares our principals.
Here's what Emerson doesn't seem to get - The Americans have been waiting for us to negotiate a SEPARATE deal from NAFTA all along. It is exactly what they want, because they cannot play by the established rules.
Here's what the public doesn't seem to get - There is no need to negotiate DOWNWARD from a deal that we already have and win every time in the world court.
So by David Emerson having no mandate from the voters, he is going to single-handedly destroy everything we have with NAFTA regarding lumber when all we have to do is hold the USA to the deal THEY signed. They need to honour their contracts. There is a time we need the guts to stand up for what is right. No matter how it hurts us in the short term. There ARE many other markets out there and we needn't take the easy way at the detriment of the Canadian lumber industry.
In spite of what is being said by some, Emerson is NOT the man for the job. The attitude of Canada should be that we are right and we'll hold to our principals. Any negotiation defeats the purpose of future treaties as well if we cannot trust in them.
No one believes Emerson shares our principals.
Friday, February 17, 2006
One law for you - one law for the rich (3)
An NBA player for the Portland Trailblazers got on a plane in Boston the other day and a loaded gun fell out of his luggage. Sebastian Telfair said it was his girlfriend's gun. Maybe he needed the gun against his team-mates as he only scored 2 points in his last game. The flight was destined for Toronto.
The Massachusetts Port Authority said no charges would be laid.
I guess Homeland Security selectively decides the seriousness of guns on planes in the USA.
Basketball players must be exempt.
[Tip to the RCMP who are worried about the massive smuggling of guns into Canada. Pssst! Check out the NBA luggage]
(search this blog for previous One law for you posts)
The Massachusetts Port Authority said no charges would be laid.
I guess Homeland Security selectively decides the seriousness of guns on planes in the USA.
Basketball players must be exempt.
[Tip to the RCMP who are worried about the massive smuggling of guns into Canada. Pssst! Check out the NBA luggage]
(search this blog for previous One law for you posts)
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Ambassador to America
Prime Minister Harper has appointed Michael Wilson ambassador to the U.S. They say this is a good thing because Wilson was one of the architects of the Free Trade Agreement in the Brian (crook) Mulroney cabinet. Hmmm, 73% of Canadians think that agreement has no effect whatsoever on them. Wilson will be the man to solve the softwood lumber dispute, they say. Seems we've already solved that to me, we've won every argument in the international arena because we're right. Of course America only wants a separate treaty outside of the NAFTA because they can't compete, that's what they've wanted all along. Look for Wildon to give them what they want and watch everyone laud him for giving in.
Michael Wilson was also finance minister for Mularkey, er Mulroney, the same job Paul Martin had with Jean Chretien. The same job where Brian became one of the richest men in Canada and Wilson doesn't know where the money came from. The only difference is Martin didn't know where the money went. Wilson also gave us the 7 percent goods & services tax.
Everything's right on track with the government of Canada against the people of Canada.
Ho hum, same old same old.
Michael Wilson was also finance minister for Mularkey, er Mulroney, the same job Paul Martin had with Jean Chretien. The same job where Brian became one of the richest men in Canada and Wilson doesn't know where the money came from. The only difference is Martin didn't know where the money went. Wilson also gave us the 7 percent goods & services tax.
Everything's right on track with the government of Canada against the people of Canada.
Ho hum, same old same old.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Shooting 'accident'?
Dick Cheney, US Vice President, recently shot his quail hunting pal, Harry Whittington. nearly killing him. (And yet still might as he has had a heart attack while undergoing treatment for his buckshot wounds.) This was all kept nice and quiet from the American media until they were good and ready to talk about it.
The only questions remaining are whether Cheney needs be charged for of shooting him; whether he needs better glasses for missing him; or whether Whittington knew something he shouldn't?
The redeeming factor seems to be the fact that Whittington is a lawyer.
The only questions remaining are whether Cheney needs be charged for of shooting him; whether he needs better glasses for missing him; or whether Whittington knew something he shouldn't?
The redeeming factor seems to be the fact that Whittington is a lawyer.
Media myopia
A TV documentary is aired where Brian Mulroney is said to have gotten a $300,000.00 'payment' from Karlheinz Schreiber out of a secret Swiss bank account. Some would use the word bribe of course. This is part of a (hopefully) ongoing investigation into the Airbus scandal. Mr. Schreiber is also reported to be willing to tell where $10,000,000.00 (that's 10 million) dollars went and who got what portions of it. This of course keeps Brian Mulroney on top, in some opinions, of being the biggest crook Canada ever had, and staying ahead of Jean Chretien. Um ...... so far.
The real question is why the Canadian media refuses to consider this a newsworthy story.
The real question is why the Canadian media refuses to consider this a newsworthy story.
Friday, February 10, 2006
The 'new' NHL
A lot of the knuckle-dragging 'fans' are complaining about the new NHL rules where you cannot assualt with intent to maim any more. These throwbacks to King Kong's ancestors only go for the fights and the blood and bruises. When someone gets knocked out for a few months from a cross check or a slash to the hands, they regard these players as wimps. Their ideal NHL is WWW RAW, or Arnie Shwarzenegger blast 'em to smithereens hockey. They are bullies who love beating up the little guy. They should go off to those caged fights where there's lots of blood. (Even those guys are wimpy because you can't kick a guy in the nuts)
The clutch and grab is leaving NHL hockey, and for the better. No one pays to see it. We pay for a Gretski fake, or Pavel Bure slicing into the slot. We pay to see Mike Bossy's hands, Bobby Hull's slap shot, Bobby Orr's skating, Phil Esposito's quick stick and Serge Savard's spinnerama twists and turns. The new young players coming up in the NHL deserve a chance to show us their chops without being tackled or hooked every time they touch the puck.
I don't think it is a 'no touch' zone in front of the net, it is simply a 'no cross-checking with intent to kill' in front of the net. If a checker wants to knock a guy down that's still ok, but he can't do it with a vicious stick cross check, or by tripping or hooking with the stick or straight assault!
The trick of course is what a lot need to learn, get position and shove the guy away, with hands or shoulders. Look at the games where someone IS in front of the net, they still take a lot of punishment that doesn't have to be career ending. It's all a learning process for everyone. I prefer the speed, finess and yes, rough play of international hockey that doesn't need to have lesser players control the skill players with clutch and grab.
Who can deny that the Canada - Russia series were the finest hockey games ever played? And once we learned that Russian players were no wimps but punishingly hard and effective checkers that complemented their skill and work ethic we were in for our greatest challenge ever. We won because our skill players also had toughness, and smarts!The smarts part is what a lot of defencemen today and others don't always have in the new NHL.
They need to learn or leave for the betterment of the game.
I like the fastest game on ice, the new NHL.
The clutch and grab is leaving NHL hockey, and for the better. No one pays to see it. We pay for a Gretski fake, or Pavel Bure slicing into the slot. We pay to see Mike Bossy's hands, Bobby Hull's slap shot, Bobby Orr's skating, Phil Esposito's quick stick and Serge Savard's spinnerama twists and turns. The new young players coming up in the NHL deserve a chance to show us their chops without being tackled or hooked every time they touch the puck.
I don't think it is a 'no touch' zone in front of the net, it is simply a 'no cross-checking with intent to kill' in front of the net. If a checker wants to knock a guy down that's still ok, but he can't do it with a vicious stick cross check, or by tripping or hooking with the stick or straight assault!
The trick of course is what a lot need to learn, get position and shove the guy away, with hands or shoulders. Look at the games where someone IS in front of the net, they still take a lot of punishment that doesn't have to be career ending. It's all a learning process for everyone. I prefer the speed, finess and yes, rough play of international hockey that doesn't need to have lesser players control the skill players with clutch and grab.
Who can deny that the Canada - Russia series were the finest hockey games ever played? And once we learned that Russian players were no wimps but punishingly hard and effective checkers that complemented their skill and work ethic we were in for our greatest challenge ever. We won because our skill players also had toughness, and smarts!The smarts part is what a lot of defencemen today and others don't always have in the new NHL.
They need to learn or leave for the betterment of the game.
I like the fastest game on ice, the new NHL.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Hockey: Theory, Speculations and Rumours
So, aside from what the real truth is, and what is yet to come out about the NHL gambling story, let's look at some ideas of what COULD have happened. Lots of people say let 'em gamble! What's that hurting? It's only a bet. Well ....
Theory: Anything to do with gambling coming out of New Jersey is mafia oriented. Those two patrol cops are just front guys.
Rumour: Jaromir Jagr gambled over $500,000.00 dollars while at Pittsburg.
Speculation: Could he have bet on his own team to lose? Then engineered it by playing poorly?
Theory: You don't have to 'throw the game', nor does anyone much have the power to do so ... BUT, you CAN 'shave' points.
Rumour: Jaromir COULD have just missed the net with his own shots on a given night, and he COULD have made his passes to Mario Lemieux just a little off.
Speculation: That's why Mario Lemieux publically criticized Jagr for not playing up to his best in that last year before Jagr got traded.
Theory: Gambling on sports can't hurt anything really.
Rumour: When the mafia has you as a professional athlete into them for hundreds of thousands of dollars, they'll tell YOU who's going to win the next game and what the score will be.
Speculation: What if it's MY team that lost the big one by 4 points? Not because of honest losing effort, but because someone was 'in for the fix'?
[This is total speculation on an imagined situation. No reflections on Mario Lemieux or Jaromir Jagr, only a theory of what COULD happen when gambling becomes intricately involved in professional sports.]
Watch out for guys in black shirts and white ties around the dressing room, they're not the team trainers.
Theory: Anything to do with gambling coming out of New Jersey is mafia oriented. Those two patrol cops are just front guys.
Rumour: Jaromir Jagr gambled over $500,000.00 dollars while at Pittsburg.
Speculation: Could he have bet on his own team to lose? Then engineered it by playing poorly?
Theory: You don't have to 'throw the game', nor does anyone much have the power to do so ... BUT, you CAN 'shave' points.
Rumour: Jaromir COULD have just missed the net with his own shots on a given night, and he COULD have made his passes to Mario Lemieux just a little off.
Speculation: That's why Mario Lemieux publically criticized Jagr for not playing up to his best in that last year before Jagr got traded.
Theory: Gambling on sports can't hurt anything really.
Rumour: When the mafia has you as a professional athlete into them for hundreds of thousands of dollars, they'll tell YOU who's going to win the next game and what the score will be.
Speculation: What if it's MY team that lost the big one by 4 points? Not because of honest losing effort, but because someone was 'in for the fix'?
[This is total speculation on an imagined situation. No reflections on Mario Lemieux or Jaromir Jagr, only a theory of what COULD happen when gambling becomes intricately involved in professional sports.]
Watch out for guys in black shirts and white ties around the dressing room, they're not the team trainers.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Integrity? Where?
I guess we shouldn't have expected it. I guess we should no longer expect it from anyone. Doesn't it make you wonder where the morality of politics are though? Didn't David Emerson believe in the Liberals when he was running? If not why did he run for them? No integrity.
Then he got in as a Liberal after many people helped him. Again. He deserted those people before their campaign office seats were cold. Integrity?
The spin is that Emerson will be great for BC because he has a background in big business, head of Canfor. Powerful. Hmm, not influential or powerful enough to thwart the softwood lumber issue. Sorry but business ethics are about as far from integrity as one gets.
We all thought David Anderson would look out for us Westerners too. He allowed the destruction of our wild salmon fishery without so much as a whimper into his beard! Remember Edward McWhinney? The professor with a huge list of letters after his name? So respected as a parliamentarian BEFORE he got elected, then treated us like bedbugs once he got to Ottawa. His integrity got flushed off the plane on the way.
The NDP wants a rule that if you are going to cross the floor you have to call a byelection and run again for your new party. Cross the floor? Emerson hasn't even been ON the floor yet in this parliament! He's not doing it for the prestige or money, David Shreck argues, he's a dedicated servant. Sure, dedicated to power, one of the underlying stealth tenets of politics. The allure.
Well there IS hope yet ... the Liberal turncoat will be in charge of the 2010 Olympics. He might win over a few if he can shut down the Gordon Campbell overspending frenzy.
But beware, any politician who is seduced by the enticing siren of power needs to be watched. More corruption looms in David Emerson's shadows.
Then he got in as a Liberal after many people helped him. Again. He deserted those people before their campaign office seats were cold. Integrity?
The spin is that Emerson will be great for BC because he has a background in big business, head of Canfor. Powerful. Hmm, not influential or powerful enough to thwart the softwood lumber issue. Sorry but business ethics are about as far from integrity as one gets.
We all thought David Anderson would look out for us Westerners too. He allowed the destruction of our wild salmon fishery without so much as a whimper into his beard! Remember Edward McWhinney? The professor with a huge list of letters after his name? So respected as a parliamentarian BEFORE he got elected, then treated us like bedbugs once he got to Ottawa. His integrity got flushed off the plane on the way.
The NDP wants a rule that if you are going to cross the floor you have to call a byelection and run again for your new party. Cross the floor? Emerson hasn't even been ON the floor yet in this parliament! He's not doing it for the prestige or money, David Shreck argues, he's a dedicated servant. Sure, dedicated to power, one of the underlying stealth tenets of politics. The allure.
Well there IS hope yet ... the Liberal turncoat will be in charge of the 2010 Olympics. He might win over a few if he can shut down the Gordon Campbell overspending frenzy.
But beware, any politician who is seduced by the enticing siren of power needs to be watched. More corruption looms in David Emerson's shadows.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Border Patrol
The US is about to start a new patrol along their border with Canada at Saskatchewan, Alberta and Montana, Blackhawk Helicopters and planes will patrol to watch for terrorists, drug runners and illegal immigrants. Using Sept 11 as their excuse. (again)
I suppose the Minutemen will camp out along the 49th parallel too, just to 'help out if needed', like they are doing in BC near Bellingham. Of course, Sept 11 has allowed them to read every email and fax you send, listen to every call you make, and investigate whomever they want without legal search warrants.
Why don't they just build the wall that Pat Buchanan promised a few years ago? I think Americans are still getting out.
Coming soon to a border near you, 'Top Gun' and 'Men in Black', just make sure you shave clean, don't puff anything and say nothing in Spanish.
I suppose the Minutemen will camp out along the 49th parallel too, just to 'help out if needed', like they are doing in BC near Bellingham. Of course, Sept 11 has allowed them to read every email and fax you send, listen to every call you make, and investigate whomever they want without legal search warrants.
Why don't they just build the wall that Pat Buchanan promised a few years ago? I think Americans are still getting out.
Coming soon to a border near you, 'Top Gun' and 'Men in Black', just make sure you shave clean, don't puff anything and say nothing in Spanish.
Friday, February 03, 2006
today in history - February 3, 1973
President Richard Nixon signed into law the Endangered Species Act. Inadvertantly adding his own name to the list to become an extinct species as of August 9, 1974.
Tolls - Back to the Forties?
Our economy in BC is doing great. Gordon Cambell and his Liberals keep telling us. We've turned it around from the ba-a-d NDP, BC is now leading the world in economical progress! Everything is wonderful here. Hmmm.
But wait, we are going to get TOLLS on the new Port Mann bridge. Two dollars and fifty cents each way! We are going to get TOLLS on the new Golden Ears bridge. We are going to get TOLLS on the Richmond circle road. We are going to get TOLLS on Highway #1 between Coquitlam and Langley.
We haven't had tolls on BC bridges since W.A.C. Bennett abolished them on the Lions Gate
bridge! That was way back in 1963!
ICBC is going to raise our insurance rates by nearly 7% in spite of the huge surplus the corporation usually shows, an average $38.00 each, the NDP held the line on insurance rates. The suspicion is that Gordon wants the rates higher so his private insurance company buddies can compete.
We are about to implement off shore oil drilling, in spite of environmental concerns. In spite of the freeze the NDP put on it.
The Olympic program is so far mismanaged over budget the Liberals won't even tell us what it is!
The Fast Ferries are about to be reincarnated as competition to BC Ferries!
It seems to me that the Liberals are still trying to blame the NDP for everything financial but one must consider that any over-costs of NDP management were from programs aimed to benefit the PEOPLE of BC. The problems with money management of the Liberals are because they are catering to rich shareholders who may be in any other country BUT BC.
Methinks Gordon Campbell's economy might be doing great, but the people of the province are about to be hit hard again to allow it. When does a government start working on behalf of the people instead of against them?
It looks like a duck to me.
UPDATE: Kevin Falcon now says the tolls will be $2.50 each way in 2005 dollars on the new Port Mann twin. So expect more like TEN dollars each way once the bridge is completed in 2013! And the way they'll collect this toll money is by a transponder in your windshield. No mention of who PAYS for this high tech, or that they'll be able to keep track of exactly WHO crosses that bridge and when.
UPDATE2: Shame on Kevin Falcon for constantly using W.A.C. Bennett's name while double-talking us! Mr Falcon needs to know that WAC Bennett built this province for British Columbians! He used British Columbians' skills and expertise in everything he did. He was a Social Crediter, NOT a Liberal. Gordon Cambell turns his back on British Columbians at every opportunity and is dismantling all of WAC Bennett's proud province. Falcon trying to sneakily attach Gordon Campbell onto WAC's long gone coat-tails is ridiculous and repugnant.
To paraphrase a famous comment: 'We knew WAC Bennett, We worked with WAC Bennett, you're no WAC Bennett.'
But wait, we are going to get TOLLS on the new Port Mann bridge. Two dollars and fifty cents each way! We are going to get TOLLS on the new Golden Ears bridge. We are going to get TOLLS on the Richmond circle road. We are going to get TOLLS on Highway #1 between Coquitlam and Langley.
We haven't had tolls on BC bridges since W.A.C. Bennett abolished them on the Lions Gate
bridge! That was way back in 1963!ICBC is going to raise our insurance rates by nearly 7% in spite of the huge surplus the corporation usually shows, an average $38.00 each, the NDP held the line on insurance rates. The suspicion is that Gordon wants the rates higher so his private insurance company buddies can compete.
We are about to implement off shore oil drilling, in spite of environmental concerns. In spite of the freeze the NDP put on it.
The Olympic program is so far mismanaged over budget the Liberals won't even tell us what it is!
The Fast Ferries are about to be reincarnated as competition to BC Ferries!
It seems to me that the Liberals are still trying to blame the NDP for everything financial but one must consider that any over-costs of NDP management were from programs aimed to benefit the PEOPLE of BC. The problems with money management of the Liberals are because they are catering to rich shareholders who may be in any other country BUT BC.
Methinks Gordon Campbell's economy might be doing great, but the people of the province are about to be hit hard again to allow it. When does a government start working on behalf of the people instead of against them?
It looks like a duck to me.
UPDATE: Kevin Falcon now says the tolls will be $2.50 each way in 2005 dollars on the new Port Mann twin. So expect more like TEN dollars each way once the bridge is completed in 2013! And the way they'll collect this toll money is by a transponder in your windshield. No mention of who PAYS for this high tech, or that they'll be able to keep track of exactly WHO crosses that bridge and when.
UPDATE2: Shame on Kevin Falcon for constantly using W.A.C. Bennett's name while double-talking us! Mr Falcon needs to know that WAC Bennett built this province for British Columbians! He used British Columbians' skills and expertise in everything he did. He was a Social Crediter, NOT a Liberal. Gordon Cambell turns his back on British Columbians at every opportunity and is dismantling all of WAC Bennett's proud province. Falcon trying to sneakily attach Gordon Campbell onto WAC's long gone coat-tails is ridiculous and repugnant.
To paraphrase a famous comment: 'We knew WAC Bennett, We worked with WAC Bennett, you're no WAC Bennett.'
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Our new heroines
First it was Jessica Simpson, leading the way into Bimboland with her confusion in thinking that Chicken-of-the-Sea was a some kind of farm foul chicken that lived underwater, and now it is her cerebral pal Paris (skank) Hilton unaware that London is in the UK and believing everyone in Europe speaks French! (We bet she knows what 'menage a trois' means though.)
In a country that is totally screwed up from worshipping Britney Spears' writhings instead of anyone's writings (Lindsey Lowen's diary excepted of course) we begin to understand why Bimboland is the high point and Paris is the freaky High Goddess.
I hear MENSA is being disbanded. Who knew London was in the Ukraine?
In a country that is totally screwed up from worshipping Britney Spears' writhings instead of anyone's writings (Lindsey Lowen's diary excepted of course) we begin to understand why Bimboland is the high point and Paris is the freaky High Goddess.
I hear MENSA is being disbanded. Who knew London was in the Ukraine?
Monday, January 30, 2006
Willie Picton trial
The voir dire part of the Willie Picton trial begins today. Already infamously known as Canada's worst ever serial killer, Willie's trial itself might begin within six months. The families are waiting for closure of the constant nagging grief since their loved ones went missing. Picton is charged with 27 counts of first degree murder of sex trade workers and other women.
This part of the legal action cannot be reported to the public, but some people believe they already know what will happen - Willie will be found guilty and be sentenced to life.
However there are others who believe something else ...
Did this odious character Willie actually lure those girls to his pig farm to murder them?
Did he really drive all the way downtown and pick them up from the street to take them back there? Or did someone else do that for him? For another reason? Was it Willie's intention to murder these women? Or was he simply given the task of destroying their remains after the fact? If these girls came to a drug and sex party for dollars at the Picton party house , how did they come to be murdered after attending? And why? Prostitutes are famous for zipped mouths. How DID they meet their violent end? Was anyone else involved? If so who? Will the true evidence ever be heard? Will the true story ever come out?
Will we ever know WHO attended those parties? Were there high profile people there who might know something? Who are they? Why would women be taken there to perform their 'duties' and then be tragically murdered? One woman got away, where is she? What does she know? Will she testify or is she long gone or even dead now?
Websites in North America are already speculating on what went on at the Picton farm, including the idea that someone was making 'snuff films' there. That biker gangs might have been involved. That Dave Picton was involved. That drug dealing was free running. That prostitution was part of the parties. That policemen, lawyers, city counselors, even mayors, politicians and high flying movers and shakers were there and might have explicit knowledge of these women and possibly what happened to them, and why.
What to expect?
Expect Willie to be found guilty and get a long sentence. Without all that damning truth to be exposed. Too much at stake for too many of those secret high flyers. Better for the police to pile on the unsolved cases and sweep them away. The families deserve more but even they seem intent on just getting Willie convicted for this. The disappearances and murders of women go way back to 1971. Close everything you can.
But - have a look at Willie Picton in some of the few pictures and ask yourself if he did this all alone? Is he bright? Persuasive? Man about town? Attractive?
Expect the trial to be much swifter than they are telling us. It won't be about learning the truth, there are just too many implications in the truth, better for all to have it go away quietly.
But, once again, you could also expect the unexpected. There will be a publication ban for Canadian reporters on this case. The American media might respect it, depending on what sensations are revealed early. However, the bloggers of the world have become increasingly irritable when someone tries to get away with something. Blogs may prove to find more truth in this case than the law courts.
Over 60 young women have died. It took the police over a decade to even see the pattern, it's now time the legal system did the right thing, no matter who goes down in the process. We owe truth and justice to these girls.
http://www.crimelibrary.com/serial_killers/predators/robert_pickton/1.html
This part of the legal action cannot be reported to the public, but some people believe they already know what will happen - Willie will be found guilty and be sentenced to life.
However there are others who believe something else ...
Did this odious character Willie actually lure those girls to his pig farm to murder them?
Did he really drive all the way downtown and pick them up from the street to take them back there? Or did someone else do that for him? For another reason? Was it Willie's intention to murder these women? Or was he simply given the task of destroying their remains after the fact? If these girls came to a drug and sex party for dollars at the Picton party house , how did they come to be murdered after attending? And why? Prostitutes are famous for zipped mouths. How DID they meet their violent end? Was anyone else involved? If so who? Will the true evidence ever be heard? Will the true story ever come out?
Will we ever know WHO attended those parties? Were there high profile people there who might know something? Who are they? Why would women be taken there to perform their 'duties' and then be tragically murdered? One woman got away, where is she? What does she know? Will she testify or is she long gone or even dead now?
Websites in North America are already speculating on what went on at the Picton farm, including the idea that someone was making 'snuff films' there. That biker gangs might have been involved. That Dave Picton was involved. That drug dealing was free running. That prostitution was part of the parties. That policemen, lawyers, city counselors, even mayors, politicians and high flying movers and shakers were there and might have explicit knowledge of these women and possibly what happened to them, and why.
What to expect?
Expect Willie to be found guilty and get a long sentence. Without all that damning truth to be exposed. Too much at stake for too many of those secret high flyers. Better for the police to pile on the unsolved cases and sweep them away. The families deserve more but even they seem intent on just getting Willie convicted for this. The disappearances and murders of women go way back to 1971. Close everything you can.
But - have a look at Willie Picton in some of the few pictures and ask yourself if he did this all alone? Is he bright? Persuasive? Man about town? Attractive?
Expect the trial to be much swifter than they are telling us. It won't be about learning the truth, there are just too many implications in the truth, better for all to have it go away quietly.
But, once again, you could also expect the unexpected. There will be a publication ban for Canadian reporters on this case. The American media might respect it, depending on what sensations are revealed early. However, the bloggers of the world have become increasingly irritable when someone tries to get away with something. Blogs may prove to find more truth in this case than the law courts.
Over 60 young women have died. It took the police over a decade to even see the pattern, it's now time the legal system did the right thing, no matter who goes down in the process. We owe truth and justice to these girls.
http://www.crimelibrary.com/serial_killers/predators/robert_pickton/1.html
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Olympic costs over run us!
Torino has hundreds of millions in Olympic cost over-runs and they're not even ready for their games. Now John Furlong, the BC Irishman who is in charge of VANNOC in a bit of sweat-on-the-brow nervous evasion tells us that we too are over budget but won't say how much.
We figured it all out in 2002 dollars, he says, obviously unaware that the games were going to be held in 2010, then says he'll go to the new federal government and ask for even more money, as if those Conservatives are some saviour for himself and Liberal Gordon Campbell's mental errors. Obviously these guys are far more dumb than we knew, not understanding that the feds are still using TAXPAYER's money regardless.
I have an idea, why doesn't he grab Gordon and approach some MORE Liberal "private partners" to sponsor the cost over-runs? Gordon is consumed with this private/public relationship and maybe it is time he and Mr. Furlong put up or shut up for their 14 day ego stint and leave the poor damn taxpayers alone?
They seem to have the incentive to waste their dollars chasing down the small business Olympia Pizza guy and the Olympic Health Care girl.
Is there anyone out there who DIDN'T think this would happen?
It's a long way to Tipperary, John, but begorrah lad, why not go back there? And can we add another airfare to your trip?
We figured it all out in 2002 dollars, he says, obviously unaware that the games were going to be held in 2010, then says he'll go to the new federal government and ask for even more money, as if those Conservatives are some saviour for himself and Liberal Gordon Campbell's mental errors. Obviously these guys are far more dumb than we knew, not understanding that the feds are still using TAXPAYER's money regardless.
I have an idea, why doesn't he grab Gordon and approach some MORE Liberal "private partners" to sponsor the cost over-runs? Gordon is consumed with this private/public relationship and maybe it is time he and Mr. Furlong put up or shut up for their 14 day ego stint and leave the poor damn taxpayers alone?
They seem to have the incentive to waste their dollars chasing down the small business Olympia Pizza guy and the Olympic Health Care girl.
Is there anyone out there who DIDN'T think this would happen?
It's a long way to Tipperary, John, but begorrah lad, why not go back there? And can we add another airfare to your trip?
The Bay is gone ...
So much for patriotism over money. The board of directors of the Hudsons Bay Company have accepted a bid from US businessman Jerry Zuckerman to take over Canada's oldest company (founded in 1670) defeating the bid by the Canadian owned Onex Corporation. So Target will probably occupy some of the locations, others will be closed, most of the assets will be sold off.
Ho hum, why bother to be Canadian?
I guess the upside is all those old lady employees who are so good at ignoring you while shopping for themselves on their shift will be gone too.
The board members will take their American money and head for the WalMart sale.
Ho hum, why bother to be Canadian?
I guess the upside is all those old lady employees who are so good at ignoring you while shopping for themselves on their shift will be gone too.
The board members will take their American money and head for the WalMart sale.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Stupidity scale = 10
I saw the stupidest thing this evening. Crossing eastbound on the Georgia Street viaduct, at dusk, in the rain. The viaduct is 3 traffic lanes and near the end the right side lane becomes an off ramp to Main street, leaving the two remaining lanes to continue with a slight shift right before they too go off the bridge at Prior Street.
Parked RIGHT ON THE BRIDGE IN THE RIGHT SIDE TRAFFIC LANE, was a grey police van vehicle, with a policeman hiding behind it aiming radar at the oncoming traffic!
He had two cars pulled over, still in the traffic lane on the bridge! Creating a totally dangerous situation for drivers in bad weather! People were aghast at the stupidity of this policeman! He could have caused a serious accident!
Forget the old scenario of traffic safety and speeders. This policeman, whoever he was, needs to go back to the academy for some intensive police training on public safety! I think the job is not to ENDANGER the public but to protect them.
I hope the people who got tickets tonight dispute them and use the fact in their defence that it MUST be illegal to set up radar IN A TRAFFIC lane.
Something is sadly lacking in the mentality of that over zealous police officer.
(also search for - Police radar - traffic safety? on this blog)
Parked RIGHT ON THE BRIDGE IN THE RIGHT SIDE TRAFFIC LANE, was a grey police van vehicle, with a policeman hiding behind it aiming radar at the oncoming traffic!
He had two cars pulled over, still in the traffic lane on the bridge! Creating a totally dangerous situation for drivers in bad weather! People were aghast at the stupidity of this policeman! He could have caused a serious accident!
Forget the old scenario of traffic safety and speeders. This policeman, whoever he was, needs to go back to the academy for some intensive police training on public safety! I think the job is not to ENDANGER the public but to protect them.
I hope the people who got tickets tonight dispute them and use the fact in their defence that it MUST be illegal to set up radar IN A TRAFFIC lane.
Something is sadly lacking in the mentality of that over zealous police officer.
(also search for - Police radar - traffic safety? on this blog)
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Things I learn as I get older
- - you don't want to have your laundry hamper and your toilet in the same room.
- - intestinal gas is not a propellant.
- - I must have only dreamt I peed a hole through cardboard.
- - all those people weren't actually talking to ME.
- - prunes aren't funny anymore.
- - if you wear dentures, you don't want to spit while flushing the toilet.
- - hair moves around under your skin to a different place.
- - snoring is like a reverse alarm system.
- - on the pleasure scale scratching a rash and bowel movements are now tied for first.
- - UNtieing your shoelaces is way harder than tieing them.
- - The best way to keep your slippers on is to put your socks on OVER them.
- - cover your mouth when you cough; it's embarrassing to spew germs all over. It's even more embarrassing to spew your teeth over the checkout counter.
- -
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Questions I'd like answered before Jan 23rd
Health Care - If 'private for profit' health clinics expand, will they siphon off funds from the public health care? For instance, the new Copeman Private Health care in Vancouver, which you pay $2300. to join and $200. per month fees, advertises that they have 50 surgeons available. Are those surgeons also working public hospital operating rooms? Will any of these 50 surgeons be available to you and me? Do those surgeons get paid more for operations by Copeman? Do these private clinics expect to start getting CARE card members into their clinics? And if so will they charge the same price as the public care for the same operation?
Crime Rate - When our criminal trial judges sentence our bad guys with guns to wimpy sentences, and our politicians say they will legislate mandatory minimum sentences, will our politicians have the fortitude to change the Canadian Constitution to OVER RULE judges who are now controlling parliament instead of the other way around? Will they have the balls to set rules so that a criminal who uses a gun in the commission of a crime will abrogate his Canadian rights?
NAFTA - Will anyone in government have the jam to consider Canadian sovereignty as an issue when dealing with other countries and their unilateral interpretation of what free trade is? Will anyone DARE say, "This isn't working, we're getting out and selling our lumber, wheat, gas and water to China."
Environment - Will anyone consider the welfare of animals over the interests of money? As the Grizzley bear in Alberta is being considered for endangered species status, will anyone intervene to stop rich foreign hunters from entering our country for trophy hunting?
Buying Government stuff - Will anyone handle government purchases like they do in good private management? Like when we are going to order military helicopters, why can't we order TWO of them to test them? Why do we always have to order 200 of anything? Because someone is lining their pockets? Are we going to get something back on those broken subs?
Western Alienation - Will any party address the issue of Quebec getting 3 times as much of Canada's largess as any other province? (for example - Culteral - British Columbia = $43 per capita - Quebec = $149. per c) Will anyone even ADMIT that Quebec gets huge amounts of taxpayer money compared to the rest of us?
Candidate promises - Will any politician EVER admit that whatever he tells his constituants he will do will have no effect whatsoever because the party will decide what he says when he gets to Ottawa?
Government - Will any politician EVER get fired and properly humiliated or jailed for corruption, treason, mismanagement or just plain stupidy? [sorry, I slipped, this is such a hypothetical fantasy question that no reasonable voting person could expect an answer to]
Crime Rate - When our criminal trial judges sentence our bad guys with guns to wimpy sentences, and our politicians say they will legislate mandatory minimum sentences, will our politicians have the fortitude to change the Canadian Constitution to OVER RULE judges who are now controlling parliament instead of the other way around? Will they have the balls to set rules so that a criminal who uses a gun in the commission of a crime will abrogate his Canadian rights?
NAFTA - Will anyone in government have the jam to consider Canadian sovereignty as an issue when dealing with other countries and their unilateral interpretation of what free trade is? Will anyone DARE say, "This isn't working, we're getting out and selling our lumber, wheat, gas and water to China."
Environment - Will anyone consider the welfare of animals over the interests of money? As the Grizzley bear in Alberta is being considered for endangered species status, will anyone intervene to stop rich foreign hunters from entering our country for trophy hunting?
Buying Government stuff - Will anyone handle government purchases like they do in good private management? Like when we are going to order military helicopters, why can't we order TWO of them to test them? Why do we always have to order 200 of anything? Because someone is lining their pockets? Are we going to get something back on those broken subs?
Western Alienation - Will any party address the issue of Quebec getting 3 times as much of Canada's largess as any other province? (for example - Culteral - British Columbia = $43 per capita - Quebec = $149. per c) Will anyone even ADMIT that Quebec gets huge amounts of taxpayer money compared to the rest of us?
Candidate promises - Will any politician EVER admit that whatever he tells his constituants he will do will have no effect whatsoever because the party will decide what he says when he gets to Ottawa?
Government - Will any politician EVER get fired and properly humiliated or jailed for corruption, treason, mismanagement or just plain stupidy? [sorry, I slipped, this is such a hypothetical fantasy question that no reasonable voting person could expect an answer to]
Thursday, January 12, 2006
The Military in our cities
The latest attack ad by the sleazy people who write the Liberal Party's campaign ads threatens that if we elect a Conservative government, we'll have Canadian army troops in our cities ... with guns, they ad with a sinister suggestion.
Are they trying to send a message that there could be a coupe? In BC we lost the presence of Canadian troops in Chilliwack due to cutbacks. Those troops would have been available in any emergency affecting the Lower Mainland. Earthquake, flood, terrorism. The nearest Canadian army help to British Columbians now is Edmonton.
But the point of the advertising by these twist-the-truth back-room hack-attackers is that our Canadian miliary is like some third world country army or a dangerous military force that is scary and secretly guided.
I for one, TRUST our Canadian army. Our troops are well trained, well managed and well intentioned. I am proud of the roll they play around the world where they command respect and admiration because of the job they do with the resources they get.
Having the Canadian army in or near Vancouver wouldn't twig once with me a bit, I would welcome them in our midst and feel safer with them there. In fact I would say the Liberal hack-attack writers and producers have seen too many thriller fiction movies. They need to get back to their XBox shoot-em-ups and get out of the political arena.
My view of our Canadian military isn't scary at all.
Are they trying to send a message that there could be a coupe? In BC we lost the presence of Canadian troops in Chilliwack due to cutbacks. Those troops would have been available in any emergency affecting the Lower Mainland. Earthquake, flood, terrorism. The nearest Canadian army help to British Columbians now is Edmonton.
But the point of the advertising by these twist-the-truth back-room hack-attackers is that our Canadian miliary is like some third world country army or a dangerous military force that is scary and secretly guided.
I for one, TRUST our Canadian army. Our troops are well trained, well managed and well intentioned. I am proud of the roll they play around the world where they command respect and admiration because of the job they do with the resources they get.
Having the Canadian army in or near Vancouver wouldn't twig once with me a bit, I would welcome them in our midst and feel safer with them there. In fact I would say the Liberal hack-attack writers and producers have seen too many thriller fiction movies. They need to get back to their XBox shoot-em-ups and get out of the political arena.
My view of our Canadian military isn't scary at all.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Ongoing election scores ....
From our own close scrutiny of the sayings, bleatings, piglatin, announcements, proclamations, whining, rhetoric and name calling from the political hopefuls now treading across a cold Canada, we offer our very own careful assessment and scores, as usual, completely fair and objective - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Not.
Paul Martin: Liberal Party of Canada
- Dec 1 - for pretending there WAS no sponsorship scandal = -1
- Dec 2 - for doing it with a straight face = +1
- Dec 4 - for wearing a black leather sports jacket to soften his image = +0 (didn't work)
- Dec 6 - for being known as Mr. Dithers and giving us all fun for his bumbling = +1
- Dec 8 - for banning handguns in Canada = +2
- Dec 8 - for thinking the bad guys will turn them in = - 3
- Dec 9 - for meeting with Bill Clinton and properly speaking out about the Kyoto Treaty and chastising the Americans for not signing on = +1
- Dec 9 - for that Liberal TV ad where supposedly 'real' people back the Liberals but they are actually Liberal party workers = -1
- Dec 10 - for saying that Harper's Day-Care dollars only buy popcorn and beer for those getting them. No one eats popcorn with beer = -1
- Dec 13 - for not backing down after criticism by the meddling US Ambassador about Martin's softwood lumber comments = +2
- Dec 15 - for participating in the canned "debate" = -1
- Dec 29 - for providing a shining example to Ralph Goodale in not stepping down amid potential scandal when you're in charge of the money too = -1
- Dec 29 - for just being associated with Mike Klander, executive vice-president of the federal Liberal party's Ontario wing who posted on his blog rude remarks about Layton's wife = -2
- Jan 4 - for being afraid (or ashamed) to mention former leader Jean Chretien during the campaign = -1
- Jan 9 - for his (somewhat) heated exchange with Duceppe during the debate about Canadian unity = +1
- Jan 11 - for the hack-attack ads against the Canadian military = -2
- Jan 15 - for implying that Harper has missing money in his budget as if HE was the crook who stole from taxpayers = -1
- Jan 16 - for setting up the reporters' questions in Vancouver and refusing to take all but one local question = -3
- Jan 16 - for the woman controlling those questions to refuse to identify herself = -1
- Jan 16 - for even coming to Vancouver to campaign and treating us like outsiders = -2
Martin Total = Minus 12
Stephen Harper: Conservative Party of Canada
- Dec 1 - Reducing the GST to 5% where it can count for everyone instead of lowering income tax which only helps rich people more = +1
- Dec 2 - Mandatory sentences for drug traffickers= +2, (but making it only two years which is 'soft' time -1) so it equals +1
- Dec 6 - for being endorsed by a major right wing American newspaper as the potential best friend of George Bush = -2
- Dec 6 - for thinking that's cool = minus 1 more
- Dec 8 - for Harper not getting his eyeline correct and obviously reading off a prompter in his TV ad = -1
- Dec 9 - for not being Peter McKay = -2
- Dec 12 for the $500 tax credit for kids in sport = +1
- Dec 15 - for participating in the canned "debate" = -1
- Dec 19 - for promising Quebec a voice on the world stage = -2
- Jan 4 - for being afraid (or ashamed) to mention former leader Brian Mulroney during the campaign = -1
- Jan 9 - for the 'programmed' smile during the debate = -1
- Jan 11 - for even hinting that he would join the American Star Wars system = -1
- Jan 17 - for using this phrase in his speech - ... "for Quebeckers AND Canadians" ... are we already separated? = -2
- Jan 18 - for hedging and evading on abortion and same sex marriage issues = -2
Harper Total = minus 13
Jack Layton:: New Democratic Party
- Dec 1 - for pretending he's a player when he's not = -1
- Dec 2 - for doing it convincingly = +1
- Dec 3 - for saying Canada should consider taxing energy exports (oil and gas) to the United States if Washington doesn't lift its tariffs on softwood lumber imports = +2
- Dec 5 - Will not allow public health care dollars to go into private facilities = +1
- Dec 15 - for participating in the canned "debate" = -1
- Jan 4 - for being UNafraid to mention former leader Ed Broadbent during the campaign = +1
- Jan 9 - for too much 'send-us-to-parliament' and not enough 'why' during the last debate = -1
Layton Total = Plus 2
Jim Harris:: Green Party of Canada
Dec 5 - for the others trying to exclude a party which has candidates in ALL ridings in Canada = +2
Dec 6 - for calling on the Canada Pension Plan to sell off Wal-Mart shares = +1
- Dec 15 - for NOT participating in the canned "debate" = +1
- Jan 9 - for being honest about NAFTA and admitting that it is actually costing Canadians more because of America's unilateral actions = +1
Harris Total = Plus 5
Gilles Duceppe: Parti Québécois
- Dec 1 - for denying there will be a separation referendum = -1
- Dec 2 - for suggesting Quebec have their own international hockey team as an election platform = -1
- Dec 5 - for having NO candidates outside of Quebec = -2
- Dec 12 - for criticizing Martin for speaking out against the Americans = -1
- Dec 12 - for sucking up to the US because once he takes Quebec out of Canada he knows he'll never sell us anything again = -1
- Dec 15 - for participating in the canned "debate" = -1
- Jan 4 - for being afraid (or ashamed) to mention former leader of the Bloc Québécois, [same thing as PQ] Jacques Parizeau = -1
- Jan 9 - for his answer during the debate to moderator Paikin about this question: "If Canada is divisible now, will Quebec be divisible if they attain nationhood?" The answer was NO! (the aboriginals may have something to say about that) = -3
Duceppe Total = minus 11
Ron Gray: Christian Heritage Party of Canada
- Jan 7 - for having Joe Pal running in Vancouver, who gave us a lovely talking to about morality which ended with the invitation to join a new, vile Canada. If it was a misspeak for VITAL = +1, if it was a Freudian slip = -1
- Jan 9 - for having the easiest to negotiate web site = +1
Gray total = plus 1
Blair Longley: Marijuana Party of Canada
- Jan 7 - for having Heathcliff Dionysus Campbell running in Vancouver Center, who said, "Insanity is voting for the same people over and over again and expecting change." = +3
- Jan - for not being available for 10 days because he "stepped out for a smoke" = -2
Longley Total = plus 1
Stay tuned, at least here in BC we can look forward to Spring arriving on February 1st as usual.
Paul Martin: Liberal Party of Canada
- Dec 1 - for pretending there WAS no sponsorship scandal = -1
- Dec 2 - for doing it with a straight face = +1
- Dec 4 - for wearing a black leather sports jacket to soften his image = +0 (didn't work)
- Dec 6 - for being known as Mr. Dithers and giving us all fun for his bumbling = +1
- Dec 8 - for banning handguns in Canada = +2
- Dec 8 - for thinking the bad guys will turn them in = - 3
- Dec 9 - for meeting with Bill Clinton and properly speaking out about the Kyoto Treaty and chastising the Americans for not signing on = +1
- Dec 9 - for that Liberal TV ad where supposedly 'real' people back the Liberals but they are actually Liberal party workers = -1
- Dec 10 - for saying that Harper's Day-Care dollars only buy popcorn and beer for those getting them. No one eats popcorn with beer = -1
- Dec 13 - for not backing down after criticism by the meddling US Ambassador about Martin's softwood lumber comments = +2
- Dec 15 - for participating in the canned "debate" = -1
- Dec 29 - for providing a shining example to Ralph Goodale in not stepping down amid potential scandal when you're in charge of the money too = -1
- Dec 29 - for just being associated with Mike Klander, executive vice-president of the federal Liberal party's Ontario wing who posted on his blog rude remarks about Layton's wife = -2
- Jan 4 - for being afraid (or ashamed) to mention former leader Jean Chretien during the campaign = -1
- Jan 9 - for his (somewhat) heated exchange with Duceppe during the debate about Canadian unity = +1
- Jan 11 - for the hack-attack ads against the Canadian military = -2
- Jan 15 - for implying that Harper has missing money in his budget as if HE was the crook who stole from taxpayers = -1
- Jan 16 - for setting up the reporters' questions in Vancouver and refusing to take all but one local question = -3
- Jan 16 - for the woman controlling those questions to refuse to identify herself = -1
- Jan 16 - for even coming to Vancouver to campaign and treating us like outsiders = -2
Martin Total = Minus 12
Stephen Harper: Conservative Party of Canada
- Dec 1 - Reducing the GST to 5% where it can count for everyone instead of lowering income tax which only helps rich people more = +1
- Dec 2 - Mandatory sentences for drug traffickers= +2, (but making it only two years which is 'soft' time -1) so it equals +1
- Dec 6 - for being endorsed by a major right wing American newspaper as the potential best friend of George Bush = -2
- Dec 6 - for thinking that's cool = minus 1 more
- Dec 8 - for Harper not getting his eyeline correct and obviously reading off a prompter in his TV ad = -1
- Dec 9 - for not being Peter McKay = -2
- Dec 12 for the $500 tax credit for kids in sport = +1
- Dec 15 - for participating in the canned "debate" = -1
- Dec 19 - for promising Quebec a voice on the world stage = -2
- Jan 4 - for being afraid (or ashamed) to mention former leader Brian Mulroney during the campaign = -1
- Jan 9 - for the 'programmed' smile during the debate = -1
- Jan 11 - for even hinting that he would join the American Star Wars system = -1
- Jan 17 - for using this phrase in his speech - ... "for Quebeckers AND Canadians" ... are we already separated? = -2
- Jan 18 - for hedging and evading on abortion and same sex marriage issues = -2
Harper Total = minus 13
Jack Layton:: New Democratic Party
- Dec 1 - for pretending he's a player when he's not = -1
- Dec 2 - for doing it convincingly = +1
- Dec 3 - for saying Canada should consider taxing energy exports (oil and gas) to the United States if Washington doesn't lift its tariffs on softwood lumber imports = +2
- Dec 5 - Will not allow public health care dollars to go into private facilities = +1
- Dec 15 - for participating in the canned "debate" = -1
- Jan 4 - for being UNafraid to mention former leader Ed Broadbent during the campaign = +1
- Jan 9 - for too much 'send-us-to-parliament' and not enough 'why' during the last debate = -1
Layton Total = Plus 2
Jim Harris:: Green Party of Canada
Dec 5 - for the others trying to exclude a party which has candidates in ALL ridings in Canada = +2
Dec 6 - for calling on the Canada Pension Plan to sell off Wal-Mart shares = +1
- Dec 15 - for NOT participating in the canned "debate" = +1
- Jan 9 - for being honest about NAFTA and admitting that it is actually costing Canadians more because of America's unilateral actions = +1
Harris Total = Plus 5
Gilles Duceppe: Parti Québécois
- Dec 1 - for denying there will be a separation referendum = -1
- Dec 2 - for suggesting Quebec have their own international hockey team as an election platform = -1
- Dec 5 - for having NO candidates outside of Quebec = -2
- Dec 12 - for criticizing Martin for speaking out against the Americans = -1
- Dec 12 - for sucking up to the US because once he takes Quebec out of Canada he knows he'll never sell us anything again = -1
- Dec 15 - for participating in the canned "debate" = -1
- Jan 4 - for being afraid (or ashamed) to mention former leader of the Bloc Québécois, [same thing as PQ] Jacques Parizeau = -1
- Jan 9 - for his answer during the debate to moderator Paikin about this question: "If Canada is divisible now, will Quebec be divisible if they attain nationhood?" The answer was NO! (the aboriginals may have something to say about that) = -3
Duceppe Total = minus 11
Ron Gray: Christian Heritage Party of Canada
- Jan 7 - for having Joe Pal running in Vancouver, who gave us a lovely talking to about morality which ended with the invitation to join a new, vile Canada. If it was a misspeak for VITAL = +1, if it was a Freudian slip = -1
- Jan 9 - for having the easiest to negotiate web site = +1
Gray total = plus 1
Blair Longley: Marijuana Party of Canada
- Jan 7 - for having Heathcliff Dionysus Campbell running in Vancouver Center, who said, "Insanity is voting for the same people over and over again and expecting change." = +3
- Jan - for not being available for 10 days because he "stepped out for a smoke" = -2
Longley Total = plus 1
Stay tuned, at least here in BC we can look forward to Spring arriving on February 1st as usual.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
The ecomony and you
A recent survey of Canadians discovered that 73 percent of us believe the economy is strong. Just like Paul Martin and Gordon Campbell keep telling us. That's good, right?
But wait, the same survey revealed that only 10 percent of those same Canadians think that that same booming economy will benefit them in any way.
So who is cashing in on this largess? You already know, don't you. Of course, all those foreign companys that moved into Canada under the Free Trade Agreement. The main benefit of our wonderful economy is judged on the balance of trade, meaning it REALLY doesn't help you or me one iota.
It helps 'business', and you can filter that idea down to the 'shareholders' , those few elite that are able to use their dollars partaking in the economic boom.
The real effect of our so-called booming economy isn't making Canadians' wallets any fatter, no matter what spin Martin, Campbell and the rest of the smooth talkers put on it, the real effect is indifference to the message.
But wait, the same survey revealed that only 10 percent of those same Canadians think that that same booming economy will benefit them in any way.
So who is cashing in on this largess? You already know, don't you. Of course, all those foreign companys that moved into Canada under the Free Trade Agreement. The main benefit of our wonderful economy is judged on the balance of trade, meaning it REALLY doesn't help you or me one iota.
It helps 'business', and you can filter that idea down to the 'shareholders' , those few elite that are able to use their dollars partaking in the economic boom.
The real effect of our so-called booming economy isn't making Canadians' wallets any fatter, no matter what spin Martin, Campbell and the rest of the smooth talkers put on it, the real effect is indifference to the message.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Movie Review - Brokeback Mountain

Two sheep herder guys are on the range. Clean cut sorta sheep herder guys. They like each other. No lariats though. Only sheep. Great sideburns, eyebrows and plaid shirts. Stereotyped wardrobe and makeup? Brokeback Mountain is set against the sweeping vistas of Wyoming and Texas, wasn't John Wayne a Texan? Wasn't his real name Marion?
No sheep were harmed in the filming of this epic.
A few might have been charmed though.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Illegality in the music recording industry
The recording industry in America jumped on all the peer to peer networks because of what they deemed as 'illegal' sharing of music files over the web. They shut down many portals, including Napster and WinMX. These bad guys were taking money right out of their pockets. And the poor artists were losing millions.
Except a lot of those artists were accusing the record industry of ripping THEM off, never mind the consumers! So now it turns out the recording industry is being investigated because of their own illegalities, including giving radio station people expensive gifts to influence playlists and price fixing of wholesale digital music files!
Hmmm, so they jumped on the others so they could get right back to their own 'illegal' activities?
Crooks don't like to share, do they.
http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?pageID=cbc/arts_home&articleID=2130518
Except a lot of those artists were accusing the record industry of ripping THEM off, never mind the consumers! So now it turns out the recording industry is being investigated because of their own illegalities, including giving radio station people expensive gifts to influence playlists and price fixing of wholesale digital music files!
Hmmm, so they jumped on the others so they could get right back to their own 'illegal' activities?
Crooks don't like to share, do they.
http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?pageID=cbc/arts_home&articleID=2130518
Gun control
So now after another tragic shooting in Toronto of innocent victims, and ongoing gunfire in Vancouver, there are organizations coming out of the woodwork looking for government money for 'education' of youth. Most of the recent shootings are credited to youth gangs, for whatever reason. It seems it used to be about violent drug dealers vying for territory, but lately, it has filtered down to teenagers. Carrying lethal weapons for 'prestige' and the envy of their friends. The police and politicians' answers are usually the same - we have to control these weapons and educate our youth.
A recent poll on the web gave several alternatives to how to control illegal handguns, asking normal people what to do ... the number one answer was overwhelming - long hard sentences.
If someone walks into a store to rob it with a handgun, or shoots at someone in the street, or drives by a home spraying it with bullets, the sentence needs to be taken OUT of the hands of our wimpy sympathetic judges, who just made a decision to continue to allow criminals in jail to still vote. There should be a mandatory ten years in jail. No parol, no good behavior time off, no soft core holiday resort sentencing, no alternative cop-outs by judges who need to begin answering to the people of Canada instead of their own agenda.
And going around giving money to youth organizations to tell youth that is it wrong to shoot someone is just plain stupid and silly.
Telling youth or anyone else, that they'll go to jail for TEN YEARS for shooting at someone, and then backing it up with a minimum sentence, will send a loud and clear message to the ones who need it.
All we need to do is pass the law, advise the people that that's what it now is, tell the judges that they MUST enforce the minimum sentence, and then DO IT! That's all we need. If it requires changing our constitution, do it. You must lose your rights when you become a criminal.
The first young gang member who gets his ten year sentence, will do the job for thousands of others. No billion dollar gun control program needed.
Now all we need are politicians with the guts to protect the law abiding citizens of Canada. Are they out there?
Who knows.
A recent poll on the web gave several alternatives to how to control illegal handguns, asking normal people what to do ... the number one answer was overwhelming - long hard sentences.
If someone walks into a store to rob it with a handgun, or shoots at someone in the street, or drives by a home spraying it with bullets, the sentence needs to be taken OUT of the hands of our wimpy sympathetic judges, who just made a decision to continue to allow criminals in jail to still vote. There should be a mandatory ten years in jail. No parol, no good behavior time off, no soft core holiday resort sentencing, no alternative cop-outs by judges who need to begin answering to the people of Canada instead of their own agenda.
And going around giving money to youth organizations to tell youth that is it wrong to shoot someone is just plain stupid and silly.
Telling youth or anyone else, that they'll go to jail for TEN YEARS for shooting at someone, and then backing it up with a minimum sentence, will send a loud and clear message to the ones who need it.
All we need to do is pass the law, advise the people that that's what it now is, tell the judges that they MUST enforce the minimum sentence, and then DO IT! That's all we need. If it requires changing our constitution, do it. You must lose your rights when you become a criminal.
The first young gang member who gets his ten year sentence, will do the job for thousands of others. No billion dollar gun control program needed.
Now all we need are politicians with the guts to protect the law abiding citizens of Canada. Are they out there?
Who knows.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Canada bashing?
Seems like a war of words is heating up across the border. Perhaps since Paul Martin criticised the US for their failure to join Kyoto. Shouldn't have told them that.
We know that signing on to the Kyoto agreement means you'll take certain actions to limit greenhouse emissions over the next 100 years. Everyone knows that Earth is becoming in pretty bad shape. Global warming is no longer a theory, it is a fact. Check out the island sized ice cubes floating out of the arctic regions. The US won't sign on because of money. They'd have to enforce clean air from all their factories etc. That would cost. They are, in fact, bringing 19 more coal fired poluting energy plants on line. Good enough for everyone else to clean up but not America. But don't tell them that.
Paul Celucci, and now David Wilkins, the US ambassadors, are doing their usual act of interfering in Canada's business by trying to pressure us into submission on softwood lumber. They refuse to live up to the NAFTA rules time after time. Why? Because lobbyists are working hard to keep their own lumber companies in profit, and that is causing a few thousand dollars to be added to every house built in the states. What they want is for Canada to agree to a lesser tarrif when there should be none at all.
Tucker Carlson of NBC is calling us a 'retarded cousin'. You remember bow-tied Tucker, he's the one that our Carolyn Parrish demolished in that TV interview when he told her that Norway could conquer us. (search Carolyn Parrish, this blog) Carolyn shot back that Norway doesn't WANT to conquer us, it is America that is going around the world pissing everyone off. John Stewart followed that up with an appearance where he pleaded with Carlson to be relevant and quit being a simple oaf!
The American media constantly brainwashes the American public on American policy, however, they refuse to acknowledge that any other country can have a policy. They are completely misinformed about other countries, Canada no exception. Right wing bone rack and media commentator, Ann Coulter, in a recent interview with a Canadian journalist, argued that Canada was in the Vietnam War. Because she wanted to be right, regardless of the truth. But don't tell her that.
We all know that people like Rush Limbaugh and Bill OReilly lambaste anyone and everyone who questions American policy, especially Canada. Now we even have senators espousing the 'fence across the border of America' idea, saying WE are the ones who let the 9 eleven terrorists into their country. I believe that nine of those terroists were on American VISAs at the time, and there is not one shred of evidence to show any one of them came through Canada. It's a long way from 'hands across the border' isn't it? And there is not a flying school in Canada that wouldn't call the RCMP if bearded wild-eyed men wanted to learn to fly a plane but not land one!
The fence wouldn't be enough, why not make it a concrete barrier like the Isrealis use to keep the Palestinians out? The beneficial side effect would be to keep Americans IN. Pat Buchanan once suggested it too, implying that Canadians all have leprosy and moderate views! Both catchy.
The right wing is of course in control of America and it is becoming a sinister situation. When one of their own ambassadors in Africa, implied that Bush was lying about Saddam looking for weapons there, they 'outed' a CIA agent themselves to get back at him! Using White House media puppet Robert Novak to do it! Why isn't HE charged with treasonous behavior? We all know now that Iraq was a lie, just don't tell those young men trying out real XBox weaponry. And recently, we have learned that America is secretly spying on their own people! Wire taps, email intercepts etc. All approved by George Bush.
Don't tell America anything, they just don't listen. Don't tell Canada anything either, we don't want to hear. So why is there a war of words? Damn you Canada, we're the most powerful nation on earth and you're still better than us!
Here's my dollar for the first concrete block.
We know that signing on to the Kyoto agreement means you'll take certain actions to limit greenhouse emissions over the next 100 years. Everyone knows that Earth is becoming in pretty bad shape. Global warming is no longer a theory, it is a fact. Check out the island sized ice cubes floating out of the arctic regions. The US won't sign on because of money. They'd have to enforce clean air from all their factories etc. That would cost. They are, in fact, bringing 19 more coal fired poluting energy plants on line. Good enough for everyone else to clean up but not America. But don't tell them that.
Paul Celucci, and now David Wilkins, the US ambassadors, are doing their usual act of interfering in Canada's business by trying to pressure us into submission on softwood lumber. They refuse to live up to the NAFTA rules time after time. Why? Because lobbyists are working hard to keep their own lumber companies in profit, and that is causing a few thousand dollars to be added to every house built in the states. What they want is for Canada to agree to a lesser tarrif when there should be none at all.
Tucker Carlson of NBC is calling us a 'retarded cousin'. You remember bow-tied Tucker, he's the one that our Carolyn Parrish demolished in that TV interview when he told her that Norway could conquer us. (search Carolyn Parrish, this blog) Carolyn shot back that Norway doesn't WANT to conquer us, it is America that is going around the world pissing everyone off. John Stewart followed that up with an appearance where he pleaded with Carlson to be relevant and quit being a simple oaf!
The American media constantly brainwashes the American public on American policy, however, they refuse to acknowledge that any other country can have a policy. They are completely misinformed about other countries, Canada no exception. Right wing bone rack and media commentator, Ann Coulter, in a recent interview with a Canadian journalist, argued that Canada was in the Vietnam War. Because she wanted to be right, regardless of the truth. But don't tell her that.
We all know that people like Rush Limbaugh and Bill OReilly lambaste anyone and everyone who questions American policy, especially Canada. Now we even have senators espousing the 'fence across the border of America' idea, saying WE are the ones who let the 9 eleven terrorists into their country. I believe that nine of those terroists were on American VISAs at the time, and there is not one shred of evidence to show any one of them came through Canada. It's a long way from 'hands across the border' isn't it? And there is not a flying school in Canada that wouldn't call the RCMP if bearded wild-eyed men wanted to learn to fly a plane but not land one!
The fence wouldn't be enough, why not make it a concrete barrier like the Isrealis use to keep the Palestinians out? The beneficial side effect would be to keep Americans IN. Pat Buchanan once suggested it too, implying that Canadians all have leprosy and moderate views! Both catchy.
The right wing is of course in control of America and it is becoming a sinister situation. When one of their own ambassadors in Africa, implied that Bush was lying about Saddam looking for weapons there, they 'outed' a CIA agent themselves to get back at him! Using White House media puppet Robert Novak to do it! Why isn't HE charged with treasonous behavior? We all know now that Iraq was a lie, just don't tell those young men trying out real XBox weaponry. And recently, we have learned that America is secretly spying on their own people! Wire taps, email intercepts etc. All approved by George Bush.
Don't tell America anything, they just don't listen. Don't tell Canada anything either, we don't want to hear. So why is there a war of words? Damn you Canada, we're the most powerful nation on earth and you're still better than us!
Here's my dollar for the first concrete block.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
McDonald's boycott
I forgot to boycott McDonalds on December 3rd. I feel like I let down the two 10 year old boys who started the idea. So I'm boycotting McDonalds now, for the rest of the month actually ... no, maybe until March, 2006. Better. I never went there on Dec. 3rd anyway. In fact I never go there at all. Well maybe once in a while when I am far out of town on my motorcycle and I need something to fill the hole. Some of those nice 'meat sprayed' french fries. I like that they spray them with that secret meat spray by-product because then I don't have to buy their burgers. Who knows what those might be made of?
As a matter of fact, the idea of the boycott was started as a retaliation against the American handling of the softwood lumber deal, where we Canadians are being penalized so US lumber companies can improve their profits. I think I'll even take it further and boycott McDonalds until America gives us our 5 billion dollars back.
Say, for 10 year olds, these boys are pretty smart. And more gutsy than our federal politicians.
How old do you have to be to get elected to parliament?
As a matter of fact, the idea of the boycott was started as a retaliation against the American handling of the softwood lumber deal, where we Canadians are being penalized so US lumber companies can improve their profits. I think I'll even take it further and boycott McDonalds until America gives us our 5 billion dollars back.
Say, for 10 year olds, these boys are pretty smart. And more gutsy than our federal politicians.
How old do you have to be to get elected to parliament?
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Damaged US relationship?
US Ambasador to Canada, David Wilkins, (the Paul Celucci reincarnate) meddling as usual in Canadian affairs, has criticised Paul Martin for his comments about the ongoing softwood lumber dispute, and the Kyoto treaty, saying that Martin will damage the relationship with America.
Are the Americans afraid that their people building houses or REbuilding houses will find out that they are paying over a THOUSAND dollars more because of the American lobby to protect their own profits and keep Canadian lumber out?
Hmmm, considering that the US is ignoring every single ruling against them by NAFTA on softwood, and that they are starting 19 more coal fired energy plants in the largest poluting country in the world and refuse to join Kyoto to cut global warming emissions, and are getting prickly sensitive about it, couldn't we say that it is already damaged?
Are the Americans afraid that their people building houses or REbuilding houses will find out that they are paying over a THOUSAND dollars more because of the American lobby to protect their own profits and keep Canadian lumber out?
Hmmm, considering that the US is ignoring every single ruling against them by NAFTA on softwood, and that they are starting 19 more coal fired energy plants in the largest poluting country in the world and refuse to join Kyoto to cut global warming emissions, and are getting prickly sensitive about it, couldn't we say that it is already damaged?
Friday, December 02, 2005
Conspiracy theory ... 4 - Quebec
So the Canadian military decided to 'store' some armoured personel carriers. They were moving them from Ontario to Montreal. Hmmmmmmm. Montreal, Quebec that is.
The only reason this was discovered by police was the truck driver was confused and driving the wrong way. The trailer was carrying two M113 armoured personnel carriers bearing Department of National Defence licence plates and loaded with ground-to-ground missile launchers. "They're used against tanks and other armoured personnel carriers," said Canadian Forces spokesman Major Daryl Morrell.
Now, if we look at this incident with a suspicious mind, what do we see? The separatists in Quebec beginning to steal whatever they can from Canada, before their referendum. Quebeckers being in charge of most things like this in Canada, they can set about doing it in stealth.
Why don't I trust them? Because, on the evening of the LAST separation referendum, they sent out messages to all Canadian forces stations in Quebec, ordering that the forces on those bases, would have alegience to Quebec the following morning, NOT Canada!
I think we Canadians should watch this situation. This could be the start of the biggest theft ever of Canadian assets. Quebec wants to have everything it can when they start their new country, and the French Canadians now in charge of Canada, including Paul Martin etc etc et al, will aid and abet as secretly as they can.
Why would they want armoured personal carriers in the first place? Because once they separate, and lay claim to their territory, they are going to get one hell of a fight from the aboriginals who want NO part of a Quebec nation. Quebeckers are anticipating violence from their own indians. Amoured personel carriers with ground to ground missile launchers are EXACTLY what they'll need.
Worth watching for more 'incidents'? I believe so.
http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?pageID=cp_oddities_home&articleID=2109019
The only reason this was discovered by police was the truck driver was confused and driving the wrong way. The trailer was carrying two M113 armoured personnel carriers bearing Department of National Defence licence plates and loaded with ground-to-ground missile launchers. "They're used against tanks and other armoured personnel carriers," said Canadian Forces spokesman Major Daryl Morrell.
Now, if we look at this incident with a suspicious mind, what do we see? The separatists in Quebec beginning to steal whatever they can from Canada, before their referendum. Quebeckers being in charge of most things like this in Canada, they can set about doing it in stealth.
Why don't I trust them? Because, on the evening of the LAST separation referendum, they sent out messages to all Canadian forces stations in Quebec, ordering that the forces on those bases, would have alegience to Quebec the following morning, NOT Canada!
I think we Canadians should watch this situation. This could be the start of the biggest theft ever of Canadian assets. Quebec wants to have everything it can when they start their new country, and the French Canadians now in charge of Canada, including Paul Martin etc etc et al, will aid and abet as secretly as they can.
Why would they want armoured personal carriers in the first place? Because once they separate, and lay claim to their territory, they are going to get one hell of a fight from the aboriginals who want NO part of a Quebec nation. Quebeckers are anticipating violence from their own indians. Amoured personel carriers with ground to ground missile launchers are EXACTLY what they'll need.
Worth watching for more 'incidents'? I believe so.
http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?pageID=cp_oddities_home&articleID=2109019
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Election. Now the fun starts.
So we have an election. And there will be lots of things to make fun of coming from the candidates.
The first one out of the slot is Marc Garneau, Quebec's favourite space cadet. He is telling us to get over it, the sponsorship scandal is in the past, he says to forgive the bad Liberals and move on.
Hmm, I wonder if he'd go back into space if the mechanics on the shuttle had been caught cheating on the bolts and valves and those same mechanics were still working on the rockets?
Well Mr. Garneau, the same cheaters are still there within the corrupt Liberal party, some voters can't move on until they do. Mr Dithers was IN CHARGE of all that money that disappeared, telling us he knew nothing about it only points to his own stupidity and poor management.
And did you notice how quickly Mr Martin jumped on Mr Harpers comments on same sex marriage? It seems that it is not an issue, yet Harper brought it up. And Martin, clever as he is, jumped on it. You know the Liberals are going to try the same tactics they did last time, to put Harper on the defensive on these kinds of non issues and deflect a Conservative attack on their record of corruption.
Mr Harper made the mistake last time, of allowing the Liberals to set the tone of the campaign. Let's hope he makes a better fight of it this time.
Jack Layton nips and yelps at the others like a jackal following the lions, yet they have no interest because he wouldn't even make a decent meal. He simply is not a player.
Gilles Duceppe is preparing to become the leader of a new country. He has no interest in the rest of Canada, but we should be asking the other three leaders about Plan B when he leads Quebec out of confederation.
If this election run is going to be like others in the recent past, we'll just comfy down on our sofas and watch the Liberal media destroy Harper again.
Same old same old.
The first one out of the slot is Marc Garneau, Quebec's favourite space cadet. He is telling us to get over it, the sponsorship scandal is in the past, he says to forgive the bad Liberals and move on.
Hmm, I wonder if he'd go back into space if the mechanics on the shuttle had been caught cheating on the bolts and valves and those same mechanics were still working on the rockets?
Well Mr. Garneau, the same cheaters are still there within the corrupt Liberal party, some voters can't move on until they do. Mr Dithers was IN CHARGE of all that money that disappeared, telling us he knew nothing about it only points to his own stupidity and poor management.
And did you notice how quickly Mr Martin jumped on Mr Harpers comments on same sex marriage? It seems that it is not an issue, yet Harper brought it up. And Martin, clever as he is, jumped on it. You know the Liberals are going to try the same tactics they did last time, to put Harper on the defensive on these kinds of non issues and deflect a Conservative attack on their record of corruption.
Mr Harper made the mistake last time, of allowing the Liberals to set the tone of the campaign. Let's hope he makes a better fight of it this time.
Jack Layton nips and yelps at the others like a jackal following the lions, yet they have no interest because he wouldn't even make a decent meal. He simply is not a player.
Gilles Duceppe is preparing to become the leader of a new country. He has no interest in the rest of Canada, but we should be asking the other three leaders about Plan B when he leads Quebec out of confederation.
If this election run is going to be like others in the recent past, we'll just comfy down on our sofas and watch the Liberal media destroy Harper again.
Same old same old.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Larry Campbell on ice?
Keep your friends near but your enemies closer?
(Colour coded for clarity)
I think we have just seen a clever gambit by sneaky Gordon Campbell and sneakier Paul Martin. This is what happened; Gordon Campbell, head of the BC Liberals, who insists the BC Liberals have no connection with the federal Liberals, called up his pal, and mentor, Paul Martin and asked for a favour - get Larry Campbell out of the picture!
Larry Campbell was perceived to be too dangerous. He had a whopping 70 percent popularity rating when he gave up the Vancouver Mayor's chair. That position of Mayor of BC's largest city has often been a jumping off point for greater ambitions of Premier. Hence a huge threat to Gordon Campbell if Larry decided to run for the NDP party. He could have been the next premier.
Gordon said he needed to put Larry on ice, sort of like someone did to the NDP's Tom Berger a few years ago, make him a judge and get him out of the political loop. So Paul comes up with the idea of making Larry a senator. No better way to make anyone forgettable than a senator. Presto, threat removed.
Larry disappears into dusty senatorship, and Gordon continues selling off British Columbia.
We're not sure if even that will shut up Larry Campbell.
Can a senator still run for anything?
(Colour coded for clarity)
I think we have just seen a clever gambit by sneaky Gordon Campbell and sneakier Paul Martin. This is what happened; Gordon Campbell, head of the BC Liberals, who insists the BC Liberals have no connection with the federal Liberals, called up his pal, and mentor, Paul Martin and asked for a favour - get Larry Campbell out of the picture!
Larry Campbell was perceived to be too dangerous. He had a whopping 70 percent popularity rating when he gave up the Vancouver Mayor's chair. That position of Mayor of BC's largest city has often been a jumping off point for greater ambitions of Premier. Hence a huge threat to Gordon Campbell if Larry decided to run for the NDP party. He could have been the next premier.
Gordon said he needed to put Larry on ice, sort of like someone did to the NDP's Tom Berger a few years ago, make him a judge and get him out of the political loop. So Paul comes up with the idea of making Larry a senator. No better way to make anyone forgettable than a senator. Presto, threat removed.
Larry disappears into dusty senatorship, and Gordon continues selling off British Columbia.
We're not sure if even that will shut up Larry Campbell.
Can a senator still run for anything?
Monday, November 28, 2005
Christmas coming soon ...
Yes, just about one month away and I am drawing up my Christmas shopping list.
No, not the one where I list my choice of colour for the Maserati Quatroporte, or the wish for that new faster than lightning Toshiba laptop, not even the endless list of gifts under $100. that I would gracefully receive. I am drawing up the list of STORES that I might shop at.
You might have noticed last year, it kind of started, no more Merry Christmas in the display windows, it was changed to Happy Holidays. Why? Because these wise retailers, in their desire to get every dollar in the highest buying time of the year didn't want to OFFEND anyone. In their perception of what Christmas is all about, they seem to think that Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Shinto priests, medicine men and Shamans of all esoteric tribes will quit shopping at their chain stores if they dare have the words Merry Christmas on their windows or in their advertising. Macys in New York won't say it. The Bay in Vancouver didn't last year. I hope they rethink it this year. The Body Shop refuses to say Merry Christmas, as does snooty old Holt Refrew. Maybe they think they'll sell more head scarves to Muslims.
So who exactly ARE these retailers offending?

Tradition in North America at least, seems to point to Christians as the core of this buying spree built around December twenty-fifth. They are buying gifts to loved ones in celebrating the birth of Christ. Sure it has gotten out of the basic concept of a religious time of deep spirituality. Yet the spirit of love, acceptance, toleration, forgiveness, and brotherhood remains amid the feelings of well being at Christmas. We are all nicer people at Christmas.
Yes it is a buying spree. Yes it has become commercial. And you needn't go to church services or mass to celebrate a special time of year.
I know MY list of Christmas buying will be made around those who actually have the Christmas spirit instead of those who perceive some imagined offence at this time. Public Relations departments don't get it. Happy Holidays doesn't cut it. Xmas doesn't either. Merry Christmas does.
I am offended by those who are afraid to express it when they want my dollars.
Merry Christmas to all you who have tolerance, bah humbug to you who don't.
No, not the one where I list my choice of colour for the Maserati Quatroporte, or the wish for that new faster than lightning Toshiba laptop, not even the endless list of gifts under $100. that I would gracefully receive. I am drawing up the list of STORES that I might shop at.
You might have noticed last year, it kind of started, no more Merry Christmas in the display windows, it was changed to Happy Holidays. Why? Because these wise retailers, in their desire to get every dollar in the highest buying time of the year didn't want to OFFEND anyone. In their perception of what Christmas is all about, they seem to think that Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Shinto priests, medicine men and Shamans of all esoteric tribes will quit shopping at their chain stores if they dare have the words Merry Christmas on their windows or in their advertising. Macys in New York won't say it. The Bay in Vancouver didn't last year. I hope they rethink it this year. The Body Shop refuses to say Merry Christmas, as does snooty old Holt Refrew. Maybe they think they'll sell more head scarves to Muslims.
So who exactly ARE these retailers offending?

Tradition in North America at least, seems to point to Christians as the core of this buying spree built around December twenty-fifth. They are buying gifts to loved ones in celebrating the birth of Christ. Sure it has gotten out of the basic concept of a religious time of deep spirituality. Yet the spirit of love, acceptance, toleration, forgiveness, and brotherhood remains amid the feelings of well being at Christmas. We are all nicer people at Christmas.
Yes it is a buying spree. Yes it has become commercial. And you needn't go to church services or mass to celebrate a special time of year.
I know MY list of Christmas buying will be made around those who actually have the Christmas spirit instead of those who perceive some imagined offence at this time. Public Relations departments don't get it. Happy Holidays doesn't cut it. Xmas doesn't either. Merry Christmas does.
I am offended by those who are afraid to express it when they want my dollars.
Merry Christmas to all you who have tolerance, bah humbug to you who don't.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Olympic costs already 50% over budget
File this report under "I knew it would happen."
John Furlong, head guy of the coming Olympics announced that the games budget was already overspent ... it seems that when all these politicians, 'thinkers', power players, accountants, engineers, got together a few years ago, they called Home Depot to find out what a 2 x 4 piece of wood costs.
They might have been told a dollar. THEN they went ahead and planned everything based on that dollar! NOW, lo and behold, they are crying because the 2x4 doesn't still cost a dollar!
Furlong points out that the original estimate was in 2002 dollars and that between now and 2010, the Vancouver region has between $70 billion and $75 billion in construction projects on the go, putting immense pressure on labour and materials costs.
Hmmm. In all that forward thinking brain activity, didn't ANYONE suggest that the cost of that piece of wood wouldn't be the same in 2005? 2007? 2009?
One begins to believe that these 'organizers' are just plain stupid people ..... or ..... they knew it all along and told us one price of the games to win over public support.
Hmmm, wait a minute ... I just got it ... aren't the lying cheating deceiving Gordon Campbell Liberals involved in here somewhere?
See the light bulb over my head?
http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/stories/headlines.shtml?/story/olympics/national/2005/11/25/Sports/vancouver051125.html
John Furlong, head guy of the coming Olympics announced that the games budget was already overspent ... it seems that when all these politicians, 'thinkers', power players, accountants, engineers, got together a few years ago, they called Home Depot to find out what a 2 x 4 piece of wood costs.
They might have been told a dollar. THEN they went ahead and planned everything based on that dollar! NOW, lo and behold, they are crying because the 2x4 doesn't still cost a dollar!
Furlong points out that the original estimate was in 2002 dollars and that between now and 2010, the Vancouver region has between $70 billion and $75 billion in construction projects on the go, putting immense pressure on labour and materials costs.
Hmmm. In all that forward thinking brain activity, didn't ANYONE suggest that the cost of that piece of wood wouldn't be the same in 2005? 2007? 2009?
One begins to believe that these 'organizers' are just plain stupid people ..... or ..... they knew it all along and told us one price of the games to win over public support.
Hmmm, wait a minute ... I just got it ... aren't the lying cheating deceiving Gordon Campbell Liberals involved in here somewhere?
See the light bulb over my head?
http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/stories/headlines.shtml?/story/olympics/national/2005/11/25/Sports/vancouver051125.html
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Debra LaFave teacher sex
Florida middle school teacher Debra LaFave has been sentenced to a three year house arrest for having sex with a 14 year old student in her car, home and classroom.
Debra - ba-a-ad teacher. tsk tsk.

I wonder if I can apply to have my house as the venue in which she serves her house arrest sentence?
Debra - ba-a-ad teacher. tsk tsk.

I wonder if I can apply to have my house as the venue in which she serves her house arrest sentence?
Power of the public
Rapper 50 Cent is supposed to come to Canada for a tour of several cities. He advocates gun violence. There was a shooting during his performance the last time he played Toronto, which is currently plagued by gun violence.
And as most rappers do, he advocates guns, drugs and violence in general, demeans women in general, and is generally bad news for vulnerable children listening to a twisted message against society.
One person has suggested the public to do an action that they did with Axl Rose in some cities in the states. (Axl Rose suggests killing cops in his songs.)
That action is to call in bomb threats to all the venues where these hate message people play.
The police must respond and clear the building. (I think they delighted in doing that with Axl)
I am not suggesting anyone do such a thing, but it does demonstrate the power that the public has to put these hate message bearers out of business. How many times would a building have to be cleared before the promoters got the hint that these people are not welcome to tour in Canada and spread their hateful diatribe?
And all the movie theaters today have about 6 movies running at the same time, if you have to clear out the theater for a 50 Cent movie, you have to clear out the rest of the theaters too. Would the producers of all those other movies tolerate 50 Cent movies being in the same theaters as theirs? Cutting out their profits? Producers don't want to die trying to get rich, they just want to get rich.
'Fiddy' needs a ministerial permit to enter Canada because of his criminal record. Why would we want his kind of people here? I hope they don't give it to him.
But the law abiding, respectable public does have the power to put him out of business.
Even at 50 cents his tickets should be overpriced.
http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?pageID=canada_home&articleID=2097695
and a little more common, 9 Millimeter Ruger
16 shots, hollow points will go through ya
and this? this here? this is a 12 gauge Mossburg kid,
two shots and you can wet like half a block
this shit here gets my dick hard,
it's a Calicko, it holds a Hundred shots
if you can't kill your beef with this you need to stop
c'mon, pick somethin' now nigga, you know it's hot
- - - fifty cent
ETC ETC
And as most rappers do, he advocates guns, drugs and violence in general, demeans women in general, and is generally bad news for vulnerable children listening to a twisted message against society.
One person has suggested the public to do an action that they did with Axl Rose in some cities in the states. (Axl Rose suggests killing cops in his songs.)
That action is to call in bomb threats to all the venues where these hate message people play.
The police must respond and clear the building. (I think they delighted in doing that with Axl)
I am not suggesting anyone do such a thing, but it does demonstrate the power that the public has to put these hate message bearers out of business. How many times would a building have to be cleared before the promoters got the hint that these people are not welcome to tour in Canada and spread their hateful diatribe?
And all the movie theaters today have about 6 movies running at the same time, if you have to clear out the theater for a 50 Cent movie, you have to clear out the rest of the theaters too. Would the producers of all those other movies tolerate 50 Cent movies being in the same theaters as theirs? Cutting out their profits? Producers don't want to die trying to get rich, they just want to get rich.
'Fiddy' needs a ministerial permit to enter Canada because of his criminal record. Why would we want his kind of people here? I hope they don't give it to him.
But the law abiding, respectable public does have the power to put him out of business.
Even at 50 cents his tickets should be overpriced.
http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?pageID=canada_home&articleID=2097695
and a little more common, 9 Millimeter Ruger
16 shots, hollow points will go through ya
and this? this here? this is a 12 gauge Mossburg kid,
two shots and you can wet like half a block
this shit here gets my dick hard,
it's a Calicko, it holds a Hundred shots
if you can't kill your beef with this you need to stop
c'mon, pick somethin' now nigga, you know it's hot
- - - fifty cent
ETC ETC
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Carol James is the bad guy (girl)
Did you notice how the Liberals are spinning Carol James' action of backing off from the pay raise the sneaky MLAs brought in? They are making HER the bad guy, calling HER the bad leader, and it's obvious that they are just pissed off that they didn't get their stealth money.
No concern whatsoever for the screaming public voice at all. Like they don't even REALISE what the furor is about!
Typical Liberal arrogance.
No concern whatsoever for the screaming public voice at all. Like they don't even REALISE what the furor is about!
Typical Liberal arrogance.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
proof of Liberal collusion in the media
If there wasn't Liberal collusion in the media, we would have clips playing every five minutes of Premier Campbell standing up and saying, "We are going to have open government." A phrase he constantly repeated while running for the Liberals to govern our province. Some dupes believed him.
Gordon Campbell has now gone to the opposite extreme; secret government.
And one must fault the NDP in with this sneaky secrecy and deception. Together the greedy MLAs got together in the back room and voted themselves a fifteen percent raise in pay, when thousands of British Columbians are struggling to make ends meet. Union and non union. When Gordon tells us all that the economy is strong, he doesn't mean for you and I, he means for his big business buddies.
There is a public outcry to MLA offices. The people of the province are furious, they are expressing their anger every way they can, on the web in chat forums, to phone in radio shows, but do we see it in the press or television? No.
Why? Because the federal Liberals have most newspapers, even community newspapers, and TV stations in their pockets. The only newspaper the public has left is the Georgia Straight, the one Gordon Campbell tried to shut down.
Gordon Campbell and Carol James betrayed the people of BC. They KNEW they were doing it. They KNEW it was sneaky. They did it anyway. Without a single dissenting voice from one Liberal or NDP MLA anywhere! Without one leaked message to the media.
Once again, I hear a cry from the dark wilderness, where is the Social Credit party when we need them?
What a mess!
Gordon Campbell has now gone to the opposite extreme; secret government.
And one must fault the NDP in with this sneaky secrecy and deception. Together the greedy MLAs got together in the back room and voted themselves a fifteen percent raise in pay, when thousands of British Columbians are struggling to make ends meet. Union and non union. When Gordon tells us all that the economy is strong, he doesn't mean for you and I, he means for his big business buddies.
There is a public outcry to MLA offices. The people of the province are furious, they are expressing their anger every way they can, on the web in chat forums, to phone in radio shows, but do we see it in the press or television? No.
Why? Because the federal Liberals have most newspapers, even community newspapers, and TV stations in their pockets. The only newspaper the public has left is the Georgia Straight, the one Gordon Campbell tried to shut down.
Gordon Campbell and Carol James betrayed the people of BC. They KNEW they were doing it. They KNEW it was sneaky. They did it anyway. Without a single dissenting voice from one Liberal or NDP MLA anywhere! Without one leaked message to the media.
Once again, I hear a cry from the dark wilderness, where is the Social Credit party when we need them?
What a mess!
Friday, November 18, 2005
A little fun ....
The original Numa Numa guy, Gary Brolsma ...
http://www.guzer.com/videos/numa_numa.php
This guy can't stop laughing at the second person who speaks ...
http://www.break.com/articles/holditin.html
http://www.guzer.com/videos/numa_numa.php
This guy can't stop laughing at the second person who speaks ...
http://www.break.com/articles/holditin.html
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Liberals' "business first" policy
If there was ever a case showing how putting business ahead of people by the present Gordon Campbell government hurts, it is the tragic death of little Sherry Charlie. Mr Campbell cut funding to many agencies that helped the people in our society who need it.
We saw old folks split up and their community hospitals closed. We know Mr. Campbell has the reputation for hating women. And now he should hang his head in shame and resign because his policies have resulted in harm coming to children too.
I wonder how the tax cuts to business are going?
Well, whatever, as long as the foreign economy within our province is strong, that is what Gordon Campbell really cares about. Too bad.

Goodbye sweet little Sherry Charlie, too bad you were a female, a native indian BCer, and poor. Too bad you didn't have a chance at life.
Too bad you didn't even make it to your 2nd birthday.
Oh, I forgot. Today the MLAs, in secrecy, voted themselves a 15% raise in pay. Does anyone else feel sick like I do?
We saw old folks split up and their community hospitals closed. We know Mr. Campbell has the reputation for hating women. And now he should hang his head in shame and resign because his policies have resulted in harm coming to children too.
I wonder how the tax cuts to business are going?
Well, whatever, as long as the foreign economy within our province is strong, that is what Gordon Campbell really cares about. Too bad.

Goodbye sweet little Sherry Charlie, too bad you were a female, a native indian BCer, and poor. Too bad you didn't have a chance at life.
Too bad you didn't even make it to your 2nd birthday.
Oh, I forgot. Today the MLAs, in secrecy, voted themselves a 15% raise in pay. Does anyone else feel sick like I do?
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