Friday, December 24, 2004
Idiocy In Newfoundland
I wasn't going to say anything about this, but it just irks me too much. Our Premier, Mr Williams is attempting to get PM Martin to stick to his election promise regarding equalization clawbacks. All well and good, however in his latest misguided attempt he has ordered all Canadian flags taken down. As a proud Canadian citizen I cannot support this. It is my right to display my National emblem and I will continue to do so, with or without anyone elses permission
Saturday, December 04, 2004
The Greatest Canadian
Last week after a long campaign and documentaries on CBC of the 50 greatest Canadians the vote was finally tallied. And the winner was.... Tommy Douglas.
Douglas is virtually unknown outside Canada, and the decision is even more outstanding as few of the younger generation have ever heard of him either. But his campaign was brilliant, using a Much Music VJ as his presenter.
Born in Scotland, he grew up in Manitoba before becoming a Baptist minister in Saskatchewan at the beginning of the Great Depression. His political career began as an advocate for local farmers in Saskatchewan.
Douglas moved on to provincial politics with the CCF party a Labour party in western Canada, and later in Federal politics,he was the first leader of the NDP (New Democratic Party) At the time Douglas was considered a radical , and sometimes termed a communist, however many of the causes he championed are the most cherished rights of Canadians today
Douglas is virtually unknown outside Canada, and the decision is even more outstanding as few of the younger generation have ever heard of him either. But his campaign was brilliant, using a Much Music VJ as his presenter.
Born in Scotland, he grew up in Manitoba before becoming a Baptist minister in Saskatchewan at the beginning of the Great Depression. His political career began as an advocate for local farmers in Saskatchewan.
Douglas moved on to provincial politics with the CCF party a Labour party in western Canada, and later in Federal politics,he was the first leader of the NDP (New Democratic Party) At the time Douglas was considered a radical , and sometimes termed a communist, however many of the causes he championed are the most cherished rights of Canadians today
Mr Bush's Visit To Canada
Well, that was very interesting in a kind of surreal way. No great surprises, but at least he acknowledged our right to disagree with aspects of US forgein policy. It was very nice of him to finally thank Canadians generally and those areas in particular who did so much to help out with the influx of stranded passengers immediatly following the Sept 11th attacks.
His pleas for us to support the war in Iraq and the US missle defence innitiative of course fell on deaf ears. He made two extremely humourous remarks while he was here, the first being the "Jean Poutine" remark and the second being the one when he thanks the people who were waving all 5 fingers at him.
All in all a successful trip, in that the US president came to Canada inorder to mend fences with its closest friend and neighbour. Now he just has to work on the rest of the world
His pleas for us to support the war in Iraq and the US missle defence innitiative of course fell on deaf ears. He made two extremely humourous remarks while he was here, the first being the "Jean Poutine" remark and the second being the one when he thanks the people who were waving all 5 fingers at him.
All in all a successful trip, in that the US president came to Canada inorder to mend fences with its closest friend and neighbour. Now he just has to work on the rest of the world
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Fairness in Eastern Canada
Well it has come to pass, The issue of fairness has finally raised its ugly head in Eastern Canada. This resource rich region has been getting the dirty end of the stick for so long it knows no different. Newfoundland has a plethora of natural resources oil,natural gas, ore, water, hydro capability and wood. However we reap very little of the profits from these riches, instead we remain dependent on handouts from Ottawa, and it seems thats the way successive Federal Governments want to keep it. Indeed most Newfoundland premiers have done little to improve our deal with the Feds.
Now we find ourselves in a unique position. You see we had a Federal Election here and our provincial government, led by the odious, but particularly hard nosed Danny Williams was able to wring a promise from each of the candidates for us to keep 100% of the revenues from oil exported from here (Currently most of these profits are clawed back by Ottawa's equalization formula) Not surprisingly once the election was over the PM attempted to weasel out of the deal. The problem came with the fact that We ended up with a minority government. Newfoundland was able to line up considerable support from other premiers AND some of the other federal parties. Now Nova Scotia is looking for a similar deal. The two provinces have refused to be divided, and Ottawa is running out of options, it appears that twp of Canada's 'Have Not" provinces may soon be changing their stripes
Now we find ourselves in a unique position. You see we had a Federal Election here and our provincial government, led by the odious, but particularly hard nosed Danny Williams was able to wring a promise from each of the candidates for us to keep 100% of the revenues from oil exported from here (Currently most of these profits are clawed back by Ottawa's equalization formula) Not surprisingly once the election was over the PM attempted to weasel out of the deal. The problem came with the fact that We ended up with a minority government. Newfoundland was able to line up considerable support from other premiers AND some of the other federal parties. Now Nova Scotia is looking for a similar deal. The two provinces have refused to be divided, and Ottawa is running out of options, it appears that twp of Canada's 'Have Not" provinces may soon be changing their stripes
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Our Neighbours
Well its official. The USA has elected George Bush for a second term, or a first, depending on your point of view. What brings Americans to vote for a man such as Bush? His policies have virtually left the America alone in the world. What could bring the majority of American voters to believe that a man of obvious negativity could lead them out of the morass that his policies have led them into.
Bush governs by creating a a climate of fear. He and his administration convince Americans that everyone outside of the US is there enemy, and many inside. If you are not a Bush supporter, you are a traitor.
America was cruelly attacked on 9/11 It reacted swiftly and strongly gaining the admiration of many worldwide by tackling terrorism head on. Then the sudden Iraq insanity occured and the world stood amazed as it watched the worlds most powerful nation go down this dark path. Many began to think of the USA as a dangerous and out of control giant with a megloaniac as its leader.
Bush's adversary John Kerry, campagined to rebuild worldwide trust in America, and was rejected. Does America really believe that they are an island, so to speak? Or do they feel that they can force all the world around to their point of view?
Whatever the reason the US has doomed itself to isolationism and to the death of thousands more of its citizens for no logical reason that I can see.
Bush governs by creating a a climate of fear. He and his administration convince Americans that everyone outside of the US is there enemy, and many inside. If you are not a Bush supporter, you are a traitor.
America was cruelly attacked on 9/11 It reacted swiftly and strongly gaining the admiration of many worldwide by tackling terrorism head on. Then the sudden Iraq insanity occured and the world stood amazed as it watched the worlds most powerful nation go down this dark path. Many began to think of the USA as a dangerous and out of control giant with a megloaniac as its leader.
Bush's adversary John Kerry, campagined to rebuild worldwide trust in America, and was rejected. Does America really believe that they are an island, so to speak? Or do they feel that they can force all the world around to their point of view?
Whatever the reason the US has doomed itself to isolationism and to the death of thousands more of its citizens for no logical reason that I can see.
Monday, October 18, 2004
Ladder 49
First let me say that Ladder 49 is not a great movie, But it isn't bad. The performances are less then lauditory (Although I thought Robert Patrick ideal in his role as Lenny the vetern firefighter whose a bit of a shit but great at what he does) The plot sometimes slips into the maudlin.But that having been said I think I should state that in terms of what its like to be a firefighter (and I am qualified to say, being a professional firefighter myself) it is lightyears ahead of Backdraft.
The movie gives a fair overview of what its like to be a career firefighter in an urban enviroment, and while it does shed little light on what motivates these men, other then brotherhood it does do a fair job of showing the fears and difficulties of a career in firefighting, both for the firefighters and their families' Its certainly much closer to reality the Backdraft was. A bit too noble perhaps. I quite enjoyed it myself. It was obviously filmed in a real station.
If this sort of thing sounds interesting to you, you may enjoy Ladder 49. If your looking for mindless action with lots of explosions your bound to be disappointed.
The movie gives a fair overview of what its like to be a career firefighter in an urban enviroment, and while it does shed little light on what motivates these men, other then brotherhood it does do a fair job of showing the fears and difficulties of a career in firefighting, both for the firefighters and their families' Its certainly much closer to reality the Backdraft was. A bit too noble perhaps. I quite enjoyed it myself. It was obviously filmed in a real station.
If this sort of thing sounds interesting to you, you may enjoy Ladder 49. If your looking for mindless action with lots of explosions your bound to be disappointed.
The Technology Gap
A gap is widening in our population. Its not so much an age gap as it is one of those who fear new innovations in technology and those who do not. This void is widening all the time. As those who fear or a suspicious of technology refuse to take the first steps into the technology age, those of us who have embraced it continue to move ahead.
I know people (mostly older) Who refuse to use ATM machines. And others, some younger then I who have no interest in computers or the INTERNET. The sheer convenience of cell phones pass some people by because they fear what they do not understand.
For those who have moved into the computer generation groups like AOL feed on some peoples fear of the unknown. Limiting their access in the name of "safety" Fear of what is new is in itself nothing new. But the speed with which it advances is now faster then ever.
As new technology develops these technophobes will be left out of an increasingly large segment of our society. Even now it is virtually impossible for a child in school to do their homework without access to the INTERNET, most daily transactions can now be accomplished from the comfort of your own home. As larger and larger segments of our population being to take advantage of these conveniences. The simple act of going to the bank to withdraw money or pay a bill, even ordering services will become a thing of the past.
I know people (mostly older) Who refuse to use ATM machines. And others, some younger then I who have no interest in computers or the INTERNET. The sheer convenience of cell phones pass some people by because they fear what they do not understand.
For those who have moved into the computer generation groups like AOL feed on some peoples fear of the unknown. Limiting their access in the name of "safety" Fear of what is new is in itself nothing new. But the speed with which it advances is now faster then ever.
As new technology develops these technophobes will be left out of an increasingly large segment of our society. Even now it is virtually impossible for a child in school to do their homework without access to the INTERNET, most daily transactions can now be accomplished from the comfort of your own home. As larger and larger segments of our population being to take advantage of these conveniences. The simple act of going to the bank to withdraw money or pay a bill, even ordering services will become a thing of the past.
Sunday, October 17, 2004
A Discussion About Winning
As promised I intend to post on a wide variety of topics. Here is another of my interests. Football. My longtime favourite NFL team the New England Patriots has just extended its record for consecutive wins to 20. The former record was 18 held by 5 different teams.
Now the fact is, that this is an even more remarkable achievement because of the rules in place to ensure parity in Football. They work, and as such keep any team from becoming significantly stronger then the rest.
You see the Pats, winners of 2 Superbowls in the past 3 years really aren't better then their competition, at least on record. There are no superstars in New England, no Payton Manning's, no Michael Vick's, just a bunch of football players, playing their hearts out. In fact if you look at the statistics so far this year, no one on New England is even near the top in any category.
So whats their secret? I believe it is the players faith in their coaching staff. Bill Belichick has convinced them that if they play at their best, and follow the game plan, on any given Sunday they can beat any other team.
The inevitability of a winning streak is that it must eventually come to an end. That could have happened this week. Seattle is quite good, and it may well happen next week when they play the 5-0 Jets.
But in the long run it doesn't matter. The fact is, at this moment the Patriots ARE the best team in football. And not a star amongst them.
Now the fact is, that this is an even more remarkable achievement because of the rules in place to ensure parity in Football. They work, and as such keep any team from becoming significantly stronger then the rest.
You see the Pats, winners of 2 Superbowls in the past 3 years really aren't better then their competition, at least on record. There are no superstars in New England, no Payton Manning's, no Michael Vick's, just a bunch of football players, playing their hearts out. In fact if you look at the statistics so far this year, no one on New England is even near the top in any category.
So whats their secret? I believe it is the players faith in their coaching staff. Bill Belichick has convinced them that if they play at their best, and follow the game plan, on any given Sunday they can beat any other team.
The inevitability of a winning streak is that it must eventually come to an end. That could have happened this week. Seattle is quite good, and it may well happen next week when they play the 5-0 Jets.
But in the long run it doesn't matter. The fact is, at this moment the Patriots ARE the best team in football. And not a star amongst them.
Saturday, October 16, 2004
The Myth of the Modern Day Hero
I work in a profession that is often praised and sometimes maligned. After Sept. 11 suddenly world wide we became heroes.
I've always been somewhat uncomfortable with that appellation . You see, I don't know any heroes. Most of the firefighters that I know are dedicated professionals. They are for the most part common working men, few are university educated, although firefighters with degrees are becoming less rare. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and our ability to cope in stressful situations.
There is, in my opinion something that sets us apart from most people. Not everyone, regardless of their bravery can be a successful firefighter. The difference is rather unnoticeable, until the occasion arises. We don't panic, we have the ability to keep our heads when others loose them so to speak.
The overly heroic John Wayne type seldom lasts in our profession. They are not team players, and firefighters cannot survive without working as a team.
We are also imbued with the most horrible sense of gallows humour. Things you would think ghastly to even contemplate are the subject of the most tasteless humour amongst the brethren.
More on this later......
I've always been somewhat uncomfortable with that appellation . You see, I don't know any heroes. Most of the firefighters that I know are dedicated professionals. They are for the most part common working men, few are university educated, although firefighters with degrees are becoming less rare. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and our ability to cope in stressful situations.
There is, in my opinion something that sets us apart from most people. Not everyone, regardless of their bravery can be a successful firefighter. The difference is rather unnoticeable, until the occasion arises. We don't panic, we have the ability to keep our heads when others loose them so to speak.
The overly heroic John Wayne type seldom lasts in our profession. They are not team players, and firefighters cannot survive without working as a team.
We are also imbued with the most horrible sense of gallows humour. Things you would think ghastly to even contemplate are the subject of the most tasteless humour amongst the brethren.
More on this later......
My Michael Moore Rant
Michael Moore is a very vocal (dare I say strident) opposer of the Bush administration. He has taken a rather novel approach of producing an anti-Bush documentary during an election year. He has also used artistic license to a certain degree to make his points. This kind of blurs the edges, is it news? Is it art? Is it Entertainment? I have read some reviews that say that as a piece of art this is Moore's best film yet. I tend to agree, it is powerful in places.
Now, here comes the interesting part. How does Bush and Co. defend against this unprecedented attack? Well they certainly can't refute most of his claims, they are true! What to do, what to do?
I've got it, good old fashioned character assassination. Not that old George will be out cursing a blue streak against Moore himself, no he’s got plenty of conservative pundits to do that for him. TV papers and INTERNET. It’s quite repetitive,
He's a Liar!
He's anti-American!
He's in league with Satan!
He's a filthy Red!
He's Fat!
He's Ugly!
Well you get the picture. Now this is a double edged sword, it takes the public's mind off the allegations, but keeps Moore, and his movie in the spotlight.
Some Bush supporter thought he'd come up with a way to deny Moore an Oscar nomination just the other night, seems he discovered a bootleg copy was shown on Cuban TV. See! See! We can deprive him an Oscar! But no it turns out Moore has no control over bootlegs.
I have to say whether you agree with all his assertions or not Moore has been much more effective against Bush then the Democrats have been so far in this race.
Now, here comes the interesting part. How does Bush and Co. defend against this unprecedented attack? Well they certainly can't refute most of his claims, they are true! What to do, what to do?
I've got it, good old fashioned character assassination. Not that old George will be out cursing a blue streak against Moore himself, no he’s got plenty of conservative pundits to do that for him. TV papers and INTERNET. It’s quite repetitive,
He's a Liar!
He's anti-American!
He's in league with Satan!
He's a filthy Red!
He's Fat!
He's Ugly!
Well you get the picture. Now this is a double edged sword, it takes the public's mind off the allegations, but keeps Moore, and his movie in the spotlight.
Some Bush supporter thought he'd come up with a way to deny Moore an Oscar nomination just the other night, seems he discovered a bootleg copy was shown on Cuban TV. See! See! We can deprive him an Oscar! But no it turns out Moore has no control over bootlegs.
I have to say whether you agree with all his assertions or not Moore has been much more effective against Bush then the Democrats have been so far in this race.
A National Tragedy
All over Canada men are in a funk tonite. Its a Saturday night, in late fall and there is no hockey on TV. What can one do with a whole evening without their National Sport. A player lockout has resulted in the loss of the one thing that matters more to a Canadian then the % of alcohol in their beer.
Men are taking desperate measures to fill their time Some are rummaging through their backyard looking for unturned stones Others stand in their driveways holding shovels, faces turned expectantly towards the sky, waiting for that first flake of snow. Some have even sunk so low they are actually watching Baseball playoffs! Worst of all some traitors have resorted to snuggling up on the couch with their significant others watching a chick flick!
My father has taken to going to bed at 8 pm on Saturday nights so as not to have to witness this travesty Where will it end? Is this kaput for all that is sacred in the Canadian psyche?
Men are taking desperate measures to fill their time Some are rummaging through their backyard looking for unturned stones Others stand in their driveways holding shovels, faces turned expectantly towards the sky, waiting for that first flake of snow. Some have even sunk so low they are actually watching Baseball playoffs! Worst of all some traitors have resorted to snuggling up on the couch with their significant others watching a chick flick!
My father has taken to going to bed at 8 pm on Saturday nights so as not to have to witness this travesty Where will it end? Is this kaput for all that is sacred in the Canadian psyche?
My New Blog
This is my new Blog, I'm going to try and update it as often as possible with new info and observations about my personal life and the world in general
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