Hardboiled

for awhile

2008-03-27T17:53:00.002-07:00

I have not posted. This has not been laziness - just a reflection that the more I engage and comment upon the world I see has not been particularly useful. At least for me.

Stating the obvious has left me somewhat in schadenfreude - or at least, seeing the inevitable results of our common condition - deflated.

My energies will be directed towards another form of creation. Whether a better pullshot or as a better hucker, I can't say.

Maybe in the creation of fiction, something will emerge.

Peace.

CO2 is not pollution

2008-03-11T17:44:00.003-07:00

This is.

And while the 'global warming' crowd becomes the 'climate change' crowd (because the warming models are failing), we may have to deal with a future that constrains the use of mood altering drugs - due to the attendant pollution and environmental impact they cause.

Bad news for all of the zombies - they'll be without their 400mg ready made victim enhancer.

Sticking near the Russian border

2008-03-11T17:42:00.002-07:00

Here is an interesting journal from a gal who rides through Chernobyl, and is kind enough to share the ride.

Brrr

2008-03-09T11:17:00.001-07:00

A cool site: check it out

As Conservative as a Liberal

2008-03-07T15:24:00.007-07:00

Despite all of the bull that the CPC has put out on the concept of personal freedom and responsibility (eg.: a non-intrusive nanny-state, ala conservative policy), it's a shame to see the health minister Tony Clement, waste $64 million on a drug policy that is mainly mis-information , while pandering to big pharma.

Worse, his article in the National Post establishing the reasons for the policy include the ever-so-liberal statement: "In the absence of clear advice from government, young people often receive their information from the worst sources:....."

Curiously, no parents, teachers, or responsible peers exist in this world of government.

This is how national policy gets made: by pandering to votes from a bunch of passing puritans from the 905.

Way to go Ontario - you set the national agenda. Again. And again.

And please government, give me a clear message so I'll know what to type next. I am so very lost without you.

Lucky Seven

2008-03-05T21:36:00.003-07:00

Seems the feds only like to prosecute natives when it cuts into their action.

Unlike Caledonia and illegal smoke sellers, these casinos pull in the big change.

Who Knew?

2008-02-25T21:52:00.005-07:00

In the coolest piece of musical trivia I have heard in years, I now know where Lieutenant Lush ended up.

For some context, Malcolm McLaren, the mind behind the Sex Pistols, Adam Ant, (Vicious),and a host of punk and post punk music efforts, 'discovered' a 14 year old singer at a dry cleaners in London.

Convinced youth and energy were at the heart of rock n' roll, McLaren launched the band, called Bow Wow Wow. The album and tour had a pretty fluid song list, yet backed into the Top 50 on US charts with "I Want Candy", a cover song.

The original lineup of Bow Wow Wow had another singer: Lieutenant Lush, whose presence was seen as too distracting from the 14 year old phenom Annabella Lwin.

Hustled out of the band as they broke out, Lt. Lush went on to form a band who went on to sell far more records than Bow ever hoped to.

That Lieutenant became Boy George, of Culture Club.

Conservative Grease

2008-02-21T16:26:00.003-07:00

The Librano's seem to have taken over the Conservatives, if not in name, at least in spirit.

800 of them to be precise.

Way to go PMSH. Fill those holes with grease...thank heavens things are being done differently now...

Sploosh!

Healthcare

2008-02-21T12:47:00.003-07:00

Given the usual 'man left in hospital hallway for 3 days' stories, Britain has been using ambulances to stow patients - to avoid triggering wait time guarantees. Sound familiar? Here is a good rundown.

This will never surprise me.

Because price is the only signal that permits a market mechanism to work.

In a price controlled, service rationed environ, there is no signal to expand or contract supply.
Combine this with two immutable truths: people are rational economic beings who operate in their own best interests, and, blind adherence to ideology kills people.

And that ideology will always lead to this very outcome.

The puss-i-fication of Canada began as the victim culture expanded to include everyone being a victim of circumstance beyond their control. Whether apologizing to aggrieved persons for things that happened decades, or centuries ago, this action reinforces the notion that we are not personally responsible for our own selves.

Thus...'please government! make it better for me!' expands into every corner of our lives, reducing choice, limiting personal growth, and denying the individual self determination by using choice.

Politicians get along with this perfectly well, because it is on their own self interest to have dependants, and expanding budgets. Little they do is aligned to improve the nation or its' people - their actions are to build a new (dependant) constituency.

Because, at it's bottom, a politician without a budget is nothing.

It ain't the Cons, Libs, or Moonbats that will save and inspire a nation. It is its' people. And ours have been fed the pablum for decades. We are doomed to mediocrity, and to remain an indecisive socialist backwater forever more.
Despite the platitudes and bull that comes from politicians, they'll screw you in a heartbeat if it is in their self interest.

Give up hope. Canada is cooked. And as your aging, loved ones get substandard - even criminally negligent care - take comfort in your heart that the single payor will not change, except for those wealthy enough to make it happen.

Whether the Friends of CBC, the Friends of Medicare, and the countless leftists working diligently in the regional health boards, city halls, and school boards, these ghouls will ensure your freedom is diminished, your hopes dashed, and the system will tithe itself enough cash to stay viable, and maintain continuity. Because, these people have nowhere else to go, they are the tape worm within the animal.

Whether health, multi-culturalism, post secondary education, civil service, etc., we have paid the price for emulating the 19th century English post industrial revolution doctrine of the left. A communism cloaked in egality.

The ultimate price paid by a nation that did not seek and achieve a revolution. And we will forever pay for not declaring ourselves a 'free' people. Think of that next time you pay fealty to our foreign monarch.

Sucker.

A Spring Election?

2008-02-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

More speculation in the press than ever on a spring election, and I've been asked what I think.

It won't happen.

Dion's emasculated, but the Tories are running on empty. No legislative agenda, nothing. Just billions getting poured out to well-connected business, some very marginal tax cuts (despite billions in surplus - and billions to come), a muddled and dumbed down environmental plan that completely accepts anthropogenic climate change, and more than $1.5 billion in program spending on biofuels - an energy form that increase emissions, and will transfer fuel price volatility into the food sector.

Now, the Libranos were/are crap in policy. Mainly of the victim culture/make a dependent vein.

How exactly does the CPC agenda differ? If it were Libranos in government versus the Tories during the past two years: the answer is none.

With the sole exception of Afghanistan and the Wheat Board, nothing is much different...whoop...sorry - even those remain the very same.

On the other side, even the Libranos could not have pulled off the national child care policy - that was too wonky even for them.

But after all, nothing is really different after 2 years of our kleptocrats versus their kleptocrats. And the longer it goes, the more Flaherty Contracting Practices will emerge.

Nope - the only thing that will trigger an election will be the Librano's desire to get rid of Citoyen Dion - and this budget will likely be mush - nothing to jump through the hoop for.

Name Calling

2008-02-10T21:41:00.001-07:00

An active and ongoing debate clings to issues like freedom of speech. The arguments on either side are of the 'you're either for us or agin' us' type.

This is a look into the guts of it all.

Definitive

2008-02-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

Some songs are written and sung, only to be far better known by a cover version.

Written in 1930 by a man whose life was far too brief, 'Blue Yodel #8' was a hit in 1939, and sung by everyone from Merle Haggard & Woodie Guthrie, to Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.

But this one single version has defined how every artist has approached it since the it was recorded.

There's a reason why Porter grabbed on to this lady, and didn't let go until the police were called.

Climbing The Shit Rope

2008-02-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

Liberal MP Robert Thibault (West Nova, N.S.) sits on the Ethics Committee, was asked by The Hill Times about Pablo Rodriguez' honesty.

The story here is not politicians lying: honesty is hardly expected from people whose ambition exceeds their talent.

The interesting part is from Thibault, in response to a question about Pablo: "I can´t see what he´d apologize for. I get suggestions from many sources on questions to ask. At the end of the day, the decision is up to the members of which question to ask, but many members of the media have given me questions, some in writing, some verbally suggested."

So, this genius can't be bothered to understand the topic in front of the Committee, and figure out what he might want to ask?

How long has special interest been feeding the Parlimentary process? And who are they?

Maybe it's really seen as nothing - because all politicians get fed by someone...

On the Road to Irrelevance

2008-02-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

Not content to be a simple advocate, Suzuki comes forward to demonstrate how little he really matters.

While I agree with alot of his points - his words reflect a deep misunderstanding of mankind itself. And his appeal to a utopian vision of humans and bunny rabbits playing peacefully in a pristine forest, is simply misanthropic.

Above all, it seems like sweeping commentary - across sociology, ecology, pschycology, and economics - from a guy who has a PhD focused upon the private parts of fruit flies.

Suzuki presents a dreamlike state which would require decades of structural changes to the economy, and demand change to taxation, laws, and extensive regulation and transformation of the monetary system to create.

To do any of this any sooner would likely bring sweeping change and impact upon Canadians, while we watch China & India continue on their unsustainable path ('eco' means 'home' friends).

I wonder if this Marxist actually understands the implications of what he is saying, or just doesn't care. From the quiet comforts of academia, one can pretty much say anything.

And while Suzuki advocates an appeal to science, he has demonstrated the selective hearing of a zealot when it comes to science that dares to contradict him.

The man is irrelevant.

An Environmental Top 10

2008-02-04T11:00:00.001-07:00

Here is a really good piece that says all of the things that politicians and policy makers don't say in public.

You'll find a lot of ideas get much farther than they should, due to a well placed lobbyist, and consistent political donations to the right individual in government, than if it just a good idea.

Martin Luther King Jr. Just Didn't Get It

2008-01-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

Toronto has finally stated the obvious.

Eleven souls fought hard and won - delivering the verdict: Dr. King was full of beans.

And let Ontario be known as the front line in the war against the idea that people should be treated equally.

Heck, the idea has worked so well for aboriginals, why not blacks?

Thanks a bunch.

The left works so hard against the very ideal of treating people with equality, that we are all victims - simply because of our race, anything can be rationalized.

'We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal'

11 people do not believe this idea. And they have changed our nation.

Payback Time

2008-01-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

The blogosphere has been reveling in CBC's admission that one Krista Erickson has been outed as scripting questions for Liberal MPs on the standing Commons Ethics Committee.

Most of the right wing bunch are of the mind that politicians play the media to their benefit. The media? They're playing the same game. Fair comment.

The left wingers?

Well, this is an isolated incident, and for proof, look no farther than the assurance by the CBC that this was a one off.

Newsflash for readers: The media strokes anybody who can increase the number of eyes hitting their sites, watching their shows, & buying their papers.

Police. Politicians. Utility Boards. Planning Committees. (Insert authority figure here).

For those of you who don't believe me, look up the crime statistics in any major metropolitan area in this nation, versus what is reported in the mainstream media.

Crime is generally reported on a public interest basis - with the public interest determined by the same media who decided long ago that gate keeping and opinion forming is far more profitable than simple reportage.

Now you know.

And from this day, every time you see a 'Man Kills Puppy With Chainsaw' story on the front page of the local rag, know that its a slow news day, circulation is looking for a boost, and that the editor is delivering the goods.

Enough events happen in the crime files daily to fill every page of a newspaper. Ask yourself why reporting of them is selective - down to the individuals and nature of the crime involved.

The media uses sources just as well as sources use the media.

Ultimately, to use you.

On the Other Hand

2008-01-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Biofuels have been heralded as a way for us energy hogs to reduce fossil fuel consumption, reduce total emissions, & provide alternative markets for farmers.

It's a load of bull.

Virtually every benefit and reason held out by government and industry why biofuel is a better energy source, is false.

The UK is ahead of the curve on this, since citizens there take time to inform themselves on the topics of the day, and politicians aren't of the sniveling Canadian variety.

Unlike manufactured lies about polar bears via Al Gore, this article details a very real - and tragic story of man's impact upon their environment.

The Head Fake

2008-01-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

Canada's New Government looks more like Canada's Old Government everyday, happily doling out billions of taxpayer cash to every corporate welfare case who has a connected lobbyist, and a hat in their hand.

And Canada's New Government is now getting better at the 'ol one-two punch of communications strategy: the head fake.

Here, our Prime Minister assures a broad audience that no, the Conservatives are different when it comes to doling out pork to industry, but in the very same week, a story with less national coverage is put to more focused group - the panhandlers themselves.

At first pass, the partisan will have their belief reinforced that yes, Conservatives are different than Liberals: they live to the ideals they purport. While on the side, they're whispering to the locals that the first announcement is not really what they meant.

And presents us with a bald faced lie that Canada's Old Government did so much of.

Always on your dime.

Beuatiful Werld

2008-01-26T01:14:00.000-07:00

For the men who brought you Target's ad campaign, Mothersbaugh sold this dark song for lots.

I don't believe Target knew what they were buying. Like good pop, it can speak about abject poverty, and sell you a nice pair of slacks in the same moment.

And at their height, Devo created one of the best videos ever made.

Who Knew?

2008-01-26T00:44:00.000-07:00

Sting, when Sting was cool, wore an English Beat shirt in this video, and in debt to those pioneers who gave him sound.

Even Summers and Copeland mattered...

Quote of the Day

2008-01-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

“The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first.” - Thomas Jefferson

While Canada's history is colonial - and not that of the republic - we do share many ideals of western liberalism: freedom; liberty; & security of the person.

A Large Number

2008-01-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

Once you've read this, lean back and imagine how many thousands of direct appointments that exist in the vast government holdings - and really - you end up with outfits generally run by the Prime Minister's grace.

There's more than 5,000 positions.

Now, what if another outfit had control over that apparatus for 13 years, as the Liberals did, and see how easy it'll be for the new guy to get things done.

Not a pretty site.

Movin' On Up

2008-01-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

Our January Trainee of the Month has already begun the transformation with some help from a professional image consultant.

While not widely reported, this story details how Gary rushed to get training the minute he knew he'd have to make a presentation.

While it's encouraging to know Mr. Lunn now recognizes that knowing what you don't know is important, it reinforces that he should have had the skills to communicate clearly before he got a Ministerial post.

Most employers look for this before committing to hire a candidate. This can usually be noticed in documents offered by the individual before screening.

These documents are known as a 'resume'.

Watching his transformation from a snot-nosed kid with pants around the knees (and ring in his nose), to a convincing force of personality - confidently commanding a broad range of expertise in the Ministry of Natural Resources - is Cinderella-like.

At only $400 an hour.

Another piece of nostaliga...

2008-01-18T22:55:00.001-07:00

Pete Shelley and his band are regarded as giants of the oeuvre, and darn fine songwriters at that.

One of the best rock songs ever written stands out. The guitars work off of each other late in the song, but fill the mitre with lyrical precision. The bass is killer, and the drum's simplicity is seminal.

Shelley later went on to pen tunes that were really good. While the video appears to come from the same guy who did the first 100 videos ever made (and Shelley is pretty clear about which side his bread is buttered on), the song is solid enough to stand alone.

Economics 101 - Different but Equal

2008-01-18T18:47:00.000-07:00

Supply always ends up equaling demand - according to economics. With the marginal supplier or consumer being a point of pricing for the rest.

With a willing Indian Industry constantly ready to consume taxpayer cash as fast as its' collected, perhaps it's time to think that maybe, just maybe, government should not treat Canadians differently because of their race.

And another

2008-01-18T00:33:00.001-07:00

The timing is awful, the smoke machine dumb, and the disco thump is...a disco thump. Despite the confused singer surrounded by the worst of the '80's, watch around the 1 minute mark.

Desmond finds his stride - and comes around to say exactly who owns this song.

He kills it from there. By the time the crappy graphic is revealed - look out. Desmond straightens up, and makes the smoke machine his bitch. It's a transformation. While the video doesn't get any better, the music speaks for itself.

Now that you've seen what British pop shows can do to a great song - go buy the original - and support one of the best ska artists ever to record an album.

"...a patois-sung opening line that entranced and confused pop listeners on both sides of the Atlantic."

Can anyone say how many people Lennon and McCartney wrote into one of their songs?

My guess is not too many. They took a pass on Dylan after all...

Lucky Enough

2008-01-17T22:37:00.001-07:00

I saw this band with Mel a few years ago. It was an amazing show, and a band I've been a fan of for a long time.

I had always hoped I could see this outfit, never did work out.

But on a different topic, I did see the Go-Go's in 1983 play at the Stampede Corral. While not sure how I got there, the show was really good, the crowd enthused, and I came away with an appreciation for a band that's upside down: they're critically acclaimed, but despised by listeners.

This video makes Ultravox look manly, but the sound is crisp, and the song is a great slice of pop.

A year later, Belinda went to rehab, and started walking the path of the Michael Jackson Life of Stardom. Yet, I think she did as much to define the '80s as Madonna, with a song written by the band mentioned earlier - the one I haven't seen.

But, what about Jane? She swam with the dolphins and by osmosis, wrote not one song, but two for Carlene Carter eight years later. Mmm, Jane...

Like anthropologists & the gap in evolution, I am convinced there is a link to Motown, I'm still looking.

Vacation is so cool.

While the Indian Industry

2008-01-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

churns along, you'd think something intentionally created to address differences in educational outcomes could end up such an abject failure.

Despite thousands of bureaucrats, lawyers, policy contributors, and politicos, something as sad as this occurs in Canada - despite the wealth and privilege we enjoy.

It speaks volumes about Canada's current approaches to aboriginal affairs - as much as this detailed, yet confusing and myopic stance perpetuates.

It will achieve nothing until fundamental changes in policy occurs.

Given the amount of bureaucrats and glad handers that exist in the 'industry', nothing will change for a good, long, time.

They're making out ok, y'know.

I hope they backed up their data...

2008-01-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

What the hell is going on in the world?!?!

and light

2008-01-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

Peter Tosh was never given the credit he deserved for his contribution to the Wailers, nor a solo career that possesses a Led Zeppelin like status of the reggae world.

Or credit for a song that transcends decades.

His online legacy is small - only a handful of his songs can be found on youtube, their quality awful. Compare the same to Luciano, Aswan, and one 'Bob Marley', where you'll find every bodily function not only photographed, but journaled and categorized.

Tosh's sin was to say Marley's success came from the fact his father was white. Translation: He got a free ride.

From there, it gets stranger. But information on him is - unlike his peers - hard to find.

Cool guitar...

Heavy....

2008-01-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

you won't see me comment much on the Liberals here - because it's res ipsa loquitur with that bunch.

I mean, these guys say the craziest things when left on their own recognizance.

In a nation where security is smoke, the politicians and military have stated that foreign intervention ain't ever going to happen, yet the promise of stability through dialog continues to be put out to people whose hope denies fact.

Dion and the gang cling to an ignorant population at home, peddling the lie that we could be making the world a better place if we'd only vote for them.

A clearer example of dishonesty is hard to find.

Glittering Generalities

2008-01-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

The information age brings with it all of the knowledge and pratfalls of having anyone with a computer (and keyboard) to put an idea or statement out there - leaving the reader somewhat unarmed.

The Americans, handily and consistently ahead of our curve on public discourse, created an Institute of Propaganda Analysis way back in the 30's to understand the phenomenon, and enable consumers of news to be empowered to know when they were being sold a hill of beans.

The presidential race is a great example of how being on message in the media is far more important than facts about public policy or having consistency in a message, or applying basic principles to which policy one promotes.

The most dangerous outcome of this is rabid partisanship - where people discard the usual critical thinking to support an ideology or line of thinking - no matter if it's actually good for the nation, or even congruent with fact. That somehow 'spin', isn't propaganda (see 'Institute' above).

The Tories have their unelected bagmen appointed to senatorial posts to get around the nasty reality of actually having people vote for their representative. Or, an opportunistic colour changer that rationalizes statements made days prior to the conversion in the most secular way possible.

"Who me? Well, I'm different now, but the same, you know."

The Liberals? God, where does a guy start? Here.

Which is really the at the bottom of the political class: people whose ambition exceeds their talent.

The worst of it all, is that partisans themselves are simply useful idiots. Parroting the party line, peddling glittering generalities, used when needed, discarded when not.

I honestly feel sorry for David Orchard. He seems to be a guy who actually thought that contributing to the political process could somehow be an entry point to politics, and a way to contribute to his country.

Sadly, it's only proven he's not too bright.

Nice.

2008-01-14T23:31:00.001-07:00

But not for everyone. David Blaine has him featured on his website.

Now, I'm a fan of good illusions. And in my humble opinion, David Blaine is the best performance artist of the past 25 years.

I went to a David Blaine thing a year or two back, and I missed the man by minutes.

Getting there late, I met a guy tearing down the setup. A fella, one Louis Garbayo laid a card on me, thanking me for traveling so far to be disappointed. The event was pretty much a bust, depending upon who is talking.

He suggested I stay in touch - that maybe - David and his team could make it worth my travail somewhere down the road.

I see on Blaine's site he's got something coming in May.

I have some holiday time that could come in handy, and a very cool business card and email address I'll hope will connect me to the event.

To watch Mr. Brown's work, you'll need a pair of headphones, and a dark room.

Sweet and Dandy

2008-01-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

It is no wonder this man was called more important and more talented than Bob Marley by critic Lester Bangs.

Bangs was a guy written into songs by artists no less than the Buzzcocks, The Ramones, R.E.M., and The Clash.

It is no wonder that the sounds still sounds today.

If you're still reading, try this. If you're feet don't move to it, you are clinically dead. Honest. The falsetto is dynamite.

And it's a glimpse at a picture well worth watching.

I have an idea...

2008-01-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

We'll sue!

In the finest Canadian tradition, taxpayers have to sue to ensure their dollars are used prudently.

Well.

It's certainly an improvement from 14 years ago, where a billion bucks of your cash was spent on nothing, but to replace the same airships 5 years later, at the same cost.

Canada has a sad history of well connected billionaires running the place. It's great to see pressure out there to change it.

But it's bittersweet knowing we need the courts to ensure value for cash from the politicians. And we still get to foot the tab - to find this out.

An optimist would suggest times are changing...

One Bad Video

2008-01-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

One great song.

"I don't condemn, I don't convert"

The apple that fell closest to the tree - Ziggy sings under the shadow of the Big Man. It just ain't winning a Grammy, you'll get knocked into the 5th paragraph anyway.

Like being Lennon's first kid - a shadow is tough thing to outrun. But, talent to burn.

Reggae is beautiful. And it strives to seek validation, because not every single one of us is yet in a state of rapture. 54-46 baby.

Or just back to the future.

Trainee of the Month: Winner for January....

2008-01-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

Our Conservative member for Parliament: Mr. Gary Lunn.

Not content to let things go on autopilot, this Trainee wrote a letter demanding inaction from the head of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

But why Trainee of the Month? Isn't this just a political dust up?

No. Because it threatened 60% of the world's diagnostic testing with radioactive isotopes, and has restarted a crappy, underfunded Model T of a reactor.

Because Gary had the position of Resources Minister for two years, and had every opportunity to get his Trainee head around the fact that persistent problems has swirled around AECL for at least 10 years.

So, while this guy bags some $225k per year, he also has a staff of 12 burning over $1.2 million a year - offering a pleasant 37.5 hour workweek for those Conservatives connected enough to slip into a minister's patronage post. As well, his operating budget has enough room to park a semi-trailer in.

And in the two years this gerbil has been running the place, he never thought to ask what the Auditor General has had to say about it before he got there? Or his staff?

Please.

This Trainee is well deserving of the badge - one will be sent on it's way with an official "Trainee of the Month" Certificate of Achievement.

Way to go Gary!

The Trainee of the Month Award!

2008-01-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

is now officially launched.

This award will go to the Trainee of the Month - as determined by our selection committee - me.

While it's not easy to obtain a nomination, let alone the actual winning of the award, only those members of our government that openly and above all others prove it doesn't matter what you know before being put in charge of something that offers both responsibility, and the chance to spend buckets of your taxpayer cash on whatever seems right at the time.

Like being next in line for the new kid on the till at Burger King, you'll be assured the Trainee will ensure you won't get the right change, the right order, and they're guaranteed to forget to check if the fries have been made in the last week.

The award will be presented to those who have the right connections, appearance, and ability to bag cash for their political party. It reveals that anyone can indeed be put in charge of something far beyond their expertise and capability.

Winners will be sent an official 'Trainee' badge and a proclamation of their achievements, and reasons for obtaining such a distinction.

To start, an honorable mention goes to Alberta's own Jim Prentice, the brainchild of the 'Trainee' award.

Jim is a guy who started out in the Indian Industry, and was put in charge of a $19 billion dollar portfolio shoveling your cash out to every connected corporate welfare case with the right lobbyist working the street.

Indeed - his first action was to butcher the DCM, cowing to lobbyists and insiders first without thought or consideration of what he was actually doing.

Oops!

Thank you Jim. You've made this award come to life.

Cronkite's not a liar!!!

2008-01-09T22:20:00.000-07:00

Here is what I hope is the future - that people are educated and engaged and know exactly what they are being fed.

I suspect 'common sense' always wins out, and that true leaders will be supported by a majority of the public.

It has been a long time since any Canadian in politics has done that. The Americans are far ahead on leadership, and open discussion about issues and policy.

Ends and Means

2008-01-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

The Post ran an editorial last week, critical of the Calgary Health Region's heavy hand of regulation.

In response - like anyone who talks over you - this wet-nurse never does address the issue of freedom of choice or action by individuals - aside from like, trans-fats are bad - y'know?

Sadly, the actions are that of too many bureaucrats to not tackle all of the good in the world they need to do. As well, it doesn't hurt to be seen actually doing something when you can't actually run a multi-billion dollar health region.

But follow his argument further, and ask why other equally pressing public health issues are not so vigorously chased.

This is always the case if the action has little visible impact to consumers. Any complaints will be typically from business - a crowd for whom the public in general has little sympathy for.

The bureaucrats went after smokers first, because, they are low hanging fruit. Now the bullseye is moving on to the fat one and their lifestyle habits.

To them, ends will always justify means.

You might think I exaggerate.

But when mandated exercise becomes de rigeur, and obese people become as socially ostracized as smokers are now, you'll know. It's coming.

Rex & Freedom

2008-01-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

In one of the only times you'll see a link to the CBC, Rex Murphy here does a great dissection of the commissars at the star chamber Human Rights Commissions

On a Completely

2008-01-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

crappy day - with people nasty to kitties, politicians in full Machiavellia; and Kenyans gang raping anything they can get their hands on....

It is nice to hear an unknown Bob Marley interview is finally....released

"reggae music is what I and I create....reggae music is like news..."

Praise Jah.

Call in the Military

2008-01-04T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here's one of the best examples of victim culture I have ever seen. Without regard to Aqsa Parvez - beyond not condoning violence - this person informs us that you, and I, and society is responsible for the death of Aqsa Parvez.

In the writer's words...

"I find the two incidents - Aqsa's death and the school bombing - to have one thing in common: The failure of a community and the society at large to provide healthy ways for individuals, especially those belonging to minorities, to express their frustrations in a healthy and productive manner."

"Healthy ways"? Like maybe a march to support Hizbollah. Or maybe demanding sharia law be formally recognized in Canada?

It gets better.

"The teenager involved in the firebombing might have felt frustration toward the indifference of society to the death and suffering of Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli army and wasn't offered, inside or outside his community, a forum to express his frustration or a productive way to influence that indifference"

So, the poor young fella just needed a basketball court. The 'productive way' is not explained. Maybe the bomber just needed a blog, and he would've been just fine.

Of course, whether lobbing firebombs, or wrapping your hands around your daughter's throat in an act of filicide - as is alleged - is suggested as a misguided sense of responsibility. Who then, is responsible?

"Society at large is responsible. Society encourages Aqsa and her peers to disobey their parents and makes parents feel that they will not get any support if they try to implement their values and beliefs in their homes."

Support? From whom? Why, the police of course....

"It is important to note that to a "brown" father the notion of calling a white police officer to deal with a family problem that the officer most likely would not understand or have experience with is very different than if it happens to a "white" father."

You mean like your 12 year old dressing like a Spice Girl? Why, naturally, any white father would call the police immediately! "You take off that halter top right now young lady, or I'll phone the police. It's for your protection."

Or what if your son gets caught bumping uglies with the neighbor's daughter? Call in the military?

It doesn't stop there. Because there are other co-conspiritors in Aqsa's death: her friends.

"Are those who invited Aqsa to leave home and stay with them to blame in any way? Did they do it because they felt she was in danger, or to help her challenge customs they disagreed with? If Aqsa had been grounded would the course of events have changed?"

But, as everyone knows, racism is really the underlying cause of Aqsa's death.

"If society applied the same standards toward the freedom of girls who want to cover up as toward the freedom of girls who want to uncover, would we be at the same place now?"

Well, now. If Aqsa was simply grounded, and her father called an understanding police department before he throttled her, well, this whole business never would have happened in the first place.

But not to worry, there's a clear solution. It's simply a matter of cultural differences, Canadians just need to lighten up.

"Problems related to culture happen, but they can be fewer and less serious if we learn to listen and accept one another."

The concept of personal responsibility is completely lost on this clown. Creating a victim of virtually everyone is an insult second only to murdering one's daughter to save 'honour'.

Note - references to the events and person charged with Aqsa Parvez's murder are alleged at time of writing. Motivations for the accused's alleged actions are supposition.

Your Gub'Mint

2008-01-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

Will screw you. It's screwed Caledonians.

Over and over. With your own money, and with the force of bureacracy, literal or figurative interpretation of regulation (as needed), the forces of White Guilt win over fair treatment of all Canadians.

And throw in a dishonest, politically guided, armed militia - the Ontario Police - to enforce inequitable treatment.

For those curious about the long story....its here

Where'd I put that reciept?

2008-01-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

I went looking for contributions to federal political parties in Canada - and this is all I've found so far.

Data from 2003 that includes the CRAP party as well - before they formed the Conservative Party later in the year.

You can find more recent information on contributions on Elections Canada's website though - but going through it makes me feel like I need a shower.

If I find what I'm looking for, I'll post it.

All the fear, all the time...

2007-12-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

"I think you can anecdotally connect the spiking cat population to global warming," he said.

How do you explain this to your children?

Full Monty

2007-12-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a great spot on the internet to kill an hour.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

To the followers of Abraham, eastern mysticism, atheism, and any faith not specifically named.

This is as close to politically correct as it'll get - while remaining honest.

Best of the Season to you and your loved ones.

Nothing to See Here

2007-12-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

There are few issues that motivate me more than environmental policy.

It's an unfortunate fact that global warming is not only unproven hysteria, but that it diverting crucial funds away from efforts far more critical, and worthy of our attention.

Here is one of those efforts.

Given the handling of the east coast fishery, our political types proved themselves useless. And they are at it again.

Our New Trainee

2007-12-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Municipal politics in Canada - like most places - is a backwater of lightweights and bureaucrats, or simply, leftists.

Having been run-off at the provincial and federal levels, these people simply dropped their colours, and went to ground in municipal politics.

One of our (ex) aldermen actually spent more than $9k on 'training' towards a Master's degree in board governance - or some such fluff. The rationale? ENTAX, our municipally owned utility, has a board of directors. Alderman are directors. Therefore, an alderman needs to know how to work on a board. Simple?

No. Just a statement that being a politician is just like any other job. You get your vacation, paycheck, benefits, an annual learning allowance, and opportunities to contribute to 'personal growth'.

Just like a real honest to goodness employee in a real company.

The problem is whether crafting governmental policy, drafting laws, or aligning internal reporting structures for greater accountability - the one doing this should know what they are doing BEFORE they begin doing it.

Hence the (sadly outdated) notion that one achieves in life BEFORE going to serve and bring their skills to the public sector. Instead, the current norm treats the position like any other gig.

That's why this idiocy will continue to repeat itself. While some hide their lack of skills better than others, ineptitude is dangerous in driving, climbing ladders, running a country, or painting.

Unfortunately, the results of bad policy and bad law impact citizens in far more insidious ways, using their own money and the weight of the law against them.

The hard part for me is that the citizenry demands as much of themselves as they do from their leaders. And look at what we have.

Happy Solstice

2007-12-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Greetings and best wishes on this most beautiful day.

Here's an interesting site built for those who like kissing rocks and hugging trees.

When in Greece...

2007-12-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

Since my hard drive blew up last month, I started using del.ici.ous to do my bookmarks. It is handy, but I haven't really got the swing of it yet.

One of the best features is the sites you come across - is what other people are bookmarking. It looks like what a market unpolluted with professional opinion makers or synthetic hype should look like.

You see honest web pages from honest people trying to sell you an honest product.

The web is an insidious place filled with hucksters and charletons - interrupted by the genuine so frequently that you might be forgiven for letting your guard down. But don't.

This Greek Taxi Driver has the right idea...

Therapy

2007-12-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

A friend asked how the blog is going, and if it was 'helping me out'.

I'd never thought of it that way - but I find it's good to have an outlet for things I care about. It allows me to put that energy into a focused, specific area of my world. So when I focus on work/life/play, I'm completely focused on work/life/play.

In fact, it's probably most theraputic for my friend, since prior to me writing this thing, he had to endure rants that didn't neccesarily demand coherence - like the written word does.

He has my gratitude, which I hope doesn't end up at the Bad Gift Emporium

Thought for the Day

2007-12-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

"Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold" - Tolstoy

If someone can explain to me how these freedom suppressing trolls contribute to society - please advise.

The language is o f the bureaucrat - and process is the product. Aside from being bully pulpits for intolerant radical leftists within our society, these star chambers now offer anonymity to those who lodge complaints - and are deemed worthy.

Another move away from any kind of consistent application of law. Like a courtroom.

And while they 'celebrate diversity', it looks to me like you need to hang out at Krispy Kreme alot to get in those doors....

Low Cost Speechwriting

2007-12-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

'Staying on message' is a rule for any organization seeking to communicate with the outside world. And the cardinal rule is never, ever, get off that message.

The most successful politicians are very good at this - and stay on 'it' despite distraction. If presented with unwavering conviction and supportive news coverage (or lack of), an effective communicator could convince many that the world is, in fact, flat.

What the new media has shown - like the blog you're reading - is that the medium for messaging is shifting.

But the elegance of the new media is that broad consensus is not earned as easily - and that critical mass of opinion can form quickly, and outside of message control .

This story about my MP on copyright legislation is a good case in point.

Prentice's duck and cover reveals he's inept.

And I would hope this is simply because he's 'outside of his expertise'. But when he was immersed in his 'expertise' at Indian Affairs, he was proven to be of his league there too.

And now, what about the message from the government on the new legislation? It doesn't change.

"Today, Canada's Conservative Government is introducing laws to modernize and equip the country with legislation governing intellectual property, for the benefit of all Canadians...."

No matter what the legislation is actually going to do.

Be a good girl now

2007-12-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

I'd thought Steyn's article below said enough on Aqsa Parvez' death, until I read this at the Toronto Star:

Reacting to that perception, thoughtful community figures such as Atiya Ahsan of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women have been quick to urge Muslim parents to take an understanding approach to their teenage children, to focus on the core values of their faith and not to obsess over a piece of clothing.

"If you know that your girl is good and she practises her faith ... then for heaven's sakes, you know, let the girl have a chance," she says. That would be good advice for any family.

So, if she ain't so good - or maybe doesn't practice 'her' faith enough, then what exactly is the alternative?

Witchcraft

2007-12-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

Just when you think that Africa might be showing a degree of progress - socially or economically - we are confronted by stories told from the Darfur region, or the incredibly high HIV infection rates in South Africa.

Or this.

Despite hundreds of millions of dollars in 'aid' from the affluent nations over a generation, parts of Africa still shock us when revealing the differences between western culture - and those of the 'Dark Continent'.

Is it be too much to ask our leadership (ie: the guys who write cheques with our taxes) to actually achieve some sort of tangible, long term change in rates of education or economic improvement, for all of the money put into the region?

And if they fail - if literacy and abject poverty grow, or the latest dictator of the month makes off with millions in aid - shouldn't they quit their post?

It's not too much to ask. But as history is littered with examples, it's too much to expect of politicians and bureaucrats.

The Faithful Weigh In

2007-12-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Roman Catholic Church has always seen itself as a leader in faith and of the congregation, guiding and advising the faithful. And it is only natural that it reacts to threats.

Since the fall of Communism, the left has lacked a single, unifying, raison d'tete. Leftist ideology has simply formed along the anti-capitalism/anti-corporate line. Not that it has ever strayed.

But socialism's rail against human nature has been such a failure globally, that is has been easier for adherents to focus on specific persons or issues - as opposed to actually examining why people and societies are - in general - rejecting socialism's practices.

And climate change is an excellent proxy for this - because who better to portray Snidely Whiplash to our Nell Fenwick than of the big bad Corporations - and their evil stooge, Chimpy Bush McHitler?

The global warming prophets appeal to a large swath of people - and the natural concerns we all have have about their environment. And of the people I know who are the true believers, their faith burns as bright as a star.

Is it any wonder the Catholics have been concerned about false prophets since the beginning of their Church?

And is it surprising that the language used by the climate change converts is the same language used by politicians and ideolougues - the language of fear.

And the church's response? Clinical.

Stop! You're compressing me!

2007-12-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

The murder of Aqsa: "...an acceptable price to pay for cultural diversity"

Some people say things so well - that it's best not to try and improve upon it....

A Magic Trick

2007-12-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

"I think that we've lost a little bit of the human touch"

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5j19yccb8DQWBOdyEzW0ZTrxfUn4A

How fast can a death incited by 4 poorly trained officers from a corrupted and politicized militia be....

(POOF!)

...turned into an additional $1.2M in airport taxes to provide 'security' at the airport?

(POOF!)

Pretty darned fast it seems.

The politicians and 'those esteemed members' of high rank in the political dumping grounds of Airport Authorities grow their budgets with ease.

Nod your head, and get out your wallet. And congratulations to the bureaucrats. They are fufilling their role with initiative and drive.

The public and mass media are performing their role by not saying a word.

Inaugural Post

2007-12-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

Since I'm going to be filling this space up with nothing but unvarnished truth, I think a crash course in some hardboiled speaking could help to set the tone...

http://www.miskatonic.org/slang.html