Well the House seems to be stuck on this 'in and out' election spending controversy plauging the Conservatives. To me, the most interesting bit is not the details of the scandles but the Bloc's reaction and the fallout of said reaction. Basicly, the Bloc tables a motion in the House this week declairing thier support for, and confidence in Elections Canada. Quite a snub of the nose at the Conservatives who are currently in court fighting Elections Canada's interpretation of election legislation. But the really interesting bit was how the vote went. The Liberals, NDP, and the Bloc all voted for the Bloc's motion, and the Conservatives voted against. Of course this means it passed.
So a seperatist party makes a show of it's confidence in a federal Elections Canada, and the current governing party votes against confidence in Elections Canada. Huh? Surely the Conservatives could have abstained and cited current legal precedings a reason. Assuming they absolutly couldn't epress support for Elections Canada due to a fight over a single piece of legislation. Seems to me there's a lot of states world wide who would love it if the biggest problem thier elections had was a dispute over whether spending on a partcular television ad should come from the federal or the provincial party coffers.
I must say that Pierre Poilievre (Parlimentary Secretary for the Treasury Board) has done a great job defending the government as they're relentlessly hasseled by all the opposition parties. I particularily enjoyed his reference of Elizabeth May as 'the Liberal candidate for Nova Center'. I chuckled.
Interesting movement on the front of equilization payments this week. TD bank predicts that within two years Ontario will be a recipient of equilization payments. Other sources have predicted that Newfoundland will be paying into equilization by Christmas. Newfoundland is rejoicing that for the first time in a long time it will be considered a 'have' province. Not only that but Stats Can has just realeased data showing Newfoundland as the province with the greatest economic growth (surpassing Alberta). Pundits are starting to be weary of possible changes to the equilization formula over the next couple of years. Seems that beacuse of a quirk in the formula, once Ontario starts reciving equilization payments, it may still be paying in at the same time. I hear that the last time this quirk develloped we ended up with the ten province forumal we use today.
Brenda Martin was returned to Canada today.
Starting in July passangers on Air Canada will have to pay an extra $25 to check a second bag.
Cubans can now legaly own cell phones. Rumors are that the laws prohibiting international travel for Cuban citizens may be the next to fall.
Gandalf has agreed to return for the upcoming movie The Hobbitt.
Looking forward to see John Cho make the jump from Harold (of Harold and Kumar) to Sulu (of the nest Star Trek movie).
I've finnished with 'Late Nights on Air'. Great book, I really enjoyed it. I wish I could travel to Yellowknife in the 70s. I've moved on to 'Island of the Seven Cities: Where the Chinese Settled when they Discovered North America'. The title, although overly large and cumbersome, says it all. The author belives that Cape Breton was settled by Chinese hundreds of years before it was discovered by European explorers. It will be taken with a grain of salt but should be interesting nonetheless.
May 2, 2008
April 25, 2008
Much about Nothing
The House isn't sitting this week but the news flows just the same (even if most of it is just filling space with talk about spending practice during the last federal election and the economy. Not the sexiest of topics).
The French President is calling for the EU to make a joint decision on the possible boycott of the Olympic opening cerimoney.
When asked by a reporter how she would respond (assuming she became President of the US) to a Iranian nuclear attack against Isreal, she said she would 'obliterate' them. Obama took issue with the word 'obliterate' but admitted that he would also respond to an Iranian attack (nuclear or conventional) against any of their middle-eastern allies.
Next Democratic primaries are Indiana and North Carolina on May 6th. North Carolina looks to be sideing with Obama by about 10%. Indiana looks closer as of now which may be why Obama seems to be focusing his attention there so far.
Looks like Canada can't get Brenda Martin into the prisoner transfer program until the Mexian judges deliberation to be translated so that she can be charged with the appropriate crime under the Canadian Criminal Code.
When speaking to Indian interest groups, the PM expressed that Canada's trade need to (and has been to some degree) expand beyond the US. Given current concerns about the US enconomy lately, this might be a good idea. Plus there's a lot less controvery in furthering our trade with India then China these days.
However, the governor of the Bank of Canada has claimed that our slumping economic growth will cause a decline in our exports anyway. Don't be too worried though, their predictions see growth increasing in the two years following this year. The R and D words (Ressession and Deficit) are starting to be whispered but not forecasted yet. Thanks to the growing oil industry in the west apparently.
A new study has targeted the Speaker of the House as a possible reason behind the lack of civility in the House lately. Seems that some experts feel that he should be encouraged to use some of his power to get these house committees deadlocked in partisan manouvering.
Saskatchewan has been the latest province to set a fixed date for provincial election, at a rate of one every four years. This is the latest in a growing trend now including British Columbia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario. Of course the Federal government has also started this policy under the Conservatives with a fixed date in October 2009 (assuming the minortiy government can last that long).
Dion and Drydan where seen taking in a Montreal Canadians game during their first round matchup with Boston. Makes sense as Drydan would be Dion's Minister of Hockey. Last week the oposition alluded to his hockey days when they accused him of 'pulling himself out of the game' while abstaining with the rest of the Liberarls during the last round of votes.
The media and the pundits are trying really hard to make this elections 'scandle' stick but now that the images of an RCMP raid have faded, the public is not going to be interested in the legality of spending federal funding on local publicity during an election last year. Although, it certainly can't help, I doubt it'll hurt the Conservatives in any way beyond the stigma or yet another 'scandle'.
Looks like Canada needs a new Chief of the Defence Staff now that Hillier has retired. Of crouse the leader of each of the three branches are the top contenders. And of course each are bringing attention to the needs of their branches as a reason for bring them in charge. Even if the theory (but not always the practice) is that the new CDS should be able to rise above their branch and be fair with the military's budget.
Baid, the Enviroment Minister, has said that Polar Bears remind a species of concern but they are not 'threatened'. If they had been raised to 'theatened' status the government would legally have to act to protect the polar bears. Of course even if actions are not legally required, plans are in abundant supply.
New polls in Quebec have bumped the newly formed ADQ down to third place behind the Liberals and then the PQ. Starting to look like a flash in the pan.
New Battlestar and Supernatural tonight. Fridays are starting to look very nice. Battlestar was good. Not on par with the last two I think, but good for setting up for the next couple. The confrontation between Tigh and Six was really interesting though.
Supernatural was very different. It had a whole 'Blair Witch' feel. It was kind of fun as a departure from the norm. But as a first episode back from the strike I feel like we where missing out on the norm we've been denied for so long. There was almost none of that coveted Winchester wit and brotherly......affection.
The French President is calling for the EU to make a joint decision on the possible boycott of the Olympic opening cerimoney.
When asked by a reporter how she would respond (assuming she became President of the US) to a Iranian nuclear attack against Isreal, she said she would 'obliterate' them. Obama took issue with the word 'obliterate' but admitted that he would also respond to an Iranian attack (nuclear or conventional) against any of their middle-eastern allies.
Next Democratic primaries are Indiana and North Carolina on May 6th. North Carolina looks to be sideing with Obama by about 10%. Indiana looks closer as of now which may be why Obama seems to be focusing his attention there so far.
Looks like Canada can't get Brenda Martin into the prisoner transfer program until the Mexian judges deliberation to be translated so that she can be charged with the appropriate crime under the Canadian Criminal Code.
When speaking to Indian interest groups, the PM expressed that Canada's trade need to (and has been to some degree) expand beyond the US. Given current concerns about the US enconomy lately, this might be a good idea. Plus there's a lot less controvery in furthering our trade with India then China these days.
However, the governor of the Bank of Canada has claimed that our slumping economic growth will cause a decline in our exports anyway. Don't be too worried though, their predictions see growth increasing in the two years following this year. The R and D words (Ressession and Deficit) are starting to be whispered but not forecasted yet. Thanks to the growing oil industry in the west apparently.
A new study has targeted the Speaker of the House as a possible reason behind the lack of civility in the House lately. Seems that some experts feel that he should be encouraged to use some of his power to get these house committees deadlocked in partisan manouvering.
Saskatchewan has been the latest province to set a fixed date for provincial election, at a rate of one every four years. This is the latest in a growing trend now including British Columbia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario. Of course the Federal government has also started this policy under the Conservatives with a fixed date in October 2009 (assuming the minortiy government can last that long).
Dion and Drydan where seen taking in a Montreal Canadians game during their first round matchup with Boston. Makes sense as Drydan would be Dion's Minister of Hockey. Last week the oposition alluded to his hockey days when they accused him of 'pulling himself out of the game' while abstaining with the rest of the Liberarls during the last round of votes.
The media and the pundits are trying really hard to make this elections 'scandle' stick but now that the images of an RCMP raid have faded, the public is not going to be interested in the legality of spending federal funding on local publicity during an election last year. Although, it certainly can't help, I doubt it'll hurt the Conservatives in any way beyond the stigma or yet another 'scandle'.
Looks like Canada needs a new Chief of the Defence Staff now that Hillier has retired. Of crouse the leader of each of the three branches are the top contenders. And of course each are bringing attention to the needs of their branches as a reason for bring them in charge. Even if the theory (but not always the practice) is that the new CDS should be able to rise above their branch and be fair with the military's budget.
Baid, the Enviroment Minister, has said that Polar Bears remind a species of concern but they are not 'threatened'. If they had been raised to 'theatened' status the government would legally have to act to protect the polar bears. Of course even if actions are not legally required, plans are in abundant supply.
New polls in Quebec have bumped the newly formed ADQ down to third place behind the Liberals and then the PQ. Starting to look like a flash in the pan.
New Battlestar and Supernatural tonight. Fridays are starting to look very nice. Battlestar was good. Not on par with the last two I think, but good for setting up for the next couple. The confrontation between Tigh and Six was really interesting though.
Supernatural was very different. It had a whole 'Blair Witch' feel. It was kind of fun as a departure from the norm. But as a first episode back from the strike I feel like we where missing out on the norm we've been denied for so long. There was almost none of that coveted Winchester wit and brotherly......affection.
April 22, 2008
Pennslvania Primary
It looks like things have gone as expected in Pennsylvania with a win for Clinton. Although, perhaps not the win she was expecting. As I'm writing this the slpit is only 10% with 40% of the polls reporting and it's been trending narrower since they started coming in. Still this will doubtless encourage Clinton to keep going. With only nine relativly small contests left, it's looking like the Democrasts will be delegatless until convention time when it will possibly come down to those all important super delegats. Pundits continue to claim this is weakening the Democats chance for the upcoming fight against McCain. I see it being more helpful. Any attacks made between Democratic candidates are nothing that McCain wouldn't be doing anyway. Plus don't forget that 'if it bleeds it leads'. Press coverage has been dominated by this Democratic fight to the death. By the end of it, the average American is going to be much more familiar with either Democratic candidate then McCain, who has been a much less interesting topic since securing his own nomination.
On the Canadian front, many of you have probably heard of the RCMP raid on behalf of Elections Canada on the Conservatives Party headquaters. It seems that after the last federal election, Elections Canada made a ruling that some sketchy accounting had taken place with regards to the Conservatives advertisement spending. Apparently some spending on local advertising should have been accounted as federal advertising, pushing the Conservatives over their federal advertising spending limits. The Conservatives have challenged this ruling, feeling that other parties have used this pratice many times and have not been penalized. Of course the opposition have claimed the opposite on all points, supporting Elections Canada and denoucing sketch Conservative acconting.
With the Deomcratic candidates vowing to re-open NAFTA and Bush singing its praises, the PM made a statement that Canada would be in a better position now to negotiate then when it was origionally founded. He feels that our natural resources (oil, wood, water) would bolster our position this time around.
Brenda Martin has been found guilty in a Mexican court and sentanced five years as well as a fine. She waited two years to be found guilty of internet fraud. It remins to be seen if/when she will be transfered to a Canadian prison. Personally I was unawear that in Mexico a defendant is guilty until proven innocent.
Finnished Breakfast of Champions and I enjoyed it as much (or more) then the other Vonnegut books I've read. I'm half way through Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay. I'm enjoying it so far. Probably most of all for the constant reminder of Yellowknife. It's amazing how little the city has changed since the 70s. Beyond doubling the population and adding a few more street lights and paved roads, not a lot has changed. Lest of all the feel of the city. Not sure how she relicated the feel of a city so well in her book but it's almost making me wish to return to the north.
On the Canadian front, many of you have probably heard of the RCMP raid on behalf of Elections Canada on the Conservatives Party headquaters. It seems that after the last federal election, Elections Canada made a ruling that some sketchy accounting had taken place with regards to the Conservatives advertisement spending. Apparently some spending on local advertising should have been accounted as federal advertising, pushing the Conservatives over their federal advertising spending limits. The Conservatives have challenged this ruling, feeling that other parties have used this pratice many times and have not been penalized. Of course the opposition have claimed the opposite on all points, supporting Elections Canada and denoucing sketch Conservative acconting.
With the Deomcratic candidates vowing to re-open NAFTA and Bush singing its praises, the PM made a statement that Canada would be in a better position now to negotiate then when it was origionally founded. He feels that our natural resources (oil, wood, water) would bolster our position this time around.
Brenda Martin has been found guilty in a Mexican court and sentanced five years as well as a fine. She waited two years to be found guilty of internet fraud. It remins to be seen if/when she will be transfered to a Canadian prison. Personally I was unawear that in Mexico a defendant is guilty until proven innocent.
Finnished Breakfast of Champions and I enjoyed it as much (or more) then the other Vonnegut books I've read. I'm half way through Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay. I'm enjoying it so far. Probably most of all for the constant reminder of Yellowknife. It's amazing how little the city has changed since the 70s. Beyond doubling the population and adding a few more street lights and paved roads, not a lot has changed. Lest of all the feel of the city. Not sure how she relicated the feel of a city so well in her book but it's almost making me wish to return to the north.
April 14, 2008
Afghanistan Slip-Up
Well Maxime Bernier made an interesting slip-up while in Afghanistan today. Seems that while he was boarding the plane to come home he made a comment to the effect that the Afghanistan PM should look at removing the govener of Kandahar province (where we're fighting) over concerns of the possible torture of Afghan detainees. Of course the opposition reacted immediatly, wondering why Canada's Foriegn Minister is making suggestions about who the leader of a foriegn and sovererign nation should fire. Regardless of the fact that the govrner in question seems to be the subject of a few inquieries. For the record, that statement was retracted by Bernier before his plane even hit the ground and Afghanistan's ambassador to Canada seems to be worried much less the Canadian opposition leaders and political pundits.
On this subject, Dion coyley wondered outloud if maybe the PM doesn't have a large pool to draw from for his ministerial positions. Not sure that was the best way to spin this slip-up and I also tend to dissagree with Dion's analysis of why Bernier has a ministerial portfolio. I'm no expert on his credentials but I did find some interesting facts after a bit of research. Remeber way back when this government was formed in the last election and the newly formed Conservative Minority felt the need to pander to the Quebec and the Bloc for help in fighting off the Liberal and the NDP? Way back when liberals where just waiting for Martin to gracefully bow out so a new leader could take charge and bring the party back to their rightful seat at the top? Well in the election eleven Conservative MPs managed to get elected in Quebec. Quite the feat! Well seven of those eleven MPs are either now ministers or parlimentary secretaries. Just saying.
Clinton shoots Crown Royal, who knew? At least if she doesn't support NAFTA she supports Canadian wiskey.
Chris Matthews: "You don't help people, you keep them up late at night."
Steven Colbert: "Well you've put me to sleep at six o'clock."
Not sure how I'd feel about having the host of Hardball as my senator.
On this subject, Dion coyley wondered outloud if maybe the PM doesn't have a large pool to draw from for his ministerial positions. Not sure that was the best way to spin this slip-up and I also tend to dissagree with Dion's analysis of why Bernier has a ministerial portfolio. I'm no expert on his credentials but I did find some interesting facts after a bit of research. Remeber way back when this government was formed in the last election and the newly formed Conservative Minority felt the need to pander to the Quebec and the Bloc for help in fighting off the Liberal and the NDP? Way back when liberals where just waiting for Martin to gracefully bow out so a new leader could take charge and bring the party back to their rightful seat at the top? Well in the election eleven Conservative MPs managed to get elected in Quebec. Quite the feat! Well seven of those eleven MPs are either now ministers or parlimentary secretaries. Just saying.
Clinton shoots Crown Royal, who knew? At least if she doesn't support NAFTA she supports Canadian wiskey.
Chris Matthews: "You don't help people, you keep them up late at night."
Steven Colbert: "Well you've put me to sleep at six o'clock."
Not sure how I'd feel about having the host of Hardball as my senator.
Constructive Critisism
Well, almost on cue to my last post, the NDP has provided the Liberals with a prime example of constructive things they could attempt rather then continue to beat their chests and shout empty threats. First a little background info.
Origionaly I avoided getting into the immigration issue because I didn't see it going much of anywhere. Since the openeing of this House session almost two weeks ago it has continued to grow. Basicly the opposition parties have taken issue with some immigration reform which they accuse the government of trying to 'sneak' into the budget. They feel that this reform gives undue power to whichever minister would hold this portfolio in the future. Now because this was part of a budget it was automaticly a confidence issue. As with the vast majority of other confidence issues lately, the usual pattern emerged. The NDP voted against, the Conservatives for, and the Liberals through a fit and then abstained.
Back to where I started, the NDP appears to have come up with a solution to the status quo. They have tabled a motion to have the immigration issues seperated from the buget portion of the bill. If passed this would recreate the immigration portion of the bill as a seperate bill. Not only would it be it's own bill but as it would no londer concern the budget and no longer be a conifence motion. Unless of course the PM would declair it as such. This would allow for some real, honest, debate on this issue and allow the Liberals to vote against it if they wish without having to fear bringing down the government.
In book news, I've moved on yet again. My latest selection should provide a dip into the surreal with Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut. Can't wait.
With The Office back I am now reminded how much I missed its beautiful awkwordness.
This week's episode of Battlestar outshawn last weeks opener as far as I'm concerned. The implications of a possible Cylon civil war boggle my mind and I'm eagerly anticipating future conversations between Baltar and Head-Baltar. How crazy would it be if Head-Six got in there at the same time? Although, after these first two episodes I'm now wondering who they're going to fake-kill in the first two minutes of the next episode. They've done The Admiral and Kara, who's next?
Origionaly I avoided getting into the immigration issue because I didn't see it going much of anywhere. Since the openeing of this House session almost two weeks ago it has continued to grow. Basicly the opposition parties have taken issue with some immigration reform which they accuse the government of trying to 'sneak' into the budget. They feel that this reform gives undue power to whichever minister would hold this portfolio in the future. Now because this was part of a budget it was automaticly a confidence issue. As with the vast majority of other confidence issues lately, the usual pattern emerged. The NDP voted against, the Conservatives for, and the Liberals through a fit and then abstained.
Back to where I started, the NDP appears to have come up with a solution to the status quo. They have tabled a motion to have the immigration issues seperated from the buget portion of the bill. If passed this would recreate the immigration portion of the bill as a seperate bill. Not only would it be it's own bill but as it would no londer concern the budget and no longer be a conifence motion. Unless of course the PM would declair it as such. This would allow for some real, honest, debate on this issue and allow the Liberals to vote against it if they wish without having to fear bringing down the government.
In book news, I've moved on yet again. My latest selection should provide a dip into the surreal with Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut. Can't wait.
With The Office back I am now reminded how much I missed its beautiful awkwordness.
This week's episode of Battlestar outshawn last weeks opener as far as I'm concerned. The implications of a possible Cylon civil war boggle my mind and I'm eagerly anticipating future conversations between Baltar and Head-Baltar. How crazy would it be if Head-Six got in there at the same time? Although, after these first two episodes I'm now wondering who they're going to fake-kill in the first two minutes of the next episode. They've done The Admiral and Kara, who's next?
April 10, 2008
Olympic Issues
In the House today the government clairified that although they oppose an idea of a full boycott as it would only hurt the althlets. However, they stated that they have not yet reached a stand on a possible boycott of the opening cerimony. The same question currently haunts the EU. And individual leaders like the British PM, French President, Canadian PM, and probably the US President have declined to attend. Also, the International Olympic Committee is currently considering canceling the international torch run after large protests in London and Paris. Also as a reaction, the torch route through San Fransisco has been cut in half and is largly over water. It was also hidden in a warehouse before the relay.
Kudos to Peter McKay for pointing accross the House and saying "Calm yourselves" two days in a row now. Someone has to say it. Granted the Liberals have been placed in a rough spot given the combination of the party numbers in the House, the state of their leadership, and the PM's stance on fixed election dates but this trend the Liberals are develloping is getting a tad tiresome. They yell and they scream down anything the Conservatives try to accomplish knowing full well that they alone hold the power to cause a failure in confidence. And for all their complaints they continue to abstain on every confidence vote (excepting the extension of the Afghanistan war). Surely if you cannot cause an election for your own reasons then there must be a more constructive way of dealing with the issues then bashing down the government and then refusing to vote. If the House maintains this status quo much longer the Conservatives may as well have a defacto majority government.
Also kudos to the Minister for Justice for telling the premier of Ontario that human rights issues concern all levels of government after he tried to pass the buck while being questioned about opening new trade links with China.
In health news the survival rates of children with cancer have grown 11% in the last 15 years. This makes me very happy. Although two thirds of children still devellop serious side effects which last their whole life. This makes me very thankful.
On the TV front this week I'm starting to get anxious for this weeks epiosde of Battlestar considering the cliffhanger of last week. Also, for all you Dunder-Mifflin fans, The Office comes back this Thursday.
Kudos to Peter McKay for pointing accross the House and saying "Calm yourselves" two days in a row now. Someone has to say it. Granted the Liberals have been placed in a rough spot given the combination of the party numbers in the House, the state of their leadership, and the PM's stance on fixed election dates but this trend the Liberals are develloping is getting a tad tiresome. They yell and they scream down anything the Conservatives try to accomplish knowing full well that they alone hold the power to cause a failure in confidence. And for all their complaints they continue to abstain on every confidence vote (excepting the extension of the Afghanistan war). Surely if you cannot cause an election for your own reasons then there must be a more constructive way of dealing with the issues then bashing down the government and then refusing to vote. If the House maintains this status quo much longer the Conservatives may as well have a defacto majority government.
Also kudos to the Minister for Justice for telling the premier of Ontario that human rights issues concern all levels of government after he tried to pass the buck while being questioned about opening new trade links with China.
In health news the survival rates of children with cancer have grown 11% in the last 15 years. This makes me very happy. Although two thirds of children still devellop serious side effects which last their whole life. This makes me very thankful.
On the TV front this week I'm starting to get anxious for this weeks epiosde of Battlestar considering the cliffhanger of last week. Also, for all you Dunder-Mifflin fans, The Office comes back this Thursday.
April 7, 2008
Welcome Back Mr. Harper
Well for once it seems that the PM decided not to keep a tight leash on his caucus. Unfortunetly it was on the matter of disaplining his homophobic parlimentary secretary MP from Sascatchewan. What a time to loosen his policies. Dion opened Question Periode asking Harper to remove the MP. 'Welcome back to Ottawa Mr. Harper'.
After that Dion hammered Harper on comitting to rebuild the Armory which burnt down in Quebec City. 'How was your trip?' Next it was Afghanistan vollies from both the Liberals and the Bloc. 'Good to have you back.' And then again Water'gay't (copyright) was brought up by a few NDP members. 'How was Romania?' Rough first day back in the House for the PM.
And why was the Sectretary of State for Small Bussiness and Tourism tyring to answer for the Foriegn Affairs minister when Scott Bryson (Kings-Hants) called him out of the sale of the acrtic statlite to the US? The minister of Foriegn Affairs was in House, he managed to answer one of the questions. Why did he hide from the rest? They even brought out Harper's atlantic lapdog Peter McKay to counter attack his Nova Scotian collegue.
In litterary news I've finnished with Darkly Dreaming Dexter and I've moved on to Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcom Gladwell. It's looking good so far. Sad to say though it has to be better then Dexter. After the TV show I was hyped to read the book but now I don't even know if I'll pick up the sequils. Honestly, I think this is the first book which I have not prefered to the TV show or movie which it spawned. A fair bit was changed between the two plot wise and I have to say that everything that was changed for the show was an improvment. But hey, it did inspire one of the best shows on TV so I can't be too hard on it.
After that Dion hammered Harper on comitting to rebuild the Armory which burnt down in Quebec City. 'How was your trip?' Next it was Afghanistan vollies from both the Liberals and the Bloc. 'Good to have you back.' And then again Water'gay't (copyright) was brought up by a few NDP members. 'How was Romania?' Rough first day back in the House for the PM.
And why was the Sectretary of State for Small Bussiness and Tourism tyring to answer for the Foriegn Affairs minister when Scott Bryson (Kings-Hants) called him out of the sale of the acrtic statlite to the US? The minister of Foriegn Affairs was in House, he managed to answer one of the questions. Why did he hide from the rest? They even brought out Harper's atlantic lapdog Peter McKay to counter attack his Nova Scotian collegue.
In litterary news I've finnished with Darkly Dreaming Dexter and I've moved on to Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcom Gladwell. It's looking good so far. Sad to say though it has to be better then Dexter. After the TV show I was hyped to read the book but now I don't even know if I'll pick up the sequils. Honestly, I think this is the first book which I have not prefered to the TV show or movie which it spawned. A fair bit was changed between the two plot wise and I have to say that everything that was changed for the show was an improvment. But hey, it did inspire one of the best shows on TV so I can't be too hard on it.
April 5, 2008
Something is Rotten in the Province of Saskatchewan
So a conservative MP Tom Lukiwski from Saskatchewan is in no small amount of trouble. Seems that back in 1991 he ws the star in a little video involving an office party, some booze, and no shortage of homophobic statments involving "homosexual faggots with dirt under their fingernails that transmit disease" or something almost verbatim. As you can well imagine calls for resignation from the opposition are abound. The Conservatives seem content with the MP's appology and statement that he no longer holds these views. Here's the kicker; Lukiwski was only elected when his predesesor was shown the door after he made known his wishes that homosexuality become illegal. Let's hope that ejection was a precedence.
Since I've begun watching Question Periode I don't think I've ever heard the House as quiet as when MPs addressed this issue. House Leader Peter Van Loan took quite a beating deffending Lukiwski from all sides (Except the Bloc; language issues and asking the same questions about the 2011 pullout that where asked yesterday where more important to them). One of the best statements came from Ralph Goodale (also from Sas) who claimed this was no longer a matter of a problem with one MP and if the PM does not act then it will become his problem. Also kudos to MP Scott Brison of NS for accusing the Conservatives for being "Soft on hate".
On a lighter note the premier for Battlestar Galactic season four was tonight. It was a decent episode. Too bad the two highlights where in the first minute (it made my roomate scream in surprise) and the last (nice cliffhanger for next week). The rest was just buildup for the rest of
the season. Can't wait for the rest of it. So many questions...
In interesting news Apple is challenging New York City for use of an apple in advertising.
Not sure how I feel about the remake of Bill and Ted's Excelent Aventure. Especially when I heard that in the remake they will travel through time but not with the help of a phone booth.
Since I've begun watching Question Periode I don't think I've ever heard the House as quiet as when MPs addressed this issue. House Leader Peter Van Loan took quite a beating deffending Lukiwski from all sides (Except the Bloc; language issues and asking the same questions about the 2011 pullout that where asked yesterday where more important to them). One of the best statements came from Ralph Goodale (also from Sas) who claimed this was no longer a matter of a problem with one MP and if the PM does not act then it will become his problem. Also kudos to MP Scott Brison of NS for accusing the Conservatives for being "Soft on hate".
On a lighter note the premier for Battlestar Galactic season four was tonight. It was a decent episode. Too bad the two highlights where in the first minute (it made my roomate scream in surprise) and the last (nice cliffhanger for next week). The rest was just buildup for the rest of
the season. Can't wait for the rest of it. So many questions...
In interesting news Apple is challenging New York City for use of an apple in advertising.
Not sure how I feel about the remake of Bill and Ted's Excelent Aventure. Especially when I heard that in the remake they will travel through time but not with the help of a phone booth.
April 2, 2008
In For the Long Haul
Well looks like we didn't have to wait long for news from Romania. It seems the French have made their commitments to Afghanistan official to the tune of 1000 troops. The Americans have also formally committed troops as well as some lift helecopters and some unmaned surviellence aircraft. These are all elements of support required by the Manley Report. 2011's looking more and more likely all the time. So much support so soon and the government still has until Feb 2009 to tie up all the loose ends.
With all the debate in the House lately focusing on immigration, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has been getting a lot of air time. Seeing those sun glasses so often I just had to google it. Turns out she has recently discovered that she has Graves disease, making her more sensitive to bright lights. Sorry for bringing it up earlier but honestly, they are distracting when she speaks.
Bill C10 was briefly brought up in the House again today (Anita Neville - Winnipeg South Center). The more play it gets the better.
A speech by Obama was shown over a speech by McCain when they where both speaking at the same time. Please be an indication of things to come.
48hrs from now I'll be watching the season premier of Battlestar Galactic. Anyone who's relativly caught up in the series is more then welcome to drop by and enjoy the show. 10pm local time for the pre-show specials, 11pm for the show.
I hear from a friend that an American version of Faulty Towers is slated to be made. I'm wondering how many days of mourning would be appropriate? I feel your pain John Cleese. Speaking of Mr. Cleese and Faulty Towers, I finally saw A Fish Called Wanda the other day. Some scenes with Cleese deffinetly reminded me of his work on Faulty Towers. Check them both out.
I've rented season two of Rome. Here's hoping it's as good as the first.
On the litterary front I've picked up Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay. Love the show to no end, had to go to the source.
With all the debate in the House lately focusing on immigration, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has been getting a lot of air time. Seeing those sun glasses so often I just had to google it. Turns out she has recently discovered that she has Graves disease, making her more sensitive to bright lights. Sorry for bringing it up earlier but honestly, they are distracting when she speaks.
Bill C10 was briefly brought up in the House again today (Anita Neville - Winnipeg South Center). The more play it gets the better.
A speech by Obama was shown over a speech by McCain when they where both speaking at the same time. Please be an indication of things to come.
48hrs from now I'll be watching the season premier of Battlestar Galactic. Anyone who's relativly caught up in the series is more then welcome to drop by and enjoy the show. 10pm local time for the pre-show specials, 11pm for the show.
I hear from a friend that an American version of Faulty Towers is slated to be made. I'm wondering how many days of mourning would be appropriate? I feel your pain John Cleese. Speaking of Mr. Cleese and Faulty Towers, I finally saw A Fish Called Wanda the other day. Some scenes with Cleese deffinetly reminded me of his work on Faulty Towers. Check them both out.
I've rented season two of Rome. Here's hoping it's as good as the first.
On the litterary front I've picked up Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay. Love the show to no end, had to go to the source.
March 31, 2008
Stop Hunting for Elections
Did anyone else catch The Trojan Horse on Sunday? It was actually quite good, I enjoyed watching it. For being a contemporarily relevant political drama it was fairly inovative. If anyone craves a summery I'd be happy to update anyone in time for the conclusion next Sunday. Although I must admit that the upcoming season premier of Battlestar Galactica still hold the majority of my TV anticipation.
Why is everyone still looking for an election? The Conservatives can't call one and the Liberals won't given their current chaos (French Liberal leader not getting any love from Quebec?!?). That's not going to change in the next week. Now that the budget has safely passed (called it) and the Afghanistan issue has effectivly dissolved there's nothing left that's going to call an election in the immidiate future. I wish the media would stop treating every little tiff like a confidence motion. Although granted now that the House is back in session things may be happening a little quicker then the last two weeks.
And the same goes for the American media covering the Democratic nomination race. It's okay ot admit that nothing's going on right now and find something else to cover. I was briefly watching CNN with my roommates tonight and the big headline during much of the time we where watching was 'Three weeks and one day to the Penn primary'. That's not a news story, that's a six year old child counting down to Christmas. Or those of us who are six at heart anyway. As a sidenote Bush got booed by the crowd while throwing the opening pitch for the MLB.
In NATO news the Conservatives got a little egg on their face again. Sounds like they invited a slew of opposition foriegn policy critics, un-invited them a day or two later, and then blamed it on delegation limits imposed by NATO. By the way, when questioned by journalists, NATO has never heard of impossing delegation limits on Canada. Oops. Putin's got a gig at the latest NATO meeting though. It may be after everything has been said and done by actual members but it should be interesting none-the-less. Also intesting will be seeing if our allies are going to provide the support dicated by the Mannly Report. Sounds like they will but now that the PM has said we'll be pulling out if they don't the stakes are high.
So China started the cross-country tour of the olympic torch with cerimony. Want to guess where? Try Tienamin Square. Who made that call? On the boycott scene, talk is starting to focus on a conprimised boycott involving participation in the games but abstaining from the opening cerimony.
Can anyone tell me why Diane Finley (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration) wears a huge pair sunglasses inside the House? If she's blind or something I appologise but it really looks quite odd.
Joyce Murray, the newly elected MP from Vancouver Quadra used her first appearence in the House to bring up the Cadman affair. Again. Without any new evidence or questions. Again. And then Ken Dryden (York Center) followed up with much of the same. This issue needs to be investigated but until something new comes up it really needs to get out of the House. Can't say I blame James Moore, Parlimentary Secretary for shutting them down the way he does.
Poor Bob Rae (Toronto Center), first day back in the House and already John Baird (Minister of the Enviroment) is bringing up anti-Liberal quotes he made in his NDP days. But then again Baird hit Joyce Murray too so maybe he just really like making new MPs feel welcome.
A Canadian company sold the right to Trivial Pursuit today for $80 million. It was invented by a pair of Canadian journalists in 1981.
Starting on the first Nova Scotians won't be able to use cellphones while driving unless they have a hands free setup. Amen.
Oh, I've added a sidebar with links to the blogs of friends of mine. Check them out!
John Oliver de la Daily Show rapping a la Jay Z made my night.
Why is everyone still looking for an election? The Conservatives can't call one and the Liberals won't given their current chaos (French Liberal leader not getting any love from Quebec?!?). That's not going to change in the next week. Now that the budget has safely passed (called it) and the Afghanistan issue has effectivly dissolved there's nothing left that's going to call an election in the immidiate future. I wish the media would stop treating every little tiff like a confidence motion. Although granted now that the House is back in session things may be happening a little quicker then the last two weeks.
And the same goes for the American media covering the Democratic nomination race. It's okay ot admit that nothing's going on right now and find something else to cover. I was briefly watching CNN with my roommates tonight and the big headline during much of the time we where watching was 'Three weeks and one day to the Penn primary'. That's not a news story, that's a six year old child counting down to Christmas. Or those of us who are six at heart anyway. As a sidenote Bush got booed by the crowd while throwing the opening pitch for the MLB.
In NATO news the Conservatives got a little egg on their face again. Sounds like they invited a slew of opposition foriegn policy critics, un-invited them a day or two later, and then blamed it on delegation limits imposed by NATO. By the way, when questioned by journalists, NATO has never heard of impossing delegation limits on Canada. Oops. Putin's got a gig at the latest NATO meeting though. It may be after everything has been said and done by actual members but it should be interesting none-the-less. Also intesting will be seeing if our allies are going to provide the support dicated by the Mannly Report. Sounds like they will but now that the PM has said we'll be pulling out if they don't the stakes are high.
So China started the cross-country tour of the olympic torch with cerimony. Want to guess where? Try Tienamin Square. Who made that call? On the boycott scene, talk is starting to focus on a conprimised boycott involving participation in the games but abstaining from the opening cerimony.
Can anyone tell me why Diane Finley (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration) wears a huge pair sunglasses inside the House? If she's blind or something I appologise but it really looks quite odd.
Joyce Murray, the newly elected MP from Vancouver Quadra used her first appearence in the House to bring up the Cadman affair. Again. Without any new evidence or questions. Again. And then Ken Dryden (York Center) followed up with much of the same. This issue needs to be investigated but until something new comes up it really needs to get out of the House. Can't say I blame James Moore, Parlimentary Secretary for shutting them down the way he does.
Poor Bob Rae (Toronto Center), first day back in the House and already John Baird (Minister of the Enviroment) is bringing up anti-Liberal quotes he made in his NDP days. But then again Baird hit Joyce Murray too so maybe he just really like making new MPs feel welcome.
A Canadian company sold the right to Trivial Pursuit today for $80 million. It was invented by a pair of Canadian journalists in 1981.
Starting on the first Nova Scotians won't be able to use cellphones while driving unless they have a hands free setup. Amen.
Oh, I've added a sidebar with links to the blogs of friends of mine. Check them out!
John Oliver de la Daily Show rapping a la Jay Z made my night.
March 26, 2008
A Bit of Everything
So I added a widget type thingy to my blog. Now you can all follow along to what I'm reading. Yay. Didn't put them in order however. The one I'm currently reading is 'Troublesome Young Men: The Rebels who put Churchill in power and kept him there' (or something very similar). Loving the Churchill quotes. Last night was the best so far. He was speaking with a minister in charge of anti-submarine warfare who was questioning the number of German subs Churchill claims where sunk while he was speaking in the House of Commons. His response was something akin to 'there are two people who sink submarines; you in the atlantic, and me in the House of Commons. The problem is that you're sinking them at eactly half the rate I am.' Why can't people talk like that anymore?
I've been getting excited about some upcoming TV lately. Firstly Battlestar Galactica is starting season four come Fri April 4th. Watching the last half of the third season has really riminded me why I've followed this series through three great seasons. Normally when you re-watch a series it's the same old jokes and highlights all over again. But with BSG every viewing just seems to unwrap another layer. Kudos to thier writing team.
The other interest of mine is the CBC mini-series Trojan Horse. Directed and staring Paul Gross (Due South anyone?) it concerns a refferendum succesfully incorporating Canada into the US as a collection of new states. Needless to say it's right up my alley. Part one is Sunday the 30th of March and part two is a week later on the 6th.
Bad news for anyone hoping for an official boycott of China's Olympics. Seems like Canada's Olympic Comittee has refused to consider such an option. And last I heard no country has yet jumped on the boycott bandwagon. There's pleanty of time left but this fight might be left to the NGOs.
One of the members (Andrew Coyne of Maclean's) of the CBC At Issue panel cited the bi-election results as a reason that the Greens should be included in the media debates during the next federal election campaign. What a step that would be. I'd love to see May on stage next to the usual suspects to answer questions on a range of subjects. Honestly if the Bloc has a seat at the table surely the Green have earned the right. They might not have won any seats (yet) but at least they run in every constituency as a truly federal party. Well minus Dion's rideing but that side deal is a whole other story. Anyway a seat in the debates would surely increase their support and I don't think they should be denied that any longer. The results may have been from bi-elections but they're still legal elections just the same.
Dion has stated that he does not think his leadership will be challenged before the next election. I can see that. Not to say his two lieutenents won't do some manouvering before then.
So Hilary gets caught lying about being under sniper fire during a visit to Bosnia as first lady and decides to react by changing the subject and hounding Obama about the views of his preacher. Classy. Since Super Tuesday 62 of 66 super delegates have gone Obama. Lets keep that trend going. Can't wait for this next big primary. Too bad the next one isn't until Pennslyvainia on Aptil 22nd.
In local news a brawl at Cole harbour High today apparently involving close to 50 students sent two to hospital and two to police custody. It's almost like Cole harbour and Auburn can't decide who's worse.
And finally for all you photography buffs it looks like polaroid is dead. It was annonced that they're going to stop making polaroid film by next month.
Well that's all from me for now.
I've been getting excited about some upcoming TV lately. Firstly Battlestar Galactica is starting season four come Fri April 4th. Watching the last half of the third season has really riminded me why I've followed this series through three great seasons. Normally when you re-watch a series it's the same old jokes and highlights all over again. But with BSG every viewing just seems to unwrap another layer. Kudos to thier writing team.
The other interest of mine is the CBC mini-series Trojan Horse. Directed and staring Paul Gross (Due South anyone?) it concerns a refferendum succesfully incorporating Canada into the US as a collection of new states. Needless to say it's right up my alley. Part one is Sunday the 30th of March and part two is a week later on the 6th.
Bad news for anyone hoping for an official boycott of China's Olympics. Seems like Canada's Olympic Comittee has refused to consider such an option. And last I heard no country has yet jumped on the boycott bandwagon. There's pleanty of time left but this fight might be left to the NGOs.
One of the members (Andrew Coyne of Maclean's) of the CBC At Issue panel cited the bi-election results as a reason that the Greens should be included in the media debates during the next federal election campaign. What a step that would be. I'd love to see May on stage next to the usual suspects to answer questions on a range of subjects. Honestly if the Bloc has a seat at the table surely the Green have earned the right. They might not have won any seats (yet) but at least they run in every constituency as a truly federal party. Well minus Dion's rideing but that side deal is a whole other story. Anyway a seat in the debates would surely increase their support and I don't think they should be denied that any longer. The results may have been from bi-elections but they're still legal elections just the same.
Dion has stated that he does not think his leadership will be challenged before the next election. I can see that. Not to say his two lieutenents won't do some manouvering before then.
So Hilary gets caught lying about being under sniper fire during a visit to Bosnia as first lady and decides to react by changing the subject and hounding Obama about the views of his preacher. Classy. Since Super Tuesday 62 of 66 super delegates have gone Obama. Lets keep that trend going. Can't wait for this next big primary. Too bad the next one isn't until Pennslyvainia on Aptil 22nd.
In local news a brawl at Cole harbour High today apparently involving close to 50 students sent two to hospital and two to police custody. It's almost like Cole harbour and Auburn can't decide who's worse.
And finally for all you photography buffs it looks like polaroid is dead. It was annonced that they're going to stop making polaroid film by next month.
Well that's all from me for now.
March 19, 2008
Kosovo
So Canada has finally gotten off the fence about this Kosovo issue and has decided to regonise it. For me though the interesting news was that the PM came out and said it was a unique case, not to be confused with Quebec. About time that comment was made. It was really starting to irk me when people were making that connection. Although I'm sure we havn't heard the end of it.
Obama
Anyone else catch Obama's reaction to this whole 'crazy hometown preacher hates American angry rant' thing? Is there anything that can be brought up against this guy that he can't spin into a Kennedy-style speech? Super delegats don't fail me now!
In other news, I've gone through two and a half seasons of Supernatural in a week and a half. Good show, check it out.
In other news, I've gone through two and a half seasons of Supernatural in a week and a half. Good show, check it out.
March 18, 2008
March 17, 2008
Bi-Elections
So the Federal bi-elections where tonight. Everyone stay up to watch it? Just me? Right...
Anyway, here's the jist;
Good 'ol Bob Rae killed in his Toronoto Center riding. More then 5 times the vote of his nearest competetor. Almost a full 60% This will make one of my friend's happy as he's picked Rae as the next Lib leader. Everyone epects him to be in the shadow cabinet ASAP. Also, the NDP and Green also beat out the Conservatives in this riding, a full leftist sweep.
Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River is going Conservative but it's the northern half of Sask, could you find a more conservative part of the country? The new MP's an RCMP Sargent though so I guess there's a silver lineing.
Vancouver Quadra was the tightest race but seems to have gone Liberal. NDP barely beat out the Green.
Willowdale went Liberal (almost 2:1 vs Conservatives). The NDP were beat out by the Green. Good to see Martha Hall Findly win, as she had to step aside for Stonach years ago. Also nice to see her get something after failing the last Liberal leadership convention.
Speaking of the NDP, seems like they were the big losers of the night. If these numbers are any indications the next Federal election (don't hold your breath) might not bode so well for them.
So all in all, a good night. Liberals lost a riding but they gained a powerful MP (and future leader?)
Well that's all from me tonight. Got to get well soon, tired of being sick. Goodnight.
Anyway, here's the jist;
Good 'ol Bob Rae killed in his Toronoto Center riding. More then 5 times the vote of his nearest competetor. Almost a full 60% This will make one of my friend's happy as he's picked Rae as the next Lib leader. Everyone epects him to be in the shadow cabinet ASAP. Also, the NDP and Green also beat out the Conservatives in this riding, a full leftist sweep.
Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River is going Conservative but it's the northern half of Sask, could you find a more conservative part of the country? The new MP's an RCMP Sargent though so I guess there's a silver lineing.
Vancouver Quadra was the tightest race but seems to have gone Liberal. NDP barely beat out the Green.
Willowdale went Liberal (almost 2:1 vs Conservatives). The NDP were beat out by the Green. Good to see Martha Hall Findly win, as she had to step aside for Stonach years ago. Also nice to see her get something after failing the last Liberal leadership convention.
Speaking of the NDP, seems like they were the big losers of the night. If these numbers are any indications the next Federal election (don't hold your breath) might not bode so well for them.
So all in all, a good night. Liberals lost a riding but they gained a powerful MP (and future leader?)
Well that's all from me tonight. Got to get well soon, tired of being sick. Goodnight.
Post Number One
I'm cooped up at home, sick, with loads of free time. So why not start a blog. Not sure if it'll go anywhere but we'll see.
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