Rivers and Fuming Subside

There were two silly reports following the recent floodings in Dunville and area, and Conception Bay. The first was reporting that Harper's visit to the naturally imposed, unsought, and spontaneous road river damage, was a surprise. Judging by news video it was pretty significant damage,
and worthy as any disaster zone visit by a PM to view firsthand. He wasn't obligated to come but did. No surprise at all, and no big deal. Second, CTV reported that Danny Williams was fuming because Harper did not let him know he was coming. Again, by the interglobalmental temperature this year, which is see your breath cool, it's no surprise that Stephen Harper did not ring up Danny to say , "hey buds, see you at Dunville at 10, and we'll throw on some moose sausages on the grill after." Yet again, no big deal anyway. It was not surprising he did not contact the Premier, and in a way, it's not surprising Danny said he's disappointed. However, "fuming" may or may not have been an appropriate term to use. What does matter is for repairs to be made to road work, sewer lines, drain systems, and an organized arrangement to help people where insurance does not cover natural disaster damage. The childish political flying words should be water under the bridge.

Whales and Caplin

Update: It seems someone has sent my pics to CBC's weather broadcast. I had sent them in larger format to a few family and friends, and through email got circulated. They looked good on tv.

What a show a couple of whales put on at Middle Cove Wednesday evening. Caplin, a favorite fast food of whales, have been seen out there, ready to spawn as they do each year. But between the gulls, people and whales it's a challenge for them.
Whales follow them, and even in near shore whales will swim through a school of caplin to gulp hundreds at a time.

Timing was crucial yesterday as hundreds of people gathered on the beach and hilltop of Middle Cove to see nature's food chain in action with a front row view. It was dramatic as at least two whales could be seen coming in from further out to sea, their backs periodically rising above the waves, as they approached their prey.
As the whales swam closer to the caplin, and to shore, there were ripples on the surface of the water, that was caplin breaching, seconds before they were literally flipped over by whale flippers. People could see a silvery flash as many caplin flew through the air at that instant. It was interesting to witness for a couple of reasons. The rare opportunity to see whales feeding was exciting, awe-inspiring, sort of suspenseful at times, especially since it was as close as 100 or so feet from shore. People could see the surface water move, then a flourish as whales pounced and fed. Still the sight was graceful before and after the feeding, as these giant living creatures casually made an appearance then smoothly slid beneath the surface.

It was also interesting because it was like a live show, where people could be heard from a hilltop cheering. Finally, in about a half hour the number of people and cars grew to at least double the size. It was probably a telling sign that this is 2007 and many people are passing the word on by cell phone. The traffic jam was bound to happen. But it was worth the show.

To see more beautiful places in Newfoundland and Labrador visit here and here.

Stuffed PCs

Liberal: Whoa PC, what happened to you?

PC: Oh you know, too much on my plate, can't seem to finish it all.

Liberal: You need to make your file management system more efficient.

PC: Well as soon as federal funding comes through for the Trans Labrador Highway, and we get the provincial energy plan in place, and talks back on track over Hebron, and a few other things like the Lower Churchill development, then I will defragment my system, free up some hard drive space, and increase my speed.

Liberal: PC I think your memory is failing, there has already been around $1 billion in federal money for the TLH since the 1970s.

PC: No Liberal, that's just an urban legend, just like you will be in the fall election. Actually, when you think about it, I am bloated by popular support, haha. Stick to your graphics and games Mack.

Liberal: Actually, you're more graphics than people think.
PC: ...
Liberal: ...

If a Dirty Bomb Went Off in Toronto, How Would They Tell?

With news of the economic, medical and panic fallout of a dirty bomb exploding near the CN Tower, I couldn't resist a similiar headline, to the quote of writer Dorothy Parker on President Calvin Coolidge's death. Upon learning that he died, she said, "How can they tell?"

But I don't want to be too hard on The Big Smoke, it still has much to offer, culture, entertainment, wide variety of products/services, people, and leading medical research and world class hospitals. The $23-billion economic fallout of a dirty bomb is something to be very concerned about, and is justified to have a national preparedness plan in place to deal with massive contamination, medical, social and economic fallout. A federal study says that Canada and other nations lack the technology to decontaminate a large, densely populated area. Canada may very well be a more quiet target of fanatic extremists. Given Canada's involvement in Afghanistan, anywhere in the country could be seen as an example to show that anyone or anywhere is a possible ground-zero.

Voters, Keep Your Minds and Options Open

A Danny Williams mega majority in the fall election is not necessarily a good thing. There needs to be more people to keep a government and premier in check, to question and demand action on the premier's words or inactions. While many believe Williams' heart is in the right place, his popularity could take a swift turn if some questionable issues are emphasized more in the public, and given thought to. A couple of things come to mind. One, the Trans Labrador Highway. The phase III construction has been delayed longer than peace in the Mid East, despite promising announcements from MHA John Hickey in the past year. This should be a major election issue that opposing parties of the government, and the Newfoundland public ought to be concerned about (Labradorians are already outraged). As well, certain recommendations of Justice Green's were not intended to be put in place until after the fall election.

Like the one that says a member of the legislature is personally liable for overspending on his or her expense account.

or the one that says a member of the House of Assembly cannot make donations using public funds. (from Ed's blog)

It makes one suspicious of why that would be. Also in the past, it's been noted in other news that Danny has said that "negotiations" were going on between the government and oil companies (summer of 2006), when in fact there were none taking place, except for general correspondence. Things like that are just misleading and it's preferable to have a complete honesty in a government, not people who say things that sound good.

It's good to be very protective of your province, and seeking the greatest financial reward from mega projects. People support him largely due to this strongly projected characteristic Premier Williams seems to have. However, he may look back and wish he could have re-framed some of his comments and approaches to oil companies and the Prime Minister, like "there better be a big goose egg in the budget". That needn't have been said at the time, as peoples' hopes were already leaning that way. But saying that publicly really made it look like he was telling the PM what to do. Harper was already shying away from the equalization promise he put in writing earlier in 2006 anyway, but comments like that perhaps closed the door to a more conciliatory leverage on the PM's part. Hopefully Danny's talks and approach with big oil will turn into real negotiations, and that the long awaited energy plan will be finalized soon, and from there a reasonable agreement can be reached on Hebron and other oil developments, with continued oil explorations as well. In the meantime, as the fall election approaches, it's healthy for the public to keep an open mind, consider all options, especially anyone who is honest, hard working, and is considered a good potential district representative, no matter what party he or she stands for.

Would Industry Starve on NL's Hebron Terms?

At least talk of talking between Newfoundland and Labrador and the oil companies is better than complete silence. Danny Williams' speech to NOIA Tuesday appeared to be more open and inviting to resume talks with oil companies. I wonder would any premier of NL be called Premier Chávez if they were holding out for 4.9 per-cent stake in the project, and for a royalty rate that rises with global crude oil prices, and is this fair? Or is this just Danny Williams because of his personal style? I guess Danny Williams is being called "Chávez" because he has a tough stand, or because of his said confrontational style. If it were Clyde Wells, or Gerry Reid, or whoever as Premier, would the "hold-out" stance on the development of Hebron be seen as "Chávezesque" or confrontational? Is what Williams is looking for going to eat into the oil company profits too much? Or are they being too greedy? How many billions do industry have to make for Hebron development to be fair for them? Perhaps that is a taboo area to question.

Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn slammed Premier Williams in a text that was supposed to be presented at the NOIA conference, but due to fog, he was unable to land. I also wonder is it politically incorrect these days to suggest that the sacred economic engines cut some profit slack to facilitate project developments? Or does big industry find it a bit embarrassing to only make "so many" billions, or not increase its profit by X % each year? Perhaps the people of Newfoundland and Labrador could help out in the Hebron negotiations by taking up a collection for oil companies who might make financial sacrifices in moving the project forward.

Nicebergs

If you are touring Newfoundland and Labrador, or just interested in seeing icebergs, there are still some to be seen at various parts of the coastlines. This map
is from Iceberg Finder.Com. The site shows satellite detected icebergs from the last nine days, and tourist berg sightings. To inquire further you can call tourist information at 1-800-563-6353.

On the Iceberg Finder site, click on the + or - sign to zoom in and out of a particular berg or group. Zooming in gives you a more precise location of where to find them. The site also tells you what size or type the iceberg is. Keep in mind, they're not all big icebergs, so if you were intending to travel a long distance, it would be a good idea to contact a tourism depot for that area to inquire, or contact tourism operators in that area who may give first hand information.

There is also this one that has lingered just outside Quidi Vidi harbour, and also seen from Signal Hill. However, it can be seen closer from either the village of Quidi Vidi, or as this photo shows, a hilltop (accessed from the East Coast hiking trail, starting in Quidi Vidi).

Public Service Job Postings for Fall 2007

Internal & Public Job Competition
Date: June 3, 2007

Positions: Member of the House of Assembly of NL

Location: All over Newfoundland and Labrador

Job Type: Contractual - Duties commencing October 10, with possible renewal in 2011.

Qualifications: Must be knowledgeable of local, regional and provincial issues, hard working, diligent, caring, driven by the needs of people in the areas he/she represents. Should be a good listener, with prompt acting ability. Honesty an asset but not essential.

Must be willing to work nights, weekends and travel frequently as required within the constituency. Must be willing to read a lot, and continuously learn about issues affecting the people, district, and the province. The successful candidate should be thick-skinned, open-minded, analytical, and articulate. Have knowledge of HTML, spreadsheets, MS Office or Corel, and how to make a great coffee.

Previous MHA experience may be an asset, but not necessarily preferred.

Duties: Acting as constituents' representative in Government, the MHA will coordinate district social and economic initiatives, will ensure that SE infrastructure is maintained; will act as listener, and voice of the people; will conduct discussions and oversee programs that facilitate district development, health and general welfare. Other related duties.

Salary: Wicked!;) We'll talk.

Apply in writing, audio, or visual through radio, television, billboards, internet, newspapers, cars, trucks, SUVs, quads, trikes, boats, ski-doos, graffiti, phone calls, door-to-door, rallies, meetings, megaphones, people's fences, polls, tatoos, CDs, holograms, or sky writing, to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Closing Date: October 9, 2007

For aspiring Ministers, please see Minister duties here

Links: http://www.elections.gov.nl.ca/elections/

Thoughts, outside a box

“Focus on your potential instead of your limitations” - Alan Loy McGinnis
"Success is a journey, not a destination." - Ben Sweetland


pc footnote: (Disraeli would probably have said "a person" in today's world)

"Everyone who got where he is has had to begin where he was."
– Robert Louis Stevenson

“Ever since I was a child I have had this instinctive urge for expansion and growth. To me, the function and duty of a quality human being is the sincere and honest development of one's potential.” - Bruce Lee

Spring has spr been put on hold

Local drug stores on the Avalon are reporting that they cannot keep sun screen on the shelves. Shoppers Drug Mart in the West End sold all three bottles so far this spring.

A new shipment of winter coats has arrived just in time for the rest of spring.

Tomorrow the forecast is 25°. But that's Fahrenheit.

One St. John's resident said that it so cold that you could freeze an egg on the sidewalk. Another was heard to say that "except for the relentless fog, combined with freezing air, wind, and drizzle, the weather is St. John's is probably the best in Canada."

St. John's: the Coldest city in North America.

Birdwatachers noticed that 1000's of Canada geese that had returned from the south, are now flying back south again.

Freak weather conditions last week brought temperatures of 20° C.

Tourists, come to St. John's, where there is no global warming.

Isn't it a Wonder

Our province is spectacular all along its 28,000 kilometres of coastline. That includes the coast of Labrador, major and minor islands. Especially on windy clear days, it stands out as one of natures wonders. If NL's coastline was not among the over half a million entries to the Seven Wonders of Canada contest, it is still one of the most beautiful natural features of the country.

For visitors who are not familiar with Newfoundland and Labrador, the picture above represents much of the provinces coastline, however, sandy beaches, cliffs, and gentle grassy slopes also adorn the island of Newfoundland and the Labrador coast. (that shot is Middle Cove, just outside St. John's and near the town of Torbay)

Here are some other places not often seen, but worth the look, and visit. More here.

Possible 2007 Election Campaign Slogans

For the Progressive Conservative Party
Re-elect Williams Vote for Sequalization Vote NBC - Nobody But Conservative Vive le Terre-Neuve-et-Labradore Libre We're 75% in the Polls, Just Do it!	For More of the Same Vote PC Won't Get Fooled Again Down with Harper Vote Danny Give'r
For the Liberal Party
If By Some Flute a PC Scandal Happens We're Better than Nuttin' Reid My Lips No More Taxes We'll Get Our 2 cents Worth in Don't You Worry We Don't Have Much to Offer, But What Are Ya Gonna Do	Come On, Give Us a Chance, Really For Half-decent Opposition, Vote Liberal We Won't Procrastinate on Signing Deals You Just Wait Your Mother or Father Always Voted Liberal, You Know You Want To
For the New Democratic Party	For Either PCs or Liberals
To the Left, To the Left It's Time for Coupons It's Time for Respect and Decorum in the #%&@ House of Assembly	For Honesty in Government Vote Lorraine Michael, otherwise Vote Us. It's Time for Change... Cash, Cheques, Trinkets, Spending Allowances

Other suggestions welcome.

Waste and Perception

Sensible ideas can sure take a long time to come to fruition. St. John's recycling appears to be in the right direction, starting with downtown and another neighbourhood, then spreading out later this year. Mount Pearl started it in 2005. Households could put their recyclables out in separate bags on garbage collection days. Lots of fuel for the recycling industry to grow. It's better late than never, but better earlier than later. Ideally, placing recycling bins in neighbourhoods, blocks, towns, communities, where people can even walk to drop of recyclables, is a big part of the wastage solution. Many currently drop of plastic bottles, aluminum cans, paper, cardboard to several drop of points in St. John's and Mount Pearl. However, it doesn't appear that most people do just yet. One problem is storage, these products take up lots of space. Another is the mindset of garbage disposal convenience, it's easier to simply trash it. This is list of some of Calgary's recycling depots.



Saving bottles, cans, and paper is a great way especially for kids to get some pocket money. If there is little room to save a lot, then those community or local bins should leave no excuse to waste this resource in the usual trash.

Society is saturated with conservation and environmental tips and it's not so unfashionable to save up the "garbage". Unfortunately, there is still much that is wasted by society in general, food, clothes, tin cans, other packaging, automobile parts, etc. Conserving, and hanging on to stuff was/is not fashionable because it still goes against the religiously consumer and tacit doctrine and expectation to purchase "new", and "improved" things, continuously. Part of the psyche may be that throwing used things out is equated with being well-off, i.e., not being so desperate to have to stretch the use of something, or hang on to items to earn a few ever so valuable dollars to get by. Some people do not necessarily think about wasting food, or whatever, as being wasteful, since they perceive not throwing things out as being cheap. Such a perception is helped when advertising is always promoting acquiring new things, and "not settling for less", to "Live richly" (CitiBank), "Making more possible" (ABN AMRO), or, "Just do it" (Nike - in other words, don't think for a second that the pair you bought four months ago is good enough, just buy these).

What will be a "good" problem is bins overflowing with bottles, or cans waiting to be picked up, rather than something like this.

As for food if it's not "recycled" at home, then some of it can be composted. It's not for everyone, and is a bit of extra effort, but maybe there needs to be more promotional nudging of the benefits of doing this. Seeing garbage bins overflowing each week and knowing that 80 - 90% or more can be recycled, reminds us that much more needs to be done. Opportunites to grow the recycling industry, clean up neighbourhoods, use home-made composting material, and simply cutting back on landfill, can be enhanced, if not, then what a waste.

Mothers, Where Would We Be Without Cha?

Gift book ideas for moms

First Mother: The Autobiography of Eve (in English and Hieroglyphics, paperback, audio, and limited stone edition)

"Turn Off the Darn Light and Get to Bed": A Biography of Thomas Edison's Mom

How to Stop Worrying So Much, So Often, About Everything

Everything You Wanted to Know About Equalization, But Were Afraid to Ask

Famous Moms born on May 13

1943 Mary Wells, Detroit, (singer), "My Guy"
The Beatles called Wells their favorite American singer, and invited her to tour with them throughout England, which she accepted.

1937 Madeleine Albright, (first woman American Secretary of State) - Bill Clinton administration

1926 Beatrice Arthur, New York, (actress) - Maude, Dorothy-Golden Girls

A Few Quotes on Motherhood

Author Unknown:
All mothers are working mothers.

Chinese Proverb:
There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it.

Abraham Lincoln:
All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.

Barbara Kingsolver:
It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't.
(quotes taken from here)

Greenspan's Strategy: Annoy the Witness into Submission

Edward Greenspan to Witness David Radler: "Was it easy for you to lie?"; "Did you stutter when you were lying?"; "Did you avert your eyes?"; "When you lie, do you appear to look the same way as when you are telling the truth?"; "Right now, you may be lying and we don't know it. True?"; "Was there a pause when you lied?" "Tell me, Mr. Radler, at what point prior to this interview did you decide that you would lie, or not be forthcoming, as you put it?"

We get it Edward, you're are trying to convey to the jury that Radler could just as well be lying now. Reporters present said even some of the jurors were starting to look irritated. Greenspan attempted to plant a foundation which may be part of an overall attack strategy, but he may not have scored any points Thursday. The "liar, liar, pants on fire" approach will be a running theme in the trial. The trial resumes on Monday and it will be interesting to see what other tricks Black's main lawyer has up his William Fioravanti sleeve. Greenspan could resume questioning like "Do you sit and cross your legs and with a suit and tie on, when you're lying?" or "Are you always bald when you lie?"

I am not aware of any lie detection tests having been done on Black or Radler, not that it is a case clincher, but it has been used in cases for evidence. Too bad this is not a case where DNA could give a clear verdict, that will rest with the jury. So which side can be most convincing is what will tip the balance of their decision. Many may like to see Black the giant fall, but it would be a sadder case if he was found guilty and years later, evidence appeared which cleared him. At the end of the day, it is what it is. It's sad to see any human being of any background have their weaknesses exhibited like this. But at least Black, if he were found guilty, did not have a tragic and abused childhood, as often many criminals have had. These cases are more tragic in that often there were never any good times in the criminals' past.

I hope that in Black's case it can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he is one or the other, guilty or innocent. He did seem like a nice guy, at least that's the impression I got from an email response to a letter to him regarding a National Post article he wrote in Jan., 2007. Well ok I would like to think it was actually from him, but it was probably an automated reply to his many readers. In any case, we don't correspond so often these days.

The drama continues this week. Hopefully in the end clear convincing justice will be served. In any case, good luck Conrad, and keep in touch from now on.

Newfoundlanders Receive Order of Canada

Congratulations to Sister Katherine Bellamy and Dr. Patrick O’Flaherty, of St. John's who were made Members of the Order of Canada.

Sister Bellamy is hailed as one of Newfoundland and Labrador's most influential music educators. She has established school based choirs and served for many years as the organist and choir director at the Basilica. Sister Bellamy is also recognized for her community work which includes founding a local food bank. (from VOCM)

Dr. Patrick O'Flaherty taught English at Memorial University and is the author of several books. Dr. O'Flaherty is a well known Newfoundlander. Many will know him from decades ago as one of the judges on Reach for the Top.

The appointments were originally announced by the Governor General's office on Feb. 20, 2007, but the awards were presented last week.

Another Inconvenient Truth from David Radler

Poor Conrad Black, whether he is found guilty or not, there has been so much time and energy put into revisiting past business dealings, and not enjoying life the way he was accustomed to. Then again, he could be living normally once more after this trial. How strange it must now seem to both Black and Radler, who were business partners for close to 40 years, and who had been super successful, to now hardly feel like looking at one another. How life can change, how past greed can haunt one's future, and how it has humiliated at least one high-flying corporate elite. Radler, the Scrooge-like and ethically bankrupt miser, said Monday he intends to "tell the truth." He has already admitted guilt, and repeated it yesterday in court, admitting to being a corporate thief.

Big answers remain to be heard. How truthful will Radler be, and how good will Black's defense be? It's certainly building to be a battle of titans all around. As the verbose Conrad Black himself might have put it, a guilty verdict would be a cacophonous, auricular, opprobrious, and pestiferous further fall from grace. Will the rich and word wealthy, accomplished Black be forever branded a thief? Or will the "truth" set him free? Is Black hoping that Radler will be seen as a liar? And, is wife Barbara Amiel becoming religious, by also invoking the Lord's prayer? Stay tuned since the script for this movie sequel is being written each day.

Related post, Black Hole.

The Next Time You Think the Weather is Bad Here

Then have a look at what the most recent tornado did to this Kansas town. It annihilated 95% of Greensburg. It's amazing anyone survived as some of the dead were found in rubble filled basements. We in Newfoundland and Labrador suffer through long and often brutal cold winters, and hopelessly dreary, lingering, cold, wet, windy springs, at least in St. John's (apart from that the weather couldn't be better). But we do not face the devastation suffered by states in tornado alley, or south-eastern seaboard states that get the brunt of hurricanes. Each time a big tornado or hurricane occurs it amounts to many $ billions worth in damages, not to mention the priceless lives that are taken. So far, there are 11 people confirmed dead in Greensburg. If you could put a town in a giant blender and set it to maximum, here is what it might look like. It looks like Hiroshima.

Like many I have complained about our weather, but when seeing and hearing about disasters like Greensburg, it helps put our place and weather in better perspective, and reminds me to appreciate this place. You can take any place in the world and find something positive and negative about it. We associate warmth with the southern U.S. People in the south may love non-winter like weather for much of the year, but they have to deal with nature's cruel force and destruction. It's like people living there have been gambling in a bizarre lotto - and the winners are the ones who lost everything but their lives. In fact it reminds me of a short story called The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. It's an inverted lottery in which the "winner" gets stoned to death, but year after year, the towns people gamble, knowing it could be anyone.

Unfortunately it is all too real and sad for the families of the eleven killed.

If anyone still thinks we have it bad, then have a look at this video footage of the damage in Kansas. With a risk of freezing rain and cool temperatures today I'll have no reason to complain.

Going Green, Blue , White ...

There is a small greenhouse near the main entrance bridge at Bowring Park which has over 700 butterflies, with many different types and colors. It is a peaceful, pleasant place for a visit. It's also a good photo opportunity. The butterflies are from Deer Lake's Insectarium. The display is held over by popular demand until May 13. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Adults $5, students K-12 $3. To arrange a group tour, call 636-1848.

Harper's Government Bamboozling Canadians: David Suzuki

Our federal government's blatantly obvious strategy is to bamboozle Canadians into thinking it's on the ball when it comes to the environment by presenting plans that have one flashy element, which everyone remembers, and then essentially supporting the status quo in everything else.

These strong words from environmental expert Dr. David Suzuki appeared on his web site, and in Sunday's Telegram. Here's why the Harper "Green Plan" is deceptive. Suzuki explains, that by

focusing on emissions “intensity” rather than actual emissions reductions, we end up with a plan that is guaranteed to keep Canada at the back of the pack in the industrialized world. Let's take an example. Alberta's tar sands are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing intensity means a reduction in the amount of emissions per barrel of oil, and that's good. But if the total amount of oil extracted doubles or more, then any modest gains in efficiency are completely wiped out.

Gore called the Conservatives' environmental plan is a "complete and total fraud" that is "designed to mislead the Canadian people." He said he was surprised to see that

the Tory plan employs the concept of "intensity reduction," which he said is poll-tested phrase developed in Houston by the so-called think tanks financed by Exxon Mobil and some other large polluters.

By the way, a favorite writer of most Newfoundlanders, Margaret Wente, also seems to lean towards the conservative ideology. In a January, 2007 article, she talked about adaptation, scientists who take a broad middle ground, and the benefits of a warmer Canada. She must have been content to see the following headline.

Arctic sea ice melting faster than most scientists project: study