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Preventative Medicine & Health Savings

“Honesty is for the most part less profitable than dishonesty.” ~ Plato

If preventing health problems were promoted much more, then our health care system would save money, and people could be healthier. The investment of advertisements to show people how to prevent problems could save tens of millions in the long run for our province. Peoples' habits are alot to blame for many medical problems. Of course no matter how much some people take care of themselves, they will still get diseases and problems. People are also free to decide and choose how they want to live their lives. Because we have freedom and a free market economy, popular culture and society is also composed of contradictory forces which send mixed messages to us. For example, let's take fast food. Everywhere you go, on any media out there, and around the clock, we are bombarded with ads that associate feeling good with many foods that are ticking time bombs. Foods full of harmful ingredients like saturated and trans fats are offered then gobbled up by consumers. In every commercial, the tactic is to send the message that you will be feeling good, or the product will somehow bring you happiness. These food products may taste good for the time being, but they act like sludge on drain pipes and eventually need to be "snaked" or give the balloon treatment (angioplasty).

I think we've only seen the tip of the iceberg in terms of what harmful things are in our typical every foods. Nitrates, and other preservatives, are they really linked to cancer? Possibly. What about the kind of feeds for cattle? What we don't know won't hurt business. In the meantime get preventative check ups like prostate digitals for men, breast exams for women, etc., and learn as much as you can about foods, what's really in them, and what are the effects of accumulating additives. I will guess that like the cover up of nicotine by Phillip Morris, and the whole food industry secret of the danger of trans fats, there are many other juicy bites of food hazard information that is not being disclosed because corporate money silences scientists.

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed" ~ Mahatma Ghandi

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC)

Great Big Storm

Pretty - big mess



The calm after the storm, downtown St. John's area

Get weather forecast for Newfoundland & Labrador

The Stupid Gene and Fetal Fecal Syndrome

The always interesting Sue's Blog brought this article to readers' attention yesterday, a commentary from the web site called This Canada. (You should read it to see a Kramer type racist rant) The writer definitely has a prejudice towards NL and frequently mentions the "get of your duff" stereotype, in his write up and also in comments made at Sue's Blog. So here is a response to his attitude.

It has been overdue for a central Canada "journalist" to do the Newfoundland stereotyping so brave Erik Sorenson stepped up and painted "you people", Newfoundlanders, not sure about Labradorians, as all wailers and moaners. But I see this display as a cry for help. As a matter of fact, I think this ill individual has sabotaged the This Canada website and inadvertently gave readers a rare glimpse into the mental processes of someone afflicted by the "Stupid Gene Disease".

Perhaps because it is socially embarrassing for families, relatives are often reticent on the disorder and sadly fail to seek help for the diseased. This Canada fell victim to the trickery of an afflicted individual in yesterday’s editorial. Whether the real writer was held at gunpoint, or may have fallen asleep just before print (oops), we may never really know. But for scientists and researchers who have sought proof that the "stupid gene" exists, yesterdays posting by victim Erik Sorenson, was a goldmine of evidence.

One doctor from the University Health Network of Ontario was quoted as saying, "As rare as a picture of the giant squid, we have seen through print media, the manifestation of the ‘stupid gene’." Ten years ago The New England Journal of Medicine published the now infamous "Relationship Between Smog, Dirty Water & the Stupid Gene". In this controversial research study, it was proposed that some individuals who live near smog soaked and polluted water environments, may develop FFS, or Fetal Fecal Syndrome. Those predisposed to the disease have the stupid gene. Specifically, chromosome 21 is mutated.

In normal individuals, the liver filters out toxic fecal fluid or matter. But for people with damaged chromosome 21, the liver is dysfunctional, and thus the victims become full of fecal toxins, which causes a neuritic plaque build up on the hippocampus cells of the brain. This in turn causes cognitive impairment (stupidity), learning disorders, and severe distortions of reality (Mengele et al., NEJM, 1995). To satisfy their constant need for the security of attention, the diseased such as Mr. Sorenson, exhibit childish and impudent outbursts or rants like that seen in Monday's This Canada commentary.

It was probably just a coincidence that a couple of years ago, we were treated to another rare peek at the disease in action, when Margaret Wente wrote "her article" for the Globe. Of course, not all journalists from this region of the country have the stupid gene, this would be stereotyping, and that would be stupid. However, researchers who wrote the NEJM article say that several environmental factors are at play in the activation of the stupid gene. Likely factors are: breathing thick smog, drinking dirty lake water, and having high cholestoral. All factors block oxygen to the brain. The high cholestoral build up results from the typical Toronto diet of fries, burgers, and other entrail food products.

There is good news. We can change what we can control, environmental factors; and there is also the promise of stem cell treatments, and transplants. First of all, isn’t it about time we cleaned up the water supply from Lake Ontario and Lake "Urine"? We CAN prevent fetal fecal syndrome and the full-blown "Stupid Gene Disease", by simply cutting the corporate dirty work, i.e., smog, stop drinking the water we pee out, and stop eating killed animal sinew. Ironically, taking Omega-3 rich seal oil capsules can lower cholesterol.

No, Sorenson's parents were not brother and sister, nor man and sheep. It’s time society took the stupid gene disease seriously, brought it out of the closet, and demanded Medicare coverage for treatments. With an upcoming election, let’s use the sad case of Mr. Sorenson in a positive way, and get our elected officials to put money into treating the problem. Dr. James Watson, co-discoverer of the DNA double helix, is a strong advocate of harvesting stem cells from healthy umbilical cords, which can replace the stupid gene cells. As well, stem cell transplants are done at both Mount Sinai and Princess Margaret Hospitals. If you have a family member with the stupid gene disease, you may be a genetic match. However, doctors from the UHN of Ontario, advise that perfect matches are most likely when the donor is not living in the Great Lakes region. Otherwise there would be a high risk of stem cell transplant rejection, due to similar geno-codes.

So while there is hope for the Erik Sorensons of the world, let’s be patient with the diseased, while we wait for a cure. Let’s clean up our attitude about the stupid gene disease, and for Cod’s sake let’s clean up the water, and air that stimulate the stupid gene in the first place. Let’s understand Sorenson, put money into research, and maybe someday he too can become a real fire fighter, garbage collector or even web editor. For now, Erik’s only career options are being a disease study subject, or a member of the Ontario Prejudice faction. But, good luck Erik, I pray you will go far!

Junior Women's Curlers Sweep Tournament

Congratulations to Stacie Devereaux, Stephanie Guzzwell, Sarah Paul and Julie Devereaux of Newfoundland & Labrador's Junior Women's Curling team. Just a few hours ago they came from a 6-4 deficit in the 10th end to win 7-6 over Manitoba's team. Three members are attending Memorial University, while one is currently in grade 12 in St. John's. They were inspired by Brad Gushue's win last year, and will no doubt inspire many others themselves. They have done the province proud. Well done girls!

Beautiful Places to Visit in Newfoundland & Labrador

Updated: click here for more posts with NL scenes.
(Note: to view the source of the photos, click the place names)

There are so many places all around the province that are interesting to visit just because of their natural beauty alone. In this blog you will find some places that don't get alot of exposure, and that's too bad, for tourists, and for ourselves. To see a beautiful place that we didn't know existed is an education, and it also gives one a sense of pride by knowing it's part of our province. Growing up in a small community I hiked to every hilltop just to see the beauty of the community valley, the river which ran through out to the harbour, and the spectacular view of the offshore islands sitting in Placentia Bay. see Rushoon below
The community of Rushoon, Burin Peninsula	Francois (South coast of Newfoundland)
We live in a hiker's paradise because there are so many accessible communities and towns that because of the reason for their existance in the first place, the fishery, are located next to harbours, inlets and bays, and hence had roads constructed to get there. Many places are hilly, and hiking to these hilltops is not only a good exercise but an excellent opportunity for some frameable photos.
Labrador
Korok-Palmer River Valley The Korok-Palmer River Valley is an excellent hiking and canoeing destination in Labrador.	Check out this canoe.ca site for pictures of Labrador Odyssey 2001 which shows pictures of the Palmer River.
Much of Labrador's coastline is dotted with many small islands, and with rugged shoreline. There are sandy beaches too, but Porcupine Strand may be the longest. More than 40 km long, this "Wonderstrand" is an oasis of resort type sandy beach. What a treasure to admire and preserve.	Porcupine Strand
Labrador, North Coast List of Coastal Labrador places and galleries	Nain
North West River List of Coastal Labrador places and galleries	North West River beach festival
South Coast of Newfoundland
This park is located near Burgeo on the south coast. It has 7 km of sandy beach (Read more about this park at the Word Play) site.	Sandbanks Provincial Park
The drive out to the Port au Port Peninsula is scenic all the way, especially from Stephenville driving next to the ocean to the jewel of Cape St. George.
Cape St. George
Little Bay Islands (adjacent to the foot of the Northern Peninsula) This looks like the perfect harbour, protected by small islands at the entrance to act as breakwaters. Very picturesque.	Seal Cove
Bishop's Falls
West Coast of Newfoundland
Wreckhouse This is probably the windiest place in Newfoundland, but the scenery looks anything but wrecked.
	Trout River
Located near the tip of the northern peninsula, Trout River begs to be visited, hiked, and photographed.
Links Provincial parks Iceberg Finder Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Provincial Ferry Service Scenic Touring Routes

Reply from HNL re: TLH Letter

I was pleased to receive a response from Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL) concerning my letter about the importance of speeding up the completion of the Trans Labrador Highway. From the letter it sounds like HNL has been expressing the same message for years. The reply sounds encouraging. Here it is:

Thank you for your email concerning the need for a speedy completion of the Trans Labrador Highway.

As you mentioned, the completion of the Trans Labrador Highway will open the region up to many more economic development opportunities, including those in tourism. HNL has worked hard for many years to highlight to government the need for improved transportation infrastructure in Labrador in order to grow the tourism industry and take confort that residents of our province, like you, believe the same thing.

Thanks again for your email and HNL will continue to advocate for improved transportation infrastructure in Labrador.

Sincerely,
Nancy Healey
Executive Director

Letter to HNL on TLH

In my previous post below I outlined why it is important that the Trans Labrador Highway completion be sped up. I have sent a letter to Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador president, Nick McGrath, to urge them to encourage government(s) to give more priority to this crucial infrastructure. I've posted the letter here for anyone to read or copy if interested to send a message to HNL, Dept. of Tourism, your MHA or MP.

Dear Mr. McGrath,

The completion of the Trans Labrador Highway is a priority for the province, and it is for this reason that I write to you to urge that HNL advocate for a more expeditious finish to this momentous project. The sooner the TLH construction is completed, the better for all travelers, Labrador residents, and tourists. It would benefit residents' health needs by cutting travel time. It could also improve peoples' health because fresher produce will become more available. A paved TLH will help bring Labrador on par with Newfoundland.

A full hard top road system will open up more opportunities for economic development. For those with an entrepreneurial inclination an inviting paved TLH must be great news, and help in the business development mindset. For example, there could possibly be more service stations, convenience stores, restaurants, camp grounds, parks, hiking outposts, canoeing/kayaking businesses, fishing or hunting trips, outback expedition businesses, snowmobile rentals, flight rentals, skiing or golf resorts, cabin development, forestry and mining industries, and others. The easier it is to get to places like this, the more likely people will come, the more likely more people than at present will come, and perhaps more likely people will come more often.

It is frustrating to have to travel long distances on gravel roads, and to experience car problems like damaged windshields and tires. If tourists did not have to experience such problems, they would probably be happier campers, which leads me to the tourism aspect of the TLH.

There are beautiful places in the province that are never seen by most of the public because they were not advertised or publicized. There are many scenic places like Porcupine Strand, a 40 km stretch on Labrador's coast. With a fully completed TLH, organizations like HNL will be able to promote places in such a way as,

"Just a one hour drive from Goose Bay, Glacial valleys at Grand River and Grand Lake can be seen along the Trans Labrador Highway", instead of "A three or four hour drive from ..."

It would be much more enticing for people to want to see Labrador when there is a smooth, paved, and speedier road infrastructure.

Thank you for your time. I know many others feel the same about the importance of picking up the pace on completing the TLH. I hope the HNL does too and takes action to voice this message to government officials and those in positions of influence to really impact a swifter completion time.

Sincerely,

____________________

Trans Labrador Highway Needs Speed Increase

The sooner the TLH construction is complete, the better for all travellers, Labrador residents, and tourists. The highway construction is a massive project but it is an infrastructure, economic and tourism priority. Labrador is such a a vast area of beauty, with large wilderness areas like Mealy Mountains, which is marked to become a national park. The Mealy Mountain range is nearby the still unfinished phase III.
The Torngat Mountain range is already a national park reserve. The whole of Labrador is a hiker's paradise, photographer's heaven, an adventurer's playground, and an alluring scenery buffet.

It is good to know that the transportation system across Labrador is being constructed, but there are delays. Originally the basic construction was set to be completed by 2008. That's been put back to 2009.
(source: NL Gov., Dept. of Works, Services & Transportation)

The completion of the TLH is a priority, a top tourism priority, and a vital infrastructure link for residents who rely on the highway to travel for basic needs, not to mention more serious matters concerning health. We all know that a difference in minutes and seconds can be the difference between life and death, but imagine suffering a heart attack and having to drive extra travel hours to get to a medical facility. A paved road would save hours on certain drives, as well as lives. Phase I and II are mostly gravel road, and phase III is still under construction and will resume in the spring.

There is every advantage to a more speedy highway completion with asphalt surface. There are many reasons to accelerate the development of the road system. As mentioned, for residents' use alone. For all intents and purposes the island of Newfoundland has a very accomodating highway and road system. There are some places on the south coast that still rely on the coastal boat service to provide supplies and transportaion. We as islanders take this for granted. Many residents and parts of Labrador can not take the transportation system for granted. They are not on par with the rest of us on the island of Newfoundland.

A full hard top road system will open up more opportunities for economic development. For those with an entrepreneurial inclination an inviting paved TLH must be great news, and help in the business development mindset. Possibly there could be more service stations, convenience stores, Tim Horton's?, camp grounds, parks, hiking outposts, canoeing/kayaking businesses, fishing or hunting trips, outback expedition businesses, snowmobile rentals, flight rentals, skiing or golf resorts, cabin development, forestry and mining industries, and others. The easier it is to get to places like this, the more likely people will come, the more likely more people than at present will come, and perhaps more likely people will come more often.

It must be frustrating to have to travel long distances on gravel roads. Before the Burin Peninsula and the TCH were paved it would take up to 10 hours to travel from my old home town to St. John's. Now it can be done in 3-3.5 hours. For car owners it is doubly irritating when you suffer the many car problems arising from such a long rock popping drive. The incidence of broken windshields, tire damage, base pan damage, paint chipping, and other problems are multiplied when travelling on dirt roads. If tourists did not have to experience such problems, they would probably be happier campers, which leads me to the tourism aspect of the TLH.

There are beautiful places in the province that are never seen by most of the public because they were not advertised or publicized. I have done searches on the web and have seen interesting and beautiful places from Labrador, but there are others I cannot find. There are some scenic places like
Porcupine Strand, a 40 km stretch on Labrador's coast

Our tourism agencies could broaden their scope in terms of presenting more places to visit. With a fully completed TLH, they will be able to promote places in such a way as, "Just a one hour drive from Goose Bay, Glacial valleys at Grand River and Grand Lake can be seen along the Trans Labrador Highway", or "The Wilson River area is especially picturesque in the fall, and the Bowdoin Canyon and Muskrat Falls

are also short strolls from the road. The Mealy Mountain range is near the TLH."

There are many beautiful places in the whole province that don't get the exposure it deserves simply for aesthetics sake alone. On the coast there are some nice looking communities like St. Lewis

When I see an image of some beach, coastline, rock formation, cove, hilltop view, that I haven't seen before, it makes me proud to be a citizen of NL, just to know that this is where I live - and look what we have all around us. I then wonder why places like Porcupine Strand in Labrador, Grand River, etc. are not presented when our tourism brochures are produced. Instead of more of the same, Cape Spear, Quidi Vidi, a typical lighthouse, it would be refreshing to see other places in the province used in tourism brochures.

While much of Labrador is 100's of miles from the nearest road, it is still popular with hikers, adventure tourists, mountain climbers and photographers. This is especially true for the Torngat Mountains, Cirque Mountains, Palmer River Valley. There are a outfitting and tour companies ready to take you to those places. But the potential growth in this sector alone seems like the big land sky's the limit. It would be much more enticing for people to want to see Labrador when there is a smooth, paved, and speedier road infrastructure. It's alot more to look forward to when you know a trip won't take two or three times as long as by gravel road. For anyone curious about what the landscape looks like, who wants to take new photographs, who wants to appreciate and enjoy clean sprawlig, rolling and rugged landscapes, then the paved TLH will be like just landing on a new planet, and that discovery is exciting.

How can the completion of the TLH be sped up when the Labrador Transportation Initiative Fund, LTIF, is run dry? With time the TLH will likely help increase business for current entrepreneurs, or help ignite new business initiatives. For the province this means more tax income in the future. I'm not an economist but it seems the NL government can reserve say for example, an extra $50 million (beyond any budgeted amount), roughly enough to cover an additional 50 km worth of paved highway, from the next surplus the province gets. Federal funds to match or even double this amount will speed up the process.

Mile 1 Club
The west coast of Canada obviously has by far the highest, and many would think the most spectacular mountain ranges. Most provinces east of Alberta have low elevaton hills in comparison. However, Labrador's mountains bring it into the mile 1 club. There are at least two mountains that are actually more than a mile high. They are situated in the Torngat Mountain range in northern Labrador. Mount Caubvick's elevation is 5420 feet. Mont D'Iberville is 5419 feet, and virtually a mile high is Torngarsoak Mountain at 5232 feet.

Here is a great picture of another virtual "miler", Mount Erhart (elevation, 5049 ft.).


I will be sending a letter to Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador in support of expediting the TLH completion, and improve the ferry service (more on this later) to Labrador. It will be posted here for anyone else to copy it if interested.

The Spirit of Spending Giving

The spirit of spending giving season will soon be over till the next giving occasion comes around. The commercial aspect of the holiest business time of year is nauseating. If billions weren't made from this, Christmas (the anniversary of Jesus' birth) might just be another holy anniversary or "feast" recognized by mainly church goers. The business part of the Christmas season can be a very annoying, imposing and stressful experience. We hear the annual countdown on every radio station, beginning with "only 8 shopping weeks left ..". From late October to Dec. 24, people are bombarded like Operation Desert Storm with ubiquitous reminders to spend on something, anything, just spend.

Of course, we are a free people, entitled to spend till we drop, or to spend some, or spend none at all. That's the good thing about our society, to a certain extent, people en masse have the power to determine what is allowed to permeate society. Obviously, most people are content to spend alot on exchanging gifts with family and friends. This year the average amount spent is $822, down from $900 last year. (Newfoundlanders & Labradorians will spend more) Canadians will spend over $55 billion this year on Christmas gifts.

There are charities out there and they get a small bit of donations, but it's too bad that society's willingness to give, mainly to ourselves (by way of exchange), is not directed to any of the world's problems like food shortages, medicine and schooling in the poorest parts of the world, or larger contributions to such things as more to local charities or other important things like MRIs, dialysis machines, or CAT Scan equipment in various regional hospitals in the province. Also, it's too bad that there are not more messages about avoiding the pitfalls of overspending, or the dangers of relying on credit cards to "give" for Christmas. Al Antle of the Credit Counselling Association of NL was recently interviewed on CBC's Here & Now, and said that after Xmas will be his busiest time of year, i.e., counselling people on how to handle racked up debt.

Even though it is up to an individual to spend on what he/she chooses, there is a societal expectation to spend alot, that is in large part manufactured by marketing machines. In any event I will look forward to the end of the sappy advertising, and to enjoying a few happier traditions like family and friends get togethers, games, music, and good food. A Christmas Carol (1951) starring Alastair Sim is always on some station. That version of Scrooge is so funny, and well acted. I hope you and yours enjoy your Christmas experience too, and best wishes for health, happiness and prosperity in the new year.

Kennedy was Dion's Remedy

What a show! This was probably the most dramatic leadership race I've ever seen. Throughout the day the political commentators were insightful as usual if not more, on CBC at least. But at the beginning no one really predicted a win, let alone a very convincing win for dark horse Stéphane Dion. What did seem clear after the second ballot, is that over 90% of Kennedy's supporters backed Dion for leader, as well as the majority of Rae's followers after the third ballot.

Sure there are going to be disappointed candidates, but I get the sense that all the Liberal candidates were satisfied with the choice of Dion. Michael Ignatieff, who was probably just relieved to have the wait over, probably said what many may have been thinking, "We have chosen a man of principle, a man with vision, a man with courage, a man with conviction."

Though I have not followed in great detail the 8 month long race itself, Stéphane Dion comes across as the more genuine, dedicated, and perhaps more non-self serving than the other candidates. He seems like the type who is content to do his thinking, problem-solving in the dim lights, and I think that may have been part of his appeal. The impression I get is that he is compassionate and maybe more visionary than his colleagues, and possibly the pm. He has been seen to have little charisma, but I feel that his passion on matters like the environment and national unity will now be more apparant, and his charisma has yet to reach a crescendo. I just hope he is good for our province and country in opposition and/or government.

In any case the Liberal leadership day of decision was exciting and surprising. The next election should be dramatic too, provided some new scandal information doesn't surface to make it a predictable election. Anyway good luck to Stéphane Dion to handle the national, and political challenges he faces.

the fall of life

Autumn is arguably the best season in Newfoundland. Temperatures are certainly not too hot, and yet not cold enough to freeze your knuckles of. But it's that time of year when we are reminded that we live between 46½° and 52°N latitude in the Atlantic. This place is beautiful in the fall, on land and sea.
Ironically as life is zapped from trees and vegetation, the dying process produces one of the most colorful times of year, which makes for a pleasant transition from fall to winter. Here are few shots I took recently.


(Pippy Park on right)

(looking across Long Pond)

(a dying bush?)

(pond in Pippy Park)

Peter MacKay Should Apologize

There are the quick witted political shots, and there is the regrettable attempt at wit which reflects poorly on the speaker who utters the words. Peter MacKay's remark fits the latter situation. Political wit can be very amusing, interesting, and a creative release of tension for MP's. A certain amount of word volleys are expected to be lobbed from across the parlimentary floors. Most often no apology is expected, as it is expected that MP's on all sides would like to exercise an opportunity at wit. But sometimes the line between being clever and personally insulting is crossed, and that happened on Thursday.

How ironic that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the person who backs our troops in Afghanistan to keep the women-repressing Taliban out of power, would make remarks that would be expected of what the Taliban nut jobs would characteristically say. This story started during a debate on Oct. 19, 2006, over the Conservative government's proposed clean air act, which was being criticized for not being tough enough on polluters and for abandoning the Kyoto Protocol.

Liberal MP David McGuinty asked Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay, "Don't you care about your dog?"

Liberals allege that MacKay pointed toward the vacant seat of Liberal MP Belinda Stronach, whom MacKay dated when she was a Conservative, and said, "You already have her." MacKay later denied making the remark (CBC). Whether or not you like Belinda Stronach, or are indifferent, no one has the right to compare a civilized human being to a dog. Not that this would rationalize what MacKay said, but it was not even a witty remark, completely devoid of anything creatively humorous. It was a regretful attempt to demean Ms Stronach in a shot that missed the funny bone. It was very unprofessional to what seems to me, to be a personal insult by MacKay thrown in an
attempt to soothe his still injured ego, while hurting the emotions of another. If he is still personally upset with her, then that's not abnormal, but when you represent 30 million civilized decent people to the world, you don't say demeaning things and expect over 100 other representatives to condone this, and worst of all, not apologize.

This type of comment would be typical of a Taliban government, and there MacKay would probably be considered the Will Rogers of political wit. He had apparantly done a similiar thing in the past when he told Alexa McDonough to get back to her knitting when she was criticizing the Afghanistan mission and raising questions about it. Meant to be an insult, does he perceive anyone who knits to be somehow either simple, unintelligent, unimportant, or irrelevant? What about a man or woman who is a parent at home? Does he think that household duties and raising a child is unworthy of respect? His attitude is as outdated as plaid pants, the afro, or Archie Bunker's attitude.

Imagine your sister, mother, daughter, friend being called a dog, and with the inference that if she knits, it's inherent that she's doing a low-brow thing. How pretentious, thoughtless, and presumptuous to say such a thing. People of every background and ability like to do thousands of leisurely activities or other work, including knitting. What a stupid thing for him to say. He would regain some respect by saying sorry to Ms Stronach and the Canadian people.

The Best and Worst of Humanity

Five years after, the images of planes flying into buildings still seem like they could only be cartoons, something visually not real, something only in a movie scene. The visual shock of what happened still resonates with us emotionally. Amidst the senseless and incomprehensible tradegy of 9-11, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians responded to the sudden challenge to assist about 15,000 unexpected stranded airline travellers. Mostly American, they were scared, shocked, weary, and needed the basic necessities of life and somewhere safe to rest. Planes landed at Goose Bay, Gander, Stephenville, and St. John's. People in these and surrounding towns and communities, came to their rescue by offering food, shelter and communications to contact loved ones far away.

While the events of the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 showed the world the depth of hate that humanity can sink to, the acts of kindness from the people of this province showed the best that humanity has to offer.

People in small communities, towns, and cities who helped comfort the stranded guests have alot to be proud of. Businesses gave supplies, everything from foods, toothpaste, soap, blankets, etc., community and church groups, medical staff, social workers, crisis counsellors, government and university employees volunteered to help. Performers entertained, people brought passengers' prescriptions to be filled. Their generousity not only was immediately helpful, but it provided hope for people who were witnessing hatred against them. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians responded in a way that the world needed to see more of. Looking back, we can feel proud of not only how we served others, but how it inadvertently reinforced a public image of a kind and caring people.

Around 7,000 passengers found refuge in Central Newfoundland, about 1000 in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, over 1000 at Stephenville, and almost 5,000 in St. John's. One of the buildings used to house the stranded was the old Thompson Student Centre of MUN campus. Hundreds of Memorial University's staff, including myself, volunteered to set people up with pillows, places to sleep, food and drink. It was such an unusual sight to see hundreds of bewildered people on campus, but it was also pleasing to know that our province was helping to meet their needs during the tragic but historic events of September 11. Newfoundland & Labrador played a large role in securing American and international travellers, and a big role in making Canadians proud.

Minimum Wages and Old Age Pensions

It is good to hear groups pressure government to raise the minimum wage. It is understandable that there is some apprehension among businesses about Reg Anstey's call for a further increase, since it will be a bit too much of an expense for some businesses. A St. John's Board of Trade representative said as much in a local media interview. However, that is not the whole picture by any means.

According to the BC Small Business Quarterly,

the effects of changes to the minimum wage tend to be exaggerated by both detractors and supporters. There are many factors that must be considered in determining the effect of a minimum wage increase, including the size of the wage bump, the business cycle, the kind of tax and benefit systems in place, and the labour supply, just to name some.

According to an OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) report based on a 1998 study of minimum wage changes in nine countries,

a 10% increase in the minimum wage is associated with a 1.5 to 3% decline in teenage employment The evidence also
shows that hikes in the minimum, on their own, can explain only a small fraction of the large falls in teenage employment rates observed over the past two decades in almost all countries. The cross-country evidence suggests that the minimum wage has no significant impact on overall employment... So it may be misleading to suggest that a raise in a minimum wage will necessarily lead to widespread job loss.
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/pubs/sbq/sbq01q2.pdf

Certainly not all business is against the idea of raising minimum wage. From a U.S. site called Responsible Wealth, business leaders support a higher minimum wage. Here's one quote:

"The economy has been growing at a rapid rate, but the buying power of the minimum wage has contintued to decrease. It's time for businesses to step up to the plate and take some responsiblity. How can I expect an employee to have any dedication to this company if I do not treat all employees with respect by paying them a living wage?"
-Michele McGeoy, RH Solutions

In any case businesses in general may benefit because people could have more spending power, not to mention happier employees. It would be a boost for peoples' self esteem, motivation, and possibly their desire to perform good or better. Compliments on the job are wonderful incentive for work dedication, but a raise is a great positive incentive also.

There is a 25 ¢ raise coming in the new year, but that will make it only $ 7.00 / hour. That amounts to $14,560 a year. It's a pretty low amount to live on. That's more, perhaps in many cases, than the amount seniors 65 and over get from the Old Age Security (OAS) program each year. While seniors get a consumer price index increase four times a year, to help meet the cost of living increases, it is still a very low amount. Considering that their work lives have concluded and that means no chance of raises in their income, it seems fair to give them an actual raise, so that they may be ahead of the inflation rates. Those still in the work force often have opportunities to earn more money, by their experience, time on the job, and through education and skill development. In March of this year, the average Old Age Security Pension $460.92 (a month), and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for a single senior was $408.66 (a month).

Not all seniors live on the poverty line bracket, some may have other pensions and incomes. But for those on a low income, perhaps a start would be to either significantly decrease the income tax rate or get rid of the tax on OAS. As baby boomers continue to make the number of pensioners greater each year, this group could eventually compose one third of the population. They will have a huge impact on the economy. I don't imagine businesses would object to pensioners having more money in their pockets. That's not my reason, rather more out of respect for our seniors. When illness and health starts to be more of a consideration for them, it impacts on their individual freedoms. It would be nice to see that freedom expanded by increasing old age security rates, or cutting taxes, so that they have more income to do what they like with in their golden years.

Congrats to the Home Team, and Corner Brook

No, not Aliant, but NL's rugby team, the Rock. They won the ninth Rugby Canada Super League by beating out the Sasketchewan Prairie Fire, over the weekend. I've never been a fan of the sport, but perhaps a bit now, not just because it is the second such win in a row for the guys, but because it seemed to go unnoticed in national papers sports sections, that is, online anyway. It was not listed on the CBC, CTV, the Globe, National Post, or Sask. papers, unless I missed it. No big deal, but I thought that a province with a small population, who could manage to be tops over other Canadian teams, might be sports newsworthy. Then again, that's no surprise.

For example, in another field of entertainment last fall, the rock group Nickelback did their 24 hour cross Canada tour, that's right, all the way from Halifax to BC. I guess they forgot about attending the Junos in St. John's several years earlier. These and other entertainment, or sports snubs are not life threatening concerns, but it does provide a glimple into an attitude of unimportance toward Newfoundland & Labrador, from others in Canada. I've only seem two sites that mentioned the win, VOCM, and Rugby Canada's official site.

Also, congrats to the city of Corner Brook for putting of what appears to be another successful Triathlon World Cup event, last week. Last night, Olympic tri-athlete gold medal winner, Simon Whitfield of BC, was asked by the CBC sportscaster why he liked competing at Corner Brook. He quickly answered because of the crowds around Glynmill Inn Pond cheering the athletes on, the city, the beauty of the region, and the warmth of the people. He also said that Corner Brook is one of the places he returns to after a competition just to visit and tour the area. This is the 25th year this event has been held there, so it was a proud feeling to hear kind words like that about one of the province's major centres.

With all the dismal fisheries news, outmigration, seal hunt protest slanders, it is good to hear something positive that is nationally newsworthy.

Labrador Tourism Needs Better Promotion

I read the article posted by NL-Expat about tourists in Labrador who described the infrastructure as not even meeting the basic tourist needs. It was truly hard to believe that someone could be on the highway and not know where to turn for the ferry. Anyway for what it's worth, I am sending Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador, and the Tourism Department my two sheckles worth. I imagine they've heard this many times before, but another voice will at least add to the message of tourism neglect in Labrador. Here's what I sent to Mr. Nick McGrath, president of HNL president@hnl.ca, and to the Department of Tourism: tcrinfo@gov.nl.ca:

To: Mr. Tom Hedderson, Mr. Nick McGrath

Dear Sirs,

I want to first of all wish you the greatest success in your efforts to promote Newfoundland & Labrador tourism. The following news story may have already been brought to your attention, but I just wanted to add another voice from the province.

I am originally from the Burin Peninsula but read in disbelief the Labradorian article at http://www.thelabradorian.ca/index.cfm?iid=1625&sid=12115 which describes the apparant lack of signage on Labrador roads, tourist literature, souvenirs, promotional material at ferry terminals, and inadequate ferry service. It is hard to believe that someone unfamiliar with the area would come to a T intersection and not know whether to take a left or right for the ferry. One would think this is a given.

Mr. McGrath, I am happy to see that you are from Labrador, and I am sure there couldn't be a better advocate for Labrador tourism. I can tell you that more and more people not from Labrador are equally concerned about the neglect that evidently exists in regards to Labrador tourism. It just came to my attention from a fellow NL blogger. Hopefully being aware of these problems will prompt action from our government and tourism agencies to put some basic tourist communications, promotions, signage in place so that anyone can travel to this wonderful part of the province and easily find places, and activities they have heard of.

Thank you, and again, best wishes to you both.

Sincerely,

___________

Sitting Ducks

Watching the docile duck on a perfect pond makes for a serene Sunday.

What a pleasant experience to see the innocence and contentment as they wade through their fragile habitats.
 

This is worth preserving everywhere.

In a world of "development" this remaining natural escape is always threatened by urban living and industrial development.

If we allow our environment to be polluted then we may all be

sitting ducks

France 3, Italy Won

France had played with graceful passing, the confidence of experience, and with a team whose timing was sychronized. In particular, the "aging" Zinedine Zidane, 34, dazzled the world with his quick foot work, precision passing, and his controlled comportment. It was his soccer swan song. But even the greats sometimes show other sides of their character.With only 10 minutes left in overtime play, Zidane lost his control, and could not resist head-butting an opponent hard in the chest. For this he was ordered out of the game, and rightly so. But what a shocker. Of all people, he who could have went on to score one of the penalty shots.

France had the best control of the game, and it was so unfortunate for the rest of his team to suffer, and now wonder, would they have won had Zidane not behaved this way. Well it's history now, and what a historical event it was. The teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time, and again after the half hour overtime, then came the penalty shots. But one French player failed to score, and Italia all over the world are on cloud nine. The final tally was Italy 5, France 3 in the shoot out.

Bob Lenarduzzi, a former Canadian soccer coach and professional player, believes Canada will again make it to the World Cup Soccer tournament. It will be in South Africa in 2010. That would be good to see, especially if any one of the talented players from NL were picked for the team. Some may think it's a long shot, but that's what upalong sports reporters thought of the Gushue rink too. In any case any prospective player with big dreams has four more years to practise and prepare.

Italy in World Cup Final: Will they play France or Portugal?

With a loud home crowd, steller teams, great passing and set up plays, shots and saves, today's game was exciting. Germany's goalkeeper saved the day on a number of key shots from the impressive Italians. Defence was strong on both sides, so it wasn't surprising that there was no score after the regulation 90 minute play.

(Grosso of Italy scores)

The next part of the semi-final was to play two fifteen halfs. Up to the last few minutes, there was still no score.

But some pinpoint passing from an Italian forward to Fabio Grosso finally broke through the goalkeeping skills of one of the best goalies in the soccer world, Germany's Jens Lehmann. With only minutes to go before the dreaded penalty kicks, Italians everywhere in the world were cheering as that goal basically sent them to the final. For good measure, another Italian goal went in, as the Germans seemed to have lost the morale at that late point.

German fans watch the big screen at the Friedensplatz, in Dortmund

Another semi-final game between France and Portugal takes place tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. Newfoundland time on TSN. Either France or Portugal will go on to play Italy on Sunday for soccer's biggest prize, the world cup. I have not seen Portugal play yet, but France really has it together as a team with precision passing, great foot artistry from Zinedine Zidane, and the dangerous strikers like Henri to make good on those long passes. It should be exciting to watch.

If I were to bet, it would be on France, but it only takes one goal, so it's still anyone's prize right now.