Restless calm

Overpowering forces
beyond control
demote us to spectator
Overpowering forces of nature
beyond control
emote us, the spectator

Is the famine over in East Africa?

Wow, thank the world that we heard the last of the famine in East Africa! I mean, it's over right!? Sure, there were spurts of news reports over the summer, after the Royal Wedding, and the Casey Anthony trial, but now it seems to be fixed. There must no longer be 1000's dying of starvation each week because such a tragedy would be at least mentioned by major networks, right?

Hmm, no one will ever forget what happened on this day a decade ago, and the innocents who were mindlessly cremated alive. In fact the events and aftermaths are still fascinating in the unbelievability factor alone. The documentaries are riveting. But I can't help but feel frustrated by being helpless to help out the currently, dying, skeletal looking children of East Africa, lying on the ground, gasping for water, food, care, love, life and a morsel of hope from anyone.

Canadians have indeed donated millions, as have the government, and others in the world. Unfortunately, a cruel group of militants in Somalia have been preventing food and aid from getting to their country men, women and children, and would rather that they die. It's so senseless, and typical of those extremist nutters, they love hate, and death. Lately there are signs that their power is dwindling, and they have eased up on restricting food relief getting through.

It is quite possible that 790,000 will die of starvation, yet it is rarely mentioned in the news. It is also a wonder where the Arab League are when people of their own faith are perishing. How can many of those countries, saturated with wealth, just let it happen? Where the devil are they? What kind of brotherhood is that? Amidst the anniversary coverage this week, it would be informative if the national media would keep the public informed about the millions facing starvation right this minute.

No, we will never forget the hideous and hateful actions committed to innocent men, women and children, but there appears to be a forgotten and very needy population of our brothers and sisters in Africa.

When will they be remembered?

Water Relief

Water under the bridge

Fortune Bay sunset

A leak in the woods

Often, we are our own worst enemy, when it comes to ...

.. when it comes to, you name it. That's certainly a broad title alright, but in this bit of observation, I'll finish the sentence, with "health". As a societal observer, not a preacher, I admit, it is not always easy to practice what you would perhaps imagine preaching. For example, we have the power to control many health outcomes by controlling what we eat, drink, smoke, take, or do, or the reverse - what we don't..

This is an overused cliche, but lifelong learning applies to controlling self habits. It can be a slow process when we are accustomed to following the localized customs - as an example, that is - fast food + sugary drinks + lots of booze = fun & happy times. This recipe for a premature personal demise needs some personal reevaluations, if we as individuals are to continue living with good health.

It was sadly ironic in London this summer when a violent and spontaneous rebellion, against the monopolized wealth and "have" financial symbols, arose and was largely perpetrated by angry frustrated youth. One of their targets was a high tech company which made Ipods.. something that many people including youths for sure, choose not to be without. Hmm, so if they were so content to support a rich high company by buying their product, then destroying the institution they helped to make rich seems a tad thoughtless, and pointless.

Their own worst enemy to some degree was arguably themselves. As with health, we wish our health care system were more efficient, but we ourselves to a degree, cause preventable problems, thus causing a huge demand on the health care system. We are all human, and give into a sweet, salty, greasy temptations from time to time.. to time, to time. But we can remind ourselves, that no one is forcing us to eat that pizza, those fries, drink that coke, only we are encouraged to, and it's suggested we do.

Advertisers can be considered corporate Reveens - they have the power of suggestion, and so many are hypnotized into a trance-like state and willfully follow the suggested instructions. As has been mentioned in previous posts at this blog, we individually have the power and potential of self-control, and the potential and ability to analyze what messages, influential forces in society, are suggesting to us. It is ultimately up to us, to consider if these suggestions are for our long-term health or not.

Individually, we can be our own best friend, and not worst enemy.

Peace and calm in Brigus and Conception Hr.

Every place in Newfoundland and Labrador has it's own beauty, and just a several hour drive through communities is just a tease. A lifetime or more is truly needed to explore all the scenes, towns, seascapes, beaches, etc. that are pretty, rough, exciting, dramatic, and dreamscapes. Here are a few shots from a short visit to Conception Harbour and Brigus. By the way, Brigus is a model community in terms of its beauty, cleanliness, calm and history - spectacular! Conception Hr. is lush beauty.
Conception Harbour calm
Conception Harbour
All is peaceful in Brigus
The pearly gates to a Church in Brigus
Conception Hr. calm
Ye Olde Stone Barn, Brigus (1850)

Jack Layton 1950-2011

On election night in May, Jack Layton, the NDP's most fearless soldier, raised his walking cane like a sabre, to a cheering army of supporters, after slaying the Liberals and the Bloc Quebecois. Layton led his party to a record number of seats, and the most dramatic political upset in Canadian history.

If there is a political gene, Layton had it. His great-grandfather was a Father of Confederation, his grandfather in the provincial Quebec cabinet, and his father in Mulroney's cabinet. He himself was an active community advocate since his youth, and served on municipal councils, as MP, and party leader. As the underdog socialist NDP, he has continually increased his party's representation in the last four elections. Each election brought more seats than the one previous, but this years win wiped out the "always third place underdog" image. For the first time he led the NDP to official opposition status. Not too bad for a cancer survivor, a campaigner with a fractured and fragile hip, and possibly a brewing new type of cancer developing in his body. In May, a magnificent political success.. how fragile life is.. just a few months later..

It's a pity that we will never know how he might one day have performed as Prime Minister. He was an outspoken soldier for equal rights, and fought for the underprivileged and groups treated unfairly. On a personal level, Layton was a supportive and positive person. On the CBC/NL radio Monday, a local female musician, whose name escapes me, said that Layton was a fan of hers, and purchased each of her recordings. "The only politician who has ever done that," she said. Nice guy hey.

In politics, and in many peoples' hearts Jack Layton will be truly missed.

Perennially in the growth sector

By the Brook

Thank God the media are not wasting time reporting on Famine in East Africa

I know I am being shallow to mention this during the height of the Casey Anthony murder trial, and the Royal visit in Canada, but there are 9 million people in danger of starving to death in East Africa countries. Perhaps it's just a silly mood on my part, so please excuse me, but since hearing about this potential human tragedy in one Globe article last week, the media in the U.S., Canada, maybe the U.K. too seem very fixated on the stories above. What a surprise that they get obsessed with cases like this. From what I hear, Headline News is essentially now the "Casey Anthony Channel", which used to be known as the "OJ Simpson Channel". CBC and CTV, the leading Canadian tv stations, can barely take their eyes of the Royal visit.

Thank God for that, because reporters really take on those hard hitting issues facing humanity, like, what will Kate wear, or "who" is she wearing. Also, they also provide insight into something that perhaps should never to be mentioned - that is, that Kate maybe is simply a human being like us. Reporters have witnessed her even saying short comments to people, and that "she knows how to smile". Could she really be not a God? Ok, yes they seem like nice people, and expectedly courteous, great! Yes, they are human folks, seem to be very nice ones, like you probably. Media reports are so entralled with their divine presence that they, by their fascination, bubbly enthusiasm, and gaga over the couple, make them out to be the way Kim Jung Il wants to be seen, as Gods.

Meanwhile, in the real world, East Africa is facing death by starvation. There are many countries suffering from a severe drought. This Map of East Africa drought area shows that 9,000,000 people are at risk for this. Where is all the media attention focused instead? On a young woman who might possibly have gotten away with murder, and a grossly rich couple whose nanny is one of the richest women in the world. Hmm, I would sure tune in to a Royal benefit concert for the people of Somalia, and millions in donations from the Royals alone would be truly newsworthy, and set the ball rolling.

I guess the starving are not glamorous enough to make to daily or hourly news coverage. What a pity, and a waste of media time, and opportunity to let the world know that it needs to help. What a stupid pity that 10's of 1000s need to die first before it really gets the media to fixate on brewing tragedies. It needs to communicate with vigor and direct everyone's eyes on our brothers and sisters in an unfortunate part of the world.

Will we see a Royal visit to Somalia anytime soon? Well, if so, you can be sure that international reporters, would finally experience a feeding frenzy.. oh, sorry, not literally like the 9 million living there.

Surfing the ebb

With over two months of mainly rain, drizzle and fog, plus cold temps, I am not sure what possessed me to gravitate to somewhere where the air was full of ocean spray, which created a fog-like air. I did not miss the rdf, actually who has a chance to miss it, it never leaves. Anyway, on this day I was lucky enough to see our coastline once again, which created its own mystic fog.

Moose Site-ings

There is a new moose sighting site branching off CBC NL's web site, called "Moose Sightings in Newfoundland" (they missed the full province name, Newfoundland and Labrador). It's an interactive site to upload where you have spotted the majestic or notorious beast, depending on your point of view. The map, like many Google maps can be magnified, and dragged, to view closely where moose have been seen, hit, or where a collision resulted in a fatality. Users may also type in a description of where/when they saw the moose.

It can be a useful tool for sure, to give people an idea where they appear to be frequenting. There is one factor to keep in mind when interpreting the map. The Avalon peninsula has a higher density of population because of urban places, and therefore, any individual moose may be spotted and reported more frequently. So it may not necessarily mean that there are a high proportion of moose numbers in this area, as compared to central, west coast or Labrador areas.

Last week as I drove back from Cape Spear, there was a cow grazing about 100 feet from the road, near the community of Blackhead. I quickly, though quietly jumped out of the car with cam in hand, and hoped that the animal would stay and pose. Every second counts since they could run or even attack. I uploaded the first photo below to the CBC moose sighting site.
She looked a little docile, and after a couple of mins of nervously giving me the eye, she galloped into unpressured treed home.
I wondered if she would attack, but we were both thinking there would be no charge for this photo

Stanley Cup: Boston was hot last night, but Vancouver was on fire

Stanley Cup 2011 is one to remember, largely due to Vancouver's hooligan community. They came prepared with masks, hammers and a need to destroy the city, win or lose. CTV carried it live for hours after the Stanley Cup final game, in which Boston convincingly toppled Vancouver 4-0. But while Vancouver and the area is beautiful to see and visit, they are like everywhere else, but with an apparent abundance of vandals, bullies, looters and nuicances.

In the age where tots have at least one communication gadget, a phone, a something-pod/pad, Blackberry, camera, tablet or whatever.. Photos and video can be taken with many of those things, and despite this, 100's of seemingly unconcerned rioters still broke windows, looted, burned vehicles, and openly fought in the streets. One can think of many other words to describe them.

Well, the gadgets are helping to identify rioters with photo proof, and there are many willing to share pics and vids already, on such sites as http://identifyrioters.com, and at least two facebook pages.

Cancer-causing asbestos too dangerous for Parliament, but Canada gladly exports for profit

It is being removed from Canada’s public buildings, was banned by the European Union and caused Transport Minister Chuck Strahl’s lung cancer, but Conservative Leader Stephen Harper is defending asbestos exports. (The Star, Apr. 26, 2011)

So we know it is medically linked to a rare cancer of the lungs called mesothelioma, but Prime Minister Harper has no problem letting those with less knowledge of it, use it - India, for example.

Harper's attitude: Canada "will not put Canadian industry in a position where it is discriminated against in a market where sale is permitted." ("Canada's Shame...", Vancouver Sun, June 15)

What kind of message does this send to anyone, individuals, businesses, groups, society in general?! To this watcher, it is not an optimistic, helpful, healthy or caring message. It's one thing to present a product where people can make an educated decision on whether or not to use a product. In Canada, we are fortunate to a large extent to have access to reams of information about virtually anything, in addition to the warnings and news already circulating about dangerous materials like asbestos. In developing countries, crucial knowledge and life saving awareness is not as developed as here. So how ethical is it to export stuff that even Parliament Hill, and the Prime Minister's residence, has removed from their premises?

Should profit trump ethics? Is making a profit by any means equal to some sort of success or victory here? Is this how developed or "evolved" or civilized we are? In 2006 the Canadian government did not even want asbestos to be on a hazardous materials list under the United Nations treaty called the Rotterdam Convention.

The message could be, what they don't know won't hurt us .. only them. We should be proud, how progressive! This is one clue as to how Canada survived the recession. When it comes to profits of mining companies at least, let's not care about who buys asbestos, just as long as they buy.

Water logged

Freezing Reign

"Silver and gold"
Silver linings

What a week it's been in Canada and the world!

In Canadian politics, there is, again, a majority government where we should not expect another $300 million to be spent in 2-3 years on an election. Well, Stephen Harper has his majority so let's see what he can achieve with this. Let's hope there are plenty of positive policies, programs, initiatives and improvements for the social patchwork quilt of citizens.

This was a surprising election for several obvious reasons. Jack Layton's NDP got a whopping 102 seats, more than doubling his party's best showing ever, and the Liberals fell to an all-time low (34 seats). While Quebec gave the NDP the boost, they gave the sovergnists Bloc Quebecois the boots.

Basically the BQ got BBQued, with only 4 seats left at the table.

BQ leader Gilles Duceppe and Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff, stepped down, to allow a new face to try and breathe more oxygen into their party's respective bloodstreams. The seperatist Bloc party were left with barely a sign of life. It may not necessarily mean their long-term demise but at least it is a message from Quebecers that they are tired of the status quo, and being distant relatives in the Canadian family.

The NDP were on fire. Jack Layton, must have connected with lots of voters, and/or people just wanted a change. Even in Newfoundland & Labrador, we now have a second NDP MP - first time ever. In fact, even their candidates were very likely surprised, not to mention the voters in some ridings. Here's an example why: In the Quebec riding of Berthier-Maskinongé, 27 year old Ruth Anne Brosseau, vacationed in Vegas during the election. She obviously did not take it too seriously, especially since her riding is over 90% Francophone, and she does not speak French. There is currently a complaint about her nomination papers having fake names.

One other surprise is the youngest Canadian MP ever, the 19 year old New NDP member Pierre-Luc Dusseault, a second year pol-sci student. Click here for more detail about the new faces of the NDP.

While the country was changing it's political patchwork, the world got rid of it's most hated terrorist.

Last Sunday night was one of those "Where were you when you heard the news?" moments! It must have been an inkling of how people felt when in 1945 they heard that Hitler was dead. This monster is gone from the face of the earth. Unfortunately, there are still others who are still ignorant, extreme and hate-filled, who want nothing more than the destruction of almost anyone who does not share their misguided ideals. For now, their symbol is missing, and also the charismatic element that propelled the extreme message that their murderous group represents.

NDP leader realizes his Laytont potential

                              (This is my 6ooth blog post)

There is definitely a parallel thread between Obama breaking the black barrier in 2008, and the socialist NDP in Canada, breaking the traditionalist party barrier (and the NDP see and are using this in their own styled references).

For election after election, there is a complacency in the traditional power holders, Liberals and PC/Conservatives, about the NDP being nothing more than a pest in terms of getting elected to government. In the 2011 era, with more world knowledge than ever, with social media, and internet news, and of course, regular tv and radio reporting, the vibes of a nation may be perceived by the general populace, much sooner than backroom media coaches can be prepared for. It does not take much for people to pick up a vibe, and to have their political senses suddenly awakened, to tune in to the excitement of being part of a radical shift in social, traditional expected status quo elected party status. At this moment, with only 1 day till election day, there is a sliml possibility that the NDP will be the governing party of Canada.

How quickly views can change. There is a lesson to be learned here. Whether the NDP's surge in polls will be sustained and grows enough till May 2, there is the lesson that it could, and that traditional parties should not take traditional results for granted. At this moment the NDP are Not 3rd place anymore. They are 1st in Quebec polls, and in an IPSOS Reid poll conducted on Apr. 27, 45% of Canadians see Jack Layton as the best Prime Minister as opposed to Stephen Harper at 42%. Interesting!

There are plenty of interesting lines of interest here - What's happening so suddenly on Canada's political landscape? Why the current shift to Layton and the NDP? Is there a leap of political thought that skips a more gradual evolutionary stage of transitional shift from traditional party to a "chancey" socialist party?

Factors:

Well, today's political audience does not like to be told what to think, as in "The NDP are not ready to lead" (because of their inexperience in governing the country).

Jack Layton is a veteran, a political vetern.. even has a cane, which suggests injury... and an injury which is secondary to his commitment to country first.

Canadians are thinking, "hmm, so if you guys can call a 5th election in 7 years, then, let's play around with tradition.. and so let's see what the NDP can offer... especially, since we can get rid of a current government in a year, 2 or three anyway, if we don't like it... apparently.

In a social capture of gas prices rising, food prices rising, the fixed income populace (which is ever increasing) becoming a growing voting populate, people unsurprisingly gravitate to a political party that addresses their bottom line.. finances, and surviving life, it's not surprising that the NDP are a more relevant party to vote for.

Jack Layton is indeed the dark horse story in this election. His latent potential has surprised everyone, including the party themselves. In fact at least two NDP candidates were off on vacation while the campaign was on (previous bookings out of country) which still gives an impression that they did not really take it too seriously that their party would win. Layton has also leaped wildly ahead of the Bloc in Quebec, leaving Gilles Duceppe in the sovereignist dust. According to Ipsos polling, he's at 42% in Quebec compared to the Bloc's 26% (Apr. 29). So it looks like Layton has caused a wave.

Maybe if he had used sooner, his approach that rebutted the assumed and expected Liberal line that the NDP will never govern, and to also use "Prime Minister" and himself in the same sentence sooner, it may have began his surge sooner, hence a larger support at the ballot box.

On election eve, it's surprisingly close between the Conservatives and the Liberals no, the NDP. Ipsos Reid on Apr. 29 had them at 38% and 33%. While it's looking like Harper's Conservatives will again be taking the helm, a D-day-like mobilization by NDP supporters to get the vote to the polls could close the gap. As usual it will be interesting to see the final outcome on Monday night.

Night Scenes

A Quick first impression of the Leader's Debate

Overall it was quite lively (missed the first 15 mins of it on the screen). Like many things in life, it is not easy to find everything you want in the one package. There are good points about each leader, but they each highlighted each others' weak points. Here's what stood out to this observer:

They all presented well, showed crafty political and high level public speaking experience, though Liberal Michael Ignatieff was the rookie in the top office debate.

Harper has probably gotten more polished as appearing "Prime Ministerial", with his cool composure under exploding shrapnel from his opponents. In fact there was barely a time where he did not have a calm controlled smile or hint of one. Any observer can notice at least one key point about being polished and having good coaching, that is, no matter what criticism is levelled at you, you can always paint your answer in a positive way. It's more convincing when the speaker seems to be sincere as he smiles while delivering. Stephen Harper appears to have perfected that very well, not to mention, always looking at the camera, the Canadian audience, as he responded to questions from one of the other parties. In these ways, he did very well in the debate.

Both NDP Jack Layten, and Liberal Ignatieff made some great points, and some sharp shots at Prime Minister Harper, and each other. The Bloc party leader, Gilles Duceppe, did his role of slamming anything federal. Basically he could use his notes from the last two federal debates.

The debate from this armchair was great also, in that it helped to highlight the philosophical beliefs, and show where the politicians' emphasis was not. For example, it is clear that for NDP Layton, it is with healthcare, and promoting programs that emphasized more grass-roots social improvements. He gave an excellent example of some Native Indian communities who have to endure one home for up to three families, and how impoverished upbringings can affect poor health, education, and crime.

Ignatieff had just mentioned a similar stance, and a very important point about social roots, support, and the relationship between crime, poverty and adult outcome. His position emphasized an approach that would put in place programs, supports for people to develop themselves, to get involved in positive alternatives, like after-school programs, as opposed to nothing, and end up with more bullying. Ignatieff's attitude seems sensible - prevent future problems by supporting more education and needs to families and youth. It was also refreshing to hear him mention prevention in regards to health, and promote health education. This blogger could not agree more.

Harper did not criticize these specific points of view, but he did not emphasize the same important social issues with anywhere near the conviction of both Layton and Ignatieff. To be simplistic about the leaders, Harper definitely is more business, and economics. All Opposition leaders repeated his corporate tax breaks, putting friends in the Senate, giving billions to corporations. Harper did not waste time defending with any specifics, the accusations, instead he repeated how well Canada did economically during the recession - again making a positive out of a negative.

Layton, and perhaps Ignatieff even more, blasted the Prime Minister on as they name it, anti-democratic ways, and disrespect for Parliament. They do certainly cause listeners to question, again, 'what kind of guy is Harper'! If Canada's economy were in much worse shape Harper would have fewer trumps to deal with the coalition of opponents.

Each made good points, and delivered them strongly. From a philosophical point of view, during this particular debate, Ignatieff's attitude made sense because he attempted a couple of times to show a relationship between good social support and future outcomes. Layton's social emphasis was welcome and needed, yet more emphasis on economic realities would be welcome as well. Harper presented well, and made no errors. There were no knock-outs, and perhaps not a great deal of voter change overall.

If you watched or listened to it, what did you think?

How to Spice up the 2011 Leaders Debate

Tonight is the English language candidates debate of Election 2011, only the 4th election in 7 years. There does not appear to be a great deal of public interest due to a hazy reason for the election to be called in the first place. So here are a few suggestions that might get a wider viewing audience:

Have Shania Twain sing the national anthem.

Debate topic: What was the purpose, again, of calling this election?

Debate topic: Should we help Quebec seperate from Canada?

Go live to the Weather Network for 10 mins to get a cross-Canada temperature update.

Debate discussion: Other ways we could have wasted $300 million.

Have the Canadian Idol judges rate the party leaders as they imitate and sing, Bob Dylan songs half way through the debate.

Debate topic: What can Canadians do to help those less fortunate oil and gas companies, in this time of world crisis.. perhaps set up food banks, or have celebrities host pledge drives.. something must be done!

Call back the judges for the all Canadian "Ski-doo suit" contest.

Debate topic: What's the best source of Omega-3 oil? Seals or salmon?

Guest appearance by Charlie Sheen where he burns his shirt or has his girlfriends kiss each other, or whatever the man thinks will be a little outrageous.

Final comments by the Liberal, Conservative and NDP (and tell the Bloc's Gilles Duceppe that there is not enough time left for his comments).. just to irk him