Hockey Results
The Bruins beat the Senators 5-0 on Monday night! This is great news for my hockey pool (which I have almost no chance of winning). The Leafs also won against the new golden boy of the NHL, Roberto Luongo.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
Leafs in skid; CDs arrive.
Other news- The Toronto Maple Leafs look to avoid matching their longest losing streak in 20 years when they visit star goaltender Roberto Luongo and the Florida Panthers on Monday. McCabe (the leading scorer! ARGH!) is still out injured.
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HW had gy rslts mtg today.
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HW had gy rslts mtg today.
Stark warning over climate change
Rising concentrations of greenhouse gases may have more serious impacts than previously believed, a major scientific report has said.
The report, published by the UK government, says there is only a small chance of greenhouse gas emissions being kept below 'dangerous' levels.
The report, published by the UK government, says there is only a small chance of greenhouse gas emissions being kept below 'dangerous' levels.
AIDS Moneys handed to non-traditional partners
A timely article as I recently helped Amanda on an article about the inefficiencies of NGO funding and service provision.
Award recipients include a Christian relief organization famous for its televised appeals to feed hungry children, a well-known Catholic charity and a group run by the son of evangelist Billy Graham, according to the State Department.
The outreach to nontraditional AIDS players comes in the midst of a debate over how best to prevent the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The debate has activated groups on both ends of the political spectrum and created a vast competition for money.
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President Bush's $15 billion effort to fight AIDS has handed out nearly one-quarter of its grants to religious groups, and officials are aggressively pursuing new church partners that often emphasize disease prevention through abstinence and fidelity over condom use.Award recipients include a Christian relief organization famous for its televised appeals to feed hungry children, a well-known Catholic charity and a group run by the son of evangelist Billy Graham, according to the State Department.
The outreach to nontraditional AIDS players comes in the midst of a debate over how best to prevent the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The debate has activated groups on both ends of the political spectrum and created a vast competition for money.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Friday ends with a Blog.
The work day is coming to an end. It's been a fairly active and productive day as I've moved a number of projects along. Two small clients have been burning my ear off this week but I think that both are now cleared (I had to fire one). I responded to a few new large queries as well so that's some incentive. My new Broken Social Scene CDs didn't arrive.
That said, I still have an embarassing amount of work yet to do. I still need to build my year staffing plan, still need to followup on my 200 firm mailing and still have 40+ items in my to do task list. | sigh |
Big and neutralizing news on the Liverpool front (they have an FA Cup match Sunday) - Robbie Fowler has returned and Djibril Cisse was arrested.
Karina returns tomorrow morning. [Amanda will criticize me irregardless of what I say next, so I'll just say nothing]. :)
That said, I still have an embarassing amount of work yet to do. I still need to build my year staffing plan, still need to followup on my 200 firm mailing and still have 40+ items in my to do task list. | sigh |
Big and neutralizing news on the Liverpool front (they have an FA Cup match Sunday) - Robbie Fowler has returned and Djibril Cisse was arrested.
Karina returns tomorrow morning. [Amanda will criticize me irregardless of what I say next, so I'll just say nothing]. :)
Hamas(?!) invited to form
Palestinian government
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has announced that he will ask Islamic militant group Hamas to form a new government after its election victory.
Branded a terrorist organisation by Israel, the US and the EU, Hamas is seen by its supporters as a legitimate fighting force defending Palestinians from a brutal military occupation.
Although the world reaction has been of degrees of surpise, shock, concern and tenative support, of the limited sources I've polled I think Shimon Peres has best summed up the Israeli position:
"I think it is first of all a problem for the Palestinian people, not for Israel because Hamas is for a unilateral war not for a unilateral peace or withdrawal.
We shall not change our position. If Hamas doesn't want peace, doesn't want negotiations, if they want to continue their terrorist activities I don't think they will have any support from outside or from Israel."
Branded a terrorist organisation by Israel, the US and the EU, Hamas is seen by its supporters as a legitimate fighting force defending Palestinians from a brutal military occupation.
Although the world reaction has been of degrees of surpise, shock, concern and tenative support, of the limited sources I've polled I think Shimon Peres has best summed up the Israeli position:
"I think it is first of all a problem for the Palestinian people, not for Israel because Hamas is for a unilateral war not for a unilateral peace or withdrawal.
We shall not change our position. If Hamas doesn't want peace, doesn't want negotiations, if they want to continue their terrorist activities I don't think they will have any support from outside or from Israel."
Thursday, January 26, 2006
US military 'at breaking point'
The US military has become dangerously overstretched because of the scale of its operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, two reports have warned.
The first study, commissioned by Democratic members of Congress, listed former Defence Secretary William Perry and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright among its authors.
It said the US military had performed admirably in recent operations but was under "enormous strain" and warns of future problems in recruitment and retention.
The first study, commissioned by Democratic members of Congress, listed former Defence Secretary William Perry and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright among its authors.
It said the US military had performed admirably in recent operations but was under "enormous strain" and warns of future problems in recruitment and retention.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Will he "Survive"?
Hatch guilty of tax evasion
Richard Hatch, who won $1 million US in the first season of Survivor, was found guilty Wednesday of failing to pay taxes on his winnings.
Hatch was also convicted of evading taxes on $327,000 he earned as co-host of a Boston radio show and $28,000 in rent on property he owned. He was acquitted of seven bank, mail and wire fraud charges. Hatch, 44, faces up to 13 years in prison and a fine of $600,000.
Hatch's lawyer, Michael Minns, said Hatch caught fellow contestants cheating and struck a deal with producers for the show to pay his taxes if he won.
That's reality for you.
Hatch was also convicted of evading taxes on $327,000 he earned as co-host of a Boston radio show and $28,000 in rent on property he owned. He was acquitted of seven bank, mail and wire fraud charges. Hatch, 44, faces up to 13 years in prison and a fine of $600,000.
Hatch's lawyer, Michael Minns, said Hatch caught fellow contestants cheating and struck a deal with producers for the show to pay his taxes if he won.
That's reality for you.
Wednesday Report
Argh. Just my luck, Karina goes away for a week and I get sick. Chills, sore throat, possible fever. Not that I was planning to get up to anything. OH NO! ;)
I gave notice on my place last week and so now have to start taking inventory of what I'll need to take over to Karina's house. And I need to start thinking about what addresses I will need to change and how I'm going to transfer the utilities without discontinuation of service. In this regard, the internet will be a great assistance (I hope).
Had drinks with Joe the other night and he got me to thinking that it's time to get more proactive in my volunteer/non-profit activities... need to find a board position somewhere I think.
I gave notice on my place last week and so now have to start taking inventory of what I'll need to take over to Karina's house. And I need to start thinking about what addresses I will need to change and how I'm going to transfer the utilities without discontinuation of service. In this regard, the internet will be a great assistance (I hope).
Had drinks with Joe the other night and he got me to thinking that it's time to get more proactive in my volunteer/non-profit activities... need to find a board position somewhere I think.
Google censors itself for China
Leading internet company Google has said it will censor its search services in China in order to gain greater access to China's fast-growing market.
Google has offered a Chinese-language version of its search engine for years but users have been frustrated by government blocks on the site. The company is setting up a new site - Google.cn - which it will censor itself to satisfy the authorities in Beijing.
Google argued it would be more damaging to pull out of China altogether.
Google has offered a Chinese-language version of its search engine for years but users have been frustrated by government blocks on the site. The company is setting up a new site - Google.cn - which it will censor itself to satisfy the authorities in Beijing.
Google argued it would be more damaging to pull out of China altogether.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Federal Election Results 2006
The results are in and the Torys will form the next Canadian Government. The Conversatives took a total 124 of the available 308 seats in the House of Commons.
Truthfully I think this is along the lines of the best of results that the Liberals (and Canada) could have hoped for in the face of the Advertising Scandal - a minority government for the Torys, fewer seats to the Bloc and still relatively resilient Liberal support.
Stephen Harper will need to make deals with the other parties to make legislation. With a minority government I have to hope that the ill-conceived plan to cut the GST will be stoned down by the other parties - ironically it maybe be the separatist Bloc that sets the agenda of the country. Where will Stockwell Day find himself in a few weeks? Now, more than ever, Mr. Harper will have to keep his social conservative wing happy while ensuring its members don't hijack his governing agenda with controversial notions like bringing back abortion or restricting stem-cell research.
Paul Martin announced his decision to step down as party leader after conceding the election to Mr Harper in a late-night phone call. I'm not sure who the new Liberal leader may be.
My riding was won by Olivia Chow - one of several seats that the NDP took on the night. Hooray!
Truthfully I think this is along the lines of the best of results that the Liberals (and Canada) could have hoped for in the face of the Advertising Scandal - a minority government for the Torys, fewer seats to the Bloc and still relatively resilient Liberal support.
Stephen Harper will need to make deals with the other parties to make legislation. With a minority government I have to hope that the ill-conceived plan to cut the GST will be stoned down by the other parties - ironically it maybe be the separatist Bloc that sets the agenda of the country. Where will Stockwell Day find himself in a few weeks? Now, more than ever, Mr. Harper will have to keep his social conservative wing happy while ensuring its members don't hijack his governing agenda with controversial notions like bringing back abortion or restricting stem-cell research.
Paul Martin announced his decision to step down as party leader after conceding the election to Mr Harper in a late-night phone call. I'm not sure who the new Liberal leader may be.
My riding was won by Olivia Chow - one of several seats that the NDP took on the night. Hooray!
Monday, January 23, 2006
Election Day
Voting has begun in the general election today with opinion polls pointing to a likely Conservative win for the first time in 12 years.
Two last-minute opinion polls suggested the Conservatives would be 10 points ahead of the Liberals - at 37% to 27% - but they also indicated the party would not secure an outright majority in the 308-seat house.
We can only hope.
Two last-minute opinion polls suggested the Conservatives would be 10 points ahead of the Liberals - at 37% to 27% - but they also indicated the party would not secure an outright majority in the 308-seat house.
We can only hope.
Ford Canada cuts limited
Ford will eliminate one production shift at its St. Thomas assembly plant as part of a massive restructuring that cuts as much as a quarter of the auto maker's North American work force.
The move is expected to wipe out more than 1,000 jobs at the plant, which employs 2,300 hourly workers, while 14 production plants overall will be idled by 2012. Ten years ago, more than one in four cars sold in the US was made by Ford, but now Ford's share of the US market is just 17.4%, its lowest level since the late 1920s.
Eliminating the St. Thomas shift is the only action in the restructuring that affects Canadian plants, which means Canadian Auto Workers union president Buzz Hargrove's worst fears were not realized.
The move is expected to wipe out more than 1,000 jobs at the plant, which employs 2,300 hourly workers, while 14 production plants overall will be idled by 2012. Ten years ago, more than one in four cars sold in the US was made by Ford, but now Ford's share of the US market is just 17.4%, its lowest level since the late 1920s.
Eliminating the St. Thomas shift is the only action in the restructuring that affects Canadian plants, which means Canadian Auto Workers union president Buzz Hargrove's worst fears were not realized.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Argh! Man Utd 1-0 Liverpool
Manchester United moved four points clear of Liverpool in second place after Rio Ferdinand scored in the last minute.
Liverpool will have regrets, given their dominance of the game, with Djibril Cisse missing an open goal just past the hour when he lashed over. Benitez was disappointed.
Liverpool will have regrets, given their dominance of the game, with Djibril Cisse missing an open goal just past the hour when he lashed over. Benitez was disappointed.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Revenge 'more satisfying for men'
Men appear to get greater satisfaction than women when witnessing retribution, research suggests.
Scientists monitored brain activity in people while they watched someone they either liked or disliked apparently suffering pain.
While women showed signs of empathy with people they both liked and disliked, men appeared to enjoy pain being inflicted on their foes.
:p
Scientists monitored brain activity in people while they watched someone they either liked or disliked apparently suffering pain.
While women showed signs of empathy with people they both liked and disliked, men appeared to enjoy pain being inflicted on their foes.
:p
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Ford on the Ropes
Canadian Auto Workers president Buzz Hargrove is worried about the future of a Ford Motor Co. engine plant in Windsor, Ont., and a car assembly plant in St. Thomas, Ont. that was identified by an analyst yesterday as being 'vulnerable' to closing when the auto maker announces a restructuring plan next week.
Ford is scheduled to announce plant closings as well as job cuts numbering in the tens of thousands on Monday as part of what it calls its 'Way Forward' restructuring plan.
The second-largest U.S. auto maker has been battered by a massive slide in sales of profitable full-sized and mid-sized sport utility vehicles and is in a fierce price war with GM, the Chrysler group and others.
Ford's market share slumped to 17.4 per cent in the United States last year, down from about 25 per cent a decade ago.
The company used just 79 per cent of its production capacity last year, less than GM and Chrysler and the three Japan-based companies with big operations in North America, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Toyota Motor Corp., Ron Harbour, president of Harbour Consulting, said yesterday.
Ford is scheduled to announce plant closings as well as job cuts numbering in the tens of thousands on Monday as part of what it calls its 'Way Forward' restructuring plan.
The second-largest U.S. auto maker has been battered by a massive slide in sales of profitable full-sized and mid-sized sport utility vehicles and is in a fierce price war with GM, the Chrysler group and others.
Ford's market share slumped to 17.4 per cent in the United States last year, down from about 25 per cent a decade ago.
The company used just 79 per cent of its production capacity last year, less than GM and Chrysler and the three Japan-based companies with big operations in North America, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Toyota Motor Corp., Ron Harbour, president of Harbour Consulting, said yesterday.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Coffee, Food has kicked in;
Clinton's 'plantation' remark draws fire
Sen. Hillary Clinton drew criticism Tuesday for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day speech in which she told a mostly black audience at a Harlem church that Republican leaders have run the House 'like a plantation' and the Bush administration will go down as 'one of the worst' in U.S. history.
Responding to the speech, House Speaker Dennis Hastert called her remarks 'a little bit over the top.'
Ya think?
Responding to the speech, House Speaker Dennis Hastert called her remarks 'a little bit over the top.'
Ya think?
Reds play Man United this weekend.
Liverpool player Luis Garcia has been ruled out of this weekend's clash with Manchester United. The European champions lie one point behind United but have two games in hand as they aim to put pressure on leaders Chelsea. ManU's Ronaldo will not feature in the match after receiving a red card and subsequent three match ban.
Ahead of the match, Xabi Alonso has this to say: "We're doing much better away from home this season and that's why we can get a result at Old Trafford. We're more solid, more compact and more consistent in our results. If we do things properly during the match then we will have chances to win the game."
It is hoped that Garcia could return to action by the end of the month and feature in the FA Cup tie at Portsmouth.
Ahead of the match, Xabi Alonso has this to say: "We're doing much better away from home this season and that's why we can get a result at Old Trafford. We're more solid, more compact and more consistent in our results. If we do things properly during the match then we will have chances to win the game."
It is hoped that Garcia could return to action by the end of the month and feature in the FA Cup tie at Portsmouth.
On this Wednesday Morning.
Not much new to report this Wednesday morning - I have a ton of work to do, am aching from my workout of yesterday (and have another session tonight) and am generally feeling sluggish this morning.
The last week or so has been difficult as Hilary has not been well. There have been a few trips to the emergency room and numerous tests. The good news is that the next round of tests are scheduled for next week - pretty fast all things considered.
At least I have this picture to keep a smile on my face.
The last week or so has been difficult as Hilary has not been well. There have been a few trips to the emergency room and numerous tests. The good news is that the next round of tests are scheduled for next week - pretty fast all things considered.
At least I have this picture to keep a smile on my face.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Harper ahead in Polls, oh brother.
Running solidly ahead of the Liberals in national polls, Stephen Harper is trying to convince undecided voters in Quebec and Ontario to give him a majority, apparently by addressing concerns that a Conservative government would represent radical change if unchecked.
Meanwhile the Liberals have brought out a series of negative ads that focus on Harper's apparent duplicity. Hey, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...
Meanwhile the Liberals have brought out a series of negative ads that focus on Harper's apparent duplicity. Hey, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...
Monday, January 16, 2006
Reds win on Kewell Goal
Liverpool defeated close table rivals Tottenham on the weekend with a 1-0 victory. The goal-scorer was one of my less-favourite Liverpool players - Harry Kewell.
The Australian has never really shown his true capabilities since moving to Anfield from Leeds (his desire to play has often been questioned), and has struggled in the past year or so with continuing injury problems. But of late he has started to show glimpses of the form that made him one of the best left wingers in The Premiership. You had better keep it up Harry!
The Australian has never really shown his true capabilities since moving to Anfield from Leeds (his desire to play has often been questioned), and has struggled in the past year or so with continuing injury problems. But of late he has started to show glimpses of the form that made him one of the best left wingers in The Premiership. You had better keep it up Harry!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Rafa secures quality Centre Half.
Rafa welcomed Daniel Agger to Anfield today and insisted: 'He was always our first choice.'
Agger signed a four and a half year contract with the Reds this morning before training with his new team-mates at Melwood. He will officially be unveiled to the media this afternoon. Benitez is delighted with his latest acquisition and reveals it was Agger's hunger to join the Reds which convinced him he was the right man for the club. "
Agger signed a four and a half year contract with the Reds this morning before training with his new team-mates at Melwood. He will officially be unveiled to the media this afternoon. Benitez is delighted with his latest acquisition and reveals it was Agger's hunger to join the Reds which convinced him he was the right man for the club. "
On Bullmastiffs
Karina has asked me to post some information about Bull mastiffs because I keep talking about them. For the record, Bullmastiffs are normally very gentle, cheerful and calm. There is some debate as to how much exercise they require.
For your further reference, here is some excellent information about their care and temperament.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Liberals to Ban Weapons in Space
A Liberal government would push for an international treaty banning weapons in space - one that would upset U.S. President George W. Bush's plans for a missile-defence shield - according to the Liberal platform that was released Wednesday.
The pledge to lead a campaign for a space-weapons treaty is a revival of an effort that Canada has initiated before, with little success.
The pledge to lead a campaign for a space-weapons treaty is a revival of an effort that Canada has initiated before, with little success.
Stephen Lewis Speech at Focus Africa
Last night I attended Stephen Lewis' speech at the Hillel of Greater Toronto's Focus Africa event.
Mr. Lewis is a passionate, powerful and informative speaker (as one would hope for one of the world's most influential people). As the UN Special Envoy for Aids, his focus was on the appalling situation in Africa and the Developed World's betrayal of the 3rd World in the face of the AIDS tragedy.
Among the most pertinent facts - There are 28 million people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa, a staggering 60% of them are women. Of the 8 million people between the ages of 15 and 24 living with HIV/AIDS in Africa, 76% are women and girls.
It's astonishing to think that women die in such vastly disproportionate numbers and one can only imagine the chaos created in the social fabric of these societies as children are left to organize their own households.
Mr. Lewis is a passionate, powerful and informative speaker (as one would hope for one of the world's most influential people). As the UN Special Envoy for Aids, his focus was on the appalling situation in Africa and the Developed World's betrayal of the 3rd World in the face of the AIDS tragedy.
Among the most pertinent facts - There are 28 million people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa, a staggering 60% of them are women. Of the 8 million people between the ages of 15 and 24 living with HIV/AIDS in Africa, 76% are women and girls.
It's astonishing to think that women die in such vastly disproportionate numbers and one can only imagine the chaos created in the social fabric of these societies as children are left to organize their own households.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Iran nuclear stand-off escalates
Iran's dispute with the UN and Western countries has deepened after Tehran resumed nuclear research.
As Iran removed UN seals from equipment at Natanz facility, UN nuclear chief Mohamed ElBaradei said Tehran would start small-scale nuclear enrichment. The chief US representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN's nuclear watchdog, said Iran had shown "its disdain for international concerns" and had taken a deliberate step towards creating the material for a nuclear bomb.
In a "completely unrelated", Several U.S. agents in Iran were rounded up after the CIA mistakenly revealed clues to their identities to a covert source who turned out to be a double agent, according to a book that hit shelves Tuesday.
As Iran removed UN seals from equipment at Natanz facility, UN nuclear chief Mohamed ElBaradei said Tehran would start small-scale nuclear enrichment. The chief US representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN's nuclear watchdog, said Iran had shown "its disdain for international concerns" and had taken a deliberate step towards creating the material for a nuclear bomb.
In a "completely unrelated", Several U.S. agents in Iran were rounded up after the CIA mistakenly revealed clues to their identities to a covert source who turned out to be a double agent, according to a book that hit shelves Tuesday.
Little Charisma; May be Next PM
I don't know what debate some of my coworkers watched yesterday, but I definitely wasn't of the opinion that Harper looked strong.
If anything particularly struck me from last night's debate is was the total absence of a stand-out strong leader among the candidates. Gilles Duceppe came off the best, although he really wasn't taken to task by the other party leaders.
The Globe is saying that Martin hit hard at Harper - must have been when I was getting a drink. But I say let him have the job, Paul, - he'll screw it up in very short order and kill the party for good.
Alcohol in the Workplace
U.S. researchers offered some sobering news for employers Tuesday, suggesting that alcohol use and impairment directly affects as much as 15 per cent of the work force.
The findings were part of a research project at the University at Buffalo that looked at the prevalence of drinking on the job and the effects of alcohol on workers.
Based on the research, they estimated that as many as 19.2 million U.S. workers - about 15 per cent of the work force - reported to work showing at least some signs of alcohol consumption, including going to work with a hangover.
The findings were part of a research project at the University at Buffalo that looked at the prevalence of drinking on the job and the effects of alcohol on workers.
Based on the research, they estimated that as many as 19.2 million U.S. workers - about 15 per cent of the work force - reported to work showing at least some signs of alcohol consumption, including going to work with a hangover.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Reds draw Portsmouth away; Working from Home today.
After the drama of a stunning four-goal second-half comeback against Luton on Saturday evening (which I am looking unlikely to ever see after leaving at the end of the first half), Liverpool have been handed an away draw against Portsmouth in the 4th Round of the FA Cup.
I'm working from home today in hopes that I'll be less distracted and will be able to complete my Tradeshow memo for this coming year - I need to decide which and whether we will be attending shows this year.
I'm working from home today in hopes that I'll be less distracted and will be able to complete my Tradeshow memo for this coming year - I need to decide which and whether we will be attending shows this year.
Friday, January 06, 2006
White House condemns Robertson's comments
The White House sharply criticized Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson on Friday for suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's stroke was divine punishment for 'dividing God's land.'
Robertson made comments about Israel and Sharon on his TV program, 'The 700 Club.' He said, 'God considers this land to be his. You read the Bible and he says `This is my land,' and for any prime minister of Israel who decides he is going to carve it up and give it away, God says, `No, this is mine.'
Robertson made comments about Israel and Sharon on his TV program, 'The 700 Club.' He said, 'God considers this land to be his. You read the Bible and he says `This is my land,' and for any prime minister of Israel who decides he is going to carve it up and give it away, God says, `No, this is mine.'
Gas Thief Escapes on Tricycle
In the odd but true category, a story of gas theft in China... natural gas that is.
According to a new report by the Worldwatch Institute, China is now driving the consumption and production of almost everything, threatening to deplete the world's resources. "China is becoming the sucking force, taking raw materials from across the planet, because it alone doesn't have the resources it needs to sustain its growth," said Lisa Mastny, the project director of the new study.
China is in the middle of the largest rural migration in human history, with millions of its people leaving for mushrooming cities and it remains to be see what long-term effects the Chinese boom will have on the world's raw materials.
Karina away; Wedding Plans continue.
Karina is still away today as she's running a training programme in Niagara for a few days. This absence is practice I guess for her pending and much longer trip to Calgary in a little over a week's time. I'm not going to be going to visit her this weekend and I don't know if I'll be invited to visit Calgary [sigh].
In her absence, I'm headed with the Mothers and Sister to the National Bridal Show tomorrow to look at things I guess. We haven't picked a day or month for the Wedding, but are still planning 2007 - probably between May and September. I think we'll have things settled soon as we need to pick the venue in the next 6 weeks or so.
In her absence, I'm headed with the Mothers and Sister to the National Bridal Show tomorrow to look at things I guess. We haven't picked a day or month for the Wedding, but are still planning 2007 - probably between May and September. I think we'll have things settled soon as we need to pick the venue in the next 6 weeks or so.
Sharon back in Surgery; Middle East Situation Uncertain
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is back in surgery after a scan revealed bleeding in his brain.
It seems agreed that Sharon will not be returning to politics irregardless of the outcome of this or Wednesday's surgeries. And his absence creates a gapping hole in the options for the pending Israeli election as Sharons' newly formed centrist Kadima party - which was expected to win the election - is without a leader. As the Israeli paper has commented that "the gravity of Sharon's condition reshuffles all the political cards".
Nicknamed "The Bulldozer," Sharon said he wanted to move forward with peace talks with the Palestinians and told his closest aides that he wanted a lasting peace as his legacy.
It seems agreed that Sharon will not be returning to politics irregardless of the outcome of this or Wednesday's surgeries. And his absence creates a gapping hole in the options for the pending Israeli election as Sharons' newly formed centrist Kadima party - which was expected to win the election - is without a leader. As the Israeli paper has commented that "the gravity of Sharon's condition reshuffles all the political cards".
Nicknamed "The Bulldozer," Sharon said he wanted to move forward with peace talks with the Palestinians and told his closest aides that he wanted a lasting peace as his legacy.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Sigh. I feel so much safer.
A four-year-old whose name was the same as one on the TSA's "no-fly" list was blocked from boarding a plane to New York just before Christmas. The child's mother said it took several minutes of pleading and a phone call by the ticket agent to get on the plane to New York.
Workers at La Guardia Airport were even more hard-nosed before the family's Dec. 26 flight home, when the boy's mother was told by the ticket agent: "You're lucky that we're letting you through instead of putting you through the other process."
The Transportation Security Administration's "no-fly" list was established immediately after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to prevent people who may have terrorist ties from boarding commercial flights.
Workers at La Guardia Airport were even more hard-nosed before the family's Dec. 26 flight home, when the boy's mother was told by the ticket agent: "You're lucky that we're letting you through instead of putting you through the other process."
The Transportation Security Administration's "no-fly" list was established immediately after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to prevent people who may have terrorist ties from boarding commercial flights.
Ariel Sharon Gravely Ill
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has undergone emergency surgery in Jerusalem after suffering a serious stroke.
Mr Sharon, who was treated for a minor stroke in December, was due to lead his new party, Kadima, in national elections in Israel on 28 March. Dr Shlomo Mor-Yosef, director of Hadassah Hospital, told reporters at the hospital on Wednesday night that Mr Sharon had "massive bleeding".
"A significant stroke means that there has been extensive damage," he said, but added that "does not necessarily mean that there will be a lasting effect."
Overnight, Mr Sharon's press spokesman Ranaan Gissin described his condition as "much more serious" than his previous stroke. What an ailing Sharon means for the state of the Middle East is uncertain. Mr Sharon had indicated he would follow up the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers and settlers from Gaza with what he termed further major concessions - thought likely to involve handing parts of the West Bank over to Palestinians.
Mr Sharon, who was treated for a minor stroke in December, was due to lead his new party, Kadima, in national elections in Israel on 28 March. Dr Shlomo Mor-Yosef, director of Hadassah Hospital, told reporters at the hospital on Wednesday night that Mr Sharon had "massive bleeding".
"A significant stroke means that there has been extensive damage," he said, but added that "does not necessarily mean that there will be a lasting effect."
Overnight, Mr Sharon's press spokesman Ranaan Gissin described his condition as "much more serious" than his previous stroke. What an ailing Sharon means for the state of the Middle East is uncertain. Mr Sharon had indicated he would follow up the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers and settlers from Gaza with what he termed further major concessions - thought likely to involve handing parts of the West Bank over to Palestinians.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Remember Eddy?
While I was home over the holidays, I came across Neal's Eddy Poster. Almost brings a tear to my eye when I think about his loss...
Eight Fillings Later
Lost a good chunk of the working day today after heading to the dentist for a noon appointment.
Admittedly I had forgotten to book this appointment and eight fillings later, perhaps this was the best way to go as I didn't have time to think about what was coming. As it turned out, I spent almost 2 hours in the chair while my dentist filled the deep grooves of my molars with some sort of resin for preventative purposes... the old fillings had chipped away over the years. The result of my previous treatment is that I was left with my first cavity - which was drilled out today without freezing.
I now have spectacular-coated molars whose protective coating will last... for an unspecified time frame. Thank goodness for dental plans!
Admittedly I had forgotten to book this appointment and eight fillings later, perhaps this was the best way to go as I didn't have time to think about what was coming. As it turned out, I spent almost 2 hours in the chair while my dentist filled the deep grooves of my molars with some sort of resin for preventative purposes... the old fillings had chipped away over the years. The result of my previous treatment is that I was left with my first cavity - which was drilled out today without freezing.
I now have spectacular-coated molars whose protective coating will last... for an unspecified time frame. Thank goodness for dental plans!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Ridiculous Polling Results
With three weeks to go the Liberals and Tories are all even with a new poll suggesting that Canadians are becoming less worried about the consequences of changing governments three weeks before the Jan. 23 election. You wouldn't want to ask if voters think about the significant ideological differences between these parties. I still can't believe that a protest vote is going to shape the future of this country... then again, Harper is unlikely to survive long with a minority government and the Bloc as his primary likely ally.
Kids no safer in SUVs
A new study has shown that children are no safer riding in sport utility vehicles than in passenger cars, largely because the doubled risk of rollovers in SUVs cancels out the safety advantages of their greater size and weight.
Researchers said the findings dispel the bigger-equals-safer myth that has helped fuel the growing popularity of SUVs among families.
On average, the SUVs weighed 1,300 pounds more than the cars studied. The study found that the extra weight of SUVs enhanced safety, reducing the risk of injury by more than a third.
But that was offset by findings that SUVs were more than twice as likely as cars to roll over in crashes and children involved in rollovers were three times more likely to be seriously injured than those in non-rollover accidents.
Researchers said the findings dispel the bigger-equals-safer myth that has helped fuel the growing popularity of SUVs among families.
On average, the SUVs weighed 1,300 pounds more than the cars studied. The study found that the extra weight of SUVs enhanced safety, reducing the risk of injury by more than a third.
But that was offset by findings that SUVs were more than twice as likely as cars to roll over in crashes and children involved in rollovers were three times more likely to be seriously injured than those in non-rollover accidents.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Toronto Cabs go Crooked.
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a nice night celebrating the start of 2006. We certainly had a good start with good sushi and champagne last night.
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But I also had an experience last night that was completely new in my 14 years of celebrating New Years in Toronto - negotiated cab fares. As Karina, Amanda and I looked for a cab last night at just past 4am, we found that not one but all cab drivers that stopped at the curb wanted to discuss the fare with us off the meter -- including one Beck driver at more that 3x the usual rate.
Now, OK, I know I'm a boyscout and that cabs are hard to come by on New Year's. But this kind of experience really irks me. And reason number one is not that I'm upset that I had to wait for a long time in the cold (although it did give drivers a stronger negotiating position), but one of safety. What would have happened if we hadn't has the means to hire a cab at these rates? Would we have had to risk exposure or assault? If there's no meter and no dispatch, how are customers protected from the rouge driver that decides to rob or rape his fare? What is the difference between a cab and a private vehicle picking up hitchhikers in this scenario? Taxis are a quasi-public entity and have a regulated fare rate that is published to protect the customer. Licenses are issued for taxi operation as another assurance that their operation is in accordance with some community standard. And yet increasingly it seems that these regulations are meaningless and cabs are operated as private vehicles.
In cities like Toronto, taxis are providing essential services for the city to keep private vehicle use in the city down (limiting congestion) and also keeping drunk drivers off the road. What the hell happens if the observance of fare regulations in this city goes away unchecked? Barring the very unlikely prefect market balance where the premium proposed by the driver does not exceed each customer's combined operating costs, risk tolerance and subjective willingness to pay the premium - we'll have more drunk-driving and traffic will get chaotic as private vehicle use increases. Will women have to run the risk of walking the streets at night to find a bus? Will bars have to provide private cars to ferry their patrons home or fear suit or loss of business?
Given that the cab companies (who we already frustrating know don't communicate road safety or closures to their drivers) have essentially reinvented themselves as marketing agencies that rent cars to the drivers, we aren't likely to find a remedy through self-regulation within the industry. But I think that herein lies the problem - the cab companies aren't responsible for the service their drivers render and yet their car rental rates to the drivers (according to numerous driver interviews I've conducted, last night was about $500/shift) encourage driver "entrepreneurship". So how do we maintain a taxi service that is safe, efficient and price-transparent?
I have two alternatives for consideration:
1. Revoke private licensing and operate the taxi force as another branch of city services.
2. Maintain the private system with stronger regulations. Among the initiatives for this proposal: Apply pressure to the cab companies to have all rides metered at the official rate. Have centralized reporting for all trips and automatic trip receipts for customers.
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And yes, we took a $30 unmetered ride home. And tipped.
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But I also had an experience last night that was completely new in my 14 years of celebrating New Years in Toronto - negotiated cab fares. As Karina, Amanda and I looked for a cab last night at just past 4am, we found that not one but all cab drivers that stopped at the curb wanted to discuss the fare with us off the meter -- including one Beck driver at more that 3x the usual rate.
Now, OK, I know I'm a boyscout and that cabs are hard to come by on New Year's. But this kind of experience really irks me. And reason number one is not that I'm upset that I had to wait for a long time in the cold (although it did give drivers a stronger negotiating position), but one of safety. What would have happened if we hadn't has the means to hire a cab at these rates? Would we have had to risk exposure or assault? If there's no meter and no dispatch, how are customers protected from the rouge driver that decides to rob or rape his fare? What is the difference between a cab and a private vehicle picking up hitchhikers in this scenario? Taxis are a quasi-public entity and have a regulated fare rate that is published to protect the customer. Licenses are issued for taxi operation as another assurance that their operation is in accordance with some community standard. And yet increasingly it seems that these regulations are meaningless and cabs are operated as private vehicles.
In cities like Toronto, taxis are providing essential services for the city to keep private vehicle use in the city down (limiting congestion) and also keeping drunk drivers off the road. What the hell happens if the observance of fare regulations in this city goes away unchecked? Barring the very unlikely prefect market balance where the premium proposed by the driver does not exceed each customer's combined operating costs, risk tolerance and subjective willingness to pay the premium - we'll have more drunk-driving and traffic will get chaotic as private vehicle use increases. Will women have to run the risk of walking the streets at night to find a bus? Will bars have to provide private cars to ferry their patrons home or fear suit or loss of business?
Given that the cab companies (who we already frustrating know don't communicate road safety or closures to their drivers) have essentially reinvented themselves as marketing agencies that rent cars to the drivers, we aren't likely to find a remedy through self-regulation within the industry. But I think that herein lies the problem - the cab companies aren't responsible for the service their drivers render and yet their car rental rates to the drivers (according to numerous driver interviews I've conducted, last night was about $500/shift) encourage driver "entrepreneurship". So how do we maintain a taxi service that is safe, efficient and price-transparent?
I have two alternatives for consideration:
1. Revoke private licensing and operate the taxi force as another branch of city services.
2. Maintain the private system with stronger regulations. Among the initiatives for this proposal: Apply pressure to the cab companies to have all rides metered at the official rate. Have centralized reporting for all trips and automatic trip receipts for customers.
-
And yes, we took a $30 unmetered ride home. And tipped.
