An important rule of leadership is "Lead By Example".
Which leads me to this news article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/dec/17/queen-train-travel-sandringham
HM the Queen (of the UK, Canada, Australia, et al) has again led her people not by words but by deeds.
The United Kingdom is feeling the effects of this Global Recession, and it was responsible of HM to take the "regular" training instead of the 50K+ pounds it would have cost to have her Royal Train take her.
Perhaps her Prime Minister here in Canada could learn a lesson or two from her most gracious majesty when it comes to the subject of leadership.
Keep Watch.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Three Years of Silence
After taking power in 2006, the Conservatives feared a new Liberal "Rat Pack":
http://www.nationalpost.com/scripts/story.html?id=ec605037-f7cb-472b-abea-d2bc1b3ef0ea&k=97569
So where are they? Why are the Liberals truly afraid to attack and harass their enemy until victory is won?
Do they believe that silence and false outrage will win the next election?
http://www.nationalpost.com/scripts/story.html?id=ec605037-f7cb-472b-abea-d2bc1b3ef0ea&k=97569
So where are they? Why are the Liberals truly afraid to attack and harass their enemy until victory is won?
Do they believe that silence and false outrage will win the next election?
Icons of our time: Dwight K. Schrute
First of all, I'd like to thank my good friend Kyle for making this his Facebook Profile Picture. I claim no credit for this, I just want to share it with you all!
Keep watch!
Why the success of Avatar matters.
Avatar: $232 Million worldwide in its first weekend. Amazing.
Apparently the film lived up to the hype, which has slowly been building over the last decade. This is good news for us out there who enjoy Hollywood movies. Why? Two words:
Original Idea.
There was no previous franchise (Batman, Star Trek, Transformers, etc). This movie was an original creation and wasn't engrained into our group consciouness before hand, driving demand. You could argue that James Cameron is a franchise unto himself, but this isn't that sort of blog!
Thank you James Cameron for keeping hope alive for an industry which has been as of late just repackaging old ideas, instead of creating new ones. I hope Hollywood will grow on your movies success not my launching a sequal, but by looking out for new ideas that will captivate and entertain audiences here and abroad.
Apparently the film lived up to the hype, which has slowly been building over the last decade. This is good news for us out there who enjoy Hollywood movies. Why? Two words:
Original Idea.
There was no previous franchise (Batman, Star Trek, Transformers, etc). This movie was an original creation and wasn't engrained into our group consciouness before hand, driving demand. You could argue that James Cameron is a franchise unto himself, but this isn't that sort of blog!
Thank you James Cameron for keeping hope alive for an industry which has been as of late just repackaging old ideas, instead of creating new ones. I hope Hollywood will grow on your movies success not my launching a sequal, but by looking out for new ideas that will captivate and entertain audiences here and abroad.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Guess who didn't come to dinner?
*Slow Claps*
Way to be not invited Mr. Prime Minster.
You are a failure.
Alone in the world.
This would have been larger, but I'm on a computer without photoshop.Just a logo representing our governments failure!
Stephen Harper: Not a Leader
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/091218/world/climate_cda
Congratulations Mr. Harper you have destroyed whats left of Canada's credibility in the world.
What was that about Dion not being a leader? He'd probably at least be invited to an emergency meeting of World Leaders. I can guarentee that Ignattieff would have been. Hell, Layton would have been invited, should god forbid the NDP were somehow our national government.
The worst part of this is that none of our media outlets are carrying this important failure of Harper to secure our place in the world.
I urge all of you in the blogosphere to share this story with everyone you know and detail the epic failure of our Government to matter in the world.
Keep Watch.
Congratulations Mr. Harper you have destroyed whats left of Canada's credibility in the world.
What was that about Dion not being a leader? He'd probably at least be invited to an emergency meeting of World Leaders. I can guarentee that Ignattieff would have been. Hell, Layton would have been invited, should god forbid the NDP were somehow our national government.
The worst part of this is that none of our media outlets are carrying this important failure of Harper to secure our place in the world.
I urge all of you in the blogosphere to share this story with everyone you know and detail the epic failure of our Government to matter in the world.
Keep Watch.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Rebranding Canada in the World: A Candu Attitude
No, I'm not talking about the Olympics. I'm talking about the environment and the economy.
A friend of mine commented on my post about privatization, he suggested I was erronious regarding the pollution of nuclear energy. Let me state:
Yes, it is polluting, but not like Coal or Oil. We could launch nuclear waste into the sun if we really wanted to. Besides that, Nuclear energy might just be the way to defeat CO2 emissions; and Canada can be a part of that.
How?
Three words: CANada Deuterium Uranium or CANDU (also known as NAMBLA - thanks Daily Show!).
You can read some simple info on CANDU reactors here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CANDU_reactor
We have already sold some overseas, its time for Stephen Harper to restart "Team Canada" trade missions and sell these reactors around the world. Imagine the world being powered by reactors with a big maple leaf on the side.
Kind of makes your heart glow, doesn't it?
But no, in the midst of a global change, the Government of Canada is selling its shares:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-putting-candu-reactor-division-up-for-sale/article1403759/
The same mistake that McGunity the Shedder is making.
Are you insane Ottawa? The world will need Nuclear reactors, and we cound provide it to them.
Morons and Idiots: Our collection of Canadian Politicians.
A friend of mine commented on my post about privatization, he suggested I was erronious regarding the pollution of nuclear energy. Let me state:
Yes, it is polluting, but not like Coal or Oil. We could launch nuclear waste into the sun if we really wanted to. Besides that, Nuclear energy might just be the way to defeat CO2 emissions; and Canada can be a part of that.
How?
Three words: CANada Deuterium Uranium or CANDU (also known as NAMBLA - thanks Daily Show!).
You can read some simple info on CANDU reactors here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CANDU_reactor
We have already sold some overseas, its time for Stephen Harper to restart "Team Canada" trade missions and sell these reactors around the world. Imagine the world being powered by reactors with a big maple leaf on the side.
Kind of makes your heart glow, doesn't it?
But no, in the midst of a global change, the Government of Canada is selling its shares:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-putting-candu-reactor-division-up-for-sale/article1403759/
The same mistake that McGunity the Shedder is making.
Are you insane Ottawa? The world will need Nuclear reactors, and we cound provide it to them.
Morons and Idiots: Our collection of Canadian Politicians.
Can I have some money too?
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/740046--youtube-short-leads-to-30m-hollywood-deal?bn=1
Good for them, I'm glad Hollywood is doing so well. But now I'm jealous.
I'd really like a book deal from my writings here on The Centre Block - any publishers out there with money to throw away?
I'd do it for like $30 000, I'd also do alot of other things too.
Good for them, I'm glad Hollywood is doing so well. But now I'm jealous.
I'd really like a book deal from my writings here on The Centre Block - any publishers out there with money to throw away?
I'd do it for like $30 000, I'd also do alot of other things too.
There are still good people out there....
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2009/12/17/citizens-rescue-girl-12-from-abductor-police-say-he-tried-at-least-twice-before.aspx
Fantastic news, good citizens stepped up, stopped a heinous crime, and now a criminal is facing justice.
It goes to show that when good people stand up then the bad is stopped.
Keep Watch!
Fantastic news, good citizens stepped up, stopped a heinous crime, and now a criminal is facing justice.
It goes to show that when good people stand up then the bad is stopped.
Keep Watch!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Time to "Unite the Left"? - Part One
Will they? Won't they?
On again? Off again?
This was what the 90s sounded like when it came to the idea of uniting the right; which eventually becaming conquering and pillaging the Progressive Conservatives. I still habour an opinion that given the self-destruction of the Liberal Party, that Peter MacKay could be the Prime Minister, leading a centrist government. But that's another story all on its own.
When 2010 rolls around, we'll see Stephen Harper still in command in Ottawa, it's been a brutal three years so far. All we get is Lies, Lies, and Coverups. 2008 was the year of the coalition - it failed miserable, because of two factors: Stéphane Dion and the Bloc Quebecois. Dion was weak, and no one likes separatists.
So what does this mean? Well in the coming years we'll see seats in the west explode, and the Conservatives are dominant there. Which means Harper (if he is still around) might be able to form a majority without Quebec at all. While this will be good because it will signal the end of the Bloc Quebecois (we can hope). It will be bad because the Conservatives will exploit the split in the left and be dominant for years to come.
Now, I like to at least try to be unbiased, but what the Conservatives (especially our PM) are doing with our democracy is a shame, and if left unchecked could lead to the end of our country as we know it.
This means the split in the left is a danger to our democratic survival, the Westminster Sysetem was never designed for this many parties, and the Conservatives are not taking care of our democracy. Over the next few posts, I'll be exploring a few options that the Liberals and NDP may want to consider in order to manage what could potentially be the biggest crisis progressive politics in this country has ever faced: A Conservative Majority not held in check by a Quebec Caucus.
Keep Watch.
On again? Off again?
This was what the 90s sounded like when it came to the idea of uniting the right; which eventually becaming conquering and pillaging the Progressive Conservatives. I still habour an opinion that given the self-destruction of the Liberal Party, that Peter MacKay could be the Prime Minister, leading a centrist government. But that's another story all on its own.
When 2010 rolls around, we'll see Stephen Harper still in command in Ottawa, it's been a brutal three years so far. All we get is Lies, Lies, and Coverups. 2008 was the year of the coalition - it failed miserable, because of two factors: Stéphane Dion and the Bloc Quebecois. Dion was weak, and no one likes separatists.
So what does this mean? Well in the coming years we'll see seats in the west explode, and the Conservatives are dominant there. Which means Harper (if he is still around) might be able to form a majority without Quebec at all. While this will be good because it will signal the end of the Bloc Quebecois (we can hope). It will be bad because the Conservatives will exploit the split in the left and be dominant for years to come.
Now, I like to at least try to be unbiased, but what the Conservatives (especially our PM) are doing with our democracy is a shame, and if left unchecked could lead to the end of our country as we know it.
This means the split in the left is a danger to our democratic survival, the Westminster Sysetem was never designed for this many parties, and the Conservatives are not taking care of our democracy. Over the next few posts, I'll be exploring a few options that the Liberals and NDP may want to consider in order to manage what could potentially be the biggest crisis progressive politics in this country has ever faced: A Conservative Majority not held in check by a Quebec Caucus.
Keep Watch.
Privatize the LCBO?
Mr McGuinty, you need to bring your ship - the Government of Ontario to a full stop regarding privatization. Especially when it comes to the LCBO.
Privatize Ontario Power Generation? Are you serious? We need government involvement in our power generation if we are going to transition into renewables and less polluting (nuclear) energy. $88 million a year in profits isn't anything to sneeze at.
Privatize the OLGC? Are you a moron? Think of the lost billions going into government coffers if you were to get rid of the only source of legal gambling a province of over 11 million people.
Privatize the LCBO? Are you a freaking psycho? It is the crown jewel in the provinces collection of Crown Corporations; it generates over 1.3 Billion dollars in profit every year. While it may seem attractive to get rid of it when you have a 24 Billion dollar deficit; think of the lost revenue in the future. That 1.3 Billion (which will likely grow) will be quite useful when it comes to paying down the debt the province has occurred.
I can see privatizing crown corporations that are a burden to the government, but you are considering getting rid of three of the successful, profitable crown corporations you have. If you do it, it will be a far more stupid, though less politically toxic decision, then the HST as you will have destroyed the finances of your Government for years after you gone.
McGuinty.... Klaatu barada nikto!!!
Privatize Ontario Power Generation? Are you serious? We need government involvement in our power generation if we are going to transition into renewables and less polluting (nuclear) energy. $88 million a year in profits isn't anything to sneeze at.
Privatize the OLGC? Are you a moron? Think of the lost billions going into government coffers if you were to get rid of the only source of legal gambling a province of over 11 million people.
Privatize the LCBO? Are you a freaking psycho? It is the crown jewel in the provinces collection of Crown Corporations; it generates over 1.3 Billion dollars in profit every year. While it may seem attractive to get rid of it when you have a 24 Billion dollar deficit; think of the lost revenue in the future. That 1.3 Billion (which will likely grow) will be quite useful when it comes to paying down the debt the province has occurred.
I can see privatizing crown corporations that are a burden to the government, but you are considering getting rid of three of the successful, profitable crown corporations you have. If you do it, it will be a far more stupid, though less politically toxic decision, then the HST as you will have destroyed the finances of your Government for years after you gone.
McGuinty.... Klaatu barada nikto!!!
The Last Detail 2
Better send Jack back out:
Because Randy Quaid is at it again: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/12/16/randy.evi.quaid.skip.court/index.html
No Action Plan Sign?
Again from the National Post: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=2345516
It seems our fighting men and women, who the Conservatives claim to be on the side, are having to find some places to cut back.
Now the Canadian Forces shouldn't be exempt from cutting the waste; but when training and positions are needing to be cut, then thats a problem. As the article notes, they've denied the cuts, but its come to light.
I hope that the Conservatives find the miltiary its $80M before they prorogue. It'd be a shame to see this sort of damage done.
For all of us who are truly on the side of those who put on the uniform in defence of our country and freedom around the world this is a monumental shame.
It seems our fighting men and women, who the Conservatives claim to be on the side, are having to find some places to cut back.
Now the Canadian Forces shouldn't be exempt from cutting the waste; but when training and positions are needing to be cut, then thats a problem. As the article notes, they've denied the cuts, but its come to light.
I hope that the Conservatives find the miltiary its $80M before they prorogue. It'd be a shame to see this sort of damage done.
For all of us who are truly on the side of those who put on the uniform in defence of our country and freedom around the world this is a monumental shame.
Parliament of Harper
From the National Post: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2344764
Proroguing again?
Generissimo Harper is looking to suspend parliament once again. It seems the cause is that the Conservatives are about to retake the Senate (Sorry Alberta, it seems the Senate Reform you want, will have to wait... forever).
The GG will likely do nothing and give in to his request. Though she is on the way out too, and I'm sure Harper will recommend the appointment of a Neo-Con Thug. Thus giving him control of Parliament and the Executive.
Now this article outlines some reasons why the government wants to prorogue. One of the key points being committees (even though the Conservatives hate Committees). However, I think its far more sinister... Harper and his posse is trying to get opposition to force an election right in the middle of the Olympics. Which would be a disaster for the opposition parties and hand Harper his majority (or as he calls it "his precious").
I think the Opposition should take it easy, let it happen and give the Conservatives enough rope to hang themselves with. With control of the Senate, the real right wing of the Cons will start to get a little louder, and a little scarier. John Baird is getting ready to turn it upto 11.
Oh yeah, Alberta, I need to remind you about that whole Senate Reform thing, and how its not happening. Just incase you forgot.
Proroguing again?
Generissimo Harper is looking to suspend parliament once again. It seems the cause is that the Conservatives are about to retake the Senate (Sorry Alberta, it seems the Senate Reform you want, will have to wait... forever).
The GG will likely do nothing and give in to his request. Though she is on the way out too, and I'm sure Harper will recommend the appointment of a Neo-Con Thug. Thus giving him control of Parliament and the Executive.
Now this article outlines some reasons why the government wants to prorogue. One of the key points being committees (even though the Conservatives hate Committees). However, I think its far more sinister... Harper and his posse is trying to get opposition to force an election right in the middle of the Olympics. Which would be a disaster for the opposition parties and hand Harper his majority (or as he calls it "his precious").
I think the Opposition should take it easy, let it happen and give the Conservatives enough rope to hang themselves with. With control of the Senate, the real right wing of the Cons will start to get a little louder, and a little scarier. John Baird is getting ready to turn it upto 11.
Oh yeah, Alberta, I need to remind you about that whole Senate Reform thing, and how its not happening. Just incase you forgot.
How Harper will be remembered.
Raising the national debtAbandoning the West
A man re-discovers himself.
A man re-discovers himself.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Unions, would you like some whine with your cheese?
Is it just me or are unions (in general - I'm sure there are a few useful ones left) becoming annoying little fleas biting all of us whenever the mood strikes.
I was reading the Financial Post when this came up: http://www.financialpost.com/most-popular/story.html?id=2339191
Well, you see the Unions apparently don't like the increased competition that Globalive (marketed as Wind Mobile) will bring to the market place.
I for one love competition and like the lower prices that come along with it.
Unions, go back to actually looking out for the little guy.
I was reading the Financial Post when this came up: http://www.financialpost.com/most-popular/story.html?id=2339191
Well, you see the Unions apparently don't like the increased competition that Globalive (marketed as Wind Mobile) will bring to the market place.
I for one love competition and like the lower prices that come along with it.
Unions, go back to actually looking out for the little guy.
4 Lightsabers Up!
Brilliant; can't wait for the next installment.
Watch this; or cry.
P.S. The Elephant costs $58 000.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Merry Christmas Michael Ignattieff
It's not the greatest of news for the Liberals, but as the House breaks for Christmas a sign the Liberals are gaining in the polls:
http://www.visioncritical.com/2009/12/conservative-lead-narrows-as-liberals-bounce-back/
A gap of seven; which is better then where its been. I hope the Liberals don't get giddy and try for another election.
I think this means there are continuing reservations on the parts of Canadians to giving Mr Harper a majority government.
I think Ignattieff might be a caretaker and party builder - but alas, may never be the PM.
http://www.visioncritical.com/2009/12/conservative-lead-narrows-as-liberals-bounce-back/
A gap of seven; which is better then where its been. I hope the Liberals don't get giddy and try for another election.
I think this means there are continuing reservations on the parts of Canadians to giving Mr Harper a majority government.
I think Ignattieff might be a caretaker and party builder - but alas, may never be the PM.
Just in case we forgot...
Remember before he wowed us by singing our PM looked alot like this....
GEEK ALERT!
GEEK ALERT!Sunday, December 13, 2009
New Contributor
Hey all,
I'd like to announce a new contributor to The Centre Block. His name is Adam and he is a centre-right type of fellow, a self described red tory/blue liberal, and will no doubt be a welcome addition to the Centre Block.
If you like what you see here and think you would like to contribute, you are welcome to. Left, Centre, or Right I don't care. Extremists of any political stripe need not apply!
James
I'd like to announce a new contributor to The Centre Block. His name is Adam and he is a centre-right type of fellow, a self described red tory/blue liberal, and will no doubt be a welcome addition to the Centre Block.
If you like what you see here and think you would like to contribute, you are welcome to. Left, Centre, or Right I don't care. Extremists of any political stripe need not apply!
James
Roy Green you sir, are a moron
Roy Green you join your cohort Charles Adler as one of the people poisoning the political climate in Canada.
I bashed my head against the steering wheel driving down the 401 today when I heard you say "Global Warming", your voice dripping with sarcasm, after you spent 30 minutes agreeing with a scientist who believes man-made climate change.
I happen to agree with you that cap and trade isn't the best system for solving our problem. I think, we as country should be selling our famous CANDU reactors to the US, China, and India. Decrease their dependence on oil and coal - and we make billions in construction, maintaince, uranium sales, etc. I'll talk about this more.
Our oil deposits should be an end to that mean, we can use present profits to fund future profits in another industry, and then use those profits to fund green energy technology here at home.
So, Mr Green, do us all a favour, turn off your microphone and give us back our airways for serious, balanced, political discourse. Instead of your pre-canned Fox News, Hannity approved dribble.
I bashed my head against the steering wheel driving down the 401 today when I heard you say "Global Warming", your voice dripping with sarcasm, after you spent 30 minutes agreeing with a scientist who believes man-made climate change.
I happen to agree with you that cap and trade isn't the best system for solving our problem. I think, we as country should be selling our famous CANDU reactors to the US, China, and India. Decrease their dependence on oil and coal - and we make billions in construction, maintaince, uranium sales, etc. I'll talk about this more.
Our oil deposits should be an end to that mean, we can use present profits to fund future profits in another industry, and then use those profits to fund green energy technology here at home.
So, Mr Green, do us all a favour, turn off your microphone and give us back our airways for serious, balanced, political discourse. Instead of your pre-canned Fox News, Hannity approved dribble.
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