Blue Collar Manifesto

My Girl Friday

2009-12-18T18:45:00.002-04:00

With the blistering cold we've endured all week, I figured it was time to bring My Girl Friday back.
A little warmth goes a long way, eh?

Peace brothers and sisters.

How Green Should We Be?

2009-12-17T10:52:00.001-04:00

These days are quite interesting as we hear so much about reducing our carbon footprint. With the United Nation Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Premier Stephen Harper trying to defend the Alberta oil-sands project and the sale of NB Power to Hydro-Québec, there is lots of information swirling around. Needless to say I find it disturbing that while every other country are looking towards a coalition of New Brunswickers are basically rejecting green energy.

Last week, Yves Ganon, holder of the K.C. Irving Chair in Sustainable Development, suggests that we could replace the Hydro Quebec factor with a full scale wind-development strategy with a potential wind-generated electricity of 4,000 megawatts. Mr. Gagnon has been a longtime supporter of this vision and although I agree that this is something we could see in the future it is not, however, the solution to NB’s problem right now. Another great idea is building a turbine like generator in the Bay of Fundy. These two ideas are both good green energy substitute. However, one problem the New Brunswick government is facing now is the upcoming lack of funds. By being already so deeply in debt and more than $2 billion more lurking on the horizon in upcoming refurbishment, how could the government invest in these other green ideas and survive?

I have heard lots of comments from the NO to Sale of NB Power site about waiting 15-20 years and we can reap the benefits. But in the meantime, will the province survive? Even at a minimum of 15 years, how many industries will up and leave because of high electricity rates? How many people will up and leave because of no jobs? We need to increase our population now, not in 15 years. New Brunswick is not the first province to sell their energy sector and Shawn Graham isn’t the first premier to think of it. He is however, the first to make a stand.

What is an important aspect the Hydro-Québec-NB Power deal is the fact that it is hands down, a better green energy initiative for the province right here, right now. I honestly believe this deal is a good one for New Brunswick, now and for the future. This is the time where we should be as green as we can be.

But that’s just my two cents worth
Peace

Let’s Get Ready to Rumble...

2009-12-14T10:02:00.001-04:00

Well like I said before, there’s always something happening at our provincial Legislature. Last Thursday, Cy LeBlanc, lost his head when the Vice-Speaker of the House Bill Fraser amended a motion to close the House before David Alward could put forth a point of motion. It all started when Min. Mike Murphy made the statement along the lines that the only thing bulls, steers and the opposition leader have in common is what they spread in the fields. Mind you, this insult has been flying back in forth in the House a lot during the last week. I actually know a few people that do work at the Legislature including reporters. Needless to say my reporter friends were absolutely salivating at the news that some “lost it” in the House. Thing is, the House is a place of utmost respect. The rules are imperative to keeping order and respect at all times. And following the Robert’s Rules of Order “provides common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole membership on the same footing and speaking the same language.”
One of the first rule is stated as;
“Obtain the floor (the right to speak) by being the first to stand when the person speaking has finished; state Mr. / Madam Chairman. Raising your hand means nothing, and standing while another has the floor is out of order! One must be recognized by the Chair before speaking!”
Fact is Min. Murphy had obtained the floor first, had presented a motion to dismiss the House because it was 6 p.m. and Mr. Alward did not like this. Standing and pointing at Mr.Fraser and said; “You are going to pay for this.” He then proceeded to storm out before Mr. Fraser (another no-no) which led to Cy LeBlanc taking a few steps towards the vice-speaker before being grabbed and retained by his peers in the fashion of a hockey fighting teammate. He let loose with a few profanities that rhymes with duck and was escorted by other Tory members to their backroom.
You think they would have realized enough was already done. My sources told me, David Alward, Jeannopt Volpé (another hothead) and Margret-Ann Blaney went to the Speaker’s Chamber to confront the Vice-Speaker, the Speaker as well as two clerks. This was confirmed on Friday in a scrum featuring Stuart Jamieson.

The Tories also held a scrum the next day to which both David Alward and Cy LeBlanc denied every and all accusations. Tsk, tsk. If something could have been used as a guideline on how to handle such personal debacle, I believe it would David Lettermen’s little embarrassing episode of a few months ago. He basically came out, admitted he was wrong and slept in the bed that he made. “Point fini!” The whole thing disappeared from public view in a few weeks, unlike Tiger Wood’s total amnesia to his flings of the last 10 years.

Point is, we are all human. We all make mistakes. Admit when you make them and move on. I am not surprised by Cy LeBlanc’s antics. I described Carl Urquhart last week as the Homer Simpson of the Tories. But the man is a lovable goofball. He is real and a former hero cop. Nobody can take that away from him. LeBlanc is the court jester; he’s not funny, can’t speak either language and doesn’t respect the House and is not respected in return.

These actions were of very bad taste and I believe a very black mark on the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick. It was a lack of class, of respect and of common decency. The House is organized to be civil but open and it is not a place for common self-importance and harassment.

That’s my two cents worth.
Peace brothers!

Open Mouth, Insert Foot.

2009-12-03T15:34:00.002-04:00

My, my, never a boring day at our Legislative Assembly. Yes, I am going to comment on Tory MLA Carl Urquhart but I have a point to make, of course. First and foremost I need to say I was pleasantly surprised that the York representative was on Facebook and that he takes time to answer questions himself. But I don’t know if David Alward think thinks the same way. Yes, its true, Urquhart made the post on his Facebook page after Tuesday's budget that called for another massive deficit.
"Girls we need more babies or we will never be able to support our future," he wrote.
Here's the link;

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/front/article/877154

Liberal MLA Joan MacAlpine-Stiles brought him to task and he apologized but was it an honest apology or a ultimatum by his boss? I also heard him on CBC with Terry Seguin this morning and almost pissed the bed when I heard Homer Urquhart trying to explain to Terry exactly what was going through his head at that moment. Carl, what were you thinking?

Funny thing is Margret-Ann Blaney and Madelaine Dubé, both strong women’s right supporters, had absolutely nothing to say about the whole thing. Now, to suggest to New Brunswick's young women that their only role in society and their only contribution to the New Brunswick economy is to have babies is demeaning and outdated thinking, especially since the last two governments have well promoted equality for women and rightfully so.
Well although, Urquhart did face the music. He rose and said he didn't mind apologizing, and withdrew "whatever MacAlpine-Stiles was offended by.”
But during Question Period, Urquhart's remark was brought up by Premier Shawn Graham and asked Opposition Leader David Alward to correct him on two occasions and again later by House Leader Mike Murphy on a point of order.

Now, the next thing I want to bring up is that Homer Urquhart was ranting and raving about how NB needs more people and he is absolutely right. But isn’t that what the Graham government is trying to accomplish by selling NB Power to Hydro-Quebec?
The Premier has stated over and over, that the population of New Brunswick needs to grow. That’s why the Liberals are continuing to invest in economic stimulus. Lower power rates and lower taxes for industries will bring in more businesses. More businesses means more jobs, more people and better lifestyles. At least the Liberals have looked farther than their first four year mandate and had vision enough to look towards 2026. Vision enough to understand that NB Power has grown too big, and in the wrong direction, for New Brunswick to operate. Vision enough to realize that the whole of NB Power includes its crumbling assets.

As for Homer, well he said he may not post comments on Facebook as much from now on. I think that might be a good idea for the friendly Tory MLA and I am sure David Alward agrees.

Well that's my two cents,
Peace

The masses are enraged...but are they right?

2009-12-02T09:43:00.005-04:00

I have visited the NO to Sale of NB Power site and joined up so I could take part in their discussion. I started off with this;
“I heard about you guys but I never thought you were that far off the map. Lol”
Two hours of back and forth conversation did little to enlighten me about their views. Most of the members are ill-informed and tend to listen to the ones who are speaking the loudest. When they run out of questions they start with the insults. They’re egging each other on, boasting each other that they are right.

Here’s a few gems from the conversation;

Richard McNamara - “We have seen this type of stuff before, ignor it.”
Peter Hanlon - It's kind of funny that the majority look at these comments and think that the ones like what Stan just made are "off the map". This should be removed as it offers no arguments or information relevant to the issue. Stan come back when you have something to offer.
In fact I was removed from the site twice. lol Well he asked, so I decided to give him some facts.
Stanislav Renkosovich (me) - You want fact Mr. Hanlon? How are we going to pay off the debt and pay for all the upcoming refurbishment needed to keep NB Power afloat? NB Power loses money every time they fire up their fossil fuel generators. Dalhousie had a cheap fuel deal at $22 a barrel which ends in July 2010. Fuel is now going at $80 a barrel. HQ has more customers in Montreal than NB Power has in all of NB....

Stanislav Renkosovich - NB needs population growth if it wants to go forward. They lowered taxes for industries and now would be offering lower rates. More jobs will attract more people.

Stanislav Renkosovich
Quebec has among the cheapest residential and corporate power rates in North America. Their fuel is water. If this deal means cheaper power for NB, then why not explore?

Stanislav Renkosovich
Fossil fuel generators are on their way out, they will be dismantled almost everywhere because of environmental issues

Stanislav Renkosovich
NB Power employees will keep their jobs, collective agreements will be honored, pension plans will remain the same, and jobs will remain here in the province. What's wrong withat?

This is what I got in response.

This guy was actually willing to engage. But again, he failed to show me anything plausible to the cause other than the status quo.

Jeremy MacDonald - "How are we going to pay off the debt and pay for all the up coming refurbishment needed to keep NB Power afloat? "
How about using the long term revenues those refurbishments represent to pay the debts?
We fix Point Lepreau. That investment represents 25-30 years of revenues. Why give it away and ignore its future potential?

Stanislav Renkosovich - Ok, 25-30 years of climbing rates, no growing, and more people leaving the province. I don't think we could survive honestly.

Stanislav Renkosovich - They are talking about rising rates at 3% a year. That's 15% rate hike in 5 years. Some people have trouble paying their rates now what are they going to do in 5 years?

Jeremy MacDonald - How many people have trouble paying rates now?

Jeremy MacDonald - I was asking you.
You make a statement of "Some people have trouble paying their rates now what are they going to do in 5 years"
My question is how many people are affected in this manner.... See More

Stanislav Renkosovich - Well I have friends in the Dalhousie area that are really to have a hard time now for sure. They already have rough winters to start with. Seniors, welfare anybody who make under $25,000 a year is having problems.
So what different solution? The government is already offering tax breaks for making houses more energy efficient. and giving out more handouts is not a solution anymore.

Here is my list of winners. Dealing with these members is utterly hopeless. These are the sheep of the flock. Give them an answer and they just don’t get it. The words go in one ear, bounces around and comes out of the other ear in Chinese.

Michel-Mickey Parent - they need to create job in Dalhousie, not to cut them back
And how do we do that Mr. Parent?

Craig O'Donnell - "Stanislav Renkosovich?"... ROFLMAO... Well, the Liberal trolls' boring message and tactics aren't changing, but at least the phoney names are getting more original..

Craig O'Donnell - Canada east, eh Jeremy?... No surprise he's posting there.... I wish he would at least post a picture of a Cossack prince (or princess, whatever) or something for his profile...
Was part of the conversation, I swear.lol

LOL. Talk about bringing nothing to the table.

Al Harper - Government renovation program is great for those that can afford to renovate, however those on fixed incomes who have problems paying their power bill are also unable to afford to renovate kind of a catch 22 situation.
Seems as though stan borrowed someone elses name and has since removed it. (Like I said, I was booted off the site)
Ignore them and they go away eventually, or press them with the facts like Jeremy for example and you tend to get the same result

Facts? What facts?

Barbara Sweeney - Stansilav do not begin to speak on behalf of the people of dalhousie. I have a far greater understanding of the economic well being in that area and losing 1.6 million in tax revenues will be causing an increase in tax bills, water bills and all other associated costs. This deal will not benefit them but only harm them.

Another expert in her own mind, fact is Dalhousie’s plant was going to shut down no matter what.

Greg Cook Sj - Big is not always better. The same industries that have left NB have also left PQ. Some of us have heard just about enough about the "trickle down" theory. Some of us have been trickled down just about as far as we're willing to go.

And finally, Mr. “I want it my way and that’s it” Cook, …sad really.

Anyway, it was interesting while it lasted.
Peace

It's a question of power

2009-11-21T08:17:00.010-04:00

The Monster Dam; This is one of a series of plants in the Manicouagan River cascade. The Daniel Johnson Dam supplies the Manic-5 power station. It is the world's largest multiple-arch and buttress dam, with a height of 214 m and a length of 1300m

I have waited to get engaged in this debate which has simply turned into a bitching session.So I got online at Lower Rates for NBer's and stood on my own soapbox. I like how some people seem to think that all these experts amount to a hill of beans. Like since when is Joe Blow or John Doe experts on experts.
First and foremost I'd like to call out anyone who's been attacking James at GNB, Jean at GNB. Shame on you. Obiviously they have a job to do and I believe they stuck to it. They answered questions with facts and never said this was a "great" deal or this will be "fantastic" they just gave out the facts to which everybody is privy to in the MOU or the Assessment of the rates Impact. I for one respect that.
Secondly, why would anyone in governemnt try to ruin NB? They all live here, their families and friends too. Enough of the conspiricy theories ok. Give it a rest.
I don't think this is a bad deal. Granted, I am worried about the pensions of the NB Power workers. But I think their union is strong to enough to find a resolution to that. I am really not worried about Quebec seperating, even if they do, business remains business. Damn, we deal with countries like Columbia and Venezuela. Quebec is the least of our problems.
I am also worried about the future of the Mactaquac dam. I know it will need lots of $$$ to refurbish it and HQ will cover the cost but what if the Federal Gov't passes some ecological bill and says it has to be dismantled? I'd like some answer on that one.
Point is hydro power is the cheapest in the world and Quebec has the most of it. Why should we spend money to make it when it's cheaper to buy?
That's my 2 cents worth.
Peace

Is M.A.D.D Going Mad?

2009-07-03T10:46:00.004-03:00

I don't know why people are so mad at the government for these new rules conserning young drivers. M.A.D.D. is the organization who relentlessly pressured the government to impose these laws. Oh, and by the way, more of these are coming.
At the moment, If you are caught DUI, you automatically lose your licence for a year. It is now a zero acceptance policy ruling. Thing is, many people who never had a prior DUI or even a criminal record are finding themselves caught in this situation. It affects their jobs, their relationships, their children’s activity lifestyle as well as their own personal life. I don’t believe all people caught on a DUI started the day saying; I’m going to get drunk and drive later on!
I am all for stopping drinking and driving but I don’t like where this zero acceptance policy is going.Last year, the founder of MADD Candy Lightner resigned from her position as chairperson because she felt the organization was moving away with its original ideals and growing more neo-prohibitionist. Furthermore, MADD is now pressuring the auto industry to install alcohol interlock devices in all new factory-built cars. Closer to home, they are now pressuring the Canadian provinces into making it law that people under 21 could not drive alone as well as drink legally. Again, I don't condone in anyway drinking and driving. Click this for a little reality check;

http://www.classicalvalues.com/archives/2007/08/when_failure_to.html

I think that’s going too far.
Things that make you say…WTF!
Peace brother

PS here’s another few sites that are worth reading.

http://www.theagitator.com/
and
http://www.cato.org/

L'Union fait la Force

2009-03-23T17:15:00.003-03:00

Just wanted to add these two great quotes;

You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free.

- Clarence Darrow

Only a fool would try to deprive working men and working women of their right to join the union of their choice.

- Dwight D. Eisenhower:

Brothers and Sisters Are You Ready?*

2009-03-12T15:22:00.004-03:00

I posted a comment in the TJ today to freelancing reporter Charles W. Moore. In his opinion piece Autoworkers' 'concessions' are a bad joke . He goes on a rant and rave on how the Canadian Auto Workers union could have taken so many more cuts to help save the auto industry. What Moore doesn’t understand is that CAW does not want to set a precedent. It’s too easy for companies of this magnitude to simply cut into workers wages. It’s the fastest way also. Unfortunately, once these cuts are made, workers never get them back no matter how successful the company gets afterwards.

What CAW is trying to insure is that close to 97,000 auto workers remain part of Ontario’s economy. CAW represents unionized autoworkers at plants in Windsor, Oshawa, St. Catherine’s and Woodstock. We are talking about roughly over $5.3 billion in salaries. Now I am not sure what kind of economic windfall these salaries generate but it’s pretty safe to say approximately over $12 billion. How’s that for reality?

What a lot of people don’t understand is that if people make $50,000 a year they usually end up with bills to match it. Cut their salaries but their debts are still there. It also means, no paved driveways, no patios built, no houses renovated, no pools installed, no travelling vacations, no lawn care etc... That affects a lot of small businesses too, get the picture? Union workers put the survival of their communities before the survival of their employers.

I’ve had one moron answer me with this;

“It also means, no paved driveways, no patios built, no houses renovated, no pools installed, no travelling vacations, no lawn care etc . . ."
S. Renkosovich. you have clearly shown that you are as far out of touch as Lewenza. A lot of Canadians can't afford the things you list off. And yet, you sound like you are entitled to these things because you are a union member?

GET REAL!
Freddy Rose, Saint John on 12/03/09 10:50:37 AM ADT

I'd love to meet Freddy Rose in a dark alley so I could give him a good dose of reality.

I have no patience for these bleeding heart slackers who believe everyone is entitled to a free ride. I’d love to see these pen-pushers try working in their offices while chlorine is passed through their air conditioners and there’s a corroded acid line running above their heads.
Too many people don’t realize that if it wasn’t for unions, non-unionized workers would be working for even less today.

Anyway, I am too pissed off to continue.

*taken from a Gordie Johnson/Big Sugar song

Has The Time Come?

2009-03-04T10:18:00.003-04:00

This picture is what I want to believe is happening in Afghanistan. Our troops doing good.

I have much respect our troops and their work towards the subjugated people of Afghanistan. I feel that a withdrawal from this place would be, for lack of a better word, unjust to all who have already paid the ultimate price. But I also do not want to read that we have lost more Canadians in a hopeless cause. The question remains; do the heads of our military believe our soldiers are making a difference?

I dearly hope our leaders, both political and military, have the best interests of our soldiers and the oppressed people of Afghanistan at heart. I am grief stricken at the latest news and confused in my beliefs as to why our soldiers are still there.

I have never considered myself a racist, sometimes misinformed maybe, in younger times I could be ignorant but I have learned to educate myself before I rightfully form an opinion. I hope that's part of getting wise with age.

But the more I learn about the Taliban the less I like them. It's too far from my safe zone here in Canada that I find it impossible to even come close to understanding their way of life.

More to come on this subject.

Christie Blatchford wrote a sobering piece last week concerning the people our soldiers are dealing with.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090210.wxblatch10/BNStory/International/home

O Canada!

2009-02-13T16:05:00.003-04:00

Now, who wouldn't stand up to sing our national anthem with this little patriotic beauty.

We have so much to be thankful for...and then some.

Have a good weekend

Peace

Liberalism is Alive and Well

2009-02-11T13:23:00.003-04:00

I have added a new site to my favourite blogs. It’s called The Agitator by Radley Balko. I found it very interesting as that it appeases my liberalism appetite. I have never been in terms, a big "L" liberal, but I do believe in our rights as citizens of the world and as human beings.

Reading The Agitator really opened up a lot more sites I basically heard of but never really read. One of these is the Free State Project (FSP) based in New Hampshire. If you’re interested you can read about this idea here; Free State Project.
In short, this is part of their idea;

The Free State Project is an agreement among 20,000 pro-liberty activists to move to New Hampshire, where they will exert the fullest practical effort toward the creation of a society in which the maximum role of government is the protection of life, liberty, and property. The success of the Project would likely entail reductions in taxation and regulation, reforms at all levels of government, to expand individual rights and free markets, and a restoration of constitutional federalism, demonstrating the benefits of liberty to the rest of the nation and the world.

Another great site I found is the Hittman Chronicles by Dave Hitt

http://www.davehitt.com/

Unfortunately, the last thing he wrote was dated May 2008.

In one article, he mentioned the FSP site and finished with this;

“Change on a national level is impossible. Congress is a wholly owned subsidiary of corporations and well funded special interests, and there's no way to change that. There needs to be at least one place left in the world where freedom loving people can go without being constantly stomped on by Big Brother.
Will it (the Free State Project) work? Yes, because I really want to move somewhere where I can go to a bar and light up a cigar without being guilty of a felony.”

Now I realize there’s more to this whole thing than that last phrase, but it brings to mind, when we think of it, that we are constantly being corralled somewhere whether we like it or not by a group or an organization wielding some powerful influence on our governments.

I don't know about you but I am fed up of being spoon fed ideals that I don't believe in.

But that's only my opinion.

Peace

My Girl Friday!

2009-01-30T15:01:00.001-04:00

With all the cold we had, we really need a bikini shot for today's very sunny day, eh?

The Rumour Mill

2009-01-28T16:33:00.010-04:00

I’ve gotten the inside scoop that the Montreal Canadiens might be trading Chris Higgins, Ryan O’Byrne and Thomas Plekanec to the Tampa Bay Lightning in return for Vincent Lecavalier.

O’Byrne was called up a few days ago and played in last night’s game against the Lightning, a chance for the Bolts to see him in action maybe?
With young players like Matt D’Agostini and Max Pacioretty proving their worth and their ability to play in the NHL and Alex Tanguay on the verge of returning, this trade would definitely be a good one for the Habs.

Certainly, George Gillett heard the crowd’s cheers when Vinny hit the ice at the Bell Centre and realized Lecavalier’s next home should be Montreal.
It’s a wait and see situation and I’m anxious to hear if my recent informer has his ear at the right door.

My Girl Friday!

2009-01-16T14:10:00.001-04:00

Here’s my first official Girl Friday for 2009
The one and only Pam Anderson

The Beer War

2009-01-16T14:06:00.001-04:00

Recently, some interesting talk has been circulating around NB Liquor and the Crown Corporation losing some $12 million in sales to the American and Quebec markets last year.
Basically, the point of the new brew is to offer beer drinkers - particularly in border towns like Campbellton and Edmunston, - the cheapest possible option so they don't have to drive to Quebec or Maine.
On Wednesday, I gave an opinion to the article Cheap beer 'bleeds' agency that in the end it’s a matter of taste not price. Man, was I ever blasted with thumbs down. LOL
I believe where I erred was mentioning some “better beers” and actually naming them. People in New Brunswick are very sensitive about their beer brands.
Point learned!
As far as cheap beer goes, I have indulged my fair share, but I realize now that I prefer different beers at different times. I love going to a pub and having a reddish Picaroons or dark Pumphouse. At home, I always have my Moosehead on hand. I like Molson Canadian and sometimes Corona during the summer.
Anyway, thing is, cheap beer is cheap beer. You get what you pay for and if Dana Clendenning and NB Liquor want to start their own brand, well go ahead. I don’t think it will do that much in convincing people in border towns to switch. Some people just want cheap booze, remember swish barrels?
But that’s just my opinion.

Unions- A Necessary Strong Chain

2009-01-06T11:53:00.002-04:00

With the on-going economic turmoil many people are worried about their future employment and that is quite understandable. I have a hard time getting excited about financial matters, (or as Peter Griffin would say; “Unlike my credit card, I carry a very low interest level”)

What is interesting to me are the ongoing challenges the unions must go through at the AV groups in Nackawic and Atholville. I have union brothers at both mills and I got quite a lot of feedback during the holidays. Of course many of the brothers and sisters are worried about closures since both places closed and were sold in the last 15 years.
Paper markets have always been up and down, usually at seven year intervals. But with the advent of recycling and development this trend has practically disappeared. Nackawic used to make paper for Kodak but the boom of the digital camera has taken care of that.
So in comes Tembec and the Aditya Birla Group of India looking for cheap mills and hungry workers. Atholville was the first to get into dissolving pulp business which is the main raw material used in the manufacture of viscose staple fiber or aka rayon. After a seven year closure the workers there were ready to accept anything and the AV group knew it too. They signed a seven year contract at almost 25% lower than the national average pulp market salary and took a cut in every section of the union book. But you will do what you have to do to work, right?

Where am I going with this?
Back in November, AV Nackawic and AV Cell narrowly escaped a temporary shutdown in because of a slowing global economy and too much inventory. CEO Peter Vinall was quoted as saying that "unprecedented market conditions exist worldwide and that has resulted in mills across the country contemplating temporary closures or moving ahead with them. If it happens in Nackawic or in Atholville, it will be a reflection of those conditions.”
More recently, Vinall said he would leave at the end of this year to pursue another job in the industry and shouldn't be viewed as an omen that bad times are in store for either the Nackawic mill or at Atholville's AV Cell.

While the first was good news before the holidays, I don't take Peter Vinall's word too seriously. Yes, the economic crisis is a worldwide one and market situations are hardly stable but the Nackawic mills as well as its predecessor AV Cell in Atholville are not producing pulp anymore, they are producing fiber. Fiber is used to make clothing which will mainly supply India, China and other Pacific-Asian countries, totaling billions in population. Vinall and the AV group are well known to cry wolf when things look bad as to encourage the union into giving more and expecting less. Atholville is near contract negotiation time again. Plus, closing down a mill in the middle of winter is extremely expensive and the AV Company is a penny-pinching group and their thought process is wholly centered on making a buck…period!

I am not worried about my union brothers and sisters of the AV Group, they will shut down eventually, for upkeep and maintenance, but that’s it. One thing people have to remember is that both these operations are no longer “pulp mills” but are now “chemical mills”. They smell worst, they’re more dangerous and the company runs them on a very strict inventory. Their health is at risk on the long term but it is work. Don’t begrudge the unions demand for better wages and better health coverage. These are difficult times but it is imperative that union members stick together for the best of all union members.

Peace brother!

Another year, another try...why not?

2009-01-05T14:26:00.001-04:00

I took a few months off to basically figure what I wanted to do with this blog. While the Tory election of a new leader brought forth David Alward, the news of the budget release and ongoing economic turmoil, I was getting a little carried away by what I wanted to say. This was meant to be a blog for the blue-collar sector of the NB population and I believe was straying. I hope to do better in this attempt at reviving the Blue Collar Manifesto, not that it’s been running a long time but I really enjoy doing it.
Here’s to a better 2009 New Brunswick.

The Plight of the Unionized Worker

2008-10-03T15:30:00.002-03:00

The travels imposed on me the last few weeks has hampered my time allotted to this blog but I don’t believe I have offended too many. Travel has not limited my time towards reading the local paper though and one of the most interesting issues, for me anyway, has been the conversations about double-breasting.
If you recall, last summer Justice and Consumer Affairs Minister, T. J. Burke, introduced a new Labour Act designed to stop construction-company owners from opening a second non-union company after the original operation becomes unionized.
As someone who has worker experience in Ontario mines, Alberta oil and construction in BC and the Maritimes, I applauded this decision with enthusiasm. Working on construction fields, oil fields and underground poses extreme dangers for its workers. Cold, heat, long hours, smoke, fire, wind, rain and I could keep going on, are all obstructions that a field worker must deal with. There is great pride in working with your hands, with your body, and seeing your accomplishments grow before your eyes.
Unfortunately, the construction industry is a very demanding one. Everyone wants things made quick and fast. Time is money!! It is also the most cut-throat business I have ever witness. Companies will threaten you, co-workers will backstab you and supervisors will step on you, literally. I am a union man and very proud of it. What is going on in New Brunswick right now is fantastic. This little province is in the beginning of great things to come, lots of construction, lots of work and lots of opportunities which translate into lots of money. But with money comes greed. I’ve seen guys connive their way into working 26-28 hour days and I’ve seen supervisors bully guys into working extra hours at straight time. Small construction companies will survive with ease this economic growth because there will always be someone who’s willing to pay. Time is money! Big companies will hire small companies to get their work done on time. It’s always worked this way and it always will.
In the Telegraph-Journal on Sept. 23, Executive director of the Saint John Construction Association, Pat Darrah, said the double-breasting legislation was "overkill."
I totally disagree because I don’t support these money hungry executive of the construction business. He’s the type that like to say - if you don’t work my way there’s three more bodies waiting to take your place. There will be lots of jobs coming but we need to protect our unions for the sake of everybody.

Saint John MLA Abel LeBlanc knew what he was talking about. (See my August Blog) The return of the unions is very near my friends. We just need to keep the money grubbers out of them.

My Girl Fiday!

2008-10-03T13:34:00.003-03:00

With all the rain, the cold and the early morning frost, I figured we were due for a bikini shot!
Ahhh! I feel warmer already.

An Apology from Canada

2008-09-28T10:38:00.003-03:00

This dates back to 2004 but in light of the fact that Heather Mallick's riff against Sarah Palin and the USA is still making news http://www.cbc.ca/ombudsman/page/MALLICK-PALIN.pdf I thought it would be fitting to reprint here.

Well read blogger Spinks has covered the fracas several times with an abundance of comments from readers. http://spinkaboutit.blogspot.com/

One long ongoing comment was wether Mallick's vitriol laced tirade was in fact satirical humour or just plain nasty. I think Rick Mercer's sketch was much better example of shooting from the hip than Mallick's vulgarity ridden rant.

That's my opinion.

With that said enjoy Mercer's excellent humour.

A truly Canadian Apology to the USA, courtesy of Rick Mercer from This Hour Has 22 Minutes, CBC Television:

Hello. I'm Anthony St. George on location here in Washington.

On behalf of Canadians everywhere I'd like to offer an apology to the United States of America. We haven't been getting along very well recently and for that, I am truly sorry. I'm sorry we called George Bush a moron. He is a moron, but it wasn't nice of us to point it out. If it's any consolation, the fact that he's a moron shouldn't reflect poorly on the people of America. After all, it's not like you actually elected him. I'm sorry about our softwood lumber. Just because we have more trees than you, doesn't give us the right to sell you lumber that's cheaper and better than your own. It would be like if, well, say you had ten times the television audeince we did and you flood our market with great shows, cheaper than we could produce. I know you'd never do that. I'm sorry we beat you in Olympic hockey. In our defence I guess our excuse would be that our team was much, much, much, much better than yours. As word of apology, please accept all of our NHL teams which, one by one, are going out of business and moving to your fine country. I'm sorry about our waffling on Iraq. I mean, when you're going up against a crazed dictator, you want to have your friends by your side. I realize it took more than two years before you guys pitched in against Hitler, but that was different. Everyone knew he had weapons. I'm sorry we burnt down your White House during the War of 1812. I see you've rebuilt it! It's very nice. I'm sorry for Alan Thicke, Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Loverboy, that song from Seriff that ends with a really high-pitched long note. Your beer. I know we had nothing to do with your beer, but we feel your pain. And finally on behalf of all Canadians, I'm sorry that we're constantly apologizing for things in a passive-aggressive way which is really a thinly veiled criticism. I sincerely hope that you're not upset over this. Because we've seen what you do to countries you get upset with.

For 22 minutes, I'm Anthony St. George, and I'm sorry.

Arrogance diminishes wisdom

2008-09-25T14:23:00.004-03:00

I guess Jeannot Volpé is at again. He has once again forgotten the inadequacies of his party as it basically ran this province into the ground and Bernie Lord kept working on his personal agenda. Anyone remember the Orimulsion fiasco? That was under the ever so watchful eye of Volpé himself. That’s the same Volpé who went on a 30 hour filibustering rant in the Legislature on the regional Health authorities this pass session. Money well spent I guess? Since Mr. Windbag himself can’t seem to see the obvious allow me to state that since January, the provincial government has collaborated with the regional council as well as the Labourers' Training Institute of New Brunswick to provide training to 362 New Brunswickers through the TSD program. Statistics Canada indicate that the number of employed persons in New Brunswick rose to 366,500 in August, an increase of 1,600 from July, and an increase of 3,200 compared to last August. The labour force stood at 400,000, which was up by 5,800 compared to the same time last year. There are 95 more physicians practising in New Brunswick now than in October 2006. The Department of Health's committed $13.22-million for the 2008-09 budget in new medical equipment and technology. And today’s announcement of the Benefits Blueprint which will see $19 billion in direct investment which will produce more than $40 billion of economic activity and create thousands of jobs over the next decade. And these facts are just from the September newspapers.
Mr.Volpé stated that “During our mandate, we continually invested record amounts, hired teachers and teacher’s aides, as well as provided more supplies and tools for our school, including lap top computers.” Not much for two mandates. I believe Mr. Volpé thinks we New Brunswickers can’t read and should abide to their old credo.
“Keep’em ignorant and in the dark.”
By the way Mr. Volpé, why haven’t you chosen a candidate for the leadership of your party, have you got some position lined up down the road?

The writer, Anthony Beal once said;
For one to expect or ask things of others that he himself, if asked, would not be willing to do or give, is the worst kind of arrogance.”

Sorry, but your weekly rant and rave hit a nerve.

That's my opinion.

It's Friday!!!

2008-09-19T16:22:00.003-03:00

I love teamwork! It's what makes the world go around.

Decisions, decisions

2008-09-18T11:32:00.005-03:00

I’d like to get much more interested in the Federal Election but I find it boring. I think Harper will be back, as a minority, and Dion will be replaced next summer as Liberal leader.
Right now, I find the provincial PC leadership race much more, er…entertaining?

I’ve read all three candidates’ platform, well two really because Alward hasn’t really released one. But I have read what his site referred to as “David’s Speech.” I’ve learned from this that David Alward knows “how to build a team.” From the endorsements I’ve seen it pretty well looks like old Bernie Lord’s team. Percy Mockler, Dale Graham, Rose-May Poirier, Paul Robicahud, Jody Carr, Trevor Holden and his mom, Carl Urquhart and even Elsie Wayne. So pretty well the same trail of thoughts from the Lordy-Lordy government. And he believes critical challenges are important like Education, Health care and the environment. Isn’t that what the Liberals are working on now?

Bruce Fitch; who cares what Fitch thinks, he’s just wasting his time because he doesn’t have a chance. Anyway, never trust a banker with small hands; they tend to take things in armloads instead of handfuls.

Robert McLeod; I think this guy’s the most noteworthy because I think if he wins, the PC party will go through some real changes. His platform relates to things like supporting senior so they can stay in their homes, training and re-training workers to grow our communities, renewable energy and upgrading our highways. Wait! That sounds like the Liberals Charter for Change!!
He wants a four-lane highway from Campbellton to Shediac and Fredericton to St.John but I believe that’s already in the works. He wants to re-introduce the Early Immersion Program, but to what? Lower personal income taxes, well that’s a gimme but where is he going to get the money for his changes? He wants to investigate the “economic potential for environmentally beneficial rail links.” I like that one, but that’s going to be big bucks. Then McLeod ends it all by saying; “This is what I believe.” Looks like Bobby believes in what the Liberals are doing now,eh?

But kidding aside I think McLeod would be a viable leader for the PC and a great adversary to the Graham government to keep them in check until 2010.

I know many people are frustrated with the present Liberal government but I do think they are doing some good. Here’s an article stating that New Brunswick was the “second-best Canadian province to invest in,” by an American economics magazine.

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/416270

In today’s Gleaner, STU political science professor, Tom Bateman, said the Liberals earned a “solid B, for their efforts so far.”

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/418973

The Graham government has acted aggressively on tough problems but I believe they are right. There was a lot of room for changes since the Lord government basically did nothing the last 6 years in office. Changes, and big ones, are hard to swallow but I believe New Brunswick will be a better place in just another few years.
But remember...that's just my opinion.

Peace

Go Stuff It

2008-09-17T09:31:00.003-03:00

- Stuff a Bus -

This Saturday, September 20th

At the Wal-Mart Parking Lot on Regent Street

How quickly they forget.

2008-09-15T12:11:00.002-03:00

You know what really grinds my gears? Politicians with short memories! I was reading the TJ this weekend along with long winded interim opposition leader Jeannot Volpé’s opinion piece
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/opinion/article/414012
about how Energy minister Jack Keir was leery of Dion’s Green Shift plan and “because of the impact a carbon tax would have on the province.” He was also questioning (mocking in fact) Keir‘s responsibility towards the best interest of New Brunswickers.
Anyone remember the Orimulsion fiasco??? That was under the ever so watchful eye of Volpé himself. Was dealing with a country of the verge of civil war in the best interest of New Brunswickers? That’s the same Volpé who went on a 30 hour filibustering rant in the Legislature on the regional Health authorities this pass session. That’s the same Volpé who referred some Liberal ministers to Fidel and Raoul Castro and the Moncton Irish mafia. But, when Mike Murphy referred to Volpé, Percy Mockler and Madelaine Dube as the Madawaska mafia! By golly he wanted to sue them because he has Italian roots!
I know these things go on from both sides but Volpé really gets my goat because he has the same arrogance towards people as Bernie Lord. He has been giving out his opinion in newspapers constantly for the last year with nothing but pure criticism and no suggestions.
Listen, I don’t know if the Liberals are on the right track but at least they tackled the tough shit; Education, Health and Energy. Time will tell if these roads were worth taking but at least they’re doing something.

Electoral Swap Meet

2008-09-12T14:45:00.005-03:00

Ok, here’s a new one for me.

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/actualites/article/413148

Although this vote swapping is already popular in the United Kingdom this was the first time I ever heard of it. There might not be anything legally wrong with strategic voting but I am somewhat leery of what this could lead to.
Well my vote will be my own, here and for the people running.
Oh and by the way, I support the act of voting and I encourage all to do so.
If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.

Man, time flies!

2008-09-12T14:04:00.002-03:00

Anyway, this week’s Girl Friday is Lynne.
Makes me want to go camping for some reason, eh?

Blue Collar Lunch Break

2008-09-07T17:13:00.003-03:00

I think maybe it’s time that I shared the idea I had about this blog’s main header picture (the cartoon of the guys having a lunch break high above the city on a crossbeam)
A few years ago ( well maybe more ) I came across these pictures of a bunch of constructions guys having their lunch break in a rather particular place. I mean, it takes a special kind of man to do steelwork. It’s incredible what these guys do today but absolutely freaking amazing what they use to do and what they had to work with at the turn of the century. These guys earned

their money the hard way.

Anyway, when I saw the cartoon I saved it right away.

And now you know, ....the rest of the story.

Is it Friday already?

2008-09-05T10:25:00.002-03:00

This is Ash and she knows Canada Kicks Ass.

CKA is also a very patriotic site
http://www.canadaka.net/
I love this site, Oh Canada!!

Enjoy and have a good weekend.

Blue Notes

2008-09-04T09:32:00.002-03:00

The Cajuns have a saying for letting loose and having fun; “Laissez les bons temps roulés.”

With the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival just around the corner people are talking a lot about which artist they will be seeing, which show is already sold out and what’s new this year.
So far Buddy Guy (with reasons) has been sold out a long time ago, The Derek Trucks Band, Eric Bibbs and Sarah Jane Morris are some of the more popular acts.
I for one, am looking forward to see Ana Popvic, Garrett Mason and NB’s own Freightliner, Matt Andersen and Keith Hallett. Another great act coming will be the Hilario Duran Trio from Havana, Cuba. Anybody who’s ever been to the Caribbean’s will love these guys.

Support your festival, contribute, associate and enjoy. Don’t drink and drive and be safe.

Peace

Journalistic Integrity

2008-09-03T12:26:00.004-03:00

I can’t stand stupidity. I believe that intelligence is something you can improve on a daily basis. Everyday is another chance to learn about something else. It’s a work in progress. A smart decision is taken when one can absorb information from all sides, all sources, and then draw their own conclusion. The ones who usually believe they know everything are usually the ones who know the least.
I have always tried to see things from both sides. I try not to judge people before I know all the facts. Because of this I usually become the Devil’s Advocate I guess, but if I don’t know I don’t say I do. I don't consider myself an intellectual because there's too much out there I don't know or don't care to know. But I do know what I like and what I believe in.

This morning I read Marty Klinkenberg article; Opposite Shawn and Yada, yada, yada.
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/front/article/403961
Being a fan of Seinfeld I thought the article was amusing but it still wasn’t enough to cover-up the stench of patronage. I fully realize that Klinkenberg is in a position where he can occasionally imply his point of view but unfortunately that’s all he does.

I’ve stated this before, I don’t care who’s in power as long as things get better. When Bernie Lord went into power it was time for change. But during his two terms he basically did nothing but put band-aids on everything. Our province as well as our country needs to keep moving forward and adapt to the ever changing global markets. Bernie’s vision stopped at the tip of his nose. Now I realize that Shawn Graham’s nose might be bigger than L’il Bernie, but I find he has tried to govern with some long term projects that will indeed help the province. It might be a bitter pill to swallow now but we will be healthier as a whole down the line.
All Klinkenberg drags up in his articles, week in and week out, is what the government in power is doing wrong. What about the doctors who are coming to the province or the addition of new medical equipments being announced around the province. What about the finished two-lane highway between Moncton and Edmunston? Granted, the project was started by Lord but he never invested the amounts of money that were invested the last 2 years under Graham. As a province, we can no longer depend on wood for financial stability. We need to look elsewhere. Nackawick used to make photographic print paper for Kodak and Dalhousie used to make newspaper. Both are dying markets never to return. Now Nackawick, along with the old Noranda mill near Campbellton, make cellulose. Their pulp used to be sent to markets in the U.S. and Europe which had maybe tens of millions of customers. Now their product is sent to India and their customers range in the billions. Cellulose is broke down to make viscose staple fibre which is used to make clothes. They sell their wares to population giants like China, India, the Philippines, get it?
Anyway, all of this said just to state that Klinkenberg might try using a little more journalistic integrity instead of constantly barking up the same tree.

A Day of Rest and Reflection

2008-09-01T17:24:00.002-03:00

So really now, what is labour day and what does it mean to you?
An extra day off before school starts?
The last opportunity for a family vacation?
The end of summer?

Being a blue-collar worker I believe that Labour Day really has its place as a national holiday. We are the middle-class of Canada and New Brunswick. We absorb whatever the poor can’t pay and whatever the rich refuse. We are the ones who feed you, clothe you, make you smarter, make you safer. Yet we say so little. We are the full hands to the needy and the open palms to the disciplinary have-it-alls. There is so much work done in the trenches that people don’t realize, it gets kind of funny. I do not believe in singular achievements, blue collars rarely do. We believe in unity for province and country. We believe in sharing and helping our fellow man. There is no "I" in teamwork. Today is a day for rest and reflection. Rest, so we can do better tomorrow. Reflect so we can prepare for next week, next month or even next year. But reflection should also be jointly endorsed by the ones who reap and prosper.

We represent way over 60% of Canada.

This is our day and we will gladly share it with everyone one else as; an extra day off before school starts or the last opportunity for a family vacation and even as the end of summer?

Happy Labour Day to all.

My girl Friday!

2008-08-29T09:22:00.004-03:00

Yes, I know, I am a lecht. I love women. I love them smart, funny, not too serious and very patriotic. Therefore I am introducing my (hopefully) weekly Girl Friday. I actually thought of this when I came across this picture (on top).
Here are the qualifications for such an honor.

1.- Be of female gender
2.- Show patriotism for Canada
3.- Be of female gender (can’t stress that too much!)

Hey, I figured if the Toronto Sun and its sister publications can have a Sunshine Girl then I can have my Girl Friday. There will not be any nudity and covered private parts will be a must. (Did I hear someone say Awww?) But bikinis are just fine!

Hell, it’s Friday and I am usually in a good mood and like I said, I love women!

Have a great weekend.

Healing really does take time

2008-08-28T11:33:00.006-03:00

Mike Murphy sure has been getting it from all sides lately concerning the new Health-care system. The French are scared of losing services, the English says it's too expensive, the North says it's not enough and the South says it's being neglected. I know pleasing everybody is impossible but this is getting ridiculous. New Brunswickers have been screaming bloody murder for the last 10+ years about a lack of doctors, a lack of patient services and long waiting lines at the hospital. Interestingly enough, that’s what Murphy’s been trying to do, and has accomplish some steps in the right direction so far, yet people are still ranting and raving.
We use to have 7 regions. Seven!! Think of the people it takes to run all these regions. Most of the French administrators came from Quebec. Think of the room these offices take. I am positive that many of those administrators were honest hard working people, however there are a lot of these special interest group administrators who are quite content with passing the buck. Supplied housing, supplied car, travel expenses and 6-digit salaries are all part of the job for those high level administrators.
But I am getting off topic here. Like any illness, our health care system needed an emergency appendectomy of sorts and Murphy went in scalpel-a-swinging. Less money for administrators means more money for doctors. Less room for offices means more beds for patients. Fewer regions to equip means less duplication in services. Anybody following me here?
Look, I really don’t care if Mike Murphy is arrogant; if he gets the job done I’m happy. I don’t care if he’s a Liberal or a Conservative, I want more doctors. I don’t care if he drives a fancy car, I just don’t want my/your mom-aunt-sister travelling fours hours a day three times a week for her dialysis.
Basically, I believe there was a big problem in our health care services and at least Murphy is trying to do something about it. We can’t always be thinking of Me, Myself and I, sometimes we have to think about how a system can be better as a whole, for more people.
Anyway, we had a sick health system, the operation has been done, now we wait for the healing. Stop picking at the wound if you don’t want a scar. Give it time.
It’s about time they removed the cyst instead of putting band-aids over it.

A Man for the Unions

2008-08-25T15:27:00.003-03:00

I read a great story by Reid Southwick of the Telegraph-Journal last Saturday; The Cain inside Abel.
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/actualites/article/394658

The focus of course was Saint John Lancaster MLA Abel LeBlanc, a former union president of 16 years and longshoreman. For some us who have worked within a unionized environment, men like Abel LeBlanc are the guys you want to go to war with, in a manner of speaking. For those who have never worked in a big industrialized area, it can be difficult for people to understand why Mr. LeBlanc is so curt and outspoken. I understand that in some smaller area, the act of unionizing the employees was damaging for a business. But when you play with the big boys, like Irving, Noranda and Bowater, just to name a few, the workers really do need a union.
When you work for those guys you are just a number, a pawn on the game board of industry. Steel-toe boots are not comfortable and neither is working with a gas mask in 90-95 degree temperature. Yes, I agree that salaries are usually good but they do deal with many dangers on a daily basis. Toxic air, flammable substances and high levels of heat and noise are just some examples. When there’s a fire or a gas leak, trust me the white hats go running for cover. These big companies are in business for the all-mighty dollar, not for the welfare of their workers. But somebody has to do the dirty work. The dirty jobs are blue collar work. Somebody has to make the cars, mine the ores, take out the garbage, teach the children, patrol the streets, plow the road, build the houses, buildings, town, cities etc…
Men like Abel LeBlanc are the ones who look out for their peers. Sure he talks tough but if you don’t, you’re just flapping your lips. If I needed back up I’d want a man like Abel at my side. MLAs Margret-Ann Blaney and Bev Harrison are having a field day calling for LeBlanc’s firing. But then again, Blaney is pretty ineffectual unless she’s modeling her new clothes and stuffed-shirt Harrison is way too busy with his Welsh Corgi League, Royal Commonwealth Society and Constitutional Monarchy Association.
How can they judge LeBlanc when they know nothing about what he’s about? The unions of Saint John will not go rioting in the streets and LeBlanc knows it. He wanted to be heard and sometimes, when you want business people to listen to the little guys, you have to be gruff.
We all have our place in this life and Abel LeBlanc has no qualms about his.
Abel did what he felt had to do. Way to go brother!

The sands of Beijing

2008-08-23T18:46:00.006-03:00

(at right Team Norway)
I love the Olympics. The true patriotic competition, the huge assortment of sports I don’t usually get to see and those sweet little extras... like beach volley ball. Now before you start leaving me messages with words like chauvinist, misogynist or even ...pig!!! Allow me to explain my particular point of view.
I like volley ball, I played varsity volley ball, so obviously I watch it. When beach volleyball began well it was quite natural to watch that too. It takes exceptional ball control and handling abilities to play in the sand plus at 2 vs 2 it becomes a virtual chess game. And of course one of the big attraction is the women athletes. I mean, toned women in skimpy bikinis jumping, running and diving all over the place as their tanned body glisten under the sun’s rays!
Hello!!!
And thus began my search, once again, to find someone, somewhere, upon the vast electronic highway we call the Internet, who would share my point of view. Hark! But not in silence, this shall not do. No, I needed someone to come forth strongly, not to bury thy fine sports deep into the sand that cushion their feet but to praise it. Praise it as the visual utopia it has become in light of these Olympic games. And fruitfully I found that person. I found her opinion as a matter of fact. Yes, Ashley Harris summed a response well written to silence the most objectionable fanatics of this beautiful sport. Tis’ well worth the time to read and understand my friends.

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/beijingolympics/archive/2008/08/22/in-defense-of-the-volleyball-bikini.aspx /archive/2008/08/22/in-defense-of-the-volleyball-bikini.aspx

Team USA Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh

Canada's Marie-Andrée Lessard

This year, the US team of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh won gold by defeating the host Chinese team of Jia Tian and Jie Wang in two sets. Ironically, it rained throughout the match. The bronze-medal match featured the Chinese team of Chen Xue and Xi Zhang who also defeated Brazil’s Renata Ribeiro and Talita Antunes in straight sets.
Unfortunately Canada did not make it to the Olympics this time around but the present teams of Dana Cooke \ Annie Martin and Marie-Andrée Lessard \ Sarah Maxwell http://www.mtothemax.ca/ are well worth keeping an eye on for the next few years. http://www.volleyball.ca/index.asp

But really now, how can one not like a sport that celebrates all the athletic abilities of the human body and shows it off too? Beach volley ball even has teams in Sweden and Norway? Now I ask you, with all the crap going on in world news these days who amongst us doesn’t deserve to watch bikini clad women (and strapping male jocks for the ladies) playing a game in the sand on a nice sunny day. We’ve all heard the saying about stopping to smell the roses, eh? Well, suntan lotion and sand smell like roses to me.

Our deepest respect and sympathies

2008-08-22T10:04:00.005-03:00

Today, soldiers in Kandahar will bid farewell to Sgt. Shawn Eades, Sapper Stephan Stock and Cpl. Dustin Wasden, before their long journey home.

Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson was quoted as saying that Taliban attacks are "absolutely not whittling away at the resolve of Canadian troops.”

Eades, of Hamilton, Ont. leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
Wasden, from Saskatchewan, leaves behind a wife and young daughter.

The latest three deaths bring the total number of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan since the mission began in 2002 to 93.

About 2,500 Canadian soldiers are now serving in Afghanistan, most of them in the volatile south.

Gentlemen your countrymen remain grateful of your courage.
Chimo!

Sherraine Schalm

2008-08-21T13:36:00.008-03:00

I have to admit, the first time I had heard of Sherraine Schalm was last week. Quite out of the blue I caught a CBC special about Schalm and her efforts to become Canada's first fencing gold medallist. She is a competitor of the highest calibre and a ferociously proud Canadian. Sharp witted and sharp tongued she gave a wonderful interview. What's not to like?
The next day, I caught her match against Hungarian Ildiko Mincza-Nebald. She lost.
The match was a tight affair filled with animosity from both sides which caught me quite by surprise as I don't usually watch fencing.
Anyway, once she lost she reacted with her guts, physically and emotionally. Later she gave an interview which turned into a rant filled with anger and deception.
The next morning, she did another interview on TV basically to apologize for her behaviour of the previous day. She started well but soon turned bitter once again.
I thought to myself; that was too much emotion in too little time for too many to see. For Schalm, or anybody else for that matter, to react so ostensibly there had to be a story somewhere.
Thus I began a search and found out a lot more about this brazen Canadian fencing champion.
I guess the best story I found was this one from CBC.ca

-- Sherraine Schalm, Canada's best hope for an Olympic fencing medal, has been knocked out of competition in Beijing in a defeat Wednesday that triggered some angry words and emotions from the Brooks, Alta., native.
Schalm was seeded fifth in Beijing, six spots higher than her opponent, but was defeated 15-13 by Hungarian Ildiko Mincza-Nebald in the epee round of 16.
Schalm was devastated by the loss, especially since she was defeated by a Hungarian. She had trained with the Hungarian national team for four years, but shortly before her final Olympic camp, she was told by her coach that she was no longer welcome to train with them.
"It's like I imagine being a man. It's like being kicked in the nuts repeatedly, that's how bad it feels. You feel like you want to curl up and die," Schalm, competing in her third Olympics, said after the loss.
"I'm trying to put it all in perspective. Immediately, it's not so easy. It's just really tough. You train so long and I feel like I disappointed myself, my coach, my family, my country, everybody.
"I wish none of you ever have to go through this feeling of loss and feeling of disappointment, and the only thing that I can say is it's definitely not going to kill me, so it will have to make me stronger."
Schalm led the entire bout before Mincza-Nebald, the fourth-place finisher at the 2004 Athens Olympics, took control in the final three points and sealed victory. The contest lasted a little more than seven minutes.
Schalm is one of the best female epee fencers in the world. She won a bronze medal at the 2005 world championships and the overall World Cup title in 2006. She has also beaten Romanian Branza, who is ranked No. 2 in the world, three spots higher than Schalm.
Schalm had a first-round bye in Beijing.

But this still did not explain to me Schalm's angry yet passionate outbursts.

Then I finally found this blog by Elisa Hategan which made all so clear to me.

http://subversivewriter.wordpress.com/2008/08/14/2012-olympics-sherraine-vs-hungary/

In light of all this information about Schalm all I have to say is WOW! Give that lady a hand brother, because if there's something I admire is a competitor of this magnitude. Not only is Sherraine Schalm a true Canadian patriot but also a voice that the Canadian government should really listen to. How in the Hell can we expect our athletes to go through shit like that and come out smelling like a rose.

Sherraine Schalm did her best. She does not need to apologize for inadequate sports funding. Chin up girl, you may have lost this time but I can’t wait to see you go for the next 4 years cause you’ll be ripping those Hungarian a new one at the next Olympics. I am officially a Schalm fan.

Go Canada Go!

The beginning

2008-08-20T09:18:00.000-03:00

Ok so here we go, my feedback page on the whatevers of our times.

I'll be going slow but eventually...I'll get going. A born procratinator I am. Hey! Why do today what you can do tomorrow right?

Ok, see you next time.

Stan