The Conservatives have learned the game of nepotism and patronage. One can hardly see any sign of the old reformed, gonna change the way Ottawa works in this gang. Yesterday they went on an appointment spree. The minority government was taking advantage of an opportunity to reward the faithful before the country gets plunged into an election which could give someone else that job.
The Globe & Mail says the appointments were made without the supervision of the federal appointments commission that Mr. Harper had promised during the last election campaign. Those plans were put on hold in May of 2006 when opposition MPs rejected the government's nomination of Gwyn Morgan, a former oil executive and Conservative Party fund raiser, as commission head.
The jobs went to Conservative insiders that the Harper communication team said were "qualified individuals". If Harper actually wanted to have oversight on appointments, he would have it. It fits his agenda more to blame the Liberals for the lack of oversight.
The more the public expects change the more Ottawa stays the same.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
BILLION DOLLAR LOSS AS B-2 CRASHES
An expensive day for the American military. A $1 Billion B-2 stealth bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from a base in the western Pacific Ocean.
It is the first official recognition of a crash involving the B-2 long distance radar dodging hi-tech bomber that looks more like Batman's plane than anything the air force would use. Operated exclusively by the US, the B-2 has never crashed since first seeing combat in the air war over Kosovo in 1999.
The pilots escaped safely.
It is the first official recognition of a crash involving the B-2 long distance radar dodging hi-tech bomber that looks more like Batman's plane than anything the air force would use. Operated exclusively by the US, the B-2 has never crashed since first seeing combat in the air war over Kosovo in 1999.
The 172-foot (52-metre) wide stealth bomber, which can carry nuclear as well as conventional weapons, has also been used in US campaigns over Iraq and Afghanistan.
In 1997 a F-117A stealth fighter bomber crashed at an air show in Maryland.The pilots escaped safely.
THE Wii WARMING PARTY
6 adults, 7 kids, supper and a Wii. It has been a fun night at Jane and Ken's as the kids play the parents in bowling and Donkey Kong.
I have to admit, the wine and corona made the event even more fun for the over 18 set. At least I have something to blame for my lack of coordination tonight.
In between cries and shouts of no wrestling, a great meal, a yummy dessert we have all had a ball. Within a couple of minutes everyone was up, jumping around and playing and cheering. It was a wonderful experience.
Maybe by bringing more gaming outsiders into the fold, people will start realizing that games are not something to be feared or looked down upon. I know as a long time gamer, that a lot of my peers, wife and my parents always looked at the habit as a waste of time. Now they want to boot up the Wii and play with the boys.
So what is out there in terms of adult Wii games?
NEW FORM OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMUNICATION
More "Piling On" or justified criticism? Tourism and Culture Minister Clyde Jackman has resorted to writing letters to the editor in the province's largest daily paper to try and get responses from CONservative Cabinet Minister Loyolya Hearn.
Apparently the provincial minister has been trying to get a commitment from Ottawa for funding in support of the 400th anniversary events and activities in Cupids in 2010. He says his letters to Hearn and Avalon MP Fabian Manning have been ignored.
An excerpt from today's letters to the editor section of the Telegram:
Of course the Conservative apologists will just say this is another example of the ABC agenda and Williams' cabinet taking unwarranted shots at the Federal Government. It seems to me that we need to stop showing pity for the enemy. Let's just remember our priorities.
Apparently the provincial minister has been trying to get a commitment from Ottawa for funding in support of the 400th anniversary events and activities in Cupids in 2010. He says his letters to Hearn and Avalon MP Fabian Manning have been ignored.
An excerpt from today's letters to the editor section of the Telegram:
Time is passing. We need an answer to ensure we can celebrate the 400th anniversary of Cupids in a manner which befits its rightful place as the birthplace of English Canada, and to leave a legacy for future generations that will serve to promote, to residents and visitors alike, the significant role this community played in the early history of European settlement in our country.
Of course the Conservative apologists will just say this is another example of the ABC agenda and Williams' cabinet taking unwarranted shots at the Federal Government. It seems to me that we need to stop showing pity for the enemy. Let's just remember our priorities.
WILLIAMS AND PETERSON SUPPORT MCGUINTY
The CONservative governments attack on Ontario Premier McGuinty comes as no surprise to premier Danny Williams. He says this is the pattern with this federal government that "holds a dismissive attitude towards the provinces".
In an article in the Telegram today Williams agreed with former Ontario Liberal premier David Peterson that the federal government should be the voice of reason that holds Canada together, not firing rhetoric that tears it apart.
The premier rightly pointed out that these CONservatives' approach is to "divide and conquer, it’s to isolate provinces, pit them against each other, blame them (the provinces) for the problems, as opposed to taking any responsibility as the federal government.”
Peterson is quoted in the same story as saying, " It is unseemly, mean spirited and totally destructive to the functioning of the country.”
In an article in the Telegram today Williams agreed with former Ontario Liberal premier David Peterson that the federal government should be the voice of reason that holds Canada together, not firing rhetoric that tears it apart.
The premier rightly pointed out that these CONservatives' approach is to "divide and conquer, it’s to isolate provinces, pit them against each other, blame them (the provinces) for the problems, as opposed to taking any responsibility as the federal government.”
Peterson is quoted in the same story as saying, " It is unseemly, mean spirited and totally destructive to the functioning of the country.”
HEARN IN THE INDEPENDENT
Brian Callahan has a nice interview and article with CONservative Cabinet minister Loyola Hearn in this weeks The Independent.
Hearn acknowledges that he is in hot water and does not commit to running in the upcoming election. He also comments on the latest pile-on and ABC.
It provides some insight into the mind of someone with strong convictions of his own. The article is not on-line but the paper is on newsstands all over the place.
CONSERVATIVES SCIENCE TRACK RECORD IS DISMAL
Nature - The International Weekly Journal of Science has taken dead aim at the CONservative Government with a scolding article that says that science has been under attack in this country since the minority CONservative government was elected in 2006.
When the Canadian government announced earlier this year that it was closing the office of the national science adviser, few in the country's science community were surprised.
The article says the nation's scientists have made great contributions and compare very favourably to other countries' output. Canada's researchers have plenty to be proud of, consistently maintaining their country's position among the world's top ten, but the federal government's track record is dismal by comparison.
When the Canadian government announced earlier this year that it was closing the office of the national science adviser, few in the country's science community were surprised.
The article says the nation's scientists have made great contributions and compare very favourably to other countries' output. Canada's researchers have plenty to be proud of, consistently maintaining their country's position among the world's top ten, but the federal government's track record is dismal by comparison.
NDP LEADER IS DEAD ON IN BREAST CANCER FIASCO
Lorraine Michaels exudes credibility. Untouched personally by the spending scandal, available to the media and offering credible, constructive criticism of the government just about every hour of every day. The public does not have to open the editorial page of the Saturday Telegram to hear the NDP leader defending her party's work ethic.
She also sees the big picture and is prepared to stand united with the Premier on important issues like the day when she joined him and thousands of other Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at the Unity Rally to send a united message to the Harper CONservatives and their provincial quisling.
Michaels is calling for an external review of the province's health system to learn why so many women were given the wrong results on their breast cancer tests. The news on this fiasco keeps getting worse with each day leading up to the start of the Judicial Inquiry.
The inquiry is set to begin hearings on March 18th but was delayed when Eastern Health was allowed to try and suppress evidence by appealing to the courts to keep two damaging reports from being released to the public. They failed.
The hearings will be open to the public and broadcast via the internet.
She also sees the big picture and is prepared to stand united with the Premier on important issues like the day when she joined him and thousands of other Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at the Unity Rally to send a united message to the Harper CONservatives and their provincial quisling.
Michaels is calling for an external review of the province's health system to learn why so many women were given the wrong results on their breast cancer tests. The news on this fiasco keeps getting worse with each day leading up to the start of the Judicial Inquiry.
The inquiry is set to begin hearings on March 18th but was delayed when Eastern Health was allowed to try and suppress evidence by appealing to the courts to keep two damaging reports from being released to the public. They failed.
The hearings will be open to the public and broadcast via the internet.
DEMOCRACY RETURNS ON MARCH 10th
The House of Assembly is going to re-open at long last. The opposition has a rich vein of issues to mine in keeping the government on their toes for the next while. It is a bonanza for the three members of the Liberal Party and the lone New Democrat who will work harder than ever before in this Progressive Conservative dominated House of Assembly.
I am looking forward to attending the first day, March 1oth, to look at the new composition and to hear John Crosbie read his first speech as LG. The five months of preparation the opposition has had to prepare for this session should make for an interesting first week.
As well, with five months to get ready the government must be well prepared. Considering there was not enough new business to warrant a fall session, this is going to be a busy session for our provinces legislators.
Let the games begin.
I am looking forward to attending the first day, March 1oth, to look at the new composition and to hear John Crosbie read his first speech as LG. The five months of preparation the opposition has had to prepare for this session should make for an interesting first week.
As well, with five months to get ready the government must be well prepared. Considering there was not enough new business to warrant a fall session, this is going to be a busy session for our provinces legislators.
Let the games begin.
MCGUINTY CANNOT GET A FAIR HEARING EITHER
For all those myopic Danny Williams haters who want to jump on the Premier because he will not roll over for Prime Minister Harper and his gang of thugs, I give you Jim Flaherty's latest whipping boy, Premier Dalton McGuinty.
It seems this cooperative, nation building CONservative Party has uncharacteristically set aside all the diplomatic niceties that it's known for to deliver a blistering attack on the Premier of Ontario.
Flaherty, who was the Ontario's Finance Minister during Mike Harris's Common Sense Revolution, says Ontario's problems only began when McGuinty started focusing on other things than corporate cuts.
It would appear the the Ontario Premier, fresh off a second big majority win, committed the sin of demanding that Ottawa help his province in its time of crisis. He pointed out that Ontario has been the most generous of philanthropists to the Canadian federation for generations, but with the approaching recession in the United States, the transition in the auto-industry and a downturn in manufacturing, they need a hand up. The reply, a full frontal assault from Ottawa.
But do not tell those Danny hating, myopic Ottawa lovers that the problem rests with Harper and his ilk. They have to have a reason to hate the premier, like they need oxygen to breath.
It seems this cooperative, nation building CONservative Party has uncharacteristically set aside all the diplomatic niceties that it's known for to deliver a blistering attack on the Premier of Ontario.
Flaherty, who was the Ontario's Finance Minister during Mike Harris's Common Sense Revolution, says Ontario's problems only began when McGuinty started focusing on other things than corporate cuts.
It would appear the the Ontario Premier, fresh off a second big majority win, committed the sin of demanding that Ottawa help his province in its time of crisis. He pointed out that Ontario has been the most generous of philanthropists to the Canadian federation for generations, but with the approaching recession in the United States, the transition in the auto-industry and a downturn in manufacturing, they need a hand up. The reply, a full frontal assault from Ottawa.
But do not tell those Danny hating, myopic Ottawa lovers that the problem rests with Harper and his ilk. They have to have a reason to hate the premier, like they need oxygen to breath.
SALMON FISHING IN YEMEN
I had a busy couple of weeks with work and fighting a cold that just seems to boomerang back at me just when I am feeling the slightest bit better. As a result I have not had much of chance to catch up on my reading.
I am slowly tackling the great selection of books that came my way at Christmas. A friend of mine, Jane, send a book my way this week that she said I would enjoy. It was called Salmon Fishing In The Yemen by Paul Torday.
I loved it! It was an unexpected treat. For many of my regular readers it is sure to be worth the read. It is about a henpecked, anal middle aged fisheries scientist who works for the National Centre For Fisheries Excellence in the United Kingdom. He gets forced into managing an outlandish plan to introduce Atlantic Salmon to a river in Yemen. It becomes the pet project of the Prime Ministers Office when a weaselly public relation guru sees some political potential for his boss. It is the story of a non-believer who finds faith, who is the victim of political spin, bureaucratic politics and a loveless marriage.
The portrayal of officialdom, spin, manipulative government officials, ass covering, and the awakening of belief in the impossible and faith make this parable thought provoking and memorable.
If your a salmon angler you will love it because you will get it from the start. If your a political operative it is a parable full of lessons. If your in search of a sense of purpose it will provide reflection and pause.
If your wondering how projects like cucumber factories in Mount Pearl can not only catch the immagination of politicians but cost millions of public dollars because of the lunacy of of political will, you will find the answers here.
A lovely little book.
Friday, February 22, 2008
AND THE CANCER SCANDAL GROWS
The extent of the incompetence that led more than 100 women in this province to file a class action suit against the Eastern Health Authority, and led to the call for a judicial inquiry, continues to boggle the mind. News today that people who had to have questionable breast cancer tests redone and have since succumbed to the disease is twice the number originally thought. It stands at 322.
Another revelation. 44 patients were never contacted about their results, and nine of those patients are now dead. How could 44 patients just slip through the system? These are people who put their lives in the hands of medicine, in our health care system. Mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, wives and a few men. It is numbing, revolting and staggering.
It is still unknown, at least not in the public domain, just how many of the patients received incorrect diagnoses. I would not want to see any further delays, but the scope of this inquiry may need to be greatly expanded.
This revelation just days before the hearings begin and days after the board's attempt to suppress damaging evaluations of the labs in question was rejected by the courts.
In light of the damming information disclosed in the reports released this week, one wonders just how valid are any test results that have gone through these labs in the past ten years.
It is just all too %$^& unbelievable!
Another revelation. 44 patients were never contacted about their results, and nine of those patients are now dead. How could 44 patients just slip through the system? These are people who put their lives in the hands of medicine, in our health care system. Mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, wives and a few men. It is numbing, revolting and staggering.
It is still unknown, at least not in the public domain, just how many of the patients received incorrect diagnoses. I would not want to see any further delays, but the scope of this inquiry may need to be greatly expanded.
This revelation just days before the hearings begin and days after the board's attempt to suppress damaging evaluations of the labs in question was rejected by the courts.
In light of the damming information disclosed in the reports released this week, one wonders just how valid are any test results that have gone through these labs in the past ten years.
It is just all too %$^& unbelievable!
ELLSWORTH FOR DEPUTY MAYOR
VOCM is reporting that Ron Ellsworth is running for Deputy Mayor.
I know where my X will be going when the St. John's City Council By-election for Deputy Mayor rolls around late this spring
He is a first termer for whom I have a great deal of respect. He calls it as he sees it and has no trouble looking under the rocks.
He is also very dedicated to the community. I have been involved with a couple of community organizations with him. When he commits to something, he gets the job done.
Congratulations Ron. You will make a great Deputy Mayor.
I wonder who else will be willing to risk their council job for the Deputy Mayor's job. No doubt being the first to announce officially is advantageous because anyone who resigns a seat to run for the job knows that only one person can win.
I know where my X will be going when the St. John's City Council By-election for Deputy Mayor rolls around late this spring
He is a first termer for whom I have a great deal of respect. He calls it as he sees it and has no trouble looking under the rocks.
He is also very dedicated to the community. I have been involved with a couple of community organizations with him. When he commits to something, he gets the job done.
Congratulations Ron. You will make a great Deputy Mayor.
I wonder who else will be willing to risk their council job for the Deputy Mayor's job. No doubt being the first to announce officially is advantageous because anyone who resigns a seat to run for the job knows that only one person can win.
NEW POLICY FOR ANONYMOUS POSTS
I enjoy feedback and like to know who I am discussing issues with. I have kept the anonymous option open for comments to allow people who read the blog but do not have a blogspot account to participate.
This leaves me a little exposed. In future, I will leave the anonymous option open but I will not publish anything that is not accompanied by a legitimate name or e-mail address. If you're going to make a comment in a public forum, then stand by it.
I will not publish your e-mail address on request.
If my old friend with the sharpened knife wishes to participate in the future, you're more than welcome. Come out of the shadows and we can discuss all of my biase and your conspiracy theories in the open. I must say I am disappointed to learn from you that all my "sucking up" is not working. Guess I am screwed!
Just the same I like being an equal opportunity pundit.
STAGFLATION IN THE USA
Stagflation - A condition of slow economic growth and relatively high unemployment - a time of stagnation - accompanied by a rise in prices, or inflation. Stagflation occurs when the economy isn't growing but prices are, which is not a good situation for a country to be in. This happened to a great extent during the 1970s, when world oil prices rose dramatically, fueling sharp inflation in developed countries. For these countries, including the U.S., stagnation increased the inflationary effects.
I have been bitching a fair amount about the real increases in expenses associated with operating my household in the past year. The cost of fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, flour, gas, home heating fuel, hydro and gas. I figure that all combined I need at least an extra $300 a month more this year than last just to pay the cost associated with the same necessities. That is $3600 after tax dollars. Inflation is rising like a hot air balloon.
Now we are facing a looming recession and inflation. OPEC is talking about reducing output. It is starting to seem like a flashback to the 70's.
Greg Ip of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL has an interesting article examining economic outlook in the United States, the credit crunch, the looming recession and inflation. The storm clouds continue to gather.
THE JOKE IS ON WHOM
Ward over at Venison Tickle has a take on the latest controversy over Hearn's joke. I think his comments echo how most people will feel about the issue today.
GAME OVER
Kristine and I were out to see the latest Jack Black flick last night courtesy of the rock of the rock OZ FM. A great line-up of Hollywood talent, some laughs, but like all Jack Black movies, I was left thinking there were more constructive things I could have done.
The old video game arcade was going strong. A few kids were still running up to some young lady exchanging bills for tokens. I got a little nostalgic for my arcade days. Pacman, asteroids, space invaders and the cool guys who could play the pinball machines with skill. I went in and looked around. The arcade has changed a lot. Bigger games, much more interaction,and they are expensive.
Considering the number of choices in consoles and graphics at home, I am surprised that the arcade is still in existence. In most places across this province arcades are a thing of the past. The heyday of the 70's and 80's is long past. Kids can stay at home, hide in the basement or their apartment-sized bedrooms and play away on the xbox 360, Wii or Playstation three. Why spend $10 bucks at the arcade when you can rent the game for $8.00 for the weekend and compete with people from all over the world?
A story earlier this week on the City News web site looked at the days that were and the current state of the arcade.
Jack Black's latest movie, "Be Kind and Rewind," was about an old video store that just never kept up with DVD.
The old video game arcade was going strong. A few kids were still running up to some young lady exchanging bills for tokens. I got a little nostalgic for my arcade days. Pacman, asteroids, space invaders and the cool guys who could play the pinball machines with skill. I went in and looked around. The arcade has changed a lot. Bigger games, much more interaction,and they are expensive.
Considering the number of choices in consoles and graphics at home, I am surprised that the arcade is still in existence. In most places across this province arcades are a thing of the past. The heyday of the 70's and 80's is long past. Kids can stay at home, hide in the basement or their apartment-sized bedrooms and play away on the xbox 360, Wii or Playstation three. Why spend $10 bucks at the arcade when you can rent the game for $8.00 for the weekend and compete with people from all over the world?
A story earlier this week on the City News web site looked at the days that were and the current state of the arcade.
Jack Black's latest movie, "Be Kind and Rewind," was about an old video store that just never kept up with DVD.
THE ANGLICAN SCHISM
The on-going debate in the worldwide Anglican Church about interpretation of church doctrine is interesting to observe. I have a great deal of respect for Bishop Harvey, who has decided that his personal convictions will not allow him to accept proposed changes. While I may not agree with him, he has the strength of his convictions.
Earlier this week the Anglican Church Of Canada decreed that all parishes that decide to follow Harvey to the more conservative South American Anglican Church will have to surrender their properties and lands. The message is clear, leave and build your own infrastructure.
This seems bitter and heavy handed considering that the Anglican Church of Canada has probably never contributed a penny to the building or upkeep of these parishes. The local people manage, insure and build these properties. If they decide the mother church has gone soft, they should be able to keep their own places of worship.
As well, it is rich considering that the Anglican Church got its start when Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in England. He seized all church properties, looting gold and converting the churches. Would the Anglican Church of Canada now feel that formerly RC properties in the United Kingdom should be given back?
Earlier this week the Anglican Church Of Canada decreed that all parishes that decide to follow Harvey to the more conservative South American Anglican Church will have to surrender their properties and lands. The message is clear, leave and build your own infrastructure.
This seems bitter and heavy handed considering that the Anglican Church of Canada has probably never contributed a penny to the building or upkeep of these parishes. The local people manage, insure and build these properties. If they decide the mother church has gone soft, they should be able to keep their own places of worship.
As well, it is rich considering that the Anglican Church got its start when Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in England. He seized all church properties, looting gold and converting the churches. Would the Anglican Church of Canada now feel that formerly RC properties in the United Kingdom should be given back?
THE TIPPING POINT FOR DONALD HARVEY
Breakaway Anglican Bishop Donald Harvey is featured in an article in the Globe & Mail today. It is an in-depth look at the factors that have contributed to his faith and his decision to leave the Anglican Church of Canada for the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone of America. His breaking point was when a motion passed at the general synod of the Anglican Church of Canada saying that same-sex marriage is not in conflict with the core doctrine of the church.
Harvey was a minister in many communities in the province, was the dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and was the bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador.
Harvey was a minister in many communities in the province, was the dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and was the bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador.
STOP THIS MOMENTUM, HILLARY
Pictures from a Barack Obama rally in Houston Texas. Amazing! Reports say the campaign has received 470,000 donations in 2008. Talk about a grass roots movement.
AT LAST THE JOKE AT THE CENTER OF THE STORM
The media are reporting Minister Burke's reaction to a joke told by Federal Cabinet Minister Loyola Hearn but they do not seem to be able to reproduce the content. All the fuss and nothing to judge it by.
The "offensive" joke is published at Newfoundland And Labrador Politics along with some opinions about this issue.
Is the joke in such bad taste that is deserves the criticism? You be the judge. Was it appropriate? It does have a tourism theme! Sure seems tame compared to a few lines cracked off by a former Premier. That said, when in doubt leave it out!
The "offensive" joke is published at Newfoundland And Labrador Politics along with some opinions about this issue.
So there's this tourist travelling across Canada, and he decides to visit one church in every province that he stops in. So he gets off the plane in British Columbia and visits a church, and they have a phone line directly to heaven that costs 100 dollars to use. He doesn't use it, of course, because that's an obscene price for a phone call, period. So he heads out to Alberta and finds that at the next church they have the same line to heaven, but this one costs 80 dollars. Thinking there might be pattern to this, his next stop is a church in Ontario and sure enough, there's another phone line to heaven and it costs 50 dollars. He heads to New Brunswick next, where it costs 20 dollars, and finally he runs out of room to head east in Canada and makes his last stop in a church here in Newfoundland, where he discovers that the line to heaven is only 25 cents - the reason being, of course, that he's already there.
While he's stopped over in Newfoundland he hears someone mention that they've got the same thing over in Ireland; so obviously, he jumps at the chance to continue his investigation of these bizarre heavenly phones. Of course, when he gets there, he realises they have a totally different pricing scheme on the other side of the pond, and he's told that it'll cost him about 300 pounds to use their line to heaven. Naturally, he makes the call and then leaves his wife behind.
Is the joke in such bad taste that is deserves the criticism? You be the judge. Was it appropriate? It does have a tourism theme! Sure seems tame compared to a few lines cracked off by a former Premier. That said, when in doubt leave it out!
PASSWORDS ARE USELESS SAYS IT SECURITY CONSULTANT
A computer security consultant interviewed on CBC Radio just before the 8:00 news this morning confirmed that the password protection on the laptops stolen from the Eastern District School board is fairly useless and very easy to break. The Board's reassurances that the information is probably protected was just a public relations exercise.
The board's offices are in one of the most densely policed buildings in the city. Atlantic Place is home to the province's provincial courts. It is interesting that thieves would have targeted such a secure location. Could it be they were after the data more than the computers?
How valuable is the data? There is a huge market for identity information on the internet. People are payed cash through pay pal. Imagine what your children's information is worth? Fresh names with no history to trip up unscrupulous con artists. It could be years before anyone even realized that young Bill or Jane's identity was being used.
Of course this is a worse case scenario, the lap tops were probably grabbed in a crime of opportunity.
Nonetheless thousands of children's personal information is out there. Why was the information downloaded off the main server? Why were the offices so easy to infiltrate? Did the thieves know what they were doing?
The board's attempt to minimize the impact of this theft is nearly as bad as the security and lax protocols that allowed it to happen
The board's offices are in one of the most densely policed buildings in the city. Atlantic Place is home to the province's provincial courts. It is interesting that thieves would have targeted such a secure location. Could it be they were after the data more than the computers?
How valuable is the data? There is a huge market for identity information on the internet. People are payed cash through pay pal. Imagine what your children's information is worth? Fresh names with no history to trip up unscrupulous con artists. It could be years before anyone even realized that young Bill or Jane's identity was being used.
Of course this is a worse case scenario, the lap tops were probably grabbed in a crime of opportunity.
Nonetheless thousands of children's personal information is out there. Why was the information downloaded off the main server? Why were the offices so easy to infiltrate? Did the thieves know what they were doing?
The board's attempt to minimize the impact of this theft is nearly as bad as the security and lax protocols that allowed it to happen
Thursday, February 21, 2008
UP IS DOWN AND DOWN IS UP
He says, she says, provincial Progressive Conservative ministers taking on federal CONservative Cabinet ministers to task for sexist jokes, and female Liberal Opposition Leaders siding with federal CONservative cabinet ministers and a federal CONservative cabinet minister apologizing for telling jokes that he is not sure he told. What's up is down, and what is down is up!
Welcome to the wacky world of Newfoundland and Labrador politics, where the opposition is down to four, a sitting of the House Of Assembly is more rare than a total eclipse of the moon, and the civil war between former provincial Progressive Conservative and current federal CONservative Loyola Hearn and his former kin shows no sign of abating.
Hearn apologized for a joke that he is not sure he made at the Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Convention over the weekend after the provincial minister responsible for the Status of Women, Joan Burke, complained that it showed disrespect for women.
Enter provincial Liberal Leader Yvonne Jones who shed some light on the topic of the joke, fat women, saying there was nothing wrong with the joke which left her in stitches. She says Joan Burke should be dealing with more serious issues.
It all speaks to how screwed up things are becoming down here. Next thing you know the provincial Liberals will be declaring support for Harper because Danny Williams is gunning for him and his minority government. Do not dare be critical of a Federal Conservative without taking a shot at Danny or be prepared to face the wrath of some Liberals who seem to have their priorities all screwed up.
Does anyone know what the joke was?
At our Toastmasters meeting last night we discussed the usage of humour. Simple rule, when in doubt leave it out. If you're going to tell a joke that involves gender, politics or religion, chances are someone is going to be offended. Hearn is an old hand at speeches and public gatherings, he should know the rules.
That said, he told about 15 jokes in between re-announcing old money for tourism projects. Sounds like a speech that was light on content and heavy on fluff! I guess when all else fails fall back on your blarney and entertain.
I want to hear the darn joke and make a decision for myself.
Welcome to the wacky world of Newfoundland and Labrador politics, where the opposition is down to four, a sitting of the House Of Assembly is more rare than a total eclipse of the moon, and the civil war between former provincial Progressive Conservative and current federal CONservative Loyola Hearn and his former kin shows no sign of abating.
Hearn apologized for a joke that he is not sure he made at the Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Convention over the weekend after the provincial minister responsible for the Status of Women, Joan Burke, complained that it showed disrespect for women.
Enter provincial Liberal Leader Yvonne Jones who shed some light on the topic of the joke, fat women, saying there was nothing wrong with the joke which left her in stitches. She says Joan Burke should be dealing with more serious issues.
It all speaks to how screwed up things are becoming down here. Next thing you know the provincial Liberals will be declaring support for Harper because Danny Williams is gunning for him and his minority government. Do not dare be critical of a Federal Conservative without taking a shot at Danny or be prepared to face the wrath of some Liberals who seem to have their priorities all screwed up.
Does anyone know what the joke was?
At our Toastmasters meeting last night we discussed the usage of humour. Simple rule, when in doubt leave it out. If you're going to tell a joke that involves gender, politics or religion, chances are someone is going to be offended. Hearn is an old hand at speeches and public gatherings, he should know the rules.
That said, he told about 15 jokes in between re-announcing old money for tourism projects. Sounds like a speech that was light on content and heavy on fluff! I guess when all else fails fall back on your blarney and entertain.
I want to hear the darn joke and make a decision for myself.
YOUR KIDS' PERSONAL DATA IS OUT THERE...SOMEWHERE
Have you ever been concerned about how much of your children's personal information is online in forums like MS Messenger or Facebook? How susceptible are your children to internet stalkers? Imagine if your child's name, address, phone number and MCP number were out there for someone to exploit.Wow, that nightmare may be a reality. Four days after the theft of some laptops from the Eastern District School Board, the board is advising the public that 28, 000 students' private information was stolen along with them.
The spin from the board is that they are tightening up security and that the database containing the information is password protected. Password protected? Let's explore that gem for a minute. Are the databases encrypted? Or are we talking about the notebooks themselves having a log-in password? Either way it might take a skilled hacker a few minutes to crack them.
Another week and another breach! What the hell is going on?
MOVE OVER RICHARD SIMMONS
Santa brought the boys a Wii for Christmas. I have posted a few times in the past about how marvelous this game machine is. They really enjoy the bowling, baseball, golf and boxing. I am slowly learning to use yet another set of controls. I am embarrassed to admit it but I nearly packaged the thing up and returned it because I could not get the cursor to work on the main screen when my 4 year old gigled and said, "Daddy, you downt use da errwoes, you moves yoor wist, geez boy!"
The Wii has been most popular with the 4-10 set and the over 60 crowd. Grandparents and young boys interacting together with a video game! I have witnessed it and relish the thought of these distinct generations being able to interact and share in some mutual fun.
News today that Nintendo will launch a new physical fitness game product called Wii Fit in May. It will come with a weight-and-motion sensing device called the Wii Balance Board. It promises to makes exercising fun for the entire family and work every muscle in the body including: abs, arms, back, chest, legs, gluteus maximus, and more.
Rest assured we will be picking this one up as will seniors' homes, gyms and schools across the nation.
ONTARIO IMPAIRED DRIVING LAWS BEEFED UP
Congratulations to Ontario for leading the country in cracking down on stupid impaired drivers. A new law allows the court to impound and sell vehicles owned or operated by drunk drivers.
The Safer Roads For Ontario Act, 2007 is sending a tough message to these morons who lack any semblance of intelligence. If they get behind the wheel while impaired they could lose their car, motorcycle, snowmobile,