So much for hope
By Jim Cotton - This evening US President Barack Obama announced he is sending 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan.
Do the people of the United States ever ask themselves why terrorists hate them so much ?
Time for this youtube video, again. Sigh.
Do the people of the United States ever ask themselves why terrorists hate them so much ?
Time for this youtube video, again. Sigh.
Sunday Shopping in Manitoba
By Freedom Manitoba - The issue of Sunday shopping often comes up around Christmas, when retailers expect a large spike in business for the holiday season. Being the evil capitalists that they are, they would like to "capitalize" on that shopping frenzy and be open to meet the customer demand.
There is a government prohibition on Sunday shopping in Manitoba, the government says when a business can or can't be open, and they provide monopolies to certain businesses by allowing them to stay open for extended hours (like convenience stores) while others cannot.
So, why Sunday? Why not Tuesday? Or Saturday? The answer is... Christianity. In a country that supposedly has separation of church and state, those people not of the Christian faith are forced to live by its tenant of keeping the Sabbath day "holy", by not doing business on that day.
But wait, you CAN do business on that day; if you are a gas station, convenience store, hospital, TV station, cable company, hydro worker, moving company, etc. It seems that those services are acceptable to the moralists, but oh no, want to go buy a TV on Sunday after 6PM? No way you heathen!
So as usual various business organizations beg the government for permission to do business on this holy day, in order to take advantage of the increased business this time of year.
Chamber seeks longer Sunday shopping hours
I would love to see business owners just open up the hours that they want and ignore the government regulations. What do bureaucrats know about running a box store? Why do they get to set the hours? The answer is because if you don't obey their dictates, the men with guns come and shut you down.
If you don't support Sunday shopping, then don't shop on Sunday, and don't force the rest of us to adhere to your standards. http://freedommanitoba.blogspot.com/2009/11/sunday-shopping-in-manitoba.html
There is a government prohibition on Sunday shopping in Manitoba, the government says when a business can or can't be open, and they provide monopolies to certain businesses by allowing them to stay open for extended hours (like convenience stores) while others cannot.
So, why Sunday? Why not Tuesday? Or Saturday? The answer is... Christianity. In a country that supposedly has separation of church and state, those people not of the Christian faith are forced to live by its tenant of keeping the Sabbath day "holy", by not doing business on that day.
But wait, you CAN do business on that day; if you are a gas station, convenience store, hospital, TV station, cable company, hydro worker, moving company, etc. It seems that those services are acceptable to the moralists, but oh no, want to go buy a TV on Sunday after 6PM? No way you heathen!
So as usual various business organizations beg the government for permission to do business on this holy day, in order to take advantage of the increased business this time of year.
Chamber seeks longer Sunday shopping hours
I would love to see business owners just open up the hours that they want and ignore the government regulations. What do bureaucrats know about running a box store? Why do they get to set the hours? The answer is because if you don't obey their dictates, the men with guns come and shut you down.
If you don't support Sunday shopping, then don't shop on Sunday, and don't force the rest of us to adhere to your standards. http://freedommanitoba.blogspot.com/2009/11/sunday-shopping-in-manitoba.html
Thought of the day.
FAILURE IS NOT A DISGRACE IF YOU HAVE SINCERELY DONE YOUR BEST.
We live in a competitive world that measures success by winners and losers, and insists that every victory creates a loss of equal dimension. If one person wins, it seems logical that someone else must lose. In reality, the only competition that matters is the one in which you compete with yourself. When your standard of performance is based upon being the best you can be-for yourself-you will never lose. You will only improve. Make it a practice to objectively review your performance from time to time. When you fall short, assess the situation and ask yourself: "Is there anything I would or could have done to change the outcome?" If the answer is "no," if you are satisfied that you’ve done your best, don’t waste time reliving the past. Simply learn what you can from the experience, and then get into action again. If you consistently do your best, your temporary failures will take care of themselves.
Manitoba Tories start funny website.
Manitoba Post -
The Progressive Conservative Party is launching a new fundraising website – www.blockndphyocrisy.ca. The site is built on a photo of Deputy Premier Rosann Wowchuk “dialing and driving” down Portage Avenue just days after the NDP announced a cell phone ban in cars. Visitors are asked to buy a “virtual cell phone” for $10, which will be superimposed over Wowchuk’s image on the website. Once 1,000 cell phones have been purchased and posted to the main page, NDP hypocrisy will be completely blocked out.
“With the cell phone ban coming into force next year, it’s timely we launch this now,” said Jonathan Scarth, CEO of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba. “Manitobans don’t like it when their elected officials say one thing and do another, so we’re asking for their help to block out this NDP hypocrisy.”
The website features the photo and media reports, Facebook and Twitter connectivity, as well as authentic sound bites of Minister Wowchuk saying “I’m guilty!” and “I use my phone when I drive!”
Proceeds from blockndphypocrisy.ca will go toward the Progressive Conservative Victory Fund to help the party communicate with voters in advance of the next election.
Drew Caldwell - " I should have backed Steve "
Manitoba Post - Brandon East MLA Drew Caldwell appears to have some resentments after selling memberships for Greg Selinger during the recent NDP leadership campaign. Caldwell was rewarded by not getting a cabinet post. Our legislature insiders tell us that Caldwell called Selinger when he learned he was out of cabinet telling the new Premier that he should have backed Steve Ashton . Caldwell has also been vocal back in his hometown of Brandon, telling people that this party is ignoring the city.
In recent weeks, there have also been rumors that tensions are growing between the lone NDP MLA from Westman and Selinger, and that there have been suggestions of a contested nomination in Brandon East before next election.
Many in the NDP consider Caldwell a rogue MLA, as he has a history of challenging his own party. As we have seen countless times in the past, rogue politicians usually suffer a nasty fate. Denis Rocan , anyone ?
In recent weeks, there have also been rumors that tensions are growing between the lone NDP MLA from Westman and Selinger, and that there have been suggestions of a contested nomination in Brandon East before next election.
Many in the NDP consider Caldwell a rogue MLA, as he has a history of challenging his own party. As we have seen countless times in the past, rogue politicians usually suffer a nasty fate. Denis Rocan , anyone ?
Are private colleges being watched close enough ?
By Jim Cotton - Over the years, I have known a fair number of people who have attended private colleges , such as CDI college, the Academy of Broadcasting, or Herzing. Most, if not all of these people finished the courses, and could not get a job in the industry they were "studying" in , or if they did, the salary didn't pay very well.
I think most of these colleges, such as CDI and the Academy of Broadcasting have turned into downright scams. High School students should be warned to stay away from these places, and stick to the U of M , U of W or Red River.
First, we are going to start off by picking on the Academy of Broadcasting (ABC ), located in the basement of the Polo Park shopping center. This should be the first red flag. When your school is located in a shopping mall, don't walk away, RUN.
ABC is a pro at churning out tons of students. Even if you barely speak English, or just came from some northern reserve, they will get you in, hook you up with a massive student loan and get you started in a couple months. Don't worry about your previous education, because you don't need any !! Now to keep in the good graces of the government and the Private Vocational Institution Act , which means it's students qualify for student loans, so many of their people need to find work after they "graduate" . ABC has deals with a number of radio stations, such as the one in Dauphin, where ABC throws the managers a little bit of cash to hire people for 2-3 months. The reality is most people never get a job in radio. I know 7 people who have took this course....they all got offered a intern position at CKDM in Dauphin or at Qx 104 for a couple months and that was it. They never did get on the radio, their job was to attend "live on location" events and put up signage and help the real announcer. At the end of the day, ABC is a scam. There isn't much turnover in the radio and TV industry, and stations will pick someone who went and took Cre Com at Red River any day over the people from ABC. Not only will you stand a better chance of getting employed after Red River, it's about a third of the cost.
The Academy of Broadcasting also offers a program for suckers who want to be actors. Yes, everyone wants to be famous, and ABC knows how to get money from people who want to be famous. ABC are bottomfeeders. They prey on people who are uninformed , and have high pressure sales teams working for them.
Another scam college is CDI college, which has 12 locations in Canada and is owned by a giant corporation in the United States. The Winnipeg location is at 280 main st. They offer a group of programs from health care assistants, to IT , early childhood education , and business admin. Most of these programs suck compared to courses at Red River. In the IT courses , you will be learning info that is 3-4 years behind the current information, and employers won't even take you seriously if you went to school there. There is also a complete lack of instruction. Most of the people who are "instructors" are just former students that they gave jobs to. The instructors are glorified babysitters . There is no "instructing" at CDI , you get your text books and you work through them under the supervision of the "instructor".
All the sales people are former students as well. If you are sorta sharp, they will more than likely offer you a job as an "instructor" when you are done , because they have to make sure they meet the requirements of having a certain number of people getting positions after.....even if they are volunteer positions. CDI pays off a few organizations as well , so people can work. Take their addictions course for example.....if you graduate there, you will be offered a volunteer position at the Behavioral Health Foundation ( which is another scam in my opinion ) or some other non-profit place. Just for fun, I checked out CDI college in Winnipeg, and from the moment I walked in the doors, they were trying to sell me. Good think I did a google search on them, and that I also went to Red River in 1995 , so I know what a real college is like.
Bottom line, our provincial government is letting hundreds if not thousands of people a year get suckered into these places with false promises of employment and salary expectation, and also getting stuck with high student loans.
I got no problem with private colleges , but they are not being watched closely enough , and people are suffering. Profit is OK, but places like CDI, ABC, and Herzing are bottom feeders. The couple of hairstyling schools in the city do a better job in my opinion. The people that I know who took those courses all have jobs in the industry. There are other private schools as well, such as Harv's air, ( where I took my flight instruction ) who are first class and do a great job. Harv's is about flying first, because Harv Penner is first a pilot.
Doing a simple google search with "CDI college scam" or "Herzing College scam " will tell you everything you need to know. When it comes to education, slow down and take your time on where you will go to school.
http://www.discovervancouver.com/forum/feelings-about-cdi-college-t10500-page-315.html
I think most of these colleges, such as CDI and the Academy of Broadcasting have turned into downright scams. High School students should be warned to stay away from these places, and stick to the U of M , U of W or Red River.
First, we are going to start off by picking on the Academy of Broadcasting (ABC ), located in the basement of the Polo Park shopping center. This should be the first red flag. When your school is located in a shopping mall, don't walk away, RUN.
ABC is a pro at churning out tons of students. Even if you barely speak English, or just came from some northern reserve, they will get you in, hook you up with a massive student loan and get you started in a couple months. Don't worry about your previous education, because you don't need any !! Now to keep in the good graces of the government and the Private Vocational Institution Act , which means it's students qualify for student loans, so many of their people need to find work after they "graduate" . ABC has deals with a number of radio stations, such as the one in Dauphin, where ABC throws the managers a little bit of cash to hire people for 2-3 months. The reality is most people never get a job in radio. I know 7 people who have took this course....they all got offered a intern position at CKDM in Dauphin or at Qx 104 for a couple months and that was it. They never did get on the radio, their job was to attend "live on location" events and put up signage and help the real announcer. At the end of the day, ABC is a scam. There isn't much turnover in the radio and TV industry, and stations will pick someone who went and took Cre Com at Red River any day over the people from ABC. Not only will you stand a better chance of getting employed after Red River, it's about a third of the cost.
The Academy of Broadcasting also offers a program for suckers who want to be actors. Yes, everyone wants to be famous, and ABC knows how to get money from people who want to be famous. ABC are bottomfeeders. They prey on people who are uninformed , and have high pressure sales teams working for them.
Another scam college is CDI college, which has 12 locations in Canada and is owned by a giant corporation in the United States. The Winnipeg location is at 280 main st. They offer a group of programs from health care assistants, to IT , early childhood education , and business admin. Most of these programs suck compared to courses at Red River. In the IT courses , you will be learning info that is 3-4 years behind the current information, and employers won't even take you seriously if you went to school there. There is also a complete lack of instruction. Most of the people who are "instructors" are just former students that they gave jobs to. The instructors are glorified babysitters . There is no "instructing" at CDI , you get your text books and you work through them under the supervision of the "instructor".
All the sales people are former students as well. If you are sorta sharp, they will more than likely offer you a job as an "instructor" when you are done , because they have to make sure they meet the requirements of having a certain number of people getting positions after.....even if they are volunteer positions. CDI pays off a few organizations as well , so people can work. Take their addictions course for example.....if you graduate there, you will be offered a volunteer position at the Behavioral Health Foundation ( which is another scam in my opinion ) or some other non-profit place. Just for fun, I checked out CDI college in Winnipeg, and from the moment I walked in the doors, they were trying to sell me. Good think I did a google search on them, and that I also went to Red River in 1995 , so I know what a real college is like.
Bottom line, our provincial government is letting hundreds if not thousands of people a year get suckered into these places with false promises of employment and salary expectation, and also getting stuck with high student loans.
I got no problem with private colleges , but they are not being watched closely enough , and people are suffering. Profit is OK, but places like CDI, ABC, and Herzing are bottom feeders. The couple of hairstyling schools in the city do a better job in my opinion. The people that I know who took those courses all have jobs in the industry. There are other private schools as well, such as Harv's air, ( where I took my flight instruction ) who are first class and do a great job. Harv's is about flying first, because Harv Penner is first a pilot.
Doing a simple google search with "CDI college scam" or "Herzing College scam " will tell you everything you need to know. When it comes to education, slow down and take your time on where you will go to school.
http://www.discovervancouver.com/forum/feelings-about-cdi-college-t10500-page-315.html
Bellringer won't audit Hydro
CBC-
Manitoba's auditor general will not take part in a special audit of Manitoba Hydro and has handed a file alleging mismanagement at the Crown corporation back to the provincial ombudsman's office.
Carol Bellringer's office made the announcement Tuesday.
'This is really an issue of maintaining perceptions.'— Hugh McFadyen, Conservative leader
The NDP government ordered a special audit of Hydro in late October after a former consultant lodged a whistleblower's complaint about the power company's risk-management strategies with the provincial ombudsman.
The whistleblower, who has not been named, alleged that Hydro is miscalculating how much power it can generate and sell, and that the province could face significant blackouts in the future. She also alleged mismanagement has cost Hydro more than $1 billion.
Hydro's CEO, Bob Brennan, has rejected the allegations.
Bellringer was on the board of directors for Manitoba Hydro in 2006, when the whistleblower was under contract to the Crown corporation.
Bellringer also chaired Hydro's audit committee in 2004 and 2005, examining data immediately after the period when the whistleblower alleged that mismanagement, combined with a drought, led to the loss of more than $400 million.
Bellringer's office said Tuesday that "due to the sensitivity" of addressing the whistleblower's complaint, the file would be returned to and followed up by the ombudsman.
The move comes one week after the Progressive Conservative Opposition urged Bellringer to step aside, citing concerns she was in a conflict of interest with the Hydro file.
Conservative Leader Hugh McFadyen applauded Bellringer on Tuesday.
"These are hard decisions to make … I give her credit for making a hard decision," McFadyen told CBC News.
McFadyen said his party's call for Bellringer to step aside had nothing to do with concerns about the integrity of her office, which he said is completely intact.
"This is really an issue of maintaining perceptions," McFadyen said.
The ombudsman's office has not yet said how it will proceed with the audit.
But McFadyen said he is confident the ombudsman can retain an independent outside auditor with the technical knowledge of the power industry to conduct a proper review of Hydro.
Who is telling the truth : Gord Mackintosh or the social planning council ?
By Jim Cotton - Either the Social Planning council is lying , or Gord Mackintosh is. Gord Mackintosh said on CTV tonight that 1 in 10 kids live in poverty. The social planning council said today that 1 in 5 kids live in poverty. Gord Mackintosh said on CJOB today that his government has cut child poverty in half over the last 10 years. The social planning council said today there has been very little decrease.
Richard Cloutier on CJOB this morning allowed 10 people to call into his show after Mackintosh was on and asked them if Gmack was full of "Bull" or on the right track. Every single caller said Mackintosh was full of "Bull" .
I am going to side with the social planning council on this one. Food bank use is up, and there is no evidence that child poverty has been cut in half. The evidence points to increased poverty.
Mackintosh on CJOB today pointed out that Targets were important. Just a few weeks ago his leader said targets where "too rigid".
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/selinger-ashton-debate-poverty-fight-63584577.html
Richard Cloutier on CJOB this morning allowed 10 people to call into his show after Mackintosh was on and asked them if Gmack was full of "Bull" or on the right track. Every single caller said Mackintosh was full of "Bull" .
I am going to side with the social planning council on this one. Food bank use is up, and there is no evidence that child poverty has been cut in half. The evidence points to increased poverty.
Mackintosh on CJOB today pointed out that Targets were important. Just a few weeks ago his leader said targets where "too rigid".
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/selinger-ashton-debate-poverty-fight-63584577.html
Winnipeg - Ass backwards when it comes to the environment.
By Jim Cotton - Winnipeg, and I am sure many other major cities really have it ass-backwards when it comes to protecting the environment. At first glance, it seems we are on the right track, diamond lanes, recycling programs, bike paths and rapid transit. However, it is my opinion that we are going backwards.
First, let's look at diamond lanes. The city has put diamond lanes all over the place. Losing a lane on Portage is the same as putting 30% more cars on the road. It takes longer to get where you are going. Buses gain an extra 2-3 minutes from downtown to Polo Park, but the thousands of cars lose an extra 10 minutes. You do the math. In the end, it causes far more pollution and wasted time.
Next, I am going to take a stab at recycling. I think it's bad for the environment. No I haven't lost my mind, let me explain. First, we have double the number of garbage trucks. Second , it sends a message that we can use as much plastic and paper as we want because it all gets recycled. Look at the bottled water craze. We don't feel bad about buying bottled water because we can recycle the plastic. But what we fail to understand is that bottled water traveled hundreds of miles, or more by truck. We have a great water system, and studies show city water is safer than bottled water. That is why I drink from the tap. We seem to have forgotten the 3 R's , reduce , reuse, and THEN recycle. Somehow, we have forgot about reducing and reusing. I guess reducing and reusing isn't good for business.
And finally , I want to get to the Ikea development.
Somehow, this project has magically increased by 25% . How did that happen ? While I like the changes they have done to it, I still think this project is crazy. Do we really need more sprawl ? Projects like this not only affect the downtown, but other malls as well. Garden City Mall is dying a slow , painful death. That part of town is going down the tubes. Selkirk ave is still dying, the city is even charging people to park there now, and it's only a matter of time before these developments kill other small businesses. We need more density in Winnipeg, not more sprawl.
Overall, Winnipeg is going backwards. Our governments should have the courage to end sprawl, improve traffic flow for cars, ban bottled water and encourage people to reuse. Some of the things that have been done, ( such as diamond lanes and recycling ) have done more harm than good, even if the intentions were good.
First, let's look at diamond lanes. The city has put diamond lanes all over the place. Losing a lane on Portage is the same as putting 30% more cars on the road. It takes longer to get where you are going. Buses gain an extra 2-3 minutes from downtown to Polo Park, but the thousands of cars lose an extra 10 minutes. You do the math. In the end, it causes far more pollution and wasted time.
Next, I am going to take a stab at recycling. I think it's bad for the environment. No I haven't lost my mind, let me explain. First, we have double the number of garbage trucks. Second , it sends a message that we can use as much plastic and paper as we want because it all gets recycled. Look at the bottled water craze. We don't feel bad about buying bottled water because we can recycle the plastic. But what we fail to understand is that bottled water traveled hundreds of miles, or more by truck. We have a great water system, and studies show city water is safer than bottled water. That is why I drink from the tap. We seem to have forgotten the 3 R's , reduce , reuse, and THEN recycle. Somehow, we have forgot about reducing and reusing. I guess reducing and reusing isn't good for business.
And finally , I want to get to the Ikea development.
Somehow, this project has magically increased by 25% . How did that happen ? While I like the changes they have done to it, I still think this project is crazy. Do we really need more sprawl ? Projects like this not only affect the downtown, but other malls as well. Garden City Mall is dying a slow , painful death. That part of town is going down the tubes. Selkirk ave is still dying, the city is even charging people to park there now, and it's only a matter of time before these developments kill other small businesses. We need more density in Winnipeg, not more sprawl.
Overall, Winnipeg is going backwards. Our governments should have the courage to end sprawl, improve traffic flow for cars, ban bottled water and encourage people to reuse. Some of the things that have been done, ( such as diamond lanes and recycling ) have done more harm than good, even if the intentions were good.
Concordia could get interesting as Cotton considers diving in.
Manitoba Post- Businessman and Manitoba Post contributor Jim Cotton confirmed today that he is considering running in the Concordia by-election.
"I have had a number of people in Concordia tell me that they would like me be part of the political process in the upcoming by-election. I have to be honest and tell you because of the overwhelming support , I am considering it."
Cotton has never ran for elected office before, and says his campaign would be unlike anything Winnipeg has ever seen before.
" I will tell you this .....it will be something people will not forget anytime soon. I still need to discuss the timing with my family, and I will make up my mind by the end of the week. If I am out, then I am out,and if I am in , the campaign will start immediately. I need every single day to get my message out there.
It's rumored Cotton has some big names endorsing his campaign if he runs, and according to Cotton , money won't be a problem.
"I will be spending to the limit, and not a penny over. I am not doing this half-assed, I want to win and kick politics in the ass in this province, because it needs it. This will be a very exciting race, and my opponents shouldn't take me lightly , if I choose to run. "
Premier Selinger is expected to call the Concordia By-Election in the new year. So far, only the NDP have nominated their candidate, former Doer staff member Matt Wiebe.
"I have had a number of people in Concordia tell me that they would like me be part of the political process in the upcoming by-election. I have to be honest and tell you because of the overwhelming support , I am considering it."
Cotton has never ran for elected office before, and says his campaign would be unlike anything Winnipeg has ever seen before.
" I will tell you this .....it will be something people will not forget anytime soon. I still need to discuss the timing with my family, and I will make up my mind by the end of the week. If I am out, then I am out,and if I am in , the campaign will start immediately. I need every single day to get my message out there.
It's rumored Cotton has some big names endorsing his campaign if he runs, and according to Cotton , money won't be a problem.
"I will be spending to the limit, and not a penny over. I am not doing this half-assed, I want to win and kick politics in the ass in this province, because it needs it. This will be a very exciting race, and my opponents shouldn't take me lightly , if I choose to run. "
Premier Selinger is expected to call the Concordia By-Election in the new year. So far, only the NDP have nominated their candidate, former Doer staff member Matt Wiebe.
Mayor Katz shows his color.....appears to be Yellow.
By Larry Stefanuik - In Saturday's Sun the Mayor has come out and declared the photo units are playing by the rules in the construction zones. Even though we have a picture on our home page showing otherwise.
His office is now sending form letters to anyone inquiring about the zones. Obviously getting lots of mail if he had to create one.
See Sam really doesn't care about you and your tickets, it's too bad that you couldn't be as lucky as he was a few years ago when his then wife Ballie ran a red in his Lexus. His ticket was canceled due to a malfunction of the electronic signature machine. ACS could have had the tickets signed off by hand but chose not to.
Check out the story here;
What a Lucky guy that Sammy is, you should send him a copy of this email with the link and congratulate him for being so 'Lucky'. I'm sure his assistant who was chastised by the Mayor for taking his own photo ticket to court will get a kick out of all the email.
You can get him at
mayor@winnipeg.ca
Also make sure you send this email to all your friends, co-workers, family etc who have never had such great luck and then hopefully they will send it on to theirs as well.
The link to the Sun's article through the above link has been changed over time, but it's still on microfiche at the library.
Perhaps I will get a copy and post it and everyone can print it, stuff it in an envelope and send it to him as well.
Oh and by the way.....his answer was....."I didn't even know it happened" Seem to be a common response for him.
Watch for our new t-shirts coming out soon!
Got my H1N1 shot today
By Jim Cotton- So I went in for my H1N1 shot today . I expected that since the WRHA opened up the floodgates there would be massive lines. Not so in St. James. I walked right in, and there was no one in line. I got in, got my paperwork, filled it out, had my needle, which didn't hurt a bit, spent 10 minutes in recovery reading the paper and was out in about 20 minutes. I expected to be there for an hour or two, but to be out in 20 minutes was really something.
I sense people are not taking the H1N1 shot seriously. The clinics should be bursting at the seams today. I have no problem getting it....vaccines have a proven track record of helping end pandemics. If everyone took the shot, we wouldn't have to worry about H1N1.
The nurses and staff were first class , and I have to say everyone is doing a great job.
I sense people are not taking the H1N1 shot seriously. The clinics should be bursting at the seams today. I have no problem getting it....vaccines have a proven track record of helping end pandemics. If everyone took the shot, we wouldn't have to worry about H1N1.
The nurses and staff were first class , and I have to say everyone is doing a great job.
Time for a blog post
By Jim Cotton- It's been a little while since I have done some blogging....there has been alot going on with me. I started on some new medication last month that has really made a huge difference in my life , for the better. I have had some real battles over the years and finally there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel. There are however, side effects , including, believe or not, my total loss of interest in news and politics. Really. I feel like I have nothing that bothers me, and my brain won't even let me go there if I tried.
I have been more interested in watching movies instead of the news or blogs , and today I went to see Michael Jackson's "This is it" . What a concert that would have been, I would have paid big bucks to see him live. He was very good , and not the frail old man the tabloids made him out to be. The guy sure knows his music, the film is a must see. OK, time to muster up the strength to gripe about things......
A couple observations I have some comments on :
The Winnipeg Free Press " On 7 " . This newspaper is a total dud. Last Sunday night I was at 7-11 and the manager told me they only sold one copy. I did read it the first week and I found it lacking news. Too many wire stories and sports that I don't care about. I really think the Free Press should just put their efforts into the Saturday paper.
Gordon Sinclair on Faron Hall . I think that Gordo sunk to a new low today. Does he really need to keep exploiting Faron Hall ? I have to say , Faron Hall is sure looking good in that photo with Tom Jackson. I kinda wish people would stop reporting that Tom Jackson was a homeless guy for 7 years.....if they ask him , he will admit he was on the street, but had lots of friends to crash with . He wasn't a bum living out of trash cans. Tom Jackson will tell you himself he made a choice to leave home as a youth.
Stubble Burning . The stubble burning issue is in the news again. Growing up on a farm , I am very familiar with the issue. I will be totally honest, there is no good reason to burn straw. Farmers can bale it or put a straw chopper on the back of their combine . Chopping straw is better for the field in the long run. Most of my old neighbors who burned did so simply because they liked to burn. That's it. Gotta admit, at night burning is a pretty cool sight. I wish the government would just ban it outright. I am sick of flying through it as well.
Provincial Politics . It's been pretty quiet.......too quiet. Where are the tories and Liberals ? I thought they would come to life after Doer was gone, but I guess they just don't want the brass ring bad enough. Selinger seems to be carrying on Doer's "steady as she goes" approach. I expect him to make Wowchuk take all the heat for Hydro and keep himself out of it. And with a weak opposition, they will let it happen. The way things are going, the NDP will win the next election , and I am sure it will be the lowest turnout in history. At least Doer is gone, that is a big relief. I couldn't stand him.
Federal Politics . The liberals are going to be destroyed next election. Conservatives will get their majority for sure. The more I watch the liberals, the more I distrust them to run things. Really , I don't care much about what is going on.
It's not easy for me to blog about politics lately. I have totally lost my interest. Like I said, the medication sure has some weird side effects, but for the first time for as long as I can remember I feel good about living life. I am making better decisions , and no longer have panic attacks. It was my birthday a couple days ago, and for the first time in years I looked forward to it. It felt great ! Most years I forgot about it or just got depressed about getting older. This year, I made sure I had a good time and treated myself.
I do have some trouble on the horizon, my taxes are getting reassessed and I am going to owe alot of money. But no worries, I will just pay it off, along with the penalties. I can't change the past.
The weather sure has been great, wonderful flying weather , and I really need to get out to a golf course one more time this year. Maybe tomorrow.
I am going to try and blog more often when I get moved to ..........life has never been better
( thank you citalopram !! ) and I don't have much to complain about.
I have been more interested in watching movies instead of the news or blogs , and today I went to see Michael Jackson's "This is it" . What a concert that would have been, I would have paid big bucks to see him live. He was very good , and not the frail old man the tabloids made him out to be. The guy sure knows his music, the film is a must see. OK, time to muster up the strength to gripe about things......
A couple observations I have some comments on :
The Winnipeg Free Press " On 7 " . This newspaper is a total dud. Last Sunday night I was at 7-11 and the manager told me they only sold one copy. I did read it the first week and I found it lacking news. Too many wire stories and sports that I don't care about. I really think the Free Press should just put their efforts into the Saturday paper.
Gordon Sinclair on Faron Hall . I think that Gordo sunk to a new low today. Does he really need to keep exploiting Faron Hall ? I have to say , Faron Hall is sure looking good in that photo with Tom Jackson. I kinda wish people would stop reporting that Tom Jackson was a homeless guy for 7 years.....if they ask him , he will admit he was on the street, but had lots of friends to crash with . He wasn't a bum living out of trash cans. Tom Jackson will tell you himself he made a choice to leave home as a youth.
Stubble Burning . The stubble burning issue is in the news again. Growing up on a farm , I am very familiar with the issue. I will be totally honest, there is no good reason to burn straw. Farmers can bale it or put a straw chopper on the back of their combine . Chopping straw is better for the field in the long run. Most of my old neighbors who burned did so simply because they liked to burn. That's it. Gotta admit, at night burning is a pretty cool sight. I wish the government would just ban it outright. I am sick of flying through it as well.
Provincial Politics . It's been pretty quiet.......too quiet. Where are the tories and Liberals ? I thought they would come to life after Doer was gone, but I guess they just don't want the brass ring bad enough. Selinger seems to be carrying on Doer's "steady as she goes" approach. I expect him to make Wowchuk take all the heat for Hydro and keep himself out of it. And with a weak opposition, they will let it happen. The way things are going, the NDP will win the next election , and I am sure it will be the lowest turnout in history. At least Doer is gone, that is a big relief. I couldn't stand him.
Federal Politics . The liberals are going to be destroyed next election. Conservatives will get their majority for sure. The more I watch the liberals, the more I distrust them to run things. Really , I don't care much about what is going on.
It's not easy for me to blog about politics lately. I have totally lost my interest. Like I said, the medication sure has some weird side effects, but for the first time for as long as I can remember I feel good about living life. I am making better decisions , and no longer have panic attacks. It was my birthday a couple days ago, and for the first time in years I looked forward to it. It felt great ! Most years I forgot about it or just got depressed about getting older. This year, I made sure I had a good time and treated myself.
I do have some trouble on the horizon, my taxes are getting reassessed and I am going to owe alot of money. But no worries, I will just pay it off, along with the penalties. I can't change the past.
The weather sure has been great, wonderful flying weather , and I really need to get out to a golf course one more time this year. Maybe tomorrow.
I am going to try and blog more often when I get moved to ..........life has never been better
( thank you citalopram !! ) and I don't have much to complain about.
Manitoba Hydro watchdogs sleep as the Whistleblower Act degenerates into farce
By The Black Rod - Manitoba Hydro has launched a campaign of intimidation to undermine the official investigation of a whistleblower's complaint of gross mismanagement.
Employees have been told that they will be fired for the slightest contact with the whistleblower no matter how personal and non-work related it may be. One Christmas card and there goes your pension. Phone and computer records have been searched to send a message---the all-seeing eye of Big Brother is watching everything you do.
And CEO Bob Brennan has sent letters to news media referring to the whistleblower as "a disgruntled consultant" in a further assault on her character and her credibility.
So much for the innocent public face of Hydro with which Brennan proclaimed that he welcomed the investigation and would cooperate fully.
The threats come as the Auditor General was informed that she will have to speak with current Hydro employees to confirm details of Hydro's operations now that Hydro has managed to stifle any examination of the complaints for more than a year.
Not that it matters to Auditor Carol Bellringer.
Three weeks after being ordered to do a speeded-up special audit into the Hydro complaint, she has done exactly doodly-squat. Zippo. She hasn't looked at a single page of information. Her performance can be summed up in three words---told ya so.
http://blackrod.blogspot.com/2009/10/bellringer-olearygate-and-crocus-ndps.html
This, the first test of the government's vaunted The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act, is degenerating into farce.
* The Hydro whistleblower's complaint officially reached Bellringer's desk 7 l/2 months ago. Before that it sat on the Ombudsman's desk for three months. And Brennan has been aware of the details for 14 months.
Bellringer told the CBC, as an excuse for her blatant inaction, that the act governing her office doesn't set time limits for investigations.
She can take as long as she wants.
And apparently she's doing her level best to stall the investigation to benefit her former colleague on the board of Manitoba Hydro, Bob Brennan.
* Brennan, a graduate of the Mussolini School of Management, bragged to the CBC Tuesday that he hasn't received a single written complaint from anyone alleging intimidation. So, let's see... the intimidation campaign is so successful nobody dares to complain of being intimidated, and that 'proves' there was no intimidation in the first place. Of course, Il Duce.
* This isn't just a test of the Whistleblower Protection Act. It's a test of unelected Premier Greg Selinger. How will he take to respond to this open and direct challenge to the authority of the Legislature?
Brennan has done everything he can to breach the Act. He did his best to identify the whistleblower without actually naming her, despite the assurance of confidentiality in the Act.
He revealed the complainant was a woman; he revealed her job with Hydro, how long she worked there and the time she was fired.
And in a breach of the Privacy Act, he discussed how much she was paid.
He's begun to attack her character in private letters to reporters, and Hydro is threatening to fire anyone who calls her a friend. Even the Constitutional right to freedom of association must bow to Brennan's megalomania.
* The provincial Ombudsman must immediately launch an investigation into Hydro's heavy-handed threats. She can't wait for the intimidation to succeed. She is entrusted with enforcing the Whistleblower Protection Act, and a failure to take a stand now makes a laughing stock of the Protection from Reprisal provisions in the law.
* Roseann Wowchuk, the Minister in charge of Manitoba Hydro and Crown Corporations accountability, must remove Bob Brennan from any role in responding to the whistleblower's complaint. He has demonstrated he is less interested in cooperating with the government watchdogs than in counter-attacking his accuser. This, in itself, is a blatant breach of the spirit, if not the law, of the Act.
* And Selinger must publicly defend the Whistleblower Act. He must denounce Hydro's campaign to intimidate potential witnesses. He must offer the protection of the Premier's office to anyone with vital information about Hydro's operations and possible mismanagement.
And, above all, he must replace Bellringer, who not only reeks of conflict of interest but has proven herself incompetent in handling the public's interest under the Act.
* And will someone poke the official Opposition with a stick to see if you can detect any signs of life?
Opposition "leader" Hugh McFadyen contorted himself into obscene positions to pat himself on the back after the recent policy convention. He couldn't stop blathering what a fierce campaigner he had become.
Yet here's an issue involving Manitoba's largest company possibly losing a billion dollars amid threats of power brownouts and the response from the Conservatives has been a few squeaks at a committee meeting followed by a relapse into dumb silence.
Employees have been told that they will be fired for the slightest contact with the whistleblower no matter how personal and non-work related it may be. One Christmas card and there goes your pension. Phone and computer records have been searched to send a message---the all-seeing eye of Big Brother is watching everything you do.
And CEO Bob Brennan has sent letters to news media referring to the whistleblower as "a disgruntled consultant" in a further assault on her character and her credibility.
So much for the innocent public face of Hydro with which Brennan proclaimed that he welcomed the investigation and would cooperate fully.
The threats come as the Auditor General was informed that she will have to speak with current Hydro employees to confirm details of Hydro's operations now that Hydro has managed to stifle any examination of the complaints for more than a year.
Not that it matters to Auditor Carol Bellringer.
Three weeks after being ordered to do a speeded-up special audit into the Hydro complaint, she has done exactly doodly-squat. Zippo. She hasn't looked at a single page of information. Her performance can be summed up in three words---told ya so.
http://blackrod.blogspot.com/2009/10/bellringer-olearygate-and-crocus-ndps.html
This, the first test of the government's vaunted The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act, is degenerating into farce.
* The Hydro whistleblower's complaint officially reached Bellringer's desk 7 l/2 months ago. Before that it sat on the Ombudsman's desk for three months. And Brennan has been aware of the details for 14 months.
Bellringer told the CBC, as an excuse for her blatant inaction, that the act governing her office doesn't set time limits for investigations.
She can take as long as she wants.
And apparently she's doing her level best to stall the investigation to benefit her former colleague on the board of Manitoba Hydro, Bob Brennan.
* Brennan, a graduate of the Mussolini School of Management, bragged to the CBC Tuesday that he hasn't received a single written complaint from anyone alleging intimidation. So, let's see... the intimidation campaign is so successful nobody dares to complain of being intimidated, and that 'proves' there was no intimidation in the first place. Of course, Il Duce.
* This isn't just a test of the Whistleblower Protection Act. It's a test of unelected Premier Greg Selinger. How will he take to respond to this open and direct challenge to the authority of the Legislature?
Brennan has done everything he can to breach the Act. He did his best to identify the whistleblower without actually naming her, despite the assurance of confidentiality in the Act.
He revealed the complainant was a woman; he revealed her job with Hydro, how long she worked there and the time she was fired.
And in a breach of the Privacy Act, he discussed how much she was paid.
He's begun to attack her character in private letters to reporters, and Hydro is threatening to fire anyone who calls her a friend. Even the Constitutional right to freedom of association must bow to Brennan's megalomania.
* The provincial Ombudsman must immediately launch an investigation into Hydro's heavy-handed threats. She can't wait for the intimidation to succeed. She is entrusted with enforcing the Whistleblower Protection Act, and a failure to take a stand now makes a laughing stock of the Protection from Reprisal provisions in the law.
* Roseann Wowchuk, the Minister in charge of Manitoba Hydro and Crown Corporations accountability, must remove Bob Brennan from any role in responding to the whistleblower's complaint. He has demonstrated he is less interested in cooperating with the government watchdogs than in counter-attacking his accuser. This, in itself, is a blatant breach of the spirit, if not the law, of the Act.
* And Selinger must publicly defend the Whistleblower Act. He must denounce Hydro's campaign to intimidate potential witnesses. He must offer the protection of the Premier's office to anyone with vital information about Hydro's operations and possible mismanagement.
And, above all, he must replace Bellringer, who not only reeks of conflict of interest but has proven herself incompetent in handling the public's interest under the Act.
* And will someone poke the official Opposition with a stick to see if you can detect any signs of life?
Opposition "leader" Hugh McFadyen contorted himself into obscene positions to pat himself on the back after the recent policy convention. He couldn't stop blathering what a fierce campaigner he had become.
Yet here's an issue involving Manitoba's largest company possibly losing a billion dollars amid threats of power brownouts and the response from the Conservatives has been a few squeaks at a committee meeting followed by a relapse into dumb silence.
Hydro WhistlerBlower Letter to the CBC - "the equivalent of using rotary phones in the age of wifi and Bluetooth technology."
Dear Editor
There have been some who think that the notion of bankruptcy and blackouts is
incredulous for a Utility like Hydro.
In response, I would like to point out some facts. Even though Hydro is a Crown
Corporation the word “bailouts” does not interchange with “bankruptcy” unless you are
following the US model of companies like AIG.
To be specific, the risk reports that were sent to the CEO, looked at the numbing $18BN
spend out and proposed new debt, as the Utility embarks on an ambitious spending spree
to which includes sizable export contracts to the US. The multi-year drought analysis on
this “future generation” build, including in-service dates, and contract dates, showed
exposure to the Province of $7BN.
Obviously, this is more than the retained earnings, and under any definition, would wipe
out the entire “solvency” of the Utility.
This $7BN was great cause for concern, and no responsible risk assessment would
include that the public health of the company as being fine. Subsequent consultants hired
to supposedly “look at the problems” were specifically given a scope that not looked at
any of the new generation build out, Conowapa, or bi-pole III!
The risk number of $7BN was also being “withheld” from the PUB. The CFO also agreed
and signed off on the number.
It was being replaced with a rubber-stamp consultant report, who’s analysis blatantly
omitted any look at the bi-pole III and exposure to the Province of the future generation
system. (see Page 21 of the publicly disclosed summary)
It did not include Government “bailouts” as a word to replace “bankruptcy”.
The comments about “blackouts” being impossible are also not based on fact.
To keep the lights on in the Province, Hydro’s computers rely on a complex formulae,
which operates not just the reservoirs like Lake Winnipeg and Cedar Lake, but of course
looks at the import tie-lines from the US, and Hydro’s ability to the run expensive gas
units.
While it may be shocking to learn these problems exist, what was uncovered was there
were “systemic and massive” computer system flaws - with obsolete computers
maintaining the calculations. Massive system errors and inadequate mathematics were
found in the power calculation of “blackouts” or reliability conditions – which could lead
to faulty results in keeping the lights on.
This could be seen as the equivalent of using rotary phones in the age of wifi and
Bluetooth technology.
Manitoba Hydro now operates in US deregulation and the Midwest ISO. The rules of the
game have changed. If it was learned, that the safety methods for keeping the lights on
were programmed only by 1 or 2 persons (with source code and changes known to only
them), on an outdated computer which hasn’t been changed since the 80’s, I think you
too would be worried.
The ICF consultants were told not to look at the computers.
Don’t be took quick to assume the seriousness of the problem. In California ISO, no-one
thought these things were possible – till they happened.
Further, the Province, needs new generation like Wuskwatim, as quickly as possible to
maintain enough energy to meet domestic demands (in other words to keep the lights on).
Beyond 2018 the shortage of generation in the Province is so extreme, that the new bipole
III is in essence a “lifeline” to the Province.
Without it – you can’t stay afloat. That line, is not just a political talking point, it is an
absolute necessity to keep the lights on in the Province. So who cares if it’s built west
side or east side? Without it – the lights cannot stay on in a multi-year Drought. You will
face blackouts. So build it now, and build it quickly.
The risk analysis, shows catastrophic consequence, even from “slight delays” to bi-pole
III going in service. Any setbacks, or any problems, would simply mean there is not
enough generation to meet demand.
Just one delay in having that line come into the service is also of catastrophic risk to the
Province.
In addition, the shortage of generation is so severe, that if the Export Power Marketing
contracts (these US contracts being a huge contributor to Provincial risk and the
bankruptcy problem) aren’t signed, the Province will need to go against its carbonfriendly
mantra and expedite the building of new gas turbines – dirty-old polluting
thermal units – just to keep the lights on. These would have to be scheduled for 2019.
(Say bye-bye to low Rates!)
These are facts. This information was also not being sent to the Public Utilities Board.
The Province will need to build, potentially new gas turbines to keep the lights on and
rates would sky-rocket!
Even in 2011 and 2012 there are resource problems and a multi-year Drought would
threaten keeping the lights on. The same issue the PUB was raising.
Problems had accumulated in hundreds of pages of well-documented reports over 3-4
years. The CFO even paid me a bonus in Jan 2008 for my hard work and contribution!
During the fall of 2008, when I uncovered the computer-system errors in blackouts, I was
so worried, I emailed the CEO directly.
The “Hydraulic Computer Report” which would have itemized line-by-line errors in
massive computer system failures, which could cause the lights to go out, was sabotaged
24 hours after it was notified to the CEO, that such problems exist.
The report was midway.
Computer failures of other exorbitant magnitude have also contributed to the billion
dollars losses and the misforecasting of blackouts. Financial forecasts being incorrect also
impact the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and profit sharing. I was told not to put any
more in writing.
I realize now, that what the Crown Corporation of Manitoba Hydro wants, is just a
“rubber stamp” consultant who will echo the publicity statements.
And I am proud to have been fired, for having the courage to stand up for the truth and
not just “yes” management to cover up such serious problems.
Contrary to the comments from the CEO, if I cared about money, I would have just
“yessed” management to keep my job – but instead, ethics and integrity was more
important. That’s called honesty ... not greed.
And that’s what WhistleBlower Protection laws are for…
Very sincerely,
A very ethical risk consultant in NY
There have been some who think that the notion of bankruptcy and blackouts is
incredulous for a Utility like Hydro.
In response, I would like to point out some facts. Even though Hydro is a Crown
Corporation the word “bailouts” does not interchange with “bankruptcy” unless you are
following the US model of companies like AIG.
To be specific, the risk reports that were sent to the CEO, looked at the numbing $18BN
spend out and proposed new debt, as the Utility embarks on an ambitious spending spree
to which includes sizable export contracts to the US. The multi-year drought analysis on
this “future generation” build, including in-service dates, and contract dates, showed
exposure to the Province of $7BN.
Obviously, this is more than the retained earnings, and under any definition, would wipe
out the entire “solvency” of the Utility.
This $7BN was great cause for concern, and no responsible risk assessment would
include that the public health of the company as being fine. Subsequent consultants hired
to supposedly “look at the problems” were specifically given a scope that not looked at
any of the new generation build out, Conowapa, or bi-pole III!
The risk number of $7BN was also being “withheld” from the PUB. The CFO also agreed
and signed off on the number.
It was being replaced with a rubber-stamp consultant report, who’s analysis blatantly
omitted any look at the bi-pole III and exposure to the Province of the future generation
system. (see Page 21 of the publicly disclosed summary)
It did not include Government “bailouts” as a word to replace “bankruptcy”.
The comments about “blackouts” being impossible are also not based on fact.
To keep the lights on in the Province, Hydro’s computers rely on a complex formulae,
which operates not just the reservoirs like Lake Winnipeg and Cedar Lake, but of course
looks at the import tie-lines from the US, and Hydro’s ability to the run expensive gas
units.
While it may be shocking to learn these problems exist, what was uncovered was there
were “systemic and massive” computer system flaws - with obsolete computers
maintaining the calculations. Massive system errors and inadequate mathematics were
found in the power calculation of “blackouts” or reliability conditions – which could lead
to faulty results in keeping the lights on.
This could be seen as the equivalent of using rotary phones in the age of wifi and
Bluetooth technology.
Manitoba Hydro now operates in US deregulation and the Midwest ISO. The rules of the
game have changed. If it was learned, that the safety methods for keeping the lights on
were programmed only by 1 or 2 persons (with source code and changes known to only
them), on an outdated computer which hasn’t been changed since the 80’s, I think you
too would be worried.
The ICF consultants were told not to look at the computers.
Don’t be took quick to assume the seriousness of the problem. In California ISO, no-one
thought these things were possible – till they happened.
Further, the Province, needs new generation like Wuskwatim, as quickly as possible to
maintain enough energy to meet domestic demands (in other words to keep the lights on).
Beyond 2018 the shortage of generation in the Province is so extreme, that the new bipole
III is in essence a “lifeline” to the Province.
Without it – you can’t stay afloat. That line, is not just a political talking point, it is an
absolute necessity to keep the lights on in the Province. So who cares if it’s built west
side or east side? Without it – the lights cannot stay on in a multi-year Drought. You will
face blackouts. So build it now, and build it quickly.
The risk analysis, shows catastrophic consequence, even from “slight delays” to bi-pole
III going in service. Any setbacks, or any problems, would simply mean there is not
enough generation to meet demand.
Just one delay in having that line come into the service is also of catastrophic risk to the
Province.
In addition, the shortage of generation is so severe, that if the Export Power Marketing
contracts (these US contracts being a huge contributor to Provincial risk and the
bankruptcy problem) aren’t signed, the Province will need to go against its carbonfriendly
mantra and expedite the building of new gas turbines – dirty-old polluting
thermal units – just to keep the lights on. These would have to be scheduled for 2019.
(Say bye-bye to low Rates!)
These are facts. This information was also not being sent to the Public Utilities Board.
The Province will need to build, potentially new gas turbines to keep the lights on and
rates would sky-rocket!
Even in 2011 and 2012 there are resource problems and a multi-year Drought would
threaten keeping the lights on. The same issue the PUB was raising.
Problems had accumulated in hundreds of pages of well-documented reports over 3-4
years. The CFO even paid me a bonus in Jan 2008 for my hard work and contribution!
During the fall of 2008, when I uncovered the computer-system errors in blackouts, I was
so worried, I emailed the CEO directly.
The “Hydraulic Computer Report” which would have itemized line-by-line errors in
massive computer system failures, which could cause the lights to go out, was sabotaged
24 hours after it was notified to the CEO, that such problems exist.
The report was midway.
Computer failures of other exorbitant magnitude have also contributed to the billion
dollars losses and the misforecasting of blackouts. Financial forecasts being incorrect also
impact the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and profit sharing. I was told not to put any
more in writing.
I realize now, that what the Crown Corporation of Manitoba Hydro wants, is just a
“rubber stamp” consultant who will echo the publicity statements.
And I am proud to have been fired, for having the courage to stand up for the truth and
not just “yes” management to cover up such serious problems.
Contrary to the comments from the CEO, if I cared about money, I would have just
“yessed” management to keep my job – but instead, ethics and integrity was more
important. That’s called honesty ... not greed.
And that’s what WhistleBlower Protection laws are for…
Very sincerely,
A very ethical risk consultant in NY
