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The last two games involving the Saints were exciting football, and even fans of the Vikings and Colts would rather the Saints win if it can't be their own teams.
Unfortunately, the wins are slightly tarnished by NFL rules and officiating. In the NFC final, the overtime win was decided by a coin toss and field goal. The Vikings offence never got their hands on the ball, which is fundamentally wrong. Overtime represents a new game and both sides should be entitled to at least one offensive possession, especially in an NFC final.
The second issue is officiating in the Super Bowl. When Manning threw the interception, he moved to tackle Porter. However, Manning was pushed down from behind by a Saints player. This is clipping and should have been a penalty, although the Saints would have kept the ball.
The incident is a reminder of the AFC playoff several years ago when the Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tackled (ironically) the Colts' Nick Harper to save a touchdown and keep the Steelers alive for the Super Bowl. Manning's opportunity to perform a similar feat was negated by the clip, which went uncalled by officials. Perhaps it was the Saints' destiny after experiencing hard times.
On the bright side for the Colts fans, this is sports...there's always another game.
VANOC GETS LESSON FROM VANCOUVER SYMPHONY
You would think that after the fiasco involving the singer at the Summer Olympics in China, Vancouver's Olympic organizing committee might have learned something about opening ceremonies. The entire world remembers how the real singer was replaced by another girl who "mimed" the song. It was all easily avoidable if somebody with some sense on China's organizing committee had understood the downside of pulling such a stunt on the world stage.
It appears that same sense is also lacking on VANOC, which tried to convince the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra to allow other musicians to mime its work during the 2010 winter games opening ceremonies.
Vancouver Symphony conductor Bramwell Tovey turned them down, accurately suggesting the stunt would be "fraudulent." It would, and yet the olympic committee did not grasp this simple issue of performance integrity, despite their "holier than thou" crusades against certain nasal sprays and pizza businesses using the word "olympia"...whoops, can we say that? VANOC's mime charade is a typical case of "do as we say, not as we do", and erodes the credibility of the olympic tradition.
Fortunately there are organizations like Tovey's Vancouver Symphony to remind VANOC of basic olympic values.
CANADA NEEDS A DASH OF WARMTH
Why is Canada's reputation being hammered at the climate talks in Copenhagen?
Because Canada's leader, Stephen Harper has all the subtlety and warmth of a wolverine. Harper is pretty good manager of Canada's economy and he has run probably the least corrupt government in modern Canadian history. *
However, Harper's track record has led to arrogance and that is being picked up by the rest of the world. The U.S. and China are much bigger contributors to green house gases, yet Canada leads in receiving the disparaging daily award of Fossil of the Day.
Canada's climate is much colder than many of the countries pointing an accusing finger, yet we seem to be getting little or no credit for our efforts. We'd like to see how some of those accusers deal with standing on the corner of Winnipeg's famous Portage Ave.and Main St. in the middle of January. We suspect they'd relent on creating a little GHG to warm up.
And by the way, how much energy is being sucked up 24-7 to create that artificial snow hill in Dubai?
Regardless, Canada's reputation is suffering and it's probably because our leader is not personable like U.S. President Barack Obama. Obama comes across as a sincere guy trying his best, whereas Harper is paternalistic and aloof.
Competence is critical but a dash of warmth can go a long way. Because nobody is perfect...not even Stephen Harper.
* (Not withstanding the Colvin affair re: what the Canadian govt knew and when it knew it about prisoner mistreatment in Afghanistan. The Canadian govt's explanations are not credible and Colvin's accusations fit with everything we know about Canadian bureaucracies - "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.")
HEALTH CARE NEEDS ALL THE HELP IT CAN GET
BC's Advanced Education and Labour Market Development Minister Moira Stilwell’s husband is apparently part owner in a private medical centre advocating for more private participation in the public health care system.
The Canadian Medical Association is rightfully advocating for the same thing, and they should know. The present health care system is unsustainable, sucking up half of all tax revenue and growing. It is the primary reason for tax increases like the HST.
Plus, Canadians are paying for surgeries in the U.S. and India rather than investing in development of a stronger health care system in Canada. The prognosis for public health care is not good as long as Canadians treat private health care as a disease and not a cure for our sickly system.
So Minister, what's the hold-up?
NO BRAIN SURGEONS ON HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA
A Toronto neurosurgeon recently said at a conference that Don Cherry's support for fighting and "lack of respect hockey" is a "negative influence" in the game. The neurosurgeon is right, but Don Cherry is not the only "negative influence." In fact, the real problem is CBC's Hockey Night in Canada, including hockey dinosaurs Ron MacLean and Mike Milbury.
Hockey Night in Canada is their vehicle to invade Canadian households every Saturday night and advocate a hockey culture that is undisciplined and a disgrace to professional sport. Fighting is not tolerated in the NFL or CFL where the hitting is equally hard, but where there is significanly more discipline among players, coaches and the league.
Hockey Night in Canada's executive producer defended Don Cherry, but that comes as no surprise. He only reinforces the need for a housecleaning of the entire Hockey Night in Canada crew.
Canadian kids should not be expected to be punch-out artists just to play the game they love. The results can be tragic. Like last year's death of Don Sanderson, a defenceman for the Whitby Dunlops. During a fight Sanderson's helmet came off, both players fell, and Sanderson's head hit the ice. Hockey analysts looked a bit sick on the air at the time, but now Sanderson's name isn't mentioned. It's a new hockey season.
The HIC dinosaurs need their heads examined, but a brain surgeon won't be necessary. They've got Don Cherry.
TORIES ENLIST BLOC AGAINST BC VOTERS
An Ipsos Reid Poll confirms 82% of British Columbians and 74% Ontarians oppose the Harmonized SalesTax, and 90% believe it's a tax grab.
That did not stop Prime MInister Stephen Harper from enlisting the aid of the Bloc Quebecois to support the HST in Parliament. Harper knew the Bloc would be immune from any voter backlash because they don't have MPs in BC or Ontario.
But at what cost? The answer to that question will be revealed in the fullness of time.
The NDP voted against the HST, and the Liberals voted for it. Of course, with the Bloc on board, it didn't matter what the Liberals did, and that will continue with Ignatieff at the helm. All Ignatieff has done is confirm that he doesn't support the wishes of voters in BC and Ontario and he will pay the price during the next federal election....as will Harper's Tories.
Of course, the Bloc have nothing to fear. Coincidence?
CORPORATE MEDIA BLOW SMOKE
The big story last week was Tiger Woods' car accident and his family issues. Some major media feel guilty for sensationalizing a guy's personal problems, so they are printing rationalizations of why Tiger's alleged indiscretions are newsworthy.
Tiger hits a mean golf ball...that's it. He was not cheating at golf, and he's not an elected official with any responsibility for the public trust. If he has personal challenges at home, that's his business. The corporate media blanketed this story because it sold newspapers.
So go ahead and cash in...sell newspapers...not rationalizations.
COVERING UP THE COVER-UP
The BC government knew during the election that personal information of 1,400 income-assistance clients had been compromised, but they did not tell the clients.
The RCMP found the documents in the home of a bureaucrat in April and turned them over to the government in early May. Apparently, no one in the govt thought the matter was urgent enough to contact the clients...in this day and age of widespread identity theft.
In fact, the minister responsible, Ben Stewart, claims he found out just a few weeks ago. But isn't this really just a classic case of credible deniabilty?
The govt withheld the information from the clients and public during the election, followed by a cover-up of the cover-up. Keep the minister out of the loop so he can deny any knowledge.
And then? Well, they hadn't quite figured out that part. Perhaps keep things quiet until the holiday season...when everyone is preoccupied.
The bottom line? Nobody will be held accountable because everyone was a "team player."
"LIARS AND COWARDS" OR CAROLE JAMES AND MOE SIHOTA?
In her speech to delegates at the NDP convention, NDP leader Carole James called the Liberal govt liars and cowards for announcing the HST after the election, springing a surprise deficit, and slashing grants.
On the other hand, James supported Moe Sihota for party President at the convention. Sihota was a key strategist, cabinet minister, and policy maker in former Premier Glen Clark's government. They ran BC into the ground economically, bungled their way through the fast ferry fiasco and NCHS bingo scandal, and virtually wiped out their elected representatives in the 2001 election, except for two.
In a nutshell, Moe Sihota was a significant player in the worst government in recent memory. This is the guidance and leadership Carole James is supporting? It's no wonder delegates also supported a review of Carole's leadership at future conventions.
Liars and cowards or Carole James and Moe Sihota...we'll get back to you.
BLOC WILL FORCE HST ON BC AND ONTARIO
The BLOC Quebecois announced today they will support the HST bill which will be introduced next week by Harper's Tory government. This gives Prime Minister Stephen Harper sufficient votes to pass the bill, and makes Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff's decision irrelevant.
Quebec already has a harmonized sales tax called the QST, and there are no Bloc MP's in Ontario or BC, so they are not at risk from irate voters.
This is clearly a backroom deal and the Bloc's political support for Harper will have an unknown cost paid by all Canadians. Also, voters in British Columbia and Ontario will be ticked knowing Quebec MP's made the decision to implement the HST in their provinces...with a backroom incentive from Harper's govt.
Does this open the door for BC and Ontario voters to impose their will on Quebec's provincial matters? The BLOC should abstain from this vote and defer to parties with MP's elected from BC and Ontario. Otherwise the BLOC is opening a big political can of worms.
IGNATIEFF DECIDES HST IN BC AND ONTARIO
Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff will decide next week whether the HST in BC and Ontario moves forward. Prime Minister Stephen Harper's govt will introduce a bill that confirms the provinces' right to harmonize the sales taxes.
The NDP and Bloc have already said they will vote against the bill, leaving Ignatieff's Liberals with the deciding votes. Ignatieff could become a hero to voters if he defeats the bill...or a bigger goat than he is now if he supports it. His political future is in his own hands.
So far, he has shown few political smarts. Let him know what you think. Email Ignatieff at IgnatM@parl.gc.ca.
PROTESTERS USE HOMELESS FOR ANTI-OLYMPICS AGENDA
The BC govt recently passed legislation enabling police to take homeless people to shelters during extreme weather. However,Vancouver protesters are calling it the "Olympic Kidnapping Act," claiming it's really intended clear the sidewalks of Vancouver's downtown east side during the Olympics.
This claim is just another anti-Olympics protest using the homeless to further their agenda. The homeless are often victims of mental health issues and /or drug dependencies. In other words they are vulnerable and not always capable of making decisions in their own best interests.
The legislation is long overdue, and will save lives. It will be greatly appreciated by the families of the homeless, if not by the self-serving protesters.
ADD SECURITY BREACH TO HST AND DEFICIT
The BC government knew during the election that personal information of 1,400 income-assistance clients had been compromised, but they did not tell the clients.
The RCMP found the documents in the home of a bureaucrat in April and turned them over to the government in early May. Apparenly, no one in the govt thought the matter was urgent enough to contact the clients...in this day and age of widespread identity theft.
In fact, the minister responsible, Ben Stewart, claims he found out just two weeks ago.
So since the election, BC govt ministers have discovered a massive $2.8 billion deficit, a necessity for the HST, and a security breach involving the personal information of hundreds of British Columbians.
Incredible? Or more in-"credible deniability?"
HST ERODES TORY AND LIBERAL SUPPORT
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and BC's Premier Gordon Campbell appear to be continuing to lose support due to their introduction of the Harmonized Sales Tax. Harper's Conservatives have dropped three points to 37 per cent, while the NDP gained six points to 19 per cent, according to a recent Ipsos Reid poll.
In BC, a recent Angus Reid poll shows the NDP have 47 per cent support compared with 33 per cent for the Liberal govt. A common thread appears to be the HST. The federal and provincial NDP have both strongly opposed the HST, initiated by the federal Tories and BC Liberals.
Michael Ignatieff's federal Liberals also support the HST and they lost a point, dropping from 25 per cent to 24 per cent.
Ontario's Liberal government is concerned about the loss of voter support over their introduction of the HST, and recently exempted fast food and coffee under $4 to please the patrons of cafes, as well as small business owners.
The BC government announced an increase to their HST rebate on new housing, in response to strong protests from the development and real estate sector.
The polls were taken before these changes in HST policy, so their impact have yet to be determined. However, the Ontario and BC Liberals are starting to figure out they have been hurt badly by the HST.
Harper and Ignatieff still don't get it.
And the NDP are smiling all the way to the polls.
FIFA THE PROBLEM, NOT HENRY
International soccer fans and media have protested Thierry Henry's handball creating a scoring opportunity for France and knocking Ireland out of World Cup qualification. Some say Henry should have 'fessed up. Others say the match should be replayed.
First, it is not the player's reponsibility to call the game, nor should it be. That's why there are officials on the field.
Second, replaying the game would be an admission the existing system of officiating is inadequate in today's game. And that is the real issue. FIFA has ignored calls to use a video replay and Ireland has suffered greatly for this decision.
Tennis, North American football, and hockey all recognize the importance of getting it right by using the video replay. It's critical for the players, fans, and credibility of the sport.
Professional baseball and soccer continue to depend solely on officials. During the World Series, a pitcher threw very similar pitches in two games. In the first game, the ump called strikes. In the second game, a different ump called balls. That situation undermines the credibility of the sport and the championship.
It's time to focus on the problem, and it's not Henry nor the issue of "cheating." It is FIFA with its head in the sand, unable to see the benefits of using technology to ensure officials get it right the first time.
PITTSBURGH PENGUIN FANS LOVE GARY BETTMAN
In a recent Macleans Magazine interview, NHL Commisioner Gary Bettman says, "I was booed presenting the Stanley Cup in Detroit to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Had I been presenting it in Pittsburgh I probably wouldn’t have been booed."
You have to laugh out loud at the sheer audacity of his spin on being booed in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final. He goes on to deny showing preferential treatment rescuing the bankrupt Phoenix franchise, after the NHL bailed on Winnipeg and Quebec City.
Bettman also denies a rift with former Phoenix coach Wayne Gretzky regarding his financial claim against Phoenix, presently owned by the NHL. He says there are no issues with the Great Gretzky, "Other than the fact we haven’t offered to make a payment right now—on something that really isn’t our obligation..."
That's right....and they love Gary in Pittsburgh.
ONTARIO ROLLS BACK HST ON SNACKS
Ontario has announced additional HST exemptions for fast food and beverages costing $4 or less, and newspapers. However, the 5% GST will still apply. Still, it's a concession to consumers and small businesses not being offered by the BC government.
In addition, Ontario is giving a one-time grant of $1,000 to eligible families. The BC govt is offering families little except higher taxes, cuts in grants for school programs, and less medical care.
One BC patient reports three visits to the hospital in three weeks to deal with catheter issues while waiting for his prostate surgery. Somehow, postponing surgeries, but paying for multiple visits to the hospital, is supposed to save the govt money.
Of course, the surgery fund is separate from the almost $2 million allocated for private suites, tickets, receptions, and general partying for govt officials, their friends and insiders during the Olympics.
Will BC follow Ontario's lead and drop the tax on a donut and coffee? Unlikely, but stay tuned....hope springs eternal.
HARPER TORIES LOOK LIKE CAMPBELL LIBERALS TO BC VOTERS
The BC Liberal government lost the support of the public over the HST, but more importantly, the Liberals have also lost the support of small business people. Entrepreneurs running small cafes, retail stores, restaurants, providing goods and services at the street level have little good to say about Gordon Campbell's Liberals and their deceptive implementation of the HST.
The large resource and manufacturing companies that support the HST may represent campaign money, but not votes. Without support from small business, the Liberals are in serious trouble. But they have more than three years to gain back that support.
On the other hand, Stephen Harper's minority Conservative govt doesn't have that time. Harper's candidate was hammered on Monday by the NDP's Finn Donnelly in the by-election riding of New Westminster-Coquitlam. A national election is coming soon, probably when the HST bill is introduced...perhaps in spring taking advantage of the euphoria of the Olympics.
Harper has 22 seats in BC and he will be hard-pressed not to lose a number of them over the HST. Ignatieff's Liberals are in the same boat as Harper considering their support for the HST.
Only the NDP and Green Party have come out opposing the HST cash grab dropped on an unsuspecting BC public. Harper needs the small business vote and he won't get it, just as he didn't get it in the by-election. Ignatieff won't get it either, unless he smartens up and figures out which side his bread is buttered on.
The NDP will likely take a whack of seats when the small business community decides to stay home on voting day. Or...the beneficiaries may be Green Party candidates, like Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader running in the riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands.
The Green Party has taken a sensible position on the HST and there may be enough "green" voters combined with disenchanted small business people to elect the first Green Party candidate to Parliament.
Why not? It's not like Stephen Harper's govt has done BC voters any favours by doing the HST deal with Gordon Campbell behind closed doors. Despite their denials, Campbell and BC Finance Minister Hansen knew, Harper and federal Finance Minister Flaherty knew, and they kept quiet through the BC election.
Hell hath no fury like BC voters scorned.
TORIES THUMPED ON HST IN BY-ELECTION
Stephen Harper's Conservatives were thumped on the HST issue in the by-election riding of New Westminster-Coquitlam.
Campaigning on an anti-HST platform, the NDP's Fin Donnelly captured more than 50 per cent of the vote over Tory candidate Diana Dilworth. Donnelly said he spoke to thousands of voters since the summer and their biggest concern is the HST.
It's a signal British Columbians don't believe Harper's line that the HST is soley the decision of the BC Liberal government.
There are indications Harper is avoiding introduction of the HST bill fearing it will become the focus of the election in both Ontario and British Columbia. This latest by-election result is more evidence for those concerns.
QUICKEST VACCINATION PROGRAM FOR PHYSICALLY FIT
The eyesight of Canadians may be failing, because what they are seeing isn't happening.
Dr. David Butler Jones, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada says, in a full colour Globe and Mail ad (at what cost?) that the H1N1 flu vaccination progam is the "largest and quickest mass immunization campaign in Canadian history."
The fact that you are seeing 4 - 5 hour line-ups created by a bottleneck delivery system is not happening. Do not be concerned that the vaccine is trickling in and that most vaccinations will be available after the flu's peak. This is the "quickest" immunization in history. An immunization using a small number of govt health clinics rather than the countless medical walk-in clinics across the country.
Never mind that this highly-controlled govt delivery system is ensuring NHL hockey teams and Olympic torch bearers are getting vaccinated well ahead of those most in need.
Perhaps Dr. Butler Jones meant to say it is the largest and quickest mass immunization campaign for the most physically fit in Canadian history.
Regardless, take the word of Canada's Chief Public Health Officer. Those bottlenecks and line-ups aren't happening. Better get your eyes checked.
GOVT SPENDING IRRESPONSIBLE, OUT OF CONTROL
Nov, 2009 - The bad news just keeps coming. A report released today says BC Ferries CEO David Hahn's $1 million annual salary is more than double his peers in the public sector. In addition, the ferry corporation's directors pay themselves retainers that are five times higher than comparable levels at Crown corporations.
Plus, a report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reveals BC municipalities' spending is out of control, increasing by 44%, while population and inflation grew by only 25%. One hundred and twenty nine out of 153 municipalities spent beyond their means.
Both reports are indicators that the BC government's policy of self-determination in the form of independent community charters for municipalities is an abject failure, resulting in uncontrollable costs to taxpayers.
The BC Ferries debacle highlights the gold-plated compensation offered employees of the provincial govt, including Crown corporations.
The BC govt's deficit this year is $2.8 billion, and the debt is $34 billion , $4 billion higher than under the NDP when they were booted from office in 2001 for fiscal incompetence. Despite a decade of a strong economy in North America, the Liberal govt did nothing to pay down the debt, and actually increased it.
In light of these reports, the reason becomes obvious - misguided policies and administrative mismanagement by BC's elected representatives.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FOR THE PEOPLE WORKING FOR YOU
Nov, 2009 - Apart from earning wages significantly exceeding the wages of average working stiffs in the private sector, you can look forward to the following benefits should you decide to join BC's privileged class in the govt - the people working for YOU!
The question is why would anyone retire? And if they did, how would they know?
Overview of Benefits for Regular Employees, Legislative Assembly of B.C.
• Vacation - regular employees receive 140 hours vacation to start. • Statutory holidays - gives you the equivalent of 11 days (77 hours) off each year to recognize special days. • Special leaves - allows you to take time away from work for urgent personal matters including bereavement leave, household emergency or care for a sick child. • Maternity, Parental and Pre-Adoption Leave - pays you an allowance when you are caring for your newborn or preparing for an adoption. • Sick Leave - covers your pay when you’re ill and unable to work. • Long Term Disability - pays a substantial portion of your salary when you’ve been ill or injured for an extended time. • Medical Services Plan – covers your family’s BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) costs. • Fitness Incentive – 75% reimbursement of fitness membership or classes fees, up to a maximum of $250 per annum per employee. • Extended Health – pays a significant portion of your family’s healthcare costs not covered by MSP such as prescriptions, eye care etc. • Dental – pays a significant portion of your family’s dental care. • Employee & Family Assistance – counseling services to help you and your family when the need arises. • Life Insurance – personal life insurance equal to three times your annual salary. • Spouse and Dependent Insurance – optional life coverage for your family members. • Workers’ Compensation – provides replacement income and covers health care costs when you’ve had an accident or injury at work. • Employment Insurance- provides replacement income for the birth or adoption of a child, or an illness or injury that doesn’t qualify for sick pay. • Public Service Pension – income for when you retire. • Canada Pension – income for when you retire or if you become disabled. • Employee Recognition – recognizes employee ideas and initiatives that improve operations or service. • Environment Committee – a staff committee meets regularly and actively assesses opportunities to improve practices and play an active role in the greening of our workplace and to practice stewardship both at home and work. • Safety Committee – a staff committee meets monthly to ensure that occupational and health initiatives and programs are effective in every worksite. • Training and development - our staff stays current with emerging practices, trends and technology by branch or corporate sponsored training across a wide range of topics.
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