I can't believe that nobody has thought of this. If any of the leaders announced this tonight, they'd win in a landslide (well maybe not Harper as he can't be trusted). All they'd have to say is "A government led by me, will sort out Air Canada once and for all". Let's face it, we've all been screwed over by these chumps. Nobody can figure out their ticket price structure. The snacks are poor. There's no hope that you can call through to their customer service department within 30 minutes. Charges for a second bag. A general lack of information at the airport. I once checked the box and bought a food voucher on-line for a flight only to be informed on the plane that they didn't serve food as the journey was too short. Unnanounced gate changes and the Big Daddy of them all - "I'm sorry, but we don't have a seat for you on the plane". This is the message Fran received a little over an hour ago as she returns from 2 weeks in Ontario.
What do you mean no seat? Unless somebody vomited all over one and it's been taken out and cannot be replaced, there's got to be a seat. You sold me one. Can you count? "But, its been overbooked". You are all tapping keys on a computer, surely it can keep track of the number of seats and the number of people wanting seats. It should be a relatively simple process to say "whoa, that's it, we are full". But no, in Air Canada's logic model, it says some peope will probably miss their flight due to delays elsewhere, so why not take a chance and let a few more slide in. Didn't it used to be the other way around and people could buy stand-by tickets with the hope of some poor bugger getting stuck in Thunder Bay.
Air Canada - what a joke.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
A Wedding and a Funeral
Well, try as I might, there was no escaping today's Royal wedding. Let me say that I am not a monarchist. I wouldn't say that I'm completely anti-monarchy as I feel there may be some tourist value in keeping them around. My feelings are probably in line with those expressed by a punter on the CBC web-site - "Just get married and go away".
I did not get up early to watch the event, nor did I go on-line later to try and re-live the moment. In fact, when the CBC radio news turned its attention to the bride's dress and the stitching which apparently was of Irish origin, I quickly turned it off. Nevertheless, it was impossible to go on-line today without being bombarded with photos of the happy couple or turn on the radio to hear the nuptuals all over again. Listening to the bishop who performed the ceremony it was easy to imagine oneself being in that same place 400 years ago. The ongoing power struggle between church and the monarchy visilble for all to see. Enough said about the Royal wedding.
As for the funeral bit, there wasn't one. I did, however, find that some sparrow had croaked on the deck. How inconsiderate. As I was just about to go to work and was leaving the dog outside for the day, I simply kicked him off. It was a temporary measure. When I came home later, I beat the flies away, dug a shallow hole, popped him in and covered it up.
Kooper and I returned to Killarney Lake today although I was cautious with my chosen route. I did put Kooper on his leash when we passed the spot where I had seen the deer flesh two days earlier and I was pleased to note that only some deer hair remained. Strangely, the upper section of the deer's teeth had now appeared. I swiftly kicked those into the woods and out of harm's way. The speed with which the deer is dispersing is surprisingly quick, but nothing compared to in Africa where an impala can literally be here today, dead tonight, gone tomorrow.
I did not get up early to watch the event, nor did I go on-line later to try and re-live the moment. In fact, when the CBC radio news turned its attention to the bride's dress and the stitching which apparently was of Irish origin, I quickly turned it off. Nevertheless, it was impossible to go on-line today without being bombarded with photos of the happy couple or turn on the radio to hear the nuptuals all over again. Listening to the bishop who performed the ceremony it was easy to imagine oneself being in that same place 400 years ago. The ongoing power struggle between church and the monarchy visilble for all to see. Enough said about the Royal wedding.
As for the funeral bit, there wasn't one. I did, however, find that some sparrow had croaked on the deck. How inconsiderate. As I was just about to go to work and was leaving the dog outside for the day, I simply kicked him off. It was a temporary measure. When I came home later, I beat the flies away, dug a shallow hole, popped him in and covered it up.
Kooper and I returned to Killarney Lake today although I was cautious with my chosen route. I did put Kooper on his leash when we passed the spot where I had seen the deer flesh two days earlier and I was pleased to note that only some deer hair remained. Strangely, the upper section of the deer's teeth had now appeared. I swiftly kicked those into the woods and out of harm's way. The speed with which the deer is dispersing is surprisingly quick, but nothing compared to in Africa where an impala can literally be here today, dead tonight, gone tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Randy McKeen, My Liberal Party Candidate
I finally got something in my mail box from my Liberal candidate. Better late than never. I still haven't seen anything from the NDP of the Green Party. Let's see what Randy has to say.
A very nice introduction to Randy and his family. A bit about his background and that he will stand up for me (and the other little people I presume). He believes government can do good and that we deserve more from our politicians. Yes we do Randy, I'm with you there.
Now Randy goes a little outside the scope of this election campaign and starts to talk about Policy. He describes what the Liberals will do for Family and Health Care, Stronger Pensions, the Passport for Learning, Energy and Rural Canada. There's nothing in here that you can't feel good about.
What a concept. A would be politician talking about what they would do if elected. If only leader Michael Ignatieff had done more of this he might not be running in 3rd.
On the back page, there is voting information. Along with that an invitation to join Randy's team of volunteers or show your support by putting up a lawn sign. He'll even arrange a drive to the polls if I need one. Finally, I'm invited drop by the office and share my thoughts. Keith Ashfield (Conservative) didn't invite me to stop by or share my thoughts, but then again, the Tory's claim Real Leadership. I guess they don't need any input. Advantage Liberals.
Now, come on NDP and Greens, there's only 4 more days to make your case.
A very nice introduction to Randy and his family. A bit about his background and that he will stand up for me (and the other little people I presume). He believes government can do good and that we deserve more from our politicians. Yes we do Randy, I'm with you there.
Now Randy goes a little outside the scope of this election campaign and starts to talk about Policy. He describes what the Liberals will do for Family and Health Care, Stronger Pensions, the Passport for Learning, Energy and Rural Canada. There's nothing in here that you can't feel good about.
What a concept. A would be politician talking about what they would do if elected. If only leader Michael Ignatieff had done more of this he might not be running in 3rd.
On the back page, there is voting information. Along with that an invitation to join Randy's team of volunteers or show your support by putting up a lawn sign. He'll even arrange a drive to the polls if I need one. Finally, I'm invited drop by the office and share my thoughts. Keith Ashfield (Conservative) didn't invite me to stop by or share my thoughts, but then again, the Tory's claim Real Leadership. I guess they don't need any input. Advantage Liberals.
Now, come on NDP and Greens, there's only 4 more days to make your case.
Maybe I will keep my dog on a leash....
Tonight, as last night, I took Kooper to Killarney Lake for his walk. As I did yesterday and every other time I go there, I ignored the two large yellow signs at the entrance warning me that the fine for not having my dog on the leash is $50. I continued on my way, past the smaller blue signs nailed to trees every 50m or so to remind me of my duty to tether my dog. I find that after you ignore the first few, it just gets easier.
We took a trail away from the lake and then another left onto a more remote trail where we had seen what I think was a coyote a few days earlier (it didn't stick around to introduce itself). Kooper seemed keen to go and sniff around the area where it had been spotted and trotted off into the woods. I noticed that he was just standing in the same spot looking down at the ground. 'Odd', I thought. He didn't seem to want to move on and so I decided to investigate. There on the ground was the foreleg of a deer. The lower part was complete with hoof, hide and flesh, the upper leg - not so much.
I suggested to Kooper in the nicest possible way that he proceed out of the woods and back onto the trail without delay. He wasn't all that keen and actually growled and snapped in my general direction. Well, if I was going to have to take the jacket off and fight the dog for the deer leg, then so be it.... there comes a time in every man's life when he must stand up and fight for what is right. It didn't come to that. Kooper realised I meant business and reluctantly moved cagily away from the leg.
We continued on our walk and rounded the next corner where I noticed a 30 cm square piece of deer skin with bits of flesh attached. It wasn't pretty. I did not want to have to wrestle the dog for it and so I decided to comply with the City's beleaguured by-law and leash Kooper up before he noticed it. Somewhere in those woods is a deer carcus. I think I'll let nature clean things up a little before I take him back. I do not want a repeat of last night, the effects of which are still clearly evident to anyone within about 10 feet.
We took a trail away from the lake and then another left onto a more remote trail where we had seen what I think was a coyote a few days earlier (it didn't stick around to introduce itself). Kooper seemed keen to go and sniff around the area where it had been spotted and trotted off into the woods. I noticed that he was just standing in the same spot looking down at the ground. 'Odd', I thought. He didn't seem to want to move on and so I decided to investigate. There on the ground was the foreleg of a deer. The lower part was complete with hoof, hide and flesh, the upper leg - not so much.
I suggested to Kooper in the nicest possible way that he proceed out of the woods and back onto the trail without delay. He wasn't all that keen and actually growled and snapped in my general direction. Well, if I was going to have to take the jacket off and fight the dog for the deer leg, then so be it.... there comes a time in every man's life when he must stand up and fight for what is right. It didn't come to that. Kooper realised I meant business and reluctantly moved cagily away from the leg.
We continued on our walk and rounded the next corner where I noticed a 30 cm square piece of deer skin with bits of flesh attached. It wasn't pretty. I did not want to have to wrestle the dog for it and so I decided to comply with the City's beleaguured by-law and leash Kooper up before he noticed it. Somewhere in those woods is a deer carcus. I think I'll let nature clean things up a little before I take him back. I do not want a repeat of last night, the effects of which are still clearly evident to anyone within about 10 feet.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Fredericton Drivers
This will not be my last post on the general inadequacies of many Fredericton drivers. For the third time in as many days someone has simply stopped in the middle of the road in front of me. It's like they just lost track of where they were and had been planning to go. What do you do? You don't want to overtake as most local drivers don't indicate anyway and the car in front may simply be making a traditional Fredericton gradual right or left turn. You don't want to startle them (wake them) by sounding the horn. It's a mystery. Any advice would be welcome.
Old Dog, New Tricks
O.K. so our dog Kooper is only 4, but he's experienced. Tonight I took him for a walk at Killarney Lake and he did something he has never done before. Our last Golden Retriever (Simba - best dog ever) was a regular participant in this activity, but I didn't think Kooper had the gene for it. He's had loads of opportunities before tonight, but has been disinterested, as he generally is with anything other than snowballs, sticks and water. But tonight, for whatever reason, he sniffed, dipped the shoulder and went for it. A few seconds and a few "Oi, get out of that!" later and there he was sporting a new scent of 'more than a hint of something stinky'.
I don't know why he suddenly decided to do that. I'm not sure if it was the two rabbits we had just spotted and the thought of chasing them through the woods disguised as a moose turd or what. I tried the usual of getting him into some water and see if it goes away, but that never works. I gave him a bath as soon as we got home, but I didn't do a very good job as he is now lying at my feet emitting equal amounts of dog shampoo smell and something raunchy while he cleans his privates. What a dog.
I don't know why he suddenly decided to do that. I'm not sure if it was the two rabbits we had just spotted and the thought of chasing them through the woods disguised as a moose turd or what. I tried the usual of getting him into some water and see if it goes away, but that never works. I gave him a bath as soon as we got home, but I didn't do a very good job as he is now lying at my feet emitting equal amounts of dog shampoo smell and something raunchy while he cleans his privates. What a dog.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
I don't mean to be critical, but: Canada's Top 5 Selling Wines
I don't mean to be critical, but: Canada's Top 5 Selling Wines: "Ignatieff Merlot A new variety of a traditional Canadian favourite. The grapes are grown in Canada’s Ontario heartland and can be found in..."
Canada's Top 5 Selling Wines
Ignatieff Merlot
A new variety of a traditional Canadian favourite. The grapes are grown in Canada’s Ontario heartland and can be found in most regions, although not so popular in the west. This appeals to diverse tastes with hints of blueberry, blackberry, redberry and a sniff of cinnamon. This Merlot is influenced by European and US wine makers which many find enlightening, yet some mistrust. It goes well with most meats, poultry and dairy.
Tory Harper’s Pinot Noir
A solid and traditional wine from the Fraser Valley. With its earthy tones and robust flavours it finds a home on many local tables. A suggestion of cherries and plums with a peppery aftertaste, this wine has experienced growing popularity in Western Canada, rural Canada and pockets of Eastern Canada. It seems to be a wine you either love or hate. It goes best with a large Alberta steak and a side of French fries. Unfortunately, this variety is only available in a ‘majority pack’ which is 7 or more bottles.
Jack’s Chardonnay
While this Chardonnay has been around for many years, it is only now becoming popular nationwide. Made in Nova Scotia, its light citrus and melon undertones make it very drinkable. It has great appeal to young drinkers. This label has seen massive growth in some regions of Quebec, but finds it hard to break into traditional markets that are dominated by the Tory Harper and Ignatieff Merlot. Critics state that while the wine has a good bouquet and fruity flavour, it may not be so good the morning after. Best served in social settings as a house white accompanied by Lays Traditional or Cheetos.
Gilles’ Vignoble du Marathonien
Only available in Quebec, this ice wine is a long standing favourite of Les Quebecois. If anything says “Je suis un Quebecois” it is the veritable Vignoble du Marathonien. Sweet to the palate, this is best accompanied by fromage, jambon et poutine. Critics ask why this brand is advertised nationally, yet only available in Quebec.
Green Party Cabinet Sauvignon
A relatively new wine produced in Vancouver Island. It appeals to a broad cross-section of the population. Strong earthy flavour strengthened by a smattering of wildberries, wild oats and oak flavours. For many drinkers it is their preferred choice, although sales generally disappoint as consumers select more established brands – just to be safe. This drink goes well with Portobello mushrooms, flax bread and granola.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Saturday April 23, 2011
Another fine day - so far. Up early, take the dog for a good walk, back just in time for soccer on tv, onto the bike for 50kms and back to see the rest of the footy results coming in then off to do groceries.
The bike ride was typical for this time of year - cool and windy. It is so much more interesting to bike outdoors than on a stationary bike at the YMCA. For example, there are stretches of road where there are so many potholes that if I was leading a group and pointing them out, I would have to ride no handed.
Next, I came across a double road kill. Either a red fox was chasing a beaver across the highway and both were taken out simultaneously, or the beaver got nailed and later the fox was enjoying a free snack when along came another vehicle. It shall always be a mystery.
Most drivers in the area were great today. They were patient and gave me plenty of room. Special thanks to the guy carrying the windows that protruded about half a meter out the passenger side of his truck - that would have 'come keen'. Why though, do some drivers decide to give cyclists a blast of the horn when passing? It's not helpful. If you want to sound your horn as a warning, do it when you are still 50-75m behind. If you wait until you are beside me and then have to stop for traffic lights or roadworks in the next half a kilometre, you might get some sticky gatorade squirted on your winshield.
It was easy to know that it is early spring. There were so many trucks on the road carrying lumber, soil and other 'project' material.
As I was cursing another long stretch into the wind, I passed a woman cycling with a bike-baby carriage in tow. That thing must have felt like pulling an anchor. My hat goes off to her.
The bike ride was typical for this time of year - cool and windy. It is so much more interesting to bike outdoors than on a stationary bike at the YMCA. For example, there are stretches of road where there are so many potholes that if I was leading a group and pointing them out, I would have to ride no handed.
Next, I came across a double road kill. Either a red fox was chasing a beaver across the highway and both were taken out simultaneously, or the beaver got nailed and later the fox was enjoying a free snack when along came another vehicle. It shall always be a mystery.
Most drivers in the area were great today. They were patient and gave me plenty of room. Special thanks to the guy carrying the windows that protruded about half a meter out the passenger side of his truck - that would have 'come keen'. Why though, do some drivers decide to give cyclists a blast of the horn when passing? It's not helpful. If you want to sound your horn as a warning, do it when you are still 50-75m behind. If you wait until you are beside me and then have to stop for traffic lights or roadworks in the next half a kilometre, you might get some sticky gatorade squirted on your winshield.
It was easy to know that it is early spring. There were so many trucks on the road carrying lumber, soil and other 'project' material.
As I was cursing another long stretch into the wind, I passed a woman cycling with a bike-baby carriage in tow. That thing must have felt like pulling an anchor. My hat goes off to her.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Keith Ashfield - Conservative Candidate for Fredericton
I just picked up our mail and was very pleased to receive a brochure from our incumbent member of parliament Keith Ashfield who is standing for re-election on May 2nd. Right the Keith, why should I vote for you?
"Real leadership is needed" Please define and tell me why you are it.
"This is not an ordinary election. Our economy is recovering from the worst recession in decades, but the recovery is till fragile and vunerable to things beyond our control" O.K. granted. I'll give you that one. But, why should I vote for you and not one of the other guys? What are you going to do Keith?
"Under Conservative leadership, Canada is stronger now, both at home and abroad. Our stature and respect in the world have been restored, and our pride as a nation renewed." What? I din't realise everyone had hated us. I know that we failed to win that seat on the Security Council , but that only happened recently. Was that a sign of our growing stature in the world? Oh, you must be referring to our stand on environmental issues, wait, no that's not it. Ahh, the G8 and G20 summits! That's it, where we spent all that money and beat up those protestors. Yes, that's it, now I'm with you.
Then we have a list of 24 projects funded by the Feds in this riding and other local Conservative ridings to the tune of almost $35million. Some of these projects are a bit dubious. Why did we give the Maugerville United Baptist Church $50,000 or UNB $100,000 for CIS hockey nationals? To be fair though, most of the funding seems to be normal government handouts - $7.9 million to UNB's new Human Performance Lab and $4million to build a ne Community College. But guess what Keith, first of all that's our money, not the Conservatives, and second, anybody can give money away. You don't need "Real Leadership" to do that. Hey, give me a few million and see if I can pick some good projects out of a hat.
"Re-elect Keith Ashfield" Come on Keith, you are going to have to come up with something better than that.
Now when are my Liberal and NDP candiates going to leave me something?
"Real leadership is needed" Please define and tell me why you are it.
"This is not an ordinary election. Our economy is recovering from the worst recession in decades, but the recovery is till fragile and vunerable to things beyond our control" O.K. granted. I'll give you that one. But, why should I vote for you and not one of the other guys? What are you going to do Keith?
"Under Conservative leadership, Canada is stronger now, both at home and abroad. Our stature and respect in the world have been restored, and our pride as a nation renewed." What? I din't realise everyone had hated us. I know that we failed to win that seat on the Security Council , but that only happened recently. Was that a sign of our growing stature in the world? Oh, you must be referring to our stand on environmental issues, wait, no that's not it. Ahh, the G8 and G20 summits! That's it, where we spent all that money and beat up those protestors. Yes, that's it, now I'm with you.
Then we have a list of 24 projects funded by the Feds in this riding and other local Conservative ridings to the tune of almost $35million. Some of these projects are a bit dubious. Why did we give the Maugerville United Baptist Church $50,000 or UNB $100,000 for CIS hockey nationals? To be fair though, most of the funding seems to be normal government handouts - $7.9 million to UNB's new Human Performance Lab and $4million to build a ne Community College. But guess what Keith, first of all that's our money, not the Conservatives, and second, anybody can give money away. You don't need "Real Leadership" to do that. Hey, give me a few million and see if I can pick some good projects out of a hat.
"Re-elect Keith Ashfield" Come on Keith, you are going to have to come up with something better than that.
Now when are my Liberal and NDP candiates going to leave me something?
Very Good Friday
This is my first post and I've decided not to be critical at all. So far it's been a very good Friday. As it is a holiday, I should have been able to sleep in, but I did not turn off the weekday alarm so the day could have started off better, but no complaints.
I took our dog - Kooper - to the provincial park and we casually strolled around all 18 holes of the golf course. We made sure to stay off the greens and keep to the cart paths as much as possible. I will admit that Kooper did walk through a couple of sand traps, but they should be fine by the time the course opens in a few weeks.
It was a bright and sunny spring day and the birds were singing. I did spot a couple of woodpeckers, but nothing unusual. We also saw lots of evidence of deer, but they did not have the common decency to show themselves. Kooper did find deer scat a tasty treat for a hungry dog and I had to put a stop to it. Other than that, he was on his best behaviour. He even did as he was taught and deposited a pile in the woods. Word to the wise though, if you hit your ball short and left on the 11th, watch your step.
I shall now prepare for a lengthy bike ride this afternoon.
I took our dog - Kooper - to the provincial park and we casually strolled around all 18 holes of the golf course. We made sure to stay off the greens and keep to the cart paths as much as possible. I will admit that Kooper did walk through a couple of sand traps, but they should be fine by the time the course opens in a few weeks.
It was a bright and sunny spring day and the birds were singing. I did spot a couple of woodpeckers, but nothing unusual. We also saw lots of evidence of deer, but they did not have the common decency to show themselves. Kooper did find deer scat a tasty treat for a hungry dog and I had to put a stop to it. Other than that, he was on his best behaviour. He even did as he was taught and deposited a pile in the woods. Word to the wise though, if you hit your ball short and left on the 11th, watch your step.
I shall now prepare for a lengthy bike ride this afternoon.
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