Analysis by the Canadian Press shows that the three of the top four Canadian charities that received the most foreign funding were Care Canada, World Vision Canada and the Canadian UNICEF Committee, all known for helping starving children, many in war torn areas. Many of these children were victims of
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THE FIFTH COLUMN: CN Cycle for CHEO 2012: Forgetting and Remembering the Hills
I described last years CN Cycle for CHEO as the best yet but I’m not sure how to describe this years. It started out cool and I dressed for it but didn’t think of removing layers as it warmed up. I maintained almost the same pace as last year at
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: South March Highlands Mountain Bikers – Unlikely Trail Heroes
Unlikely, because more often than not the stereotypical view of mountain bikers is more likely to be as trail villains rather than trail heroes. First, we have the well meaning but uninformed view of many who call themselves environmentalists that mountain biking damages trails, when the vast majority of the
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Reflections
This has probably been the longest I have gone between blog posts, despite my best intentions, but as I said I have not abandoned you. I have simply been busy with other things mostly related to mapping and biking and the South Match Highlands struggle. But I have also been
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: I Have Not Abandoned You
Well it may look like I have abandoned my New Years Resolution to maintain more consistent blogging I have not abandoned you. I have just been side tracked by other matters, including some home renovation issues, computer problems and even some mapping projects. But I have been thinking about blog
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Facebook is NOT The Internet – The Internet IS The (Social) Network
In the beginning there were BBSs (Bulletin Board Systems). In a foreshadowing of things to come, almost immediately following the invention of the Personal Computer (PC) they became communications devices as BBS systems were set up for hobbyists to use to share information and home-written programs. At this time PC
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Vale Wins 2012 Public Eye People’s Award for Worst Company of the Year
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Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: The Truth About The Kanata Lakes 60% Plus Agreement
So, what of the so-called 40% agreement to protect environmental lands in the Kanata Lakes development in the South March Highlands. Is it really a myth. Apparently so. The more I examine and analysis the facts and reality around that so-called agreement the more I realize it was just spin.
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Winter Bike Final Modifications & Mid Season Review
When I first bought my new winter bike in October I wrote “It’s a bit small for me, but was about the largest they had in stock and with some adjustments to the handlebar and seat height I have it set up about the same as my mountain bike, which
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: There’s An App For That
I just discovered a wonderful app I have on my phone. This app allows you to make and check appointments. It has a really simple interface – you just dial the number of the place you want to check, or make, an appointment at and a very human like voice
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Help Save the South March Highlands by Voting it One of Canada’s Great Places
The Fifth Column has written many times about the most biodiverse natural area in Ottawa adjacent to urban Kanata and threatened by urban sprawl and development. Now is your chance to help save the South March Highlands by raising the profile of its cause by voting to have it designated
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: A Non-Satirical Look at Ottawa’s PIN Messaging "Scandal"
Is Ottawa’s PIN scandal really a tempest in a teapot. You cannot legislate or regulate integrity. The only thing that can ensure someone’s integrity is their integrity. As it stands now there is a possibility for Ottawa City staff members to discuss public policy matters without there being a record
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: City Plan to Develop Municipal Mind Monitoring Software Expected to Jump Start Local High Tech Industry
In a move described by some observers as onionesque, the City’s Policies and Procedures Committee is recommending the city issue an RFP for the development of what will be known as MMM Software. The Request for Proposals for Municipal Mind Monitoring software comes after a review of the latest moves
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: NCC "Grand" "Massive" Greenbelt Expansion More Wish List Than To Do List
According to the Ottawa Citizen: OTTAWA — The National Capital Commission brought forward a massive expansion Wednesday of the Greenbelt that will see the “emerald necklace” grow by 2,400 hectares in a bid to cement Ottawa’s reputation as one of the world’s greenest capitals. (View Greenbelt expansion in a larger
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: The Ultimate Solution to Electoral Reform in Canada
Yes indeed, I do have the ultimate solutions to all of our electoral system problems and I will share them with all of you. Now some of you might think this is too comprehensive and complicated to propose all at once, but for voters it will be just a simple
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: We Must Stop Stephen Harper and the 20% from Destroying Canada
There has been lots of discussion about how Stephen Harper’s majority only represents 40% of voters because of the way our electoral system works. But, in reality, his agenda has much fewer supporters. We must remember that the Conservative Party is a coalition. It is not a coalition in the
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Sometimes I Really Wonder
I think we all have friends, relatives or acquaintances that are caught up in Islamophobia and regularly send out e-mails warning that the Muslims are immigrating and breeding and going to take over the country. Their usual solution to the “problem” is to force the minorities to abandon their “evil
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: New Years Resolution
Well, if it isn’t obvious what it should be, my resolution is to actually write and post all those blog post ideas that come to me almost daily and get thought about but never written and posted.
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