Originally appeared on BackoftheBook.ca How can I write this without sounding, well, paranoid? I believe the RCMP is watching too many people, and abusing its resources. There are plenty of signs this is taking place, and it worries me. The police should not be monitoring Canadians without having a reasonable
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Those Emergency Blues: Favourite Poems LVI: Three Short Poems on Spring
Song on a May Morning Now the bright morning-star, Day’s harbinger, Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her The flowery May, who from her green lap throws The yellow cowslip and the pale primrose. Hail, bounteous May, that dost inspire Mirth, and youth, and warm desire! Woods and
Continue readingOPSEU Diablogue: Unemployed Docs: You don’t want fries with that
Much has been made of potential doctor shortages resulting from the no-holds barred death match between the Ontario Medical Association and Health Minister Deb Matthews. It is notable that last year Dr. Sacha Bhatia, the former health advisor to Premier … Continue reading →
Continue readingSaskboy's Abandoned Stuff: RoboCon: Adversaries and Enemies
Robocalls critics: At least Tories aren't calling us Nazis or chld pornographrs huff.to/KeEbpt via @HuffPostCanada #cdnpoli #elxnfraud— Reclaim Democracy (@Colettestweeter) May 25, 2012 The Conservative Party’s latest salvo in response accuses the council of having “an improper motive” to “damage the Conservative brand through unfounded assertions.” “The applications have been
Continue readingSaskboy's Abandoned Stuff: Snow Way That’s Cool
My bad. I put away the snow shovel before June. Sorry Regina. I saw snowflakes flying in the street lights as I left the Lawson Thursday night. == As you may have noticed, I’m now an aspiring politician as well as a political blogger. We’ll see how my political blogging
Continue readingOPSEU Diablogue: Hospital Food: Will evidence and accountability be the end of rethermalized food?
The food served in hospital may be directly linked to chances of survival for critically ill patients according to Dr. Daren Heyland, a staff physician at Kingston General Hospital. Heyland and his research team has just received a grant from … Continue reading →
Continue readingThe Progressive Economics Forum: The Economics of EI “Reform”
Changes to the EI rules announced by the government today are not rooted in any lengthy policy rationale. But Minister Finley and and the media release spoke to the need to “strengthen work incentives.” This conjures up images of unemployed workers sitting around and spurning job offers amidst growing labour
Continue readingLeft Over: Feds Shipping Their Trash to BC…..
Disgraced RCMP officer transferred to B.C. Sgt. Don Ray admitted to sexual relations with subordinates and harassment CBC News Posted: May 23, 2012 5:37 PM PT Last Updated: May 23, 2012 9:33 PM PT ******************************************************************* What is it with the Feds? Are applications to join the RCMP so thin on
Continue readingOPSEU Diablogue: Former Thunder Bay CBS clinic staff thanks donors
The rain didn’t dampen last week’s gathering of former donors and staff from the Thunder Bay Plasma Donor clinic. Canadian Blood Services closed the clinic April 12 after two weeks’ notice, claiming they had a Canada-wide surplus of plasma for … Continue reading →
Continue readingOPSEU Diablogue: Fun with numbers – CIHI under fire for hospital rankings
John Wright folded his arms looking more than a little apprehensive. The CEO of the Canadian Institute for Health Information was about to address a room full of hospital officials, many upset about the Canadian Hospital Reporting Project (CHRP) launched … Continue reading →
Continue readingmark a rayner | scribblings, squibs & sundry monkey joys: The League of Peculiar Gentlemen: The Americans
Not to be outdone by their British compatriots, the North American members of the League of Peculiar Gentlemen were also able to strap strange things to their faces. Perhaps the most famous of the trio, is Larry “The Monocle” Zimmerman, … Continue reading →
Continue readingSaskboy's Abandoned Stuff: Who Defends Us?
Who defends the rights and freedoms of Canadians? A) soldiers B) police C) citizens D) lawyers E) press F) politicians If you came to your own conclusion, and answered “G) All of the above”, then you understand a functioning democracy. Daniel explains: The government is clearly aware that this “law
Continue readingOPSEU Diablogue: Coalition forums continue this week in Kingston, Cornwall and Ottawa
Dennis Howlett, coordinator of Canadians for Tax Fairness, will be at all three public health care forums this week in Eastern Ontario. The forums are hosted by the Ontario Health Coalition. Given the focus on debt, deficit and public sector … Continue reading →
Continue readingSaskboy's Abandoned Stuff: Some more eclipse
I posted my eclipse photos the other day, but there are more to look through too. There’s an amazing coincidence photo from Japan, with a plane transiting the lunar transit. That’s a lot of lining up to do. WHOA RT @greenpost unbelievable shot of a plane flying by the #eclipse
Continue readingmark a rayner | scribblings, squibs & sundry monkey joys: The League of Peculiar Gentlemen: The Brits
Though not as well-known as other Leagues composed of remarkable individuals, the League of Peculiar Gentlemen (LOPG) is none-the-less, an astonishing story of sacrifice, heroism, and strapping things over your face. The first iteration of the LOPG featured six members … Continue reading →
Continue readingSaskboy's Abandoned Stuff: Annular Solar Eclipse from Regina, Saskatchewan
I showed some of my neighbours the eclipse as I took photos, and here it is for those who missed it, or wanted to see it the easier/safer way (second hand using indirect viewing). -The lens flare underneath, on the roof, blows me away. -A couple sunspots visible in this
Continue readingThey are for JAM, people
#pinteRAGE
Continue readingSaskboy's Abandoned Stuff: The Clowns in Quebec are Crying
Actually, the clowns are in public office. First they make it so police can claim a group that is assembled peacefully is illegal (which is a clear violation of Charter rights). Now Loi 78 and the City of Montreal is going after mask wearers at public gatherings celebrating political events.
Continue readingmark a rayner | scribblings, squibs & sundry monkey joys: Why Canadians celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday
Here in Canada we celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday, and it is known as Victoria Day. Why? She has been dead for more than 110 years, and our current Queen has now been reigning almost as long as Vicky did. I … Continue reading →
Continue readingOPSEU Diablogue: Peterborough Forum – Poverty kills more than cancer
Poverty kills more people than cancer according to Dennis Howlett, Executive Director of Canadians for Tax Fairness. Speaking Thursday night at the Peterborough health care forum organized by the Ontario Health Coalition, Howlett addressed false economies in our present health … Continue reading →
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