MODERN PROGRESS ??

The Swiss Army Knife

It has always been the ultimate survival tool. They hope to have a model available around September for under $3000 to bring their previous USB models up to 21st century standards with a one terabyte flash drive. For my low tech readers, one terabyte of storage is adequate for about 330,000 photos, 220 million pages of text, or two years of non-stop music – more than enough to survive any emergency situation.

Your data is safe from hackers with the drive’s AES256 technology and fingerprint security. And, to avoid heavy-handed attacks, it also has a self-destruct mechanism that burns the CPU and memory chip if there's any attempt to force the drive open.
An interesting addition to these drives is a small LCD display on the side probably for showing.

Zambonis

The 8.5 km ice trail on the Assiniboine and Red rivers in Winnipeg is maintained by a “Zamboni" (actually an Olympia) with a 6.5L turbo diesel engine fueled with used oil from cooking French Fries. It is reported to race at 80 km/hr when it is not cleaning the trail.
As an aside, both the Assiniboine River Trail and the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa are experiencing significantly shorter skating seasons. Also, people across Canada seem to be finding it impossible to maintain “back yard” skating rinks. A five year study at McGill and Concordia universities has found a “significant shortening of the out door skating season..

FYI – both Zamboni and Olympia have electric models of ice cleaners and they were used in the Vancouver Olympics.

 

MOBILE PHONE AS SELF PROTECTION (?)

You can now buy stun guns (tasers) disguised as cell phones for as little as $65.
It seems to be “common knowledge” that there are 4-shot  22 caliber cell phone guns available somewhere for the past 10 years. My research does not provide any site from which to purchase one. However, if someone points their cell phone at you, maybe you should look to see if there are four parallel holes in the end of it – they might be gun barrels.

If you aren’t concerned about getting through airport surveillance you might want to check out a gun disguised as a knife – maybe not the best way to disguise a gun.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JUSTIN BIEBER ON HIS 18th B.D.

                           (just one of our famous Canadian performers)

His Fisker Karma car (a gift from his manager) is expensive and fancy, and also tries to be environment friendly. It is a hybrid with solar panels, uses reclaimed, recycled and reusable materials throughout the interior cabin, and comes with either leather upholstery or with non-animal materials.
But if you are planning to buy me a car for my birthday, please consider the Telsa.  It does 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds,and goes 245 miles per charge. Any model would be fine but gull wing doors are always nice.

HOW THINGS HAPPEN (Ozone Part 2)
Environment Canada may not be concerned about the ozone layer and its polar holes but James Drummond (Dalhousie University) reports that the 2011 ozone hole formed in February and March, and eventually grew to two million square kilometres, about twice the size of Ontario. It swung across northern Canada, northern Europe, then dipped down to Central Russia to Northern Asia, prompting scientists to issue warnings about excess ultraviolet radiation.  For more than you ever wanted to know about the Ozone hole check http://www.theozonehole.com/ and its links.
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99 STUPID THINGS THE GOVERNMENT SPENT YOUR MONEY ON (reported by Macleans magazine January 16, 2012).
     Check the links for a list of weird, annoying or funny (depending on your mood)expenditures from all levels of Canadian government in 2012.

 items 1-18: questionable spending on subsidies and infrastructure

items 19-34:  food and job creation

items 35-55:  environment, animals, and money for nothing

items 56-73: when spending is music to a politician’s ears

items 74-99: employee expenses, patronage, makeovers, studies, polls and surveys as well as lawsuits and lawyers.

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ONE MAN’S OPINION – WITH WHICH I SEEM TO AGREE
Winnipeg Free Press January 14, 2012  (Letters to the Editor)
IGNORING THE EXPERTS
Re: Pipeline hearings stacked? Well, yes (Jan 12). Am I living in Canada? Perhaps I woke up in Wonderland. The federal minister of Natural Resources, the guy we pay to protect our air, water and wildlife wants to limit environmental reviews and participation by non-Canadians.
I quote: “These groups threaten to hijack our regulatory system to achieve their radical ideological goals.” In other words, the use of smart, articulate experts who care for the future of the environment and do not hold the same opinions as our minister are now considered radicals.
Enbridge, the company that plans to build the pipeline from the tarsands to B.C. may look Canadian, but six of its 12 directors are American. Last year, an Enbridge pipeline leaked 840,000 gallons of crude oil into the Kalamazoo River in Michigan.
The Harper government says the pipeline is in the nation’s interest. They are responding to the oil industry lobby by promising to shorten the review process. When did the health of our children, our land, air and water become less vital to the nation’s interest than an oil pipeline? When did we become a country that listens only to those who agree with us?
LARRY ISACOFF
WINNIPEG

HOW CHANGE HAPPENS (or doesn't happen)

Preamble 
     During my some four decades working in  the educational system in Manitoba I have often wondered how major changes in teaching methods and philosophy kept suddenly happening . For example, in teaching reading the swing to and away from various methodologies ("sight word",  phonics , "whole language", etc) occurred on a 10 year cycle. Now I realize that I understand how very few of the major changes in the world come about.

      I do know how VHS succeeded over the cheaper and technically superior BETA format, but I am not telling you.
      I have also been bewildered as to how obvious changes do not seem to happen. For example, financial institutes do not seem to notice that the order of digits in dates can be confusing.  Unless you know the format used by the institution, 01/12/10 can be either Jan 12 or Dec 1 (assuming most institutions always have the year last). There has recently been a move by the printers of cheque blanks to take initiative by indicating "20yy/mm/dd" on each cheque. So much for the idea that the year is always the last two digits, but it is a set toward consistency and it does make sense.

      Another widespread annoyance is the confusion between a capital "O" and the numeral zero "0". The use of a slashed zero (Ø) actually existed in the 12th century and was in common on the very early home computers and printers.  It even exists on your own computer (use ALT 0216 on keypad).  Why isn't it shown on the modern keyboards and used? 
     Have you ever had an airline reservation number or software code like "M10Qbl0"? The letter "l" and numeral "1" and "V" and "U" are also confusing depending on the font. Have you noticed telephone operators refer to an number like "401" as four-oh-one" even though "oh" is number 6 on the keypad?


The Metric System in Canada
    Up until a few weeks ago when I was researching for his blog I thought that Napoleon made France officially metric in 1840 by saying something like: I am the emperor and we will now change to the metric system. It appears that in fact he had less trouble in implementing the Napoleonic Code than he had with getting acceptance for the metric system (maybe because he voted against it once), but it did happen.
    In 1971 the Canadian government appointed the Metric Commission Canada with a mandate of implementing metric measurements in every aspect of national life by 1980. Metric measurements were to be required (usually with imperial measurement subtitles) in an increasing number of goods. The conversion process was well under way until the Progressive Conservative government of Brian Mulroney brought it to an abrupt halt by abolishing the commission in 1985. Many regulations requiring metric measurements were either repealed or no longer enforced. As a result, we Canadians today use a confusing and inefficient mix of metric and imperial measurements with no hope of a single system being developed.
     As Grampa of the Simpsons show said: "Metric is the work of the devil! My car gets 82 rods to the hogshead and that's the way I likes it! " If you work out the conversion to miles per gallon (either Canadian or US), you will see he has a very inefficient car.

The Ozone Layer Study (an example of how something happened and is now being killed)

     The year 1957-58 was designated by the scientific community as the International Geophysical Year. A worldwide network of observation centres was set up to measure the thickness of the ozone layer, based on the inference that the heating of the stratosphere was caused by the absorption of ultraviolet solar radiation by ozone. 

     As luck would have it, I was hired as a relief person in Moosonee, Ontario at one of Canada's newly established Dobson Spectrophotometer observation stations as part of its contribution to the ozone layer study which is still going on.  For my personal experience there see pages 97-102  of my autobiographical stories, “It’s Not Where You’re Going”. 

     In 1979, after much resistance from industry interests, the US, Canada, and Norway banned CFC-containing aerosol cans in 1979. But when scientists discovered an ozone hole over Antarctica in the mid-1980s, countries around the world began phasing out the ozone-destroying chemicals. A new class of ozone-friendly molecules called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) replaced them. This just one of the benefits to the world of this type of research which has been going on for some 54 years with Canada as one of the original and continuing contributors. BTW - if you have been reading the recent spate of arguments against even the existence of the ozone layer you might like to check some referenced information on a few of the recent myths.

    It is now 2011, and Canada will be discontinuing its contribution to the environment. This will happen with no discussion - not even a statement that it will happen - or how it happened.  It will be done by simply laying off staff at Environment Canada. The only way to find the deliberate sabotage of this ozone research project is to read between the lines of the fine print in the 2011-12 Budget.

  

     I guess that is how some changes happen in our Canada these days.

CANADA GETS TOUGH ON CRIME

(So why do I feel more paranoid than safe?)

     The multi-billion dollar new federal prisons being built in Canada should prepare us for the expected increase in the number of new criminals created by new laws such as mandatory minimum jail sentences, longer sentences, reduced credit for time served, mandatory jail time for Marijuana users/growers and the apparent number of "unreported crimes" that will be uncovered.  Here are some recent evidence to illustrate Canada's efforts to discover criminals everywhere.


Protecting us from heroin dealers:

     A 66-year-old Minnesota grandmother was detained at a Manitoba border crossing on allegations of heroin trafficking after they found a small container of a liquid in a storage area of her trunk. She suggested it was probably motor oil left over when a relative had changed her oil recently. Ever vigilant border agents tested it and the test was positive for heroin related material. She was then subjected to TWO strip searches and was detained in custody for 12 days while they had a proper test done on the mystery substance because she could not provide $15,000 surety for bail. Final lab tests at Health Canada indicated there was no heroin in the container. Border officials stated that in drug cases it is "reverse-onus" for proof - the individual is considered guilty until proven innocent.

Two letters in the Winnipeg Free Press (July 28/11) offer amusing but enlightening commentary on the situation:
     1) "Perhaps speedier results would have been achieved by taking the substance in the jar to any service station, where any employee would have confirmed that, yes, it was motor oil."  L.S., Winnipeg
     2) "Authorities should have realized that Janet Goodin wasn't a heroin dealer when she couldn't afford bail. What self-respecting drug mule doesn't have that kind of cash on hand?"  R.L,. Landmark

Illegal Canadians citizenships are everywhere:

     The Canadian Govt recently discovered that there are at least 1800 people (mostly living outside Canada) who have Canadian citizenship which are suspected of having been obtained without meeting the required residency requirement and hence are now being revoked by notification.  Fewer than 70 citizenships have ever been previously revoked since the Citizenship Act was passes in 1947.

Suspected criminals will no longer live among us:

     The Canadian Govt has publicly posted the names, description and picture of 30 people living in Canada who are suspected to have been involved in war crimes or human right violations. No information is available as to evidence of the suspected crimes or details To date five of these individuals have been identified, and at least one has been deported.

Smuggled Immigrants will no longer come to Canada:

      A recent TV news featuring an announcement from a Federal Govt MP stated that a ship (probably containing smuggled Tamils) was sailing to New Zealand.  He also said that someone had suggested there was a possibility that the ship had been planning to sail to Canada. Credit was given to Canada's new (and as yet un-passed) laws for it's supposed change of course.

Prince William & Kate Show Us The REAL Canada

Happy Canada Day!
     After 144 years of Canadian Confederation under assorted Federal Governments and more than a few “unusual” Prime Ministers among the 22 we have had, it took William and Kate to bring out well over 300,000 wildly enthusiastic and happy Canadians to Parliament Hill in Ottawa to show off Canada at is best.
       Their visit personifies the reputation for openness, honesty, practicability, and directness that Canada has historically enjoyed (with a few recent blips). For her “walk about” Kate chose to re-use the dress that she wore at the time of her engagement and the Maple Leaf brooch the Queen wore last year on her visit to Canada last year. I was amazed at their ease in meeting ordinary Canadians and interacting with them in a personal manner (and not even any vetting or limit on the number of questions). Prince William briefly wore a pair of sunglasses offered by a well-wisher without any concern for the price they will now command on eBay.
    “Pomp and Ceremony” do not seem to be part of Will & Kate’s visit, Their presence at a small citizenship ceremony in Gatineau, Quebec was the setting for short but meaningful and moving speeches on what it means to be a Canadian.
     Kudos to the royal couple for helping us to see what Canadians really feel and believe. They are providing a refreshing change from the political posturing, self-aggrandizement and deliberate misrepresentation we had been exposed to during our recently completed federal election campaign. Just for this, if for nothing else, Canada needs to have the opportunity to periodically see ourselves reflected in the mirror of the monarchy to see what we are when at our best and what we can continue to become in the future.

Random Thoughts

HOW TO KEEP YOUR COMPUTER SAFE FROM DEER
     The picture says it all . . . except WHY??
[FYI - if the picture doesn't show because it is on your email check my actual blog (cwshirriff.blogspot.com)]

AND SPEAKING OF YOUR KEYBOARD
     One of my most trusted computer blogs has an short article on "how-to-clean-your-filthy-keyboard-in-the-dishwasher-without-ruining-it".   I am not recommending this; I'm just saying.

CANADA CAUSES CANCER
     This headline caught my attention because it seemed weird when the world is searching for a cure. On further examination, I discovered the article meant that Canada is selling asbestos to countries such as China and India when it is well known that asbestos causes cancer. What is even weirder is that the use of asbestos is banned in Canada (the Parliament Buildings have had the asbestos removed as have most public buildings, schools, etc.)  Why does Canada continue to mine it and export it, knowing full well it is killing innocent people. I guess it is OK as long as we don't know any of them personally? Or are some people's lives are more important than others:

WHY iPHONES AND BLACKBERRYS SHOULD BE BANNED AT UNIVERSITIES
     Dr. Philip Baker, Dean of Medicine at the University of Alberta, delivered an after dinner speech on June 11th. Several of the students thought it sounded familiar, did a quick search on the Internet, and were able to read along with him from a 2010 convocation address to medical students at Stanford. Talk about being busted! The U of A has as very strict policy for students who plagiarize, but so far seem think it is OK for the Dean of Medicine.


    How acceptable is plagiarism? The National Post has listed half a dozen examples of prominent people who have been caught in public plagiarism with apparently little consequences. (I was going to cut-and-paste the information for your convenience, but that would have been just too ironic).   

NEWS UPDATE
      Harold Camping  has postponed "The Rapture" (commonly known as the "end of the world") until October 21st. I suggest you mark this date on your calendar. It would be a shame to miss it . . . again.


THE CANADIAN FEDERAL ELECTION
     I guess the election results have answered my blog heading question “Where Has My Canada Gone?” It has gone into a Conservative majority government under the leadership of arguably the most powerful Prime Minister in Canadian history.
     PM Harper has not only a majority in the House (and hence can get any bill passed) but also has a Conservative dominated Senate thanks to some 39 new appointments (unelected) and will have a Conservative majority in the Supreme court (after he fills the upcoming vacancies).
     And that isn’t even mentioning a totally inexperienced official NDP opposition, a decimated Liberal Party (34 seats) and the Bloc Party without even official party status (4 seats), and the establishment of the new Sun News Network to provide an easily controlled Conservative media outlet.
     On the upside, The Green Party now has its first seat elected seat in Parliament.

     The answer to where my Canada is going in the next four years can maybe best predicted by two quotes:
1) Stephen Harper's speech in 2004 when he won the leadership of the Conservative Party,
"We can create a country built on solid Conservative values not on expensive Liberal promises. A country the Liberals would not even recognize. "
2) Bette Davis (as commonly misquoted in the movie 'All About Eve'), "Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy ride. "
                           FYI the correct quote is, "It's going to be a bumpy night".

UPDATE ON CANADA'S NEW "FOX NEWS" network
     After a couple of false starts, the Sun News Network is officially on the air as of April 18th, 2011,on a few stations/channels. Their start-up problems have been “resolved” and Kory Teneycke, VP of development for Quebecor and a former director of communications and chief spokesperson for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is again at the head of the organization,
     The news program has two slogans: 'Canada's Home for Hard News and Straight Talk' and 'We're On Your Side'.
     I can accept the possibility of the first slogan but I have two problems with their second slogan. Firstly, how can they say they are on “my” side when they obviously don’t know me or what “my side” is on any given topic?. And, secondly, how can they say they are on everyone’s side a the same time?

THE CANADIAN FEDERAL ELECTION  
      I guess the election results have answered my blog heading question “Where Has My Canada Gone?” It has gone into a Conservative majority government under the leadership of arguably the most powerful Prime Minister in Canadian history.
     PM Harper has not only a majority in the House (and hence can get any bill passed) but also has a Conservative dominated Senate thanks to some 39 new appointments (unelected) and will have a Conservative majority in the Supreme court (after he fills the upcoming vacancies).
     And that isn’t even mentioning a totally inexperienced official NDP opposition, a decimated Liberal Party (34 seats) and the Bloc Party without even official party status (4 seats) Oh yes, and the establishment of the new Sun News Network which should make it easier to provide controlled Conservative national media outlet.
     On the upside, The Green Party now has its first seat elected seat in Parliament.


     The answer to where my Canada is going in the next four years can maybe best predicted by two quotes;

1)  Stephen Harper's speech in 2004 when he won the leadership of the Conservative Party,

 "We can create a country built on solid Conservative values not on expensive Liberal promises. A country the Liberals would not even recognize."
 2) Bette Davis (as commonly misquoted in the movie 'All About Eve'), "Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy ride".
                              FYI the correct quote is, "It's going to be a bumpy night".
 
UPDATE ON CANADA'S NEW "FOX NEWS" network"
      After a couple of  false starts, the Sun News Network  is officially on the air as of April 18th, 2011,on a few stations/channels. Their start-up problems have been “resolved” and  Kory Teneycke, VP of development for Quebecor and a former director of communications and chief spokesperson for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is again at the head of the organization,
     The news program has two slogans: 'Canada's Home for Hard News and Straight Talk' and 'We're On Your Side'.
     I can accept the possibility of the first slogan but I have two problems with their second slogan. Firstly, how can they say they are on “my” side when they obviously don’t know me or what “my side” is on any given topic?. And, secondly, how can they say they are on everyone’s side a the same time?