Venison Tickle

Congrats

2009-11-17T07:18:00.000-08:00

to the folks who got elected to the schoolboard, such as Christopher Hammond in Electoral zone 9, where an astounding 300-odd people out of 100,000 voted.

What's wrong with us that we can't get out to vote?

Curiously yours...

Where can I Vote for Common Sense?

2009-10-19T07:56:00.001-07:00

Remember to vote on November 3rd 2009!!

So you may be asking yourself, "where can I vote for Ward Pike"?

If you live in St. John's Ward 1, you can vote for Ward at:
MacDonald Drive Elementary
Mary Queen of Peace
or
Virginia Park Elementary
... whichever school is closest to your home.

If you live in Torbay, you can vote at Holy Trinity High School.

If you're in Pouch Cove or Flatrock/Cape St. Francis, you can vote at Cape St. Francis Elementary school

If you're in Portugal Cove - St. Philip's, then you can vote at Beachy Cove Elementary.

And on Beautiful Bell Island, you can vote for Ward at St. Michael's School.

I hope that helps!! Remember to get out and vote. Every child counts, and so does every vote.

Common Sense is Due for a Comeback! ONLINE!

2009-10-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, just a wee update. There is now some online activity with my campaign to get elected School Board Trustee for District 9.

www.WardPike.com

and

Facebook Group

Thanks for your support!! We can't change things until we change the school board.

Common Sense is Due for a Comeback!

2009-10-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

People are asking about my platform with regards to why I am running for the Avalon East School Board.

One of my primary objectives in my platform is to stop this move towards mega schools and return to concentrating on education closer to home for as many children as possible. Most educators want smaller schools and class sizes to improve the delivery of education and to make children feel more comfortable in their surroundings. The mega-school movement is also responsible for zoning children out of their neighborhood schools in hope of reducing certain schools and marginalizing them into closure.

The problem then becomes that instead of a 10 minute walk to school, it becomes a 15 minute drive or a bus that adds to congestion on our roads, increases the risk of accidents and also burns unnecessary fuel, ON TOP OF THAT consider the environmental concerns:
Trading exercise for pollution!

Common sense is due for a comeback!

Vote for Ward Pike!

2009-10-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

Well, the time had to come and like all inevitabilities, here it is. IT's time for me to announce my first foray into the electoral process as a candidate!

Yes, but not for Public Office as such... but as a Trustee for the School Board. And whilst I wish I was running for the Labrador School Board, I will happily offer myself for service to fellow parents and the students in the district I have been residing in for most of the past 9 years, appropriately Distriuct 9... not just the name of an awesome Science Fiction movie. LOL!!

If you live in this district, I hope you will give me your support and your vote on November 3rd 2009.

As a father of three wonderful children, and someone who has long been involved in their education, a trained and former music teacher, as well as presently a board member with The School Lunch Association and as the Treasurer/Board Member with the Single Parents Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, I believe I am uniquely and best qualified for the position of trustee, out of all candidatesa presently offering themselves.

Thank you for your time!

Bi-Elections in the offing...

2009-10-08T07:06:00.000-07:00

Well, no secret that across the few miles of water from my hometown and yours, there's an election going on, a bi-election of sorts... The Straights White Bay North, The Ndp have named their candidate, and of course, we're all aware of Marshall Dean's consecration as official Mel Woodward Party candidate... does anyone think Rick Pelley has a chance or will the looming problems of health care cuts destroy his chances? ....what do you think about what some of the critics have to say?

I wish them all the best, and am glad I am not a voter in the Straits/White Bay North right now! Trevor Taylor has been a friend of mine and the land of Venison Tickle for a long, long time. He'll be missed.

I don't know what to say about the other bi-election pending, to replace Paul Oram!

Opinionated Sobs and Vacuous Pontificators

2009-10-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in my course of reading the blogs of others and making courteous comments on their blogs, the exchange turns into a rancorous discourse which makes me feel a small bit ashamed to be involved with the discussions. The dialog starts out with a blogging post of questionable taste that has more in common with a US Republican attack advert than it does with genuine supposition or thoughtful editorial.

And then it disintegrates... as soon as anyone challenges the original blogger in any way shape or form. It becomes a "How dare you question me? Don't you know I know more than you, am better than you and have divine right to make this up as I go along and quote myself as proof of my superiority?" type of attitude that eschews any real debate and welcomes only back-slapping and me-too sycophantic comments on what is already vacuous pontification.

I mean honestly, it's all much ado about nothing. Especially when I find that most of these are disgraced, disgruntled or un/underemployed former Liberals of importance.

The kind of contempt they have for anyone contrary minded is sickening and indicative of a lack of grace, manners, etiquette, charity, understanding, consideration towards others and any kind of self-reflection or willingness to consider the opinions of others. It smacks of folks with serious mental health issues. Like many journalists, or former failed journalists out there who consider themselves "news authorities" now.

I don't need to make sport of anyone specific at the moment, because that would make me as bad them. Look someone hit me hard if I ever get down in the dirt like that, or show no grace towards others, OK? Because if I ever become that self-centered, narcissistic and/or megalomaniacal, then I don't deserve to occupy this space.

Have a great day!

Ward

She Ain't no Yvonne Jones!!

2009-10-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

JOKE OF THE DAY!
Siobhan Coady Given Shadow Cabinet Position
This is about the funniest thing I have heard in weeks!! Now there are several possibilities...

1.Siobhan is an empty vessel with no opinions of her own.
2. Ms. Coady is an automaton, who has yet to make a statement showing her to be anything but a LIberal Koolaid drinker and devout follower of all things red.
3. The position is hilarious because it means nothing.
4. Ms. Coady will do nothing with the position except read what questions Iggy's staffers ask her to.
5. Ms. Coady is the best NL has to offer and capable of doing a better job of taunting the Tories than Todd Russell...or Scott Simms.
6. All the above!
7. None of the above!

You can decide for yourselves!! But I'll tell you one thing: Ms. Coady is no Yvonne Jones or Todd Russell. And I'll tell you something else. I've been really impressed with Yvonne Jones the past 6 months.

Conservative Majority?

2009-10-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing I have been consistent in stating, and I try to be consistent in all things anyhow, but if there's one thing political it is this: Stephen Harper is one of the greatest Prime Ministers Canada has ever had for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC and the territories. Even though, I think he has been one of the worst for Newfoundland and Labrador... so far. And we're not going to change anything sitting in opposition throwing lumps of horse manure at the PM we are ruled by.

But anyways, have a look at these numbers...

http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20091005/600_strategic_poll_091005.jpg

And here's the accompanying story:
Tories in Majority land at polls now

That polling showing the COnservatives at 41% of decided voters is from the Strategic Counsel of Canada. Not the group I would call Stephen Harper's fan club. There is another poll out there showing Conservative support at 46% and Liberals at 30%.

But enough about Canadian politics... we still need to get out!

Danielle House

2009-10-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

Just a response to a post by my good friend Peter Whittle over at Polemic & Paradox

Danielle House on Youtube doing an advert for a plastic surgeon. I can't tell much about it, but I have always had a soft spot for Danielle. She's no Sherry Butt, but still a beautiful local girl!

IGGY taking it from all sides...

2009-10-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

OK I have to admit something, out of all the Liberals I saw in 2005 through 2008, MIchael Ignatieff seemed like the best guy for the job. Dion was a Chretien plant, Martin's time was way past up, and "new blood" like Justin Trudeau seemed to be only there because of his equally beloved and hated late father who shook my hand as an 8 year old boy in a crowd of kids... and said to his aids "Get me the h3ll away from these f*cking kids". As a young Pentecostal boy, I remember this as being the turning point in my political orientation.

So, anyhow back on topic... Mike, MIchale, Ignatiff, Igg-da-teef, Igg-Not-ieff, Count Iggy, Igor.

It seems he is equally hated Left and Right. Wowzers. Surprising to me.

Iggy Attacked anonymously on youtube

There are a bunch of others there too, if you follow the related videos... left and right coming at him, leaving no room in the middle.

There's at least one Honorable man in prison...

2009-10-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

Of course you know the news, our friend Wally Andersen has been sentenced to 15 months in prison on one charge, and 9 on the other (he plead guilty to) and both sentences will be served concurrently.

This means a maximum incarceration of 15 months, with parole eligibility usually occurring when 1/3rd the sentence has been served. This will likely mean Mr. Andersen's release will take place on 1st of March 2010.

As Mr. Andersen poses no risk to the public safety and as it would be a savings to the taxpayer, I believe house arrest or a suspended sentence would have better served the common good. The shame Mr. Andersen will carry with him is sentence enough. And if you knew Wally Andersen, you would certainly agree.

These are my thoughts, and I know opinions vary... but I think it is SICK beyond belief that violent offenders get a slap on the wrist and released back into the general population every day in Newfoundland and Labrador by the same judiciary who feels the need to incarcerate a man like Wally Andersen.

Wally Andersen is not the only one who should be feeling some shame.

Where are they now?

2009-10-01T14:27:00.001-07:00

Ever feel let down when you find out that not only are our former politicians living abroad but that they receive HUGE pensions from our tax dollars and spend them in other provinces? I do. I don't think NL Gov't cheques should ever be let go or spent outside NL.

So where are they now?

Brian Tobin Living in Rosedale, an affluent Toronto neighborhood where that $10,000 every month really helps pay for the natural gas.

Brian Peckford Vancouver Island. Was this island too big for him? Have not will be no more, perhaps, but we're sending a couple hundred grand a year to help Vancouver Island have not no more.

Bill Rompkey Ottawa. Year-round I believe. Care to guess how big the 5 figure pension is that we're sending up to Hottawar? Like Canada needed even MORE of our money.

JIm Walsh Yes, that same Jim Walsh on trial for fraud and theft. ALBERTA! Sure by, because why get a job earning $150K a year or more when the NL government will send you a cheque for the same!!

anyone have any more?

I knew Wally Andersen

2009-10-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

There's been an awful lot of attention paid to the former MHA for the North Coast, the Honorable Wally Andersen. Many bloggers and editors may postulate and pontificate and opine about how he got his hand caught in the cookie jar and how he defrauded you and me of our tax dollars. Wally himself, has pleaded guilty of taking money he should not have in a system that had all checks and balances removed under the supervision of then Premier Brian Tobin (Anyone notice how Mr. Tobin's been kept out of this?).

The cries of "get out your onion, Wally" and "Shame on you" ring very hollow and shallow to me when I recall in those days it was quite common to buy a button or two hundred off Wally knowing that the money would be in a bankroll that would be peeled off as soon as the honorable gentleman got to Hopedale or Davis or Nain. Anyone else remember seeing that? Surely I wasn't the only one!! I flew on aircraft with Mr. Andersen and watched as we'd get off the airplane in Hopedale and three or four needy mothers could walk up to him and tell how they didn't have their cheque or money to buy groceries and he would peel off $200 a piece to tide them through a difficult time. Or how he would slip some poor chap, down on his luck, $50 and state categorically "Now don't let me hear from one person here that you spent this on booze."

In the world of aboriginal peoples' the concept of community property is as natural to grasp as the concept of sharing the air we all breath. Why is that so hard to understand? Those in ivory towers point their fingers at Mr. Andersen and state "He bought a $10,000 skidoo for himself off the proceeds of crime. Who'd he share that with?"

Knowing the Wally Andersen I did? Every single person who needed it.

Liberals Still Falling Apart

2009-09-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

I thought I had left the world of blogging behind... but no, I just couldn't let this pass me by. It';s just TOO DAMNED FUNNY!!

Codèrre calls it the "Settling of Accounts" Predecessor calls it "Betrayal"

CTV.ca | Coderre steps down as Ignatieff's Quebec lieutenant

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090928/coderre_quebec_090928/20090928?hub=TopStoriesV2%20%20

Codèrre called it "The Settling of Accounts"?

I wonder what that could mean?

Exacting his revenge on someone, the miserable little troll he has shown himself to be... spewing out such bullshit over the years and tainting everything with his brand of extremism finally got the better of him? The silver tongued liar finally tripped over his own bollocks and landed face down in them? The haughty imp could no longer blind others around him with the agenda of the entitled?

I like this quote... Pretty cool hey?

Jean Lapierre, a former Quebec lieutenant under Paul Martin, told CTV News that a backlash is brewing under Ignatieff.

"People feel Mr. Ignatieff doesn't have any loyalty. They feel he betrayed Mr. Coderre," he said Monday.

Pretty cool hey? They feel betrayed. NO surprise there.

Here's another one...

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posted/archive/2009/09/28/liberal-mp-denis-coderre-resigns-as-quebec-lieutenant.aspx

OH WAIT...THIS IS HYSTERICAL! HE ACTUALLY SAID ALL THESE CONTRADICTIONS IN ONE STATEMENT!

"Denis Codèrre says he no longer has the moral authority to be the party's Quebec Lieutenant"

"Codèrre suggested Michael Ignatieff has pushed away MPs and advisers from Quebec"

"He argued his resignation should not be seen as a challenge to Michael IGnatieff's leadership"

Get a load of this one: IGNORE QUEBEC OFFICIALS, DON'T IGNORE QUEBEC OFFICIALS!!

"IF you want to have your way in Quebec you have to bypass the Quebec Officials"-Codèrre

"Ignatieff had overruled his suggestion for a nomination in Quebec"

And with this split, Count Iggy is still planning on introducing a non-confidence motion in the Canadian Parliament again.

And you all are wondering why the fisheries fiasco is unfolding the way it is? The Liberals are still so focussed on their internal turmoil and disintegration they couldn't possibly notice what is going on or how to pay proper heed to it. And with the kind of MPs we've elected from NL... Lord sufferin' dyin' thunderin' jumpin' liftin' flippin' bleedin' Moses!! Sweet merciful Savior!!! I make no wonder this is where we are.

And some people actually believe we belong in Canada with those buffoons.

Let's have one more...

Liberal Stalwart Steps Down, parting shots included!

http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?pid=1154&cpcat=national&stry=282189520

Oh that one is rich. He still supports his leader but he can no longer support his leader.

IS the guy Bi-Polar? A Hypocrite? As a Liberal blogger I know calls him "A Hippo-Crite" Is he just so used to spinning his BS that he no longer knows what is truth and what is lies?

Unbelievable.

Radical Thinking leads to Rational Thought

2008-05-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

On one of those political listservs, NL Politics, I often engage in quite provocative exchanges and discussions with other interested parties. Whilst we don't always agree, out of debate (and yes, discourse) can sometimes come novel ideas worth sharing. This is one of those. What does this have to do with Labrador, the South Coast specifically, or Newfoundland and Labrador in general? Read, and decide for yourselves.

A New Energy Policy for N.A.F.T.A.

What's wrong with legislating an energy policy for the entire country?

One that sees a benchmark for domestic oil used for domestic production, for domestic consumption at $50 a bbl? And a formula that says for every $1 on a barrel of oil = 1¢ on a liter of any fuel?

It's a pretty simple idea: Set aside so much production for domestic consumption and legislate/regulate the price to protect the economy and prevent poverty: Seeing as energy is the catalyst for all aspects of life these days. Apply the same formula to natural gas and hydro.

Is this too radical an idea? Is governed capitalism too socialistic?

As for the carbon tax, after the benchmark for fuel pricing has been set, then add a carbon tax that is progressive in nature. A carbon tax on fuel hogging personal vehicles, but not on semi's and the like. A progressive carbon tax on electricity as well, no tax on your first $250 bill, but after that, incremental increases in the tax.

I realize this is all very Chavexian (new term coined, yay me!) in theory. I realize it's all quite a bit like it has been touched by the ghost of Karl Marx, but that isn't the case.

I believe economic stability and national security for both Canada and the United States, as well as Newfoundland&Labrador lies in energy stability. Why do you think there is such a push on to make Canada and Newfoundland&Labrador energy warehouses? Why? Because the primary interest of the USofA is National Security and that can only be achieved through economic stability, and central to that is stability in the energy market.

This is very much a capitalist approach, and the NAFTA renegotiation that Hillary dared speak of (let slip is more like it) is on the minds of all three present candidates in the great republic just south of us. Our cousins in the lower 48, Alaska and Hawaii. And certainly on the minds of PM Harper, Messrs Dion, Ignatieff and Ray, as well as Presidente Felipe De Jesus Calderon Hinojosa.

If our NAFTA economy can be planned and managed, in general terms, with economic stability in mind, then all countries win. If our NAFTA economy can be protected and thus our National security, then we must stabilize the one commodity that unites all: energy in all its various forms.

I believe that a new economic tenet has to be resolved in the hearts of all capitalists and governments in the new world first, and then adopted by other free nations: Basic commodities that are building blocks of human survival must be exempt from normal controls and also from free-for-all market forces. Such commodities must include, but not be limited to: energy, water, oxygen and soil... which just happen to be the main elements (Earth, Wind, Fire, Water).

Perhaps I'm getting a little loopy off my Jack & Coke. Perhaps I'm making sense.

Doctor's Visits

2008-05-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

This came to me as a non-funny joke, from my good friend Dave Callahan, Mayor of St. George's on Newfoundland's west coast. I thought it was very worthy of publishing here, and I'm sure you will agree!

TWO DIFFERENT DOCTORS' OFFICES!!!

So true it isn't funny!

Boy, if this doesn't hit the nail on the head, I don't know what does!

Two patients limp into two different medical clinics, with the same complaint. Both have trouble walking, and appear to require a hip replacement.

The FIRST patient is examined within the hour, is x-rayed the same day, and has a time booked for surgery the following week.

The SECOND sees his family doctor, after waiting 3 weeks for an appointment, then waits 8 weeks to see a specialist, then gets an x-ray, which isn't reviewed for another week, and finally has his surgery scheduled, for a month from then.

Why the different treatment for the two patients?

The FIRST is a Golden Retriever.
The SECOND is a Senior Citizen.

Next time take me to a vet!

Happy Easter

2008-03-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

I post this with respect to all those who practice a different faith, or choose not to practice any faith or religion. I am a Christian, and this post reflects my personal beliefs.

Happy Easter everyone. This is likely my last post for about a week, as I'm taking a short family vacation to warmer and sandier climes. I wish you all the best and hope you might share in the joy of knowing Christ is risen!

God bless you all,

Ward

Election? What Election?

2008-03-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is one of those posts that is bound to make some folks uncomfortable, and bound to cause me grief for daring to stand up and tell the truth. If there's anything I've learned, it's that you don't dare go against the Old Boys' Club. So here I go... I'm going against the Old Boys' Club! Again.

I just finished reading an interesting article in McLean's online:

Click Me!

I think you'll find it interesting. It would seem that no one has an appetite for, at least not any political party per se. The Liberals, badly in debt, cannot really sustain the cost of a hard-fought election right now. The recent results from their 4 bi-elections would also give them pause before attempting to crash Harper's bizarre. (sorry, I had to beat Peter Whittle to that one)
... but they are certainly doing their best to crash Harper's Party! There really is a Blue Majority in Ottawa now, even though I should call it "The Purple Majority" as there are so many Liberals propping up Harper's government. It makes one wonder!

Here is a party with a large crew of Lieutenants on hand: Martha, Bob, Iggy and yes, Stephane. And no one seems in a rush to challenge the electorate for their opinion on who should govern us and Canada. Makes you wonder! I wonder what is on the go? I wonder is there a leader in that bunch?

And indeed I do wonder, especially when I hear of an MP get up and give a long poetic speech in the beat stylings of Dr. Seuss's "Green Eggs & Ham", who I hear is the single biggest hold-up to any Canadian Government investment in Labrador... why? Because they can't get along with him! I used to only hear this from Conservative MPs, hacks and cronies, and insiders...but now I get phonecalls from Liberals in Labrador (and St. John's, Labrador's present capitol, since it's no longer Battle Harbor) telling me "You know, if it wasn't for him, we'd have those soldiers here now. We'd have massive developments. But how on earth do you get a long with someone who votes against everything you do, everything you say... calls the Prime Minister of the land an outright liar in the face of parliamentary rules and now starts spouting Doctor Seuss in the House of Commons!" All that was missing was a beret, a drummer and stand-up bassist and a lot of smoke...man...

Enough is Enough. Maybe it is time for an election after all, something to shake things up. We need something better for Labrador. We need more. Labrador seems like Canada's Tibet, at least in treatment... and we certainly are not helping ourselves!

Political Reconciliation & Randy Simms.

2008-02-24T11:18:00.001-08:00

Hi all,
Just a little update. In my last disposition on the gripes and grudges of now unemployed or underemployed former Liberal Staffers... I wasn't taking any broad sweeping shots at individuals I know and speak highly of. It's just a point of reference to a cultural phenomenon we see in politics: "Everything the other guy does is wrong!"

Speaking of which, my good friend Peter Whittle at his blog "Paradox and Polemic" writes an interesting post about Randy Simms' latest column in the other newspaper (http://wwww.thetelegram.com). It's worth reading and I think you'll find that Randy Simms' last editorial is not unlike my posts here.

Let's try to mend some fences and build allies wherever possible. Mr. Loyola Hearn is far from our enemy. He is locked in what seems to be a grudgefest as to whom is the more powerful NL politician with those we have elected to represent us in St. John's.

Time for some Political Reconciliation

2008-02-24T07:18:00.000-08:00

You know, nothing bugs me more than commentary that is so politically charged by personal grievance and agenda that all issues and judgment are clouded.

Look at the take from LIEberal blogs. Every FIBeral out there has lost a job, a promotion, ground, reputation, pride, privilege and ENTITLEMENT thanks to the election of the Conservatives in Ottawa and the Progressive-Conservatives in St. John's. So what's the job at hand?

Well, for starters there's the constant shots at everything even PM Harper or Pm Williams does. Let's face it, Danny and Steve are not friends and will probably never meet for morning prayer, afternoon golf, and an evening poker game...not literally, anyhow. But each in his own capacity has become one the greatest leaders in his own domain. "Steve" is quite frankly the best Prime Minister for Canada in about 40 years. Now, he's a terrible Canadian PM for Newfoundland and Labrador, pretty bad for Saskatchewan too, and despite their delusions, very poor vis-à-vis Nova Scotia too. But for most every other corner of Canada, he's just what the doctor ordered. Beleagured and incompetent Premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty, may feel otherwise, but there's incredible calm in QC NB ON, PE, MB, SK, AB, BC, NU, NW and YK. Good for them... not so good for us.

Williams is not without his strengths and faults either. We see great abundance in the capitol region, and in Lab West. Some signs of prosperity seem to flow forth from Nunatsiavut and HVGB... and Come By Chance/Southern HArbor/Arbold's Cove to Clarenville, but just like NL is LEFT OUT of the Canadian Federation, so are many parts of NL. There is no plan in place for the Labrador Métis homeland of Southern Labrador, certainly no the straights or the Northern Pen of NL, nor Bay St. George...Corner Brook has it's fingers crossed, Grand Falls-Winsor is turning from Industrial pride to sleepy little retirement community and the same is true for the vast majority of municipalities in our fair land (and once proud country).

So do these FIBerals offer something for these less blessed areas of Labrador and Newfoundland that the CONservatives do not offer?

Sure, a different set of broken promises and more lies, lies and damned lies.

So where's my point in all that preamble? Where's my 'word of wisdom' arising from all that rhetoric. Well, I wouldn't claim I offer much wisdom, just a knack for the obvious.

PM Harper, "Steve" as his pals call him, is trying to make peace with the Canadian Liberal Party, giving just credit to the LPC for understanding how to govern and fight a war, and giving Stephane Dion, the other "Steve", a chance to stand-up and develop into a good political leader all for the general benefit of governance.

It is now high-time for NL Politicians of all stripes and addresses (postal codes starting with A or otherwise) to mend some fences, stand together on issues that matter.

It shouldn't take Afghanistan to set an example, it can start right here, in Newfoundland and Labrador...and perhaps it can start with political pundits present and currently unemployed (or underemployed, as they lick their wounds in opposition), and spread to communications directors and politicians.

Email me: wardpike@gmail.com if you think I'm off base.

READ ANY GOOD BLOGS LATELY?

2008-02-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

Hey folks, just over to the right of this here block of white text is a list of links...and whilst there are some interesting blogs, there're also a couple of them I would like to describe as:

Bondpapers = Ed Hollett. Former Liberal staffer under Tobin- Grimes era. This poor soul is so full of resentment and jealousy it's enough to really make you pity him. He used to work for me at the Independent (indirectly as he was a columnist reporting to the Interim Editor at the time), and he is not quite as vapid in person as his writing is... but it's really close!

His latest swipe at Ron Ellsworth - a self-made bayman who's done well for himself, has a heart of gold and does more selfless acts to help others than I can name, well Ed's latest swipe from his ivory tower is pathetic.

Labradore = Wally J Maclean. Former Liberal staffer for Lawrence O'Brien, and curently employed in some sort of unqualified capacity for Todd, to do "research" which I (and many many others) are convinced is nothing more than to surf the internet all day long and read other peoples' blogs, keep secret lists of free-thinkers, like the gestapo, and take out his HATE AND LOATHING on the Premier or anyone in Newfoundland at any time. Wally is so full of hate, he should be promoted to honourary Canadian President of the KLU KLUX KLAN. Just go ahead and read his filth, if you need proof.

So what's worth reading? A new blog from my friend (and sometimes political enemy) Peter L Whittle. http://www.polemicandparadox.com/
This is worth reading. Another bayman, like myself and Ron Ellsworth who actually wants to make a difference... whether or not his bay is Fortune Bay, Gander Bay, or (in my case) Goose Bay. And by that, make a difference in the capitol of Labrador and Newfoundland: St. John's.

Kindest regards, beware the bitterness and hatred mentioned above!

Latest Newfie Jokes...

2008-02-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

So, there seems to be a lot of controversy "manufactured" "Created" and exaggerated by some folks who want to do nothing more but take shots at Loyola Hearn for any reason!

Here's the offensive joke:
So there's this tourist travelling across Canada, and he decides to visit one church in every province that he stops in. So he gets off the plane in British Columbia and visits a church, and they have a phone line directly to heaven that costs 100 dollars to use. He doesn't use it, of course, because that's an obscene price for a phone call, period. So he heads out to Alberta and finds that at the next church they have the same line to heaven, but this one costs 80 dollars. Thinking there might be pattern to this, his next stop is a church in Ontario and sure enough, there's another phone line to heaven and it costs 50 dollars. He heads to New Brunswick next, where it costs 20 dollars, and finally he runs out of room to head east in Canada and makes his last stop in a church here in Newfoundland, where he discovers that the line to heaven is only 25 cents - the reason being, of course, that he's already there.

While he's stopped over in Newfoundland he hears someone mention that they've got the same thing over in Ireland; so obviously, he jumps at the chance to continue his investigation of these bizarre heavenly phones. Of course, when he gets there, he realises they have a totally different pricing scheme on the other side of the pond, and he's told that it'll cost him about 300 pounds to use their line to heaven. Naturally, he makes the call and then leaves his wife behind.

Dear Joan Burke: Get your head straight! You weren't even there, and there's nothing offensive about this in any way shape or form. Funny how women tell husband jokes all the time from stages and we all laugh? Honest to God, nothing looks funnier than you right now!

Dear Lorraine Michaels: 300 pounds refers to 300 pounds sterling, not your weight...or any one else's. You know what's offensive? Your obvious lack of any grip on reality.

but finally...
Dear Yvonne Jones;
KUDOS TO YOU!! You were right, there's nothing offensive here. We need to get on to bigger issues.

If there was ever anything that made me wake up and take notice it was Ms. Jones' common sense comments. I am truly impressed.

now if we can just get the stick out of society's arse...

But in all fairness...

2007-10-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

In all fairness to other parties running in this election, there are certainly reasons to vote otherwise than by party line. How do we elect individuals who can actually make a difference if we only vote by old conventions, long-held biases and opinions and steadfast beliefs that we have to support the party we have always chosen?

There are examples of two other ways to vote in this election:
1. Vote to elect the best MHA for your area. Perhaps in the current district you are in, the person who represents it makes a great cabinet minister or adds diversity to government but is the pits of an MHA. Consider how connected to the people s/he is but also consider how effective the individual is when it comes to actually achieving something for the district without driving nuts all others connected to the reins of power. Exanmple? Kevin Aylward when he was MHA for Stephenville. Party affiliation meant little to Kevin in the grand scheme of things, Kevin was all about his district, his people and building bridges to achieve what he could for his constituents and really put himself lower on the list of priorities.

2. Vote to elect someone who can make a real difference. IN this instance, an individual who brings something to government or at least the House of Assembly (or Parliament) that is desperately needed. I think a great example of this is the former leader of the Liberal Party in Newfoundland who had the knife driven in and twisted in his back by the elite of his own Liberal party. I speak of Jim Bennett, of course.

"Now Ward" you say "These are clearly two Liberals, and you are clearly anti-Liberal". Not exactly correct. I am anti mantra, anti Kool-Aid. I am clearly against hatred voting and getting caught up in the BS I'm hearing coming out of this campaign.

Here we have the greatest Premier in our history, not Bond perhaps, but one of the closest since. And he's being attacked on issues that are minute in comparison to great things that have been achieved by his government.

Should there be ample Labrador power available to all Labradorians? OF COURSE! Clearly a terrible mis-speak or omission in the releases that came forward concerning the new Energy Plan. But this is easy to address, and redress is hardly even necessary as it will be a part of the implementation. The Lower Churchill power has to run on the Provincial Power Grid, not an isolated transmission line with the words "Nyahh ne Nyahh nyah, no soup for you!" adorning banners strewn from it.

Be well! Vote for the future, not based on past grievances.

STOP THE INSANITY!

2007-10-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

You know, sometimes in conversation or other political debates, I write something that I really shoujld post on this blog. Conversations with Lori O'Brien from the south coast, and Liam O'Brien (no relation) from Buchans today, lead to the following post. I hope you enjoy!

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So I was asked what I thought was on the go with Patty Pottle being offered a Cabinet post IF elected... and this is what came out

ME? Have an answer? Oh God, the pressure...

All's I know is there is Labrador Party candidate on the north coast, and every vote the Lab Party gets is one the Liberals lose. That's where it goes...that's why they pulled out of Lake Melville, which really ticks me off. The "grunge vote" (term of endearment, not a slag) in the last election was split between John Hickey and the Labrador Party, now that vote is being targeted by the Liberal candidate and said vote is being directed by the Labrador Party to go that way. Disgusts me really, and I've had this conversation with them about it... if there's a reason for the Labrador Party to exist, then it should be fielding candidates. Otherwise they're saying "We're irrelevant". Stupid I think. Short sighted, and reactionary at best.

There's a hardcore Newfoundland hating ignoramous demographic in Labrador who are so easily misled by their canadian masters (The Liberal Party of Canada) to cause derision at any cost, that they've just been waiting on an issue to pick on to use as an excuse to throw stones at the Premier. THIS my friends, has NOTHING TO DO WITH LOWER CHURCHILL POWER!

As for Patty being offered a cabinet seat, this being used as an enticement?

ONE THING ABOUT DANNY WILLIAMS:
He has a propensity for telling the truth, something that is rare in politics.

Remember when he said that the Liberals shoudl have elected John Efford as leader because that would've been a challenge? He was telling the truth.

Patty Pottle likely would make cabinet, but why?
She's about the only potential Aboriginal affairs minister who represents a district with a high percentage of aboriginal peoples, is aboriginal herself, is from her riding, is (to the best of my knowledge) an aboriginal person, is LIA, has links to the new government on the north coast (a success story, big time). So she's the best qualified out of all candidates of any party to handle Aboriginal and Labrador affairs.

Danny was only stating the obvious.

Some people comment about hearing her speak, thinking she isn't cabinet material because f her dialect. Well folks...she is very representative of someone from the north coast, and is hardly anything less than well-spoken. English spoken on the North Coast of Labrador is heavily influenced by Inuktituk (Inuit language) and as such sounds somewhat different to English spoken in the rest of NL. This doesn't indicate ignorance of the well accepted conventions of Queen-Speak, but rather an overwhelming influence by the native tongue on people's second language.

She's an obvious choice for this, our Premier is only stating the obvious, something painfully lost by those making the majority of comments in Lake Melville, Lab West, Cartwright Lanse au Clair, Torngait Mountains as well as the honorable member from Notre Dame.

And one other note on that...

For the LIFE OF ME, I don't know who is running the campaigns for the 4 districts, but I swear to God they're near asleep based on the lack of paying attention to obvious ways to counter Liberal Lies and propaganda.

What about the $117 MILLION the Liberals STOLE from Labrador's transportation fund? What about the fact that the last Churchill Falls deal was a LIBERAL deal done for the benefit of Canada and Quebec, not Newfoundland OR Labrador.

Wining any seat in Labrador would be like taking candy from a baby but for the life of me, I can't understand why they won't touch the candy!

It's almost like a lot of us Métis (yes, I'm one too!) want to live in ignorance, and the Liberal Party has supplanted the church as religion of choice. I don't know what it will take to de-program the majority, but it needs to be done!

This is Dennis' second kick at the can here, and I hope he makes progress.

Hope you enjoyed.