Dream on Roger!

We lost one of the good ones over the weekend.

Roger Anthony Abbott, half of the founding team of The Royal Canadian Air Farce died in Toronto from leukemia.

The fact that Abbott has been sick for many years and very few knew about it is something of the measure of the man. He was a consummate professional and a consummate performer. His life's role was to enliven others, not to dwell in his own misfortune.

I was a fan of Roger, Don, Luba and John as they created comedy magic, first on CBC radio and then later on CBC television. Together with their sometimes partner Dave Broadfoot, they allowed us to step out of our dour, solemn attitude and laugh at ourselves and our icons. Roger's caricatures of Jean Chretien, Peter Mansbridge, even the Queen Mother gave us all a reason to laugh.

I especially appreciated Roger's professionalism – his commitment to the industry that gave him such great success and to which he contributed so very, very much. His careful attention to detail and his rigorous commitment to quality meant that every performance was the best he could deliver. The way he and Don went over each script to tweak the nuances and bring out just the right inflection to make a funny line even funnier meant that a top-notch product hit the air every week. "Good enough" was never part of his vocabulary.

His sheer joy of life and the kindness he showed to those around him never will be forgotten.

Few knew that he was actually Dr. Roger Abbot having received his PhD from McGill University in Montreal.

Here's Roger's obituary from the Toronto Star ...

ABBOTT, Roger Anthony - Died peacefully on Saturday, March 26, 2011 in Toronto surrounded by his family and friends at the age of 64. He was a loving, compassionate man of many talents who shared all that he had - a true inspiration to all who were blessed to have known him. Though Roger was taken from us far too early, he was a man who lived his life to the fullest and we were fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to express our profound love for him in his final days. He was predeceased by his father William Abbott. He is survived by his loving mother Betty and his sister Jackie McNally (Vince) of Oakville. He will be greatly missed by nephew Mark McNally (Joanne) of Ottawa and niece Johanne McNally Myers (Derek) of Oakville. He was a great-uncle to Quinton and Ryan McNally and Jacob and Zoë Myers. He leaves many other family and friends around the world. His family is deeply grateful to Don Ferguson for his incredible strength and devotion during this difficult time. Sincere thanks to the exceptional medical team in the MSICU at Toronto General Hospital for their loving care and support. A private ceremony has already taken place. A memorial and celebration of Roger's life will be held in the coming weeks. Memorial donations to Easter Seals Ontario would be greatly appreciated.

September 9, 2004

Stephen Harper is spending a lot of energy, time and MONEY telling us how bad the idea of a coalition government would be.  Surprising how much his thinking has changed since 2004.  Read on ...

September 9, 2004

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson,
C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.
Governor General
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A1

Excellency,

As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons fail to support some part of the government’s program.

We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the

Your attention to this matter is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
Leader of the Opposition
Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

Gilles Duceppe, M.P.
Leader of the Bloc Quebecois

Jack Layton, M.P.
Leader of the New Democratic Party

(Disclaimer: this copy was taken from the liberal party website @ http://tinyurl.com/63p72hx)

Trusting the tory leader at this point is simply out of the question.  He will do whatever it takes to hold onto power, regardless of the cost to his credibility.

Check out "Sheila's Brush"

Every so often, there's a piece of writing that resonates with you.  A bit of poetry entitled "Sheila's Brush" hit me that way today.  It's written by fellow blogger WiseWebWoman (a self-assigned moniker by the way!) and speaks of today's weather.  Take a moment to go there and enjoy it: http://wisewebwoman.blogspot.com/

My main computer took a dive earlier this week.  I didn't get it into the computer guys until yesterday afternoon because of a busy week.  It will take them a few days to figure out whether it's worth salvaging.  Fortunately, I've been doing regular backups and, on the advice of a colleague a few months ago, signed up for an online backup service called Carbonite.  If you don't have a reliable back-up system in place, I'd recommend you visit them http://www.carbonite.ca/  They're saving my butt!

In the meantime, last week I decided to buy a little netbook computer that was on sale at Staples to have something to stick in my backpack and lug around with me to meetings, etc.  It looks and feels like a toy, but having used it now for a couple of days, I can tell you it's far from a toy.  The small (10.1") screen is a bit of an adjustment and the smaller keyboard is a challenge at times, but it revs right along.

Anyway, thanks wildwebwoman for your contribution to the literary world today.  It made my day!  :-)

Crass electioneering

The headline reads, "Harper felt betrayed after ex-aide tied to lobbying allegations, sources say". 

Gee, based on Bruce Carson's past RECORD, one would have thought that conservative party leader Stephen Harper would have felt betrayed a little earlier than on the eve of an election.  Wonder who the source was who released that tidbit?  Maybe one of the other close aides to him?  Remember, while Carson was bedding a hooker with a website, he said he had regular access to Stephen Harper.  And Harper KNEW that from what we hear and see in media reports.

So today's announcement of Harper feeling betrayed is more than a little suspect.

Can't help but wonder if there has been a flood of patronage appointments this week that we haven't heard about yet.  It seems to be Harper's way - give your buddies and your buddies' buddies the best jobs around.

Time to rev up Williams' "ABC campaign" again!

"The Harper government"?

Interesting, isn't it?  The media makes fun of the federal tories for insisting they be called "the harper government" while every story I hear and/or read refers to the Canadian government as "the harper government".  (Resistance is futile - you will be assimilated).

For Libya, time will tell

Not sure if anyone else feels the same, but I have a sense of déjà vu with the western attacks on Libya.

Iraq anyone?

The difference this time is that there is, what appears to be, a popular uprising against the Libyan leadership – something that was not evident in Iraq when the US led attack began March 20, 2003. Interesting to note that was eight years ago today.  Is anyone lighting an anniversary candle for the Iraqi people?

The question for me is this, is the west going to get mired down in Libya the same way it did in Iraq? The Middle East tribal culture is something we don’t understand in the west and while we may think that western-style democracy is the answer, that ain’t necessarily so. Look no further than Afghanistan to try to understand the complexity of tribal rule.  Puppet Presidents do not a democracy make.

I understand that the apparent start of these middle eastern revolutions was in Tunisia when Mohamed Bouazizi, the fruit vendor who died after setting himself on fire, became a symbol of defiance. That was the start in Tunisia, but what about the rest of the Arab world where such apparent revolutions are spreading faster than the H1N1 virus? Is it possible, conceivable even, that there is another agenda at play here?

I can’t help but wonder if perhaps the government in Iran might be providing some of the financing and fuel for these *spontaneous* revolutions. It’s no secret that the government of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the President of Iran, has long been interested in exporting the Sharia law foundation of the Iranian revolution. Was the Tunisian uprising simply the opportunity that presented itself to Iran?

Of course the other question is that Barack Ombama is doing pretty poorly in the polls at the moment.  Rev up a war - play the role of the great western hope, help the sluggish economy to build more bombs.  Hmmm ... not a bad plan from Obama's political agenda viewpoint.

As the French military jets fly over Libya and attack Libyan government bases and began the slow destruction of the infrastructure that we saw in Iraq, the question for me is who is going to benefit from this in the long term? Is there more at stake here than the “protection of the Libyan people”? Time will tell.

World Sleep Day

This is one of those stories that catch your attention because you're personally involved.  I'm writing this at 3:57am during another sleepless night of which there are far too many in my life.  A few hours of good sleep and then the frustration of tossing and turning and not being able to slow down your brain enough to get back to sleep.  The story says far too many of us are getting less than six hours of sleep each night.  Is it any wonder that we're stressed out.

This story is from the Canadian Sleep Society.  Click on the title to learn more about them.



The health of children and adults is at risk because we’re not getting enough sleep, says the international group of doctors behind the 4th annual World Sleep Day on March 18th.

The World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) says sleepiness and sleeplessness are threatening health and quality of life in countries around the globe, and that sleep problems can be prevented or treated. Improving sleep will improve the quality of life of millions of people.

Not only are adults struggling to cope with an epidemic of sleep disorders, but doctors are also observing alarming rates of sleepiness and sleeplessness in children. As many as 40 per cent of our children aren’t getting enough sleep, which is not only impairing their ability to function properly, it’s hurting their ability to learn. CLICK HERE FOR QUICK FACTS ON SLEEP IN CHILDREN.

Doctors suggest teenagers need about nine hours of sleep a night, and adults need at least eight. A recent Canadian poll found 35 per cent of youth aged 12 to 17, and 61 per cent of adults get less than eight hours of sleep a night. The poll showed an alarming 30 per cent of adults are getting fewer than six hours a night. CLICK HERE FOR QUICK FACTS ON SLEEP IN ADULTS.

World Sleep Day is designed to call attention to the global epidemic of sleepiness and sleeplessness, and build awareness that sleep disorders are preventable and treatable medical conditions.  The international annual event is also intended to be a celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep, including medicine, education, safety on the roads and in the workplace.

About the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM)

WASM is an international membership based organization comprised of healthcare professionals active in the field of sleep medicine.  It aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders. The fundamental mission of the WASM is to advance sleep health worldwide.

For more information about World Sleep Day visit: www.worldsleepday.org

Sort of a commentary ...

Pots & kettles ...

I was shocked, confused, bewildered,

As I entered Heaven's door,

Not by the beauty of it all,

Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven,

Who made me sputter and gasp--,

The thieves, the liars, the sinners,

The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade,

Who swiped my lunch money twice.

Next to him was my old neighbor,

Who never said anything nice.

Bob, who I always thought,

Was rotting away in hell,

Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,

Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?

I would love to hear Your take,

How'd all these sinners get up here?

God must've made a mistake.

'And why is everyone so quiet,

So sombre - give me a clue,

'Hush, child,' He said,

'they're all in shock,
.
.
.
.

No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

Happy Birthday Mac!

I have a friend who was born on St. Patrick’s Day 57 years ago today … and despite that awesome pedigree, he says he doesn’t have a drop of Irish blood in him – he’s descended from Scots on both sides of his family (although the intermingling of Celts somewhere along the way probably means that he has at least one or two Irish genes in him somewhere – those Celts were a friendly lot!). He's a writer, a poet, a lover and when need be, a fighter.  Mostly, he is a wonderful friend to many, many people.  He has been an inspiration to me many a time over the years and even in this present blogging project (don't even think about royalties!)  Anyway, just want to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY with many happy returns. He’s having some major physical pain problems at the moment and is probably looking at some surgery which he says he dreads, so here’s hoping you can avoid that with all the positive energy we’re sending your way today my friend and you'll soon be up and around without that pain. Have a good day Mac!

Elizabeth Matthews pulls her name out of the Offshore Petroleum Board ring

I don’t know Elizabeth Matthews. I don’t think I ever saw her face until today in the online version of The Telegram. The only thing I know is that when I read her statement this morning, all I could think was “the pot calling the kettle black ass”.

One sentence in her press release caught my attention: “But the politicalization of this issue has gone too far.” Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. Her appointment was the stuff of political legend – serve your time in the Premier’s office and then get a job that pays nearly $200-thousand a year in a field that requires very special expertise and instead get someone nominated for the gig whose claim to fame is being a spinmeister for Danny Williams.

Matthews goes on to say, “In that role, I was a part of a team that advised the Premier and Cabinet on major policy and negotiations including energy and other projects. Despite Opposition Party claims to the contrary, I was also a part of the team for several projects related to offshore oil and gas development including the Hebron offshore development, the renewed Atlantic Accord, Hibernia South extension, White Rose extension and the Lower Churchill project.”

One thing she should have learned from her time at Danny’s side is the people who work in the petroleum industry are experts in their field. They understand the industry and are good at what they do. That’s why they’re getting mega-rich from the offshore wells and we’re doing pretty good ourselves, thank you. The last thing the industry needs at what we can only hope will be a time of serious transformation in terms of safety issues, is an ex-political flack. Being the first one in the Premier’s office to take the call about the Cougar disaster does not a petroleum industry executive make.

One thing I do give her credit for. She’s apparently got enough savvy and I expect Williams was involved in the decision, to know when the jig is up and you can’t win. There are so many patronage positions out there that you could probably walk on them from here to Twillingate without ever touching the pavement. I think we’re fortunate and the offshore workers are lucky that at least one of them won’t be in a position of authority in an industry that requires expertise. Not to worry. Her name will pop up soon enough again. Just keep your eye out for those $200-thousand jobs.

(If you’re interested in reading Ms. Matthews complete press release, click here)

DEMOCRACY 2011

Don’t want to be obsessive about federal politics but the announcements yesterday that three members of the federal tory caucus are pulling the plug raises all sorts of interesting questions. Former sea-doo star and now Treasury Board President Stockwell Day, Transport Minister Chuck Strahl and a third BC MP John Cummins all announced they will not be offering in the coming election. Makes four when you count the earlier departure of Environment Minister Jim Prentice who was once considered to be a possible successor to Stephen Harper.

The unanswered question at the moment is whether Day and Strahl will resign from cabinet or ride it out until the election is called. Both are far past the point of having earned their pension-reward-points, so it doesn’t make much difference if they stay in cabinet or go. They’ll be on the pension gravy train for the rest of their lives.

There’s always rampant speculation when senior ministers pull out of government and the consensus in the national media, at least, is that Harper is clearing the decks in anticipation of the election call. One thing for certain, having two senior cabinet jobs possibly opening very soon will have lotsa cabinet-wannabes toeing the party line more carefully than you can imagine. Getting into cabinet in Harper’s world is a pretty easy ride … keep your head down, don’t talk to the press, have nothing to say that hasn’t been approved by the PMO and you’re on easy street with the salary and limo that goes with it. Just don’t have a meltdown in the Charlottetown airport and you’re doing fine.

Another unanswered question is whether Harper will wait for the budget or some other possible opposition non-confidence motion or whether he’ll sashay across the street to see his buddy the new GG Dave Johnston and get Davey-boy to pull the plug on this edition of democracy-in-action. Strikes me as fascinating when a petulant prime minister can shut down government because he’s unhappy. But that’s DEMOCRACY 2011 in Canada, the true north, strong and free.

Snowfall warning for St. John's :-(

MONDAY:  Snow at times heavy beginning early in the morning. Amount 15 cm. Local blowing snow in the evening. Fog patches developing in the morning. Wind becoming northeast 20 km/h in the morning then north 40 gusting to 70 early in the evening. Temperature falling to minus 1 in the afternoon.  http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/nl-24_metric_e.html

Tweedle-dum or tweedle-dee?

Does anyone other than a few hundred political backroom operatives in Ottawa really want an election?

That’s a question I asked a friend of mine in Ottawa last night who’s in the polling business. Her answer: not really. The great unwashed masses out here could care less about an election because generally things are going pretty good. The economy is doing ok, the jobless numbers are in the acceptable range and most people have enough food on the table so they’re not going hungry. She said it’s a typical minority government situation – where the party that is governing can’t afford to do anything drastic like slash services so things roll along ok.

That certainly would appear to be the case here on the Avalon. We’ve never really had it better and although not a lot of the oil/gas profits have made their way to the rural areas of the province as they have here in town, most people will tell you they’re not too bad off. An election is not really on the radar for the majority of Canadians although the game of “truth or dare” being played in Ottawa looks like it’s going to bring us there.

What it’s going to bring us is a $600+ million exercise in attack ads, promises that never will be kept, more baby and ass kissing than you can imagine and the reality that there is very little choice between the Tory sleaze and the Grit confusion. For many people, it will be a choice not so much between the political parties but whether to bother voting at all. Some are suggesting that hitting 50% participation would be a miracle because of the political apathy in the country. With the polls sitting the way they are now, there’s every indication that all an election will do is bring us more of the same.

The elections law says the next election is scheduled for October 15, 2012 but Harper hasn't respected that since he's been the Prime Minister so don't bother reminding him of his own law - he could care less.

More of the same will mean Harper continues to be a sleaze, Ignatieff continues to prove he’s not a leader and Layton will be hobbled by the traditional NDP liabilities. If Elizabeth May doesn’t win a seat this time, then it will time for her to fold her tent. As for the BQ – frankly who cares? More of the same.

Despite all of that, gird your loins for an election likely to be called for either May 2nd or May 9th. For those offering for public office in St. John’s, good luck and please stay away from my door.

So much for a break! :-)

Seems like I had a “Peter Whittle Moment”. A couple of weeks ago, Peter, who authors Polemic and Paradox, said he was taking a little break. That was about the same time that a news tsunami hit Newfoundland, so Peter’s leave was cancelled.

Similar thing for me as I’ve watched the bullshit tsunami in Ottawa over the last few days. Honestly, I didn’t think I could be surprised by how Stephen Harper will change the rules or make up new ones to suit his own unquenchable thirst for power (prorogation anyone?) but the recent state of affairs takes the cake.

Harper has destroyed any illusion of “honourable” that used to be attached to Canadian Prime Ministers. He has demonstrated time and again that he will hang onto power at any cost. Harper used to flout himself as an evangelical Christian. Clearly, he’s left that illusion behind as well because anyone who has read Christian scripture could tell him he’s become one of the money changers in the Temple. Any on the Christian right who still support Harper need to examine his record.

Globe & Mail columnist Jeff Simpson wrote an excellent piece entitled “What if Stephen Harper’s previous views were used against him?” Click here to read it.  In the article, Simpson catalogs Harper’s history and uses the same approach as the Harperites do in their current attack ads. He concludes with this comment, “as we’ve so often seen, a sense of decency can’t be expected of the Conservatives’ attack machine.”

I’m not even sure the concept of decency and the Harperites exist in the same universe. Scoundrels, cheats and liars would seem a more appropriate label.

harperosaurus - new breed of low life

Time for a break

Another blogger mused last week about taking a break away from blogging and it got me to thinking about my own blogging lethargy lately. This blogging thing can be a high-maintenance companion at times, demanding to be fed on a regular basis and provoking a sense of guilt when you let it go hungry for a few days or whatever.

The last time I wrote here was February 19th and I’ve zeroed out on inspiration for follow-up. Blogging fatigue maybe? For now, I’m going to move some news feeds to the top of the heap and that will keep the content moving.  There are some wonderful blogs listed on the right-hand side of this page.  Check them out.

Be good to yourself.  :-)