Be humble

Back in 2004, I took some criticism (off site) and heard some valid and thought provoking opinions to my expectations of behaviour for a (then) Tory Provincial Cabinet Minister.  At that time, I am told, Robert Ghiz called Premier Pat Binns and advised him that the opposition was going to leave this one alone, as Kevin was sick and needed help.  I am told he told Premier Binns that he hoped that he would get Kevin some help. 

I am still of the opinion that we, as the employers of the elected officials, are right to expect a standard of behaviour which, at the least, does not condone drinking and driving; but on reflection, I believe Robert Ghiz made the right decision.

Now we fast forward, and we find a senior government official accused of loutish behaviour.  However, it is alleged that the loutish behaviour goes beyond being a mere boor and lout.  It is alleged that Rory Beck is guilty of much more, and I am told, as time passes, we will hear of other indiscretions. 

what good do you expect to come from such an inquiry? Why do I and the public need to know the details of what happened? How will the system be improved? What would be the risks? Why should the principals who have settled their issues between them have to be judged by a third party?”

I agree with Rob’s choice of questions.  Indeed, what good will come out of an inquiry.  Is kicking a dog while he is down fair play.  Does a lout deserve fair play?  Will an inquiry lead to any positive changes?  Will an inquiry result in something positive?  If there is a positive outcome and life on PEI is improved, then an inquiry may be useful.  If Olive Crane is merely playing petty politics (and she is doing so against the advice of her own minders), then perhaps not.

I need to hear from our government leader.  I need to understand that this sort of behaviour is neither condoned nor allowed in our government.  I need to hear that Mr. Beck will not be re-introduced to the public trough and that he is done in government circles.  I need to hear an acknowledgement that Mr. Beck crossed a line of acceptable behaviour which will never be tolerated again.  I need to hear of the commitment that the taxpayer is obligated to pay, as Mr Beck seeks treatment.

I will withhold my judgement until I hear Robert Ghiz.  I will need to be convinced that the problem has been satisfactorily resolved.  At this point, I am not satisfied.  I will not accept any explanation that smacks of a double standard for those who are in a position of abusing power.

Gawd I am sorry, oh so really sorry.  I have done bad and it is all ungood.  Yes, I have done some things I am proud of (at least in my own mind), but oh my, I have been naughty.  I am so sorry, and I am going to go away and try to make the ungoodness disappear.  Oh gentle Islander, well known for your forgiving nature (and your short memory), allow me to come feel your warmth, to play on your gentle island.

Oh gentle Islander, I know that with the support of my many good friends, my family and the $140,000 a year that you will pay me while I chase the ungoodness away, I will be able restore my good name, my reputation and my place at the trough.

...oink!

What a great idea!

The organisation behind the project has launched the “give one, get one” scheme that will allow US residents to purchase two laptops for $399 (£198). 

One laptop will be sent to the buyer whilst a child in the developing world will receive the second machine

BBC NEWS | Technology | ‘$100 laptop’ to sell to public

 Corpse created content. On first glance it seemed weird.  After a little thought, perhaps.

The first question everyone asks is how YouDeparted knows you have passed away:
When you pass away, your Recipients will unlock your account. Once a minimum number (set by you) of Recipients sign in and confirm your death, your account will be unlocked after a time delay (which can be set by you). The information and instructions you saved will be sent to your family and friends.
Note: For more information about how the unlocking process works, see the Unlocking Your Account guide.

YouDeparted.com - How our service works

I just completed by 2 year medical check-up.  As I am of an age, smoke and have lost a little weight, my Doc thought a routine check X-ray was in order.  He gave me the the requisition.  He asked that I call him after the X-rays are taken.  I asked why.  He advised me that the radiologists will not read my films for 4 months, but after a couple of days they are on-line and he (my Doc) could look at them.  While he is not a radiologist, he felt he would be able to pick up any gross abnormalities.  My question:  If the films are on line, why can’t we hire a radiologist from away to view the films?  Surely, there are underemployed radiologists some place in the world with Internet access.

I asked if we could review my blood tests that were taken 5 months ago.  As my Doc went through his file - they were not there.  An impatient call to the hospital lab confirmed that did not have them.  Apparently the lab has lost them.

Blood tests were rescheduled.

After getting home, I looked at the X-ray requisition.  While it was my name, my name was spelled incorrectly.  My date of birth was wrong and the health insurance number noted was wrong.  I had a word with my Doc’s clerk.

The more I experience the medical system as it exists, the more I think a dual channel distribution system may be the way of the future.  Consumers of medical services need choices - now we have none.

The Canadian dollar reached parity with the U.S. greenback on Thursday for the first time since November 1976.

$1 Cdn = $1 US

The visiting Regional Vice President, along with his spouse and a guest couple, were considering where they might eat.  As they sell a product, it seemed to be good business to patronize a restaurant that purchased from them.  Thus, they decided on a restaurant, and settled in for what they hoped, would be an enjoyable evening.

In time, following drinks, the meal was served.  Like many of us will do, one of the women was moving her fish about her plate as she turned to speak to he companion.  As she turned, she thought she noted something on her place, and lifted her fish with her fork.  One might imagine what her reaction was when she discovered a seething mass of maggots on her plate.

The server, of course, took the plate away.  The manager of the restaurant never appeared to apologize.  As the 4 people got up to leave, the server presented a bill for the 3 meals, saying there would be no charge for the ‘maggot plate.’  If the server had stuck the bills, were it was suggested they be stuck, the server would have been quite uncomfortable.

..and no, I will not identify the restaurant.

10 months ago, when Trek was just a pup, I was surprised how well he seemed to assume the position of the stack. 

I said, “In the confirmation show ring vernacular, stacking is the posing of your dog to show his or her features to the best advantage.  Little Trek seems to have a natural willingness to assume the position. ”

In the confirmation show process, the ultimate goal is to place well enough to accumulate sufficient points to be awarded the title of Permanent Grand Champion.  It can be a long and arduous task and many never reach the goal.  This show season has been a grueling one for Herself.  Dax has been struggling with obedience competition (I think she (Dax) is bored with the whole thing) and Trek did not show particularly well.  He is just a pup and he is showing against much older dogs.  He is also a very strong dog, and has a habit of trying to drag his handler around the ring.  Half way through the show circuit, we just decided that this was his year to learn and to get accustomed to the process.

Then something happened.  He started to show his real potential.  He was winning some shows and showing well in his group.   As we approached the end of the season, he seemed to find himself, and began to look like a champ.

The past two shows were his time to shine, and he made it. 

Champion Voyager Vom Canisphere (Trek)

Other than providing a loving home that shaped his personality and making sure he had the proper nutrition, we can take no credit for this accomplishment.  In the confirmation ring, it is all about breeding - hoping the judge will deem your dog a better example of the breed, as he or she compares the dog to the breed standard.

Lawrence Anonychuck, who passed away on May 6 of this year, and who founded Canisphere Kennels, deserves full credit. 

He will be shown twice more this year - once in Moncton and once in Charlottetown.  He will be shown in a specials class where he will compete against others with similar accomplishments.  We do not expect much as he will be competing against much older dogs.

Despite struggling with Obedience, Dax managed one high in trial - the first time that she has won that award.

She needs two more successful outings to be awarded her CDX title.  She has about 10 opportunities left this season, so there is still time.

We were warned of this, long ago.  Paranoia is only a sickness, if it is not true.

Scott Dunn will report that Windows Update has started “altering files on users’ systems without displaying any dialog box to request permission. The only altered files that have been reported to date are 18 small executables used by WU itself. Microsoft is patching these files silently, even if auto-updates have been disabled on a particular PC.”

Microsoft Watch - Operating Systems - Windows Update’s Sneaky Updates

I am quite comfortable with 23 of 25.  The other two I can do, but not particularly well.  How about you?

1. Patch a radiator hose
2. Protect your computer
3. Rescue a boater who as capsized
4. Frame a wall
5. Retouch digital photos
6. Back up a trailer
7. Build a campfire
8. Fix a dead outlet
9. Navigate with a map and compass
10. Use a torque wrench
11. Sharpen a knife
12. Perform CPR
13. Fillet a fish
14. Maneuver a car out of a skid
15. Get a car unstuck
16. Back up data
17. Paint a room
18. Mix concrete
19. Clean a bolt-action rifle
20. Change oil and filter
21. Hook up an HDTV
22. Bleed brakes
23. Paddle a canoe
24. Fix a bike flat
25. Extend your wireless network

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