From Kinsella's blog, July 31, 2004:
How do you say I miss you to
An answering machine?
How do you say good night to
An answering machine?
How do you say I'm lonely to
An answering machine?
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Original URL at http://www.warrenkinsella.com/musings_july04.htm
Sunday, May 08, 2005
From Kinsella's blog, August 2, 2004
Aug 2, 2004 - Heading back, leavin' Jamaica, mon. Everybody says "mon," here. I wonder if it is a real thing, or the product a marketing focus group by the Jamaican Tourist Bureau.
....
See you on the other side, mon!
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Original URL at http://www.warrenkinsella.com/musings_august04.htm
....
See you on the other side, mon!
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Original URL at http://www.warrenkinsella.com/musings_august04.htm
From Kinsella's blog, July 27, 2004
July 27, 2004 - I can only assume Larry Zolf's editor is on vacation, because I can't believe his latest column is actually found on the CBC web site.
In it, the way in which Zolf discusses ethnic communities is more than just clumsy. It's appallingly insensitive and dumb, too. A sampling, with italics added:
...
"Now years later in Canada, the ethnic groups are playing out their game with the skilled hand of Paul Martin. The ethnic groups are a key to victory in the next election."
"The ethnic groups in the Liberal party are the main hope for a Martin victory in a run-off election. They constitute a large number of the 75 Ontario seats carried by Martin in the 2004 election 2004. They also holdd [sic] the key to a large slice of the 21 Quebec seats Martin carried in 2004."
"[Martin] realizes the ethnic vote is a fundamental of Liberal politics and he must cater to it if he wishes to survive as prime minister."
"Martin must also be careful not to go too far in his love affair with the ethnics. Too much ethnicking can be seen by anglo Canada as offensive and it is anglo Canada that rejected much of the Liberal heritage in election 2004. Ethnicking with the Quebecois in Quebec could mean the difference between minority or a majority government next time around."
"Still, it's nice to have the ethnics on board the good ship SS Paul Martin. The ethnics make good and loyal ministers."
...
The "ethnics?" Did Larry Zolf actually get paid to write that? Did the CBC then actually post that, for all to see? Playing out "their game?" "Cater" to them? "Too much ethnicking?" "It's nice to have ethnics on board?"
It's possible, of course, that Larry Zolf's intention was to sound accommodating and supportive of "ethnics," as he calls them. It is also possible that he did not intend to sound like a callous, blundering ignoramus. But that latter perspective, unfortunately for Larry, is very much what we're left with.
As a student of Canadian politics, I can attest to the fact that no Canadian political party - including the Liberal Party, now being breathlessly urged by Larry to "cater" to "the ethnics" - any longer regards ethnic communities as unintelligent monoliths, which can be counted upon to unquestioningly do the bidding of backroom party apparatchiks. Even if such a sad state of affairs ever existed, you can be assured it doesn't anymore. Ask any successful politician: in 2004 A.D., every predominant Canadian ethnic group has done what one would expect (and hope) to happen in the new millennium - they vote for Liberals, Conservatives and New Democrats like everyone else does. That is, according to the issues, and leadership, and so on.
Not, to put a fine point on it, because one of the CBC's, or Larry Zolf's, imagined ethnic overlords has decreed how they should vote. (And, yes, Virginia, your tax dollars do indeed directly or indirectly pay for such drivel. Sorry about that.)
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Original URL at http://www.warrenkinsella.com/musings_july04.htm
From Kinsella's blog, July 26, 2004
July 26, 2004 - I plan to use this to get a better birthday present out of my wife. I rather suspect it won't work, but what the heck.
July 26, 2004 - My wife and I never, ever (ever) shop at Wal-Mart, but always at Costco. Here is the principal reason why.
July 26, 2004 - Yes, yes, Jimmy, but will you pay your bills? Will Fly-by-Night Flaherty finally pay up?
July 26, 2004 - My, my, isn't this interesting: the party of fiscal probity and prudence, forced to respond to deadbeat allegations. Goodness gracious.
You know, something tells me I'm going to have a lot more to say about this subject, real soon.
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Origina URL at http://www.warrenkinsella.com/musings_july04.htm
July 26, 2004 - My wife and I never, ever (ever) shop at Wal-Mart, but always at Costco. Here is the principal reason why.
July 26, 2004 - Yes, yes, Jimmy, but will you pay your bills? Will Fly-by-Night Flaherty finally pay up?
July 26, 2004 - My, my, isn't this interesting: the party of fiscal probity and prudence, forced to respond to deadbeat allegations. Goodness gracious.
You know, something tells me I'm going to have a lot more to say about this subject, real soon.
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Origina URL at http://www.warrenkinsella.com/musings_july04.htm
From Kinsella's blog, July 20, 2004
July 20, 2004 - Hoo boy! Take a look at this, folks! Can you imagine what the philistines would say if the House was sitting? Wow! Let me know if any of you get the job, okay? In the meantime, I need a drink:
...
Canadian Wine Coordinator
Location: Ottawa, ON Salary: $61,312 to
$66,287 (AS-05). Closing Date: July 21, 2004 Useful
Information Reference Number: EXT86726JCNF90
Position for a
specified
period of three (3) to six (6) months.
The position is
located
within the
following governmental organization: Department
of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Who Can Apply
Useful
Information Persons residing or employed in regions within Ontario or
Quebec, who have a home or business postal code beginning with: G0A, G0L to
G0Z,
G1 to G3, G4A, G5A, G5R, G5T, G5V, G5X to G5Z, G6 to G9, H, J0A to
J0L,
J0N to
J0Z, J1 to J9, K, L, M, N0A to N0C, N0E, N0G, N0H, N0J to
N0M, N1 to
N6, N7A,
N7G, P0A to P0C, P0E, P0G, P0H, P0J, P0K, P0M, P0N,
P0P, P0R, P1 to
P4, P5A and
P5E.
Citizenship
Useful
Information Preference will be given to Canadian citizens. Please
indicate
in your application the reason for which you are entitled to
work
in Canada:
Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status or work
permit.
Language
Useful
Information Bilingual imperative
English
French
Reading
Writing
Oral Interaction
Reading
Writing
Oral Interaction
B
B
B
B
B
B
Education
Useful
Information Graduation with a degree from a recognized university and
formal
training in oenology with an internationally qualification from
an
oenology
institution.
Experience
Experience in promoting and conveying Canadian wine knowledge to senior
management in the Federal Public Service or dignitaries.Experience in designing and delivering wine education training
modules and conducting tutored tastings.Experience in working with the Canadian wine industry and major
industry associations to support the industry in the promotion of Canadian
wines
abroad.Experience in building awareness of Canadian wines.
Additional Requirements / Comments
Condition of employment:Security clearance: Secret - this factor is not used at the
preselection stage. The department is responsible for the security clearance
process.Candidates from outside the federal Public Service may be
required to pay for their own travel and relocation expenses.Quote the reference number and clearly indicate your
CITIZENSHIP.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
From Kinsella's blog, September 17, 2004
September 17, 2004 - I am so depressed.
My daughter was holding my hand as I was walking her to school this morning. When we got nearer to the schoolyard, she shook my hand lose - and she wouldn't take it back.
Some of you had warned me this moment was coming, but I am still totally, completely devastated.
The only way to cheer myself up is by going to the Ontario PC convention tonight and driving them all crazy.
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Original URL at http://www.warrenkinsella.com/musings_sept04.htm
My daughter was holding my hand as I was walking her to school this morning. When we got nearer to the schoolyard, she shook my hand lose - and she wouldn't take it back.
Some of you had warned me this moment was coming, but I am still totally, completely devastated.
The only way to cheer myself up is by going to the Ontario PC convention tonight and driving them all crazy.
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Original URL at http://www.warrenkinsella.com/musings_sept04.htm
From Radwanski's blog, August 17, 2004
I've been holding this in for days...
I hate the Olympics. There, I said it.
I hate the way I'm supposed to care about a bunch of sports I would never care about otherwise, just because they're all lumped together into one giant orgy of sports I don't care about.
I hate the way our national pride is supposed to take a hit every time we fail to perform adequately at water polo or long-jumping or synchronized swimming.
I hate the self-importance of the IOC (sorry, "Olympic Movement"), whose website informs us that "Olympism is a state of mind."
I hate the way anyone who's ever played amateur sports takes great umbrage whenever one dares turn a blind eye to the herculian achievements of our Olympic athletes.
I hate that, even though I don't know anyone who's even remotely fanatical about this thing, it'll dominate the front pages, lead off broadcasts, and pre-empt other sports coverage for another week.
But I'm very, very glad Toronto didn't get the 2008 Games. And quietly, I think a lot of other Torontonians are too.
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Original URL at http://www.adamradwanski.com/blog190804.html
I hate the Olympics. There, I said it.
I hate the way I'm supposed to care about a bunch of sports I would never care about otherwise, just because they're all lumped together into one giant orgy of sports I don't care about.
I hate the way our national pride is supposed to take a hit every time we fail to perform adequately at water polo or long-jumping or synchronized swimming.
I hate the self-importance of the IOC (sorry, "Olympic Movement"), whose website informs us that "Olympism is a state of mind."
I hate the way anyone who's ever played amateur sports takes great umbrage whenever one dares turn a blind eye to the herculian achievements of our Olympic athletes.
I hate that, even though I don't know anyone who's even remotely fanatical about this thing, it'll dominate the front pages, lead off broadcasts, and pre-empt other sports coverage for another week.
But I'm very, very glad Toronto didn't get the 2008 Games. And quietly, I think a lot of other Torontonians are too.
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Original URL at http://www.adamradwanski.com/blog190804.html
From Radwanski's blog, June 1, 2004
What a Dick
While I was sitting around a local establishment after a ball hockey game last night, Paul Martin's campaign ad - the one where he's showing his common touch by hanging around an exclusive cottage - came on, minus the sound. First thing I noticed was that they did something weird to his hair. First thing my friend sitting next to me noticed was that he looked a bit like Richard Nixon.
That can't be a good sign.
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Original URL at http://www.adamradwanski.com/blog030604.html
While I was sitting around a local establishment after a ball hockey game last night, Paul Martin's campaign ad - the one where he's showing his common touch by hanging around an exclusive cottage - came on, minus the sound. First thing I noticed was that they did something weird to his hair. First thing my friend sitting next to me noticed was that he looked a bit like Richard Nixon.
That can't be a good sign.
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Original URL at http://www.adamradwanski.com/blog030604.html
From the column of Carol Goar, August 18, 2004
Shoddy welcome for newcomers
There were 20 students in Anna Opanasyuk's English-as-a-second- language class. Five were doctors, four were scientists, the rest had university degrees in everything from economics to electrical engineering. She had two doctorates; one in education and one in public administration. She was also a certified mediator, a trained cellist and an accomplished dressmaker.
Between classes, the immigrants would exchange stories. Two themes always dominated. The first was the near-impossibility of getting professional accreditation in their fields. The second was how much it hurt to be treated like simpletons because of their lack of proficiency in English.
Last spring, when the Ontario government launched a public review of adult education, the students asked Opanasyuk, who is from Ukraine, to speak on their behalf.
They wanted her to explain that highly educated immigrants don't need courses on resume writing or family life. They need intensive, high-quality English instruction so they can compete for jobs in their professions. And they need to know how to get their credentials recognized in Canada.
Opanasyuk tried to convey these messages to Kathleen Wynne, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. "I don't think she got it."
[For the complete column, see Page A22, Toronto Star, August 18, 2004.]
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Original URL at http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1092782106175&
call_pageid=970599109774&col=Columnist969907622164
There were 20 students in Anna Opanasyuk's English-as-a-second- language class. Five were doctors, four were scientists, the rest had university degrees in everything from economics to electrical engineering. She had two doctorates; one in education and one in public administration. She was also a certified mediator, a trained cellist and an accomplished dressmaker.
Between classes, the immigrants would exchange stories. Two themes always dominated. The first was the near-impossibility of getting professional accreditation in their fields. The second was how much it hurt to be treated like simpletons because of their lack of proficiency in English.
Last spring, when the Ontario government launched a public review of adult education, the students asked Opanasyuk, who is from Ukraine, to speak on their behalf.
They wanted her to explain that highly educated immigrants don't need courses on resume writing or family life. They need intensive, high-quality English instruction so they can compete for jobs in their professions. And they need to know how to get their credentials recognized in Canada.
Opanasyuk tried to convey these messages to Kathleen Wynne, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. "I don't think she got it."
[For the complete column, see Page A22, Toronto Star, August 18, 2004.]
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Original URL at http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1092782106175&
call_pageid=970599109774&col=Columnist969907622164
From the column of James Travers, August 17, 2004
Liberals ape the Olympian follies
Along with being odious, comparisons are usually misleading and sometimes simply mischievous. Nevertheless, the parallels between the spectacle unfolding in Athens and our very own ruling party are too delicious to resist.
Just for starters, try saying either "Olympic" or "Liberal" without adding the suffix "scandal." Sure, it's just a reflex that may better reflect the past than the present or future. But it is undeniably an integral part of two premium brands that often seem to prosper despite themselves.
What's most similar and remarkable about the five-ring circus and what Jean Chretien liked to call the Western world's most successful political party is that neither has been brought down by what in most other organizations would be a fatal flaw.
The Olympics and Liberals alike are almost always behind the public opinion curve and must be dragged, usually kicking and screaming, to the point where truth, common sense and reality intersect.
[For the complete column, see page A19, Toronto Star, August 17, 2004.]
Along with being odious, comparisons are usually misleading and sometimes simply mischievous. Nevertheless, the parallels between the spectacle unfolding in Athens and our very own ruling party are too delicious to resist.
Just for starters, try saying either "Olympic" or "Liberal" without adding the suffix "scandal." Sure, it's just a reflex that may better reflect the past than the present or future. But it is undeniably an integral part of two premium brands that often seem to prosper despite themselves.
What's most similar and remarkable about the five-ring circus and what Jean Chretien liked to call the Western world's most successful political party is that neither has been brought down by what in most other organizations would be a fatal flaw.
The Olympics and Liberals alike are almost always behind the public opinion curve and must be dragged, usually kicking and screaming, to the point where truth, common sense and reality intersect.
[For the complete column, see page A19, Toronto Star, August 17, 2004.]
Thursday, April 28, 2005
From Kinsella's blog, July 20, 2004
July 20, 2004 - Not a bad cabinet, overall. A lot of us wanted change, and we got some. Cabinet highlights:
· Stephane Dion, Jean Chrétien's former intergovernmental affairs minister, is back as Canada's new environment minister. That's terrific news.
· Former Canfor executive David Emerson from British Columbia as industry minister? Good pick. Smart guy.
· Toronto-area MP John Godfrey is smart, and he'll need all his wits for the cities file. I think he'll do well.
· Scott Brison, who - as we all know - ran for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party in the spring of 2003, then switched to the Grits in December, is taking over Public Works. I like Scott a lot, and I think he is going to have to be as tough as I know he can be - first, because he's Target Number One for the Tories, because (a) he switched sides and (b) he won election as a Liberal. Second, because Public Works is going to be hot, hot, hot for the next Parliamentary session. Hot.
· Tony Ianno, after clobbering NDP star Olivia Chow in Toronto Spadina, is now minister of state for families and caregivers. Good for Tony. Good on his campaign team, too - Gordon, Tenio et al.
· Andy Mitchell is a great guy and is moving from Indian and Northern Affairs to Agriculture and Agrifood. Another impressive Andy is Andy Scott of New Brunswick, now at Indian and Northern Development. Good pick. Good Liberal. Good stuff.
· Former labour minister Claudette Bradshaw is staying, now as minister of state for human resources development. Right on.
· Raymond Chan is the new minister of state for multiculturalism. Good to see him back in Parliament, and in a ministry.
I was asked by Newsworld to discuss all of this on-air last night, but I declined because we had kid stuff to attend to - and also because I didn't know what the cabinet would look like. Now that I do, I'd say it ain't bad.
Now begins the real work, eh?
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Original URL at http://www.warrenkinsella.com/musings_july04.htm
· Stephane Dion, Jean Chrétien's former intergovernmental affairs minister, is back as Canada's new environment minister. That's terrific news.
· Former Canfor executive David Emerson from British Columbia as industry minister? Good pick. Smart guy.
· Toronto-area MP John Godfrey is smart, and he'll need all his wits for the cities file. I think he'll do well.
· Scott Brison, who - as we all know - ran for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party in the spring of 2003, then switched to the Grits in December, is taking over Public Works. I like Scott a lot, and I think he is going to have to be as tough as I know he can be - first, because he's Target Number One for the Tories, because (a) he switched sides and (b) he won election as a Liberal. Second, because Public Works is going to be hot, hot, hot for the next Parliamentary session. Hot.
· Tony Ianno, after clobbering NDP star Olivia Chow in Toronto Spadina, is now minister of state for families and caregivers. Good for Tony. Good on his campaign team, too - Gordon, Tenio et al.
· Andy Mitchell is a great guy and is moving from Indian and Northern Affairs to Agriculture and Agrifood. Another impressive Andy is Andy Scott of New Brunswick, now at Indian and Northern Development. Good pick. Good Liberal. Good stuff.
· Former labour minister Claudette Bradshaw is staying, now as minister of state for human resources development. Right on.
· Raymond Chan is the new minister of state for multiculturalism. Good to see him back in Parliament, and in a ministry.
I was asked by Newsworld to discuss all of this on-air last night, but I declined because we had kid stuff to attend to - and also because I didn't know what the cabinet would look like. Now that I do, I'd say it ain't bad.
Now begins the real work, eh?
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Original URL at http://www.warrenkinsella.com/musings_july04.htm
From Kinsella's blog, July 19, 2004
July 19, 2004 - Boy, is that Matt Drudge guy ever an asshole. What a moron.
July 19, 2004 - Newsy bits:
· This bit of welcome (and overdue) news from Angelo Persichilli's piece in today's Hill Times: "Lately, however, the relationship between Mr. Martin and Mr. Chrétien has been upgraded from no-relationship whatsoever, to at least a formal relationship. Scott Reid, director of communications to the Prime Minister, told The Hill Times that former prime minister Chrétien called Prime Minister Martin shortly after the election to congratulate him on the Liberals' election results and to update him on his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. "Prime Minister Martin appreciated the call and the briefing on his meeting with President Putin," Mr. Reid. "The conversation was relatively brief, but very pleasant."
· Sad news from the culture wars: Arthur Killer Kane, the bassist for the New York Dolls, died in L.A. last week. For many of us formerly suburban punks, Kane - and the Dolls - were the very personification of what a rock'n'roll band should be: loud, snotty, outrageous, barely competent. Hard to imagine 'Personality Crisis' playing in or near the Pearly Gates, but most of the Dolls are now Up There as opposed to Down Here, aren't they?
· Boring news - really, really boring news. I mean, who cares? Why does anyone pay attention anymore? It is to despair.
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Original URL at http://www.warrenkinsella.com/musings_july04.htm
July 19, 2004 - Newsy bits:
· This bit of welcome (and overdue) news from Angelo Persichilli's piece in today's Hill Times: "Lately, however, the relationship between Mr. Martin and Mr. Chrétien has been upgraded from no-relationship whatsoever, to at least a formal relationship. Scott Reid, director of communications to the Prime Minister, told The Hill Times that former prime minister Chrétien called Prime Minister Martin shortly after the election to congratulate him on the Liberals' election results and to update him on his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. "Prime Minister Martin appreciated the call and the briefing on his meeting with President Putin," Mr. Reid. "The conversation was relatively brief, but very pleasant."
· Sad news from the culture wars: Arthur Killer Kane, the bassist for the New York Dolls, died in L.A. last week. For many of us formerly suburban punks, Kane - and the Dolls - were the very personification of what a rock'n'roll band should be: loud, snotty, outrageous, barely competent. Hard to imagine 'Personality Crisis' playing in or near the Pearly Gates, but most of the Dolls are now Up There as opposed to Down Here, aren't they?
· Boring news - really, really boring news. I mean, who cares? Why does anyone pay attention anymore? It is to despair.
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Original URL at http://www.warrenkinsella.com/musings_july04.htm