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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Noam Chomsky: WikiLeaks Cables Reveal "Profound Hatred for Democracy on the Part of Our Political Leadership" | Civil Liberties | AlterNet

The WikiLeaks debate continues. Here what this intellectual has to say on the subject

Noam Chomsky: WikiLeaks Cables Reveal "Profound Hatred for Democracy on the Part of Our Political Leadership" Civil Liberties AlterNet

Secession Defended on Civil War Anniversary - NYTimes.com

Time has a way of dulling the senses of those who have committed wrongs against another but for the victims, time appears to sharpen their sense of right and wrong.
Secession Defended on Civil War Anniversary - NYTimes.com:
"That some — even now — are honoring secession, with barely a nod to the role of slavery, underscores how divisive a topic the war remains, with Americans continuing to debate its causes, its meaning and its legacy.
“We in the South, who have been kicked around for an awfully long time and are accused of being racist, we would just like the truth to be known,” said Michael Givens, commander-in-chief of the Sons, explaining the reason for the television ads. While there were many causes of the war, he said, “our people were only fighting to protect themselves from an invasion and for their independence.”"

Creepy Christian Patriarchy Movement Shackles Daughters to Their Fathers and Homes | | AlterNet

Patriarchy is alive and Fathers benefit from it. They keep their daughters tied down and subservient and like little puppets - doing what daddy says. Well if they don't want to be independent thinkers, no one can make them. I just want to let them know that everyone has a life to live and all they are doing is extending their father's lives by letting him live his life and their own too. Is that fair? Is that love? Why the hell were you born then, if it is just to perpetuate the life of a man.
Women and girls, you have to wake up. Your life is yours to live and do not let anyone take that away from you. It's your birthright. We come in this world, we make mistakes and we learn from our mistakes, not the mistakes of anyone else. It is not real education to learn from another person's experience. We can only learn how heat feels when we touch it ourselves. Life is for taking risks and for living to our fullest. Do not let an old man rob you from that. There is so much to discover in life. You can find your own truths, you can dance naked in the rain, you can dream of being the prime minister, or to follow in your parents' footsteps.
Life is too precious to throw away on selfish people, even your parents. Unconditional love means to support you to live and enjoy the best life you can while you can. Be who you were born to be girls and women, stop being a perpetual child.
Creepy Christian Patriarchy Movement Shackles Daughters to Their Fathers and Homes AlterNet

Monday, November 29, 2010

2011 Consumer Protection Calendar Now Available

November 29, 2010
– – –
Free Calendar Offers Consumer Safety Tips

The annual consumer protection calendar, which is full of consumer tips and advice, is now available free of charge from consumers’ groups, seniors organizations and bilingual service centres across the province, Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
 
“We’ve made consumer protection a priority with the Let’s Make a Better Deal consumer protection strategy,” said Mackintosh.  “This calendar is a great way to reinforce all the protection consumers have available to them.”
 
The calendar offers a variety of handy tips on topics like fraud, tenant-landlord disputes, problem gambling, home safety and more.  It’s available in both English and French.
 
The calendar is available by calling the Consumer Protection Office at 204-945-3800, toll-free at 1‑800‑782-0067 or by e-mailing consumers@gov.mb.ca.
 
The calendar is made possible through a partnership between Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs, Crime Stoppers, the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan, the Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat, Manitoba Public Insurance, the RCMP, the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission, the Age & Opportunity SafetyAid program, the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, the Canada Revenue Agency and Manitoba Housing.
 
The Consumer Protection Office responds to consumer complaints and provides information about a variety of issues.  Additional consumer tips may be found on the Canadian Consumer Information Gateway at www.consumerinformation.ca or on the Consumer Protection Office website at www.manitoba.ca/fs/cca/cpo.
 
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Manitoba-Start - one-stop Intake Process for Newcomers


Manitoba START, an information and referral centre for immigrants was officially opened today by Premier Greg Selinger. The centre provides a wide range of services to newcomers at a central location, assisting new immigrants to make a smooth transition to life in Manitoba.

November 29, 2010

CENTRALIZED INTAKE SERVICE NOW OPEN FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS

– – –
New Centre Will Connect New Immigrants With Needed Services: Selinger
Manitoba START, a new information and referral centre in downtown Winnipeg that will refer new immigrants to settlement and employment services, was officially opened today by Premier Greg Selinger.
“New immigrants need information and support to successfully adjust to life in Manitoba,” said Selinger.  “The new Manitoba START office will be the first step for all new immigrants in Winnipeg, connecting them with the services they need.”
The Manitoba START office at 228 Notre Dame Ave. will provide a range of services for new immigrants including:
·         registering newcomers by collecting basic information to ensure they are connected to the most appropriate services and information;
·         assessing the immediate needs of newcomers including reviewing individual circumstances, discussing readiness for employment and identifying training needs; and
·         referring individuals to services that fit their needs such as registering them for settlement orientation programs and employment preparation workshops, booking appointments with appropriate employment services and providing information on Winnipeg’s core settlement service agencies.
“Manitoba START will be the starting point for newcomers once they arrive, providing a smooth transition from pre-arrival to post-arrival services,” said Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard.  “It will provide a clear access point for new immigrants and reduce confusion about where they need to go for the services they need.”
Manitoba’s population continues to grow through increased immigration. The province welcomed 13,520 immigrants in 2009.  Preliminary figures show that Manitoba received 12,243 immigrants in the first nine months of 2010, an increase of 16.9 per cent over the same period last year.
More information on immigration in Manitoba is available at:
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YouTube - Winter Song - Sara Bareilles/Ingrid Michaelson- Music Video

Great song, take a listen.
YouTube - Winter Song - Sara Bareilles/Ingrid Michaelson- Music Video

No Human Being Is "Illegal" -- How Using the "I-Word" Creates Hate | | AlterNet

The evolution of Illegal. There is an interesting video in this article. It is about how people who hate would use any means to continue their hatred of anything that is different. The title of this article is instructive. How can any human being become illegal? Who owns the world? Doesn't the world belong to all human beings. Just because some grab pieces of our world and put up a flag on it does not mean they own what God, the Creator of the Universe have provided for all of us. If we lived in a more equitable universe where we took care of each other according to his or her needs and prohibit people from accumulating resources because of greed - resources that they or their families cannot use up in one life time - there will be no shortage, people will be happy wherever they are and they will be well fed and taken care of. We are screwed up, and as a human species, we need to return to our roots and live and let live. There is room and food for all of us if we take what we need and leave the rest for someone else.
We are all flesh and blood and we all will leave what we have fought to hoard up. If there is room, welcome the stranger, that is humanity. Welcome those who need food, water and shelter. It is here for all of us.
It's time for human evolution that what we indeed are - spirit having a human experience. All the things that we feel we need, we don't. As one writer puts it, to think we need more than we need, to be afraid that there will not be enough for tomorrow is a meme - virus of the mind.

No Human Being Is "Illegal" -- How Using the "I-Word" Creates Hate AlterNet

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Secret revealed

Check out this website and see if you can use its process to manifest what you want in your life. If you do please share with the rest of us.

www.enlightenedmessages.com/free/Pilgrim

Streisand: Why Heart Disease Is Treated Like a Boys' Club | | AlterNet

Singer/actress/producer Barbara Streisand hones in on the attitude towards heart disease.
Streisand: Why Heart Disease Is Treated Like a Boys' Club AlterNet

Premier Greg Selinger gives the thumbs up

Premier Greg Selinger in the pilot’s seat of the first of Manitoba’s new, turbine-powered water bomber aircraft, a significant upgrade to the province’s forest firefighting program. Four new aircraft will arrive in stages, as part of a contract with Bombardier, valued at approximately $126 million


November 26, 2010

WORLD-CLASS WATER BOMBER ARRIVES, JOINS PROVINCE'S FIREFIGHTING AIR FLEET


The first of four, new Bombardier 415 turboprop water-bomber aircraft has arrived in Manitoba and has been added to the province’s forest firefighting program, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
 
“We now have the first of these new, turbine-powered aircraft that are more reliable, safer and can get to fires faster and carry more water,” said Selinger. “We are pleased to see the arrival of our first of the world’s best water bombers as this is the start of a significant upgrade to our forest firefighting program.”
 
The four new aircraft will arrive in stages, as part of a contract valued at approximately $126 million. The second aircraft will arrive in the fall of 2011, the third in January 2012 and the final one in fall of 2012.
 
The existing fleet of CL-215 water-bomber aircraft will continue to meet the province’s needs for forest firefighting efforts, until all of the new aircraft have arrived in Manitoba, the premier said.
 
Once all the upgraded aircraft are delivered to Manitoba, the provincial water-bomber fleet will consist of four new Bombardier 415 aircraft and the two CL-215 planes that are in the best condition of the existing fleet. The forest firefighting program also operates with another six airplanes and six contract helicopters.
 
The Manitoba Conservation Fire Program reports that extremely dry conditions early this year in northern Manitoba resulted in an above-average wildfire season. There were high fire-danger levels throughout most of the spring and summer. There were 585 fires that burned a total of
187,984 hectares compared to the 16-year average of 492 fires and 183,059 hectares of land affected.
 
Since 1999, the Manitoba government has also supported the province’s firefighting efforts by:
·         adding three initial-attack crews, totalling 14 firefighters;
·         obtaining an additional helicopter for the initial-attack force, for a total of six helicopters, to ensure crews are moved quickly to fires; and
·         hiring forest firefighters earlier in the season so crews can be trained earlier, kept together longer and transported to fire sites sooner in the season.
  
About half of the wildfires in Manitoba every year are human caused. The Manitoba Conservation Fire Program focuses its efforts on the protection of lives, significant property values and infrastructure, as well as forests, Selinger said.
 
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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Haiti Quake Strengthens Charismatic Catholicism - Parish Tested - NYTimes.com

In the face of mounting problems that the Haitian government does not appear to have the answer or the ability to make go away, the Haitian people have turned to higher power.
Haiti Quake Strengthens Charismatic Catholicism - Parish Tested - NYTimes.com

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Somalis in Twin Cities Shaken by Sex-Trafficking Charges - NYTimes.com

Somalis across the border are again making the news. Gangs are into sex-trafficking it appears. There is no excuse for this crime - poverty or not, no one has the right to sell another human being for profit. This must be rooted out of society at all costs.
Somalis in Twin Cities Shaken by Sex-Trafficking Charges - NYTimes.com
Mr. Jibreel, the former teacher, said he had heard other examples of teenage girls who ended up as sex slaves. He said he had recently helped one girl who ran off at 12 and turned to prostitution and drugs under the aegis of gangs. She had a baby at 16 who was taken away by child protective services and continued her underworld life — under threat of death if she tried to leave it — until she recently gave birth to a second child whom she is determined to keep.

Why Kenya's Elkanah Odembo Believes All Roads Should Lead Investors to Africa - Knowledge@Wharton

Kenya's thinks it is Africa's turn to be the recipient of solid investments by rich westerners. Read the arguments he makes for this:
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2640

Police: Priest solicited murder of boy accusing him of sex abuse - CNN.com

And it gets worst for the Catholic Church - how low would some Priests go to cover up their crime? Murder!
Police: Priest solicited murder of boy accusing him of sex abuse - CNN.com
Minister Rondeau; Bob Silver (co-chair of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Committee); Pieter Prinsloo, (Youth Advisory Council); Principal Gord Crook; Minister Marcelino; Dave Angus (Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce); Minister Swan; and a number of high school students join Premier Selinger at Tec Voc High School for the announcement of innovative new youth programs.


November 23, 2010

MANITOBA YOUTH CORPS TO PROVIDE MENTORSHIP, JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR MORE THAN 2,800 YOUNG MANITOBANS

– – –
Province's Unprecedented Focus on Youth Opportunities Will Benefit All Manitobans: Selinger
A new provincial initiative known as the Manitoba Youth Corps will connect 2,500 high-school students to mentorship and job opportunities and create an additional 345 new job spots over the next three years, Premier Greg Selinger announced today at Tec Voc High School.
 
“The transition between education and a rewarding career can be difficult for many young people,” said Selinger.  “The right mentor and the right job or educational opportunity at the right time can make all the difference in preparing youth for success in life.”
 
The Manitoba Youth Corp will consist of a two new initiatives:  Manitoba Mentors, a youth mentorship program, and Manitoba Youth Employment, a new program to match potential youth employees and employers.  The concept of the Manitoba Youth Corp is a key recommendation of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council, formed in 2001 to bring together business, labour, Aboriginal and community leaders to assist government in developing economic strategies.
 
“This program is all about giving young people a better understanding of the world and careers available to them after school,” said Bob Silver, co-chair of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council.  “We hope that once our young people know more about the exciting opportunities available to them and the fulfilling careers they can have in our province, they will be encouraged to stay in Manitoba and find their future here in our great province.”
 
Manitoba Mentors will match students in grades 9 to 12 with employers from business, non-profit organizations and labour to help them make the transition from school to work.  Mentorship opportunities will include one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring, job shadowing, work experience and leadership training.
 
The $6.7-million program will launch in September 2011 and is intended to complement and enhance existing mentoring programs, like the Urban/Hometown Green Team, to ensure high-school students and employers have the chance to participate, the premier said.  
 
Manitoba Mentors will be universal in nature and will support youth retention efforts by ensuring young people are aware of the unlimited career opportunities Manitoba has to offer, said Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau.      
  
“The future success of Manitoba depends on how well we are able to provide opportunities and hope to all young Manitobans, regardless of the barriers they face,” said Rondeau.  “Education, training and employment are the great equalizer and it is our responsibility to ensure every single young person in this province can access the tools they need to succeed.”
 
Manitoba Youth Employment will help students cultivate workplace skills by providing jobs and valuable work experience, Selinger said.  The initiative will enhance existing programs such as Urban/Hometown Green Team, Partners with Youth and Youth Build and also introduce a new intensive support program for high-risk youth facing multiple personal barriers to gaining life skills, training and employment.  
 
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Kellogg's Accused of False Health Claims, Settles in Class Action Lawsuit | AlterNet

Kellong has been dinged many times this year for lies about the health content of its products and they had to pay and pay big. Thanks for those who rigorously put these claims to test and bring it to the attention of consumers - kudos to them. We need more dedicated people like these to keep greedy corporations honest. How in the names of frosted miniwheats good for kids? Which parent would buy that junk and feed it to their kids as food. What part of that frosty thing is food for kids. Read about their class lawsuit and the settlement they had to make.
Kellogg's Accused of False Health Claims, Settles in Class Action Lawsuit AlterNet

If You Knew How Dangerous Green Cleaning Products Were, You'd Probably Go Back to Soap and Water | | AlterNet

Are you into green cleaning stuff? If so you'd better read this. What are we doing to ourselves and the environment. It is time to return to simpler days. Use the things your parents or grandparents used perhaps they'd be better than some of the so-called "green organic stuff". This is making the consumer insane. Who can they trust. You read that "Green" products are better for the environment and better for our health only to find out that we are not given the entire story. Green or not, everyone is trying to make a quick buck at the consumer expense.
I personally, am tired of reading labels and try to simplify life by using simple things - like ordinary soap and water to wash dishes, use arm and hammer to clean my clothes etc. Why pay through the nose for "new and improved" stuff that's just as bad. Who is looking us for us the consumer? Who is making sure that we get what we think we're getting. It's time to return to simpler times and let us put a halt to increasing consumerism and product development. They only get worse not better.

If You Knew How Dangerous Green Cleaning Products Were, You'd Probably Go Back to Soap and Water AlterNet

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Why I'm Happy I Became a Prostitute | | AlterNet

Is this for real?  Can a prostitute be really happy in that profession that objectifies her? When sex is so free why do men want to pay for it?  It must be something more - whatever it is, I would not want anyone I love to be engaged in it.
Why I'm Happy I Became a Prostitute AlterNet

"We Are at War": How Militias, Racists and Anti-Semites Found a Home in the Tea Party | | AlterNet

Progressives think that the Tea Party has provided racists and antisemites with the legimacy of having a public space to call home. What do you think? Read and let's discuss.

"We Are at War": How Militias, Racists and Anti-Semites Found a Home in the Tea Party AlterNet

Epilepsy’s Big, Fat Miracle - NYTimes.com

A family has stumbled upon a cure for their son's epileptic seizures - a high fat diet. However, it does not come without its drawbacks. It is not for everyone but it is something worth sharing and those who have this disability might want to try to see if it works for them. Wouldn't that be nice if this is a cure - a nice fat cure it would be and maybe the risk of the side effects might be worth it.

Epilepsy’s Big, Fat Miracle - NYTimes.com

There is no crusade against unhealthful food in our house. Some might argue that unhealthful food is all we let Sam eat. His breakfast eggs are mixed with heavy cream and served with bacon. A typical lunch is full-fat Greek yogurt mixed with coconut oil. Dinner is hot dogs, bacon, macadamia nuts and cheese. We figure that in an average week, Sam consumes a quart and a third of heavy cream, nearly a stick and a half of butter, 13 teaspoons of coconut oil, 20 slices of bacon and 9 eggs. Sam’s diet is just shy of 90 percent fat. That is twice the fat content of a McDonald’s Happy Meal and about 25 percent more than the most fat-laden phase of the Atkins diet. It puts Sam at risk of developing kidney stones if he doesn’t drink enough. It is constipating, so he has to take daily stool softeners. And it lacks so many essential nutrients that if Sam didn’t take a multivitamin and a calcium-magnesium supplement every day, his growth would be stunted, his hair and teeth would fall out and his bones would become as brittle as an 80-year-old’s.
Evelyn, Sam’s twin sister Beatrice and I don’t eat this way. But Sam has epilepsy, and the food he eats is controlling most of his seizures (he used to have as many as 130 a day). The diet, which drastically reduces the amount of carbohydrates he takes in, tricks his body into a starvation state in which it burns fat, and not carbs, for fuel. Remarkably, and for reasons that are still unclear, this process — called ketosis — has an antiepileptic effect. He has been eating this way for almost two years.

Comment
Sounds like a lot of fat for a little boy - let hope he gets some vegetables in there soon

Ground Zero Workers Agree to Settle Health Lawsuits - NYTimes.com

Ground Zero Workers Agree to Settle Health Lawsuits - NYTimes.com

Manitoba Public Transport System gets needed boost

November 23, 2010

NEW FUND SUPPORTS EXPANSION OF PUBLIC TRANSIT IN SMALL MANITOBA COMMUNITIES: SELINGER

– – –
Association of Manitoba Municipalities to Have Role in Approving Projects
The province is launching a new fund to support public transit in small communities across Manitoba, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.  
 
The Small Communities Transit Fund is being created with help from $1 million in federal gas taxes over a four-year period from 2010-11 to 2013-14.
 
“The province continues to support affordable and accessible public transit and handi-transit services to improve the quality of life in Manitoba communities,” said Selinger.  “We already fund Manitoba communities that have municipal transit or handi-transit systems through our established transit operating and capital grant programs.  This new fund will extend additional support to encourage the development or expansion of public-transit systems in Manitoba.”
 
This new fund, which was developed in consultation with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM), will provide funding to smaller-sized transit communities, or to communities wanting to establish new transit systems.  The AMM will work with the province in the selection process that will approve project applications.
 
“Public transit and handi-transit services benefit the environment by providing an alternative to automobiles and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions,” said Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux.  “They also contribute to the sustainability of Manitoba communities, adding to their vitality by encouraging business development and economic growth that benefits all Manitobans.”
 
The federal Gas Tax Fund delivers infrastructure funding to local governments and other eligible recipients primarily for projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse-gas emissions.  Between 2005 and 2014, the Government of Canada will provide a total of $431.88 million in gas-tax funding to Manitoba through the Gas Tax Fund.
 
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New Use for Old Building

An enhanced plan for the redevelopment of the former Sharon Home Kanee Centre on Magnus Avenue that will help meet the needs for addictions treatment and temporary housing of more Manitobans was announced today by Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau and Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross. Left to right: Kerri Irvin-Ross, Jim Rondeau and Heather Mitchell, Board Chair of the Addictions Foundation for Manitoba

NEW FACILITY TO PROVIDE CONTINUUM OF ADDICTIONS SUPPORT SERVICES UNDER ONE ROOF

– – –
River Point Centre to be Multi-use, Integrated Facility
An enhanced plan for the redevelopment of the former Sharon Home Kanee Centre on Magnus Avenue will help meet the needs for addictions treatment and temporary housing of more Manitobans, Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau and Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.
“We are making it easier for people to access addictions services by co-ordinating a continuous and comprehensive range of addictions services under one roof,” said Rondeau.  “There have been many improvements made to the addictions system recently, but this will have the biggest impact on the most people in Manitoba.”
An older section of the existing facility will be demolished while the remainder is renovated to consolidate and increase addictions services.  It will also provide 24 two- and three-bedroom temporary housing units for rural and northern Manitobans who must travel to Winnipeg for medical treatment.
“Individuals and their families need support during medical treatment, which can be a time of physical, emotional and potentially financial stress,” said Irvin-Ross.  “We will be creating a home away from home that offers families a warm, supportive and comfortable environment.”
A range of addictions services will be able to relocated, expand and integrate in the new space.  The co-located services will provide a more co-ordinated, streamlined intake and assessment process while minimizing the potential duplication of services.  This will help Manitobans access the most‑appropriate services for their needs, reducing wait times and increasing collaboration between service providers, making it easier for people to navigate a range of addictions services and follow a continuum of care, said the ministers.  Included in the new facility will be:
·         centralized intake and assessment for all government-funded addictions services;
·         20 new beds for adult detoxification, serving an additional 720 clients annually;
·         38 beds for the relocation and expansion of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba’s men’s residential treatment beds, serving a total of 456 clients annually; 
·         10 new beds for post-treatment transitional housing; and
·         community-based pre- and post-treatment support.
As well, there will be co-ordinated links between various mental-health programs and social services to the range of addictions services that will be offered at the centre.
“The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba is so pleased that the co-operative work between ministers Irvin-Ross and Rondeau has resulted in greatly improved services to those suffering from addictions,” said AFM chair Heather Mitchell.  “The concept of the variety of services needed for alcoholics and other addicts being available all under one roof will make a great difference to their chances of successful recovery.”
These system enhancements and service expansions will advance a number of the priorities outlined in the province’s five-point strategic plan Breaking the Chains of Addictions, said Rondeau and Irvin‑Ross.  The five-point plan includes building a better system, improving access to services, increasing residential treatment capacity, building community-based treatment capacity and advancing research.
The ministers also acknowledged the support and assistance of community addictions partners in the planning of this project, particularly the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, the Main Street Project and the Behavioural Health Foundation.
Demolition is expected to start early in the new year with completion of the renovated centre targeted for late 2012.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

Chalmers Johnson, Visionary Scholar on Empire and Decline of America Passes Away | News & Politics | AlterNet

America Who? Yes, they used to be a strong nation but they refused to move with the times and so like a dinosaur they they've become fossils to be studied!
Chalmers Johnson, Visionary Scholar on Empire and Decline of America Passes Away News & Politics AlterNet

10 Ways to Outfox Cops That Are Abusing Their Powers to Trick You | | AlterNet

10 Ways to Outfox Cops That Are Abusing Their Powers to Trick You AlterNet

YouTube - Joe Biden on Sarah Palin

YouTube - Joe Biden on Sarah Palin

Monday, November 22, 2010

Taiwanese singer dubbed new Susan Boyle - USATODAY.com

New Susan Boyle - check it out - thanks to new technology we can enjoy real talented people instead of make believe hollywood type - hurray for real people
Taiwanese singer dubbed new Susan Boyle - USATODAY.com

Friday, November 19, 2010

Target, Afghan Hero Dog, Is Euthanized by Mistake in U.S. - NYTimes.com

How did this happen
Target, Afghan Hero Dog, Is Euthanized by Mistake in U.S. - NYTimes.com

Shopping takes precedence over Sunday by-laws - Do what you want once you shop til you drop

November 19, 2010

UNRESTRICTED SHOPPING WOULD BE ALLOWED WHEN BOXING DAY FALLS ON SUNDAY, IF MUNICIPALITIES PERMIT: HOWARD

– – –
Shopping Restrictions to Continue on Other Sundays
Retail businesses that have hours of operation on Sundays currently restricted to noon to 6 p.m. would be allowed to operate without restriction on Boxing Day under a proposed amendment to the Retail Business Holiday Closing Act introduced in the legislature today by Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard.
 
“This amendment recognizes the importance of Boxing Day to retailers in the province,” said Howard.  “Boxing Day has become the largest shopping day in Manitoba and it is supported by consumers as well as retailers.” 
 
Existing legislation restricts retail stores to operating between noon and 6 p.m. on Sundays, and this proposed amendment would remove that restriction when Boxing Day falls on a Sunday.  Retailers requested the change to allow consumers and retailers to take advantage of every opportunity on Boxing Day.
 
The amendment would automatically allow unrestricted shopping on Boxing Day in all communities with a Sunday shopping bylaw. Municipalities that wish to restrict shopping on Boxing Day can do so by passing a bylaw. The amendment does not allow Sunday shopping in municipalities that do not currently have a Sunday shopping bylaw.
 
The amendment only applies when Boxing Day falls on a Sunday. The next time Boxing Day is a Sunday will be Dec. 26, 2021.
 
More information on rules for Boxing Day are on the Manitoba Labour and Immigration Employment Standards website at www.manitoba.ca/labour/standards.
 
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Manitoba Legislative Building - A Beauty

Minister of Culture Flor Marcelino dishes out $250,000 for the Arts

November 19, 2010

MARCELINO ACKNOWLEDGES TALENT OF MANITOBA ARTISTS

– – –
Province Announces $250,000 in Funding to Support National Arts Centre's Prairie Scene Festival
Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino today announced funding of $250,000 to support Prairie Scene, a two-week festival in the nation’s capital that will showcase Manitoba artists from April 26 to May 7, 2011.
 
“There are many talented artists located throughout Manitoba and I am certain the group chosen to represent Manitoba at the festival will do the province proud,” said Marcelino. “Support for Prairie Scene reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to the many artists living in Manitoba and our desire to provide opportunities for them.”
 
Prairie Scene is the latest in a series of festivals produced by the National Arts Centre.  The festival will embrace the diversity of the arts and culture in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The festival will feature a comprehensive mix of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film, literature and culinary arts.
 
The National Arts Centre began the festival in 2003 with the Atlantic Scene, then the Alberta Scene in 2005, Quebec Scene in 2007, B.C. Scene in 2009, and now the stage will be set for the prairies.
 
The National Arts Centre will present 80 different events over the 13-day festival in multiple venues across Ottawa.  Part of the goal is to propel the careers of young artists by introducing them to a group of well-known presenters.
 
The $250,000 in provincial funding will offset the fees, travel costs and expenses associated with the participation of Manitoba artists and arts organizations.
 
“By supporting Prairie Scene we are enhancing Manitoba artists’ opportunities for exposure, both nationally and internationally,” said Marcelino. “Everyone who attends the Prairie Scene will get a taste of the special talents Manitobans have come to enjoy. I am sure all the artists who participate will be great Manitoba ambassadors on the national stage.”
 
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED



November 19, 2010

MARCELINO ACKNOWLEDGES TALENT OF MANITOBA ARTISTS

– – –
Province Announces $250,000 in Funding to Support National Arts Centre's Prairie Scene Festival
Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino today announced funding of $250,000 to support Prairie Scene, a two-week festival in the nation’s capital that will showcase Manitoba artists from April 26 to May 7, 2011.
 
“There are many talented artists located throughout Manitoba and I am certain the group chosen to represent Manitoba at the festival will do the province proud,” said Marcelino. “Support for Prairie Scene reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to the many artists living in Manitoba and our desire to provide opportunities for them.”
 
Prairie Scene is the latest in a series of festivals produced by the National Arts Centre.  The festival will embrace the diversity of the arts and culture in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The festival will feature a comprehensive mix of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film, literature and culinary arts.
 
The National Arts Centre began the festival in 2003 with the Atlantic Scene, then the Alberta Scene in 2005, Quebec Scene in 2007, B.C. Scene in 2009, and now the stage will be set for the prairies.
 
The National Arts Centre will present 80 different events over the 13-day festival in multiple venues across Ottawa.  Part of the goal is to propel the careers of young artists by introducing them to a group of well-known presenters.
 
The $250,000 in provincial funding will offset the fees, travel costs and expenses associated with the participation of Manitoba artists and arts organizations.
 
“By supporting Prairie Scene we are enhancing Manitoba artists’ opportunities for exposure, both nationally and internationally,” said Marcelino. “Everyone who attends the Prairie Scene will get a taste of the special talents Manitobans have come to enjoy. I am sure all the artists who participate will be great Manitoba ambassadors on the national stage.”
 
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED



November 19, 2010

MARCELINO ACKNOWLEDGES TALENT OF MANITOBA ARTISTS

– – –
Province Announces $250,000 in Funding to Support National Arts Centre's Prairie Scene Festival
Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino today announced funding of $250,000 to support Prairie Scene, a two-week festival in the nation’s capital that will showcase Manitoba artists from April 26 to May 7, 2011.
 
“There are many talented artists located throughout Manitoba and I am certain the group chosen to represent Manitoba at the festival will do the province proud,” said Marcelino. “Support for Prairie Scene reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to the many artists living in Manitoba and our desire to provide opportunities for them.”
 
Prairie Scene is the latest in a series of festivals produced by the National Arts Centre.  The festival will embrace the diversity of the arts and culture in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The festival will feature a comprehensive mix of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film, literature and culinary arts.
 
The National Arts Centre began the festival in 2003 with the Atlantic Scene, then the Alberta Scene in 2005, Quebec Scene in 2007, B.C. Scene in 2009, and now the stage will be set for the prairies.
 
The National Arts Centre will present 80 different events over the 13-day festival in multiple venues across Ottawa.  Part of the goal is to propel the careers of young artists by introducing them to a group of well-known presenters.
 
The $250,000 in provincial funding will offset the fees, travel costs and expenses associated with the participation of Manitoba artists and arts organizations.
 
“By supporting Prairie Scene we are enhancing Manitoba artists’ opportunities for exposure, both nationally and internationally,” said Marcelino. “Everyone who attends the Prairie Scene will get a taste of the special talents Manitobans have come to enjoy. I am sure all the artists who participate will be great Manitoba ambassadors on the national stage.”
 
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED



November 19, 2010

MARCELINO ACKNOWLEDGES TALENT OF MANITOBA ARTISTS

– – –
Province Announces $250,000 in Funding to Support National Arts Centre's Prairie Scene Festival
Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino today announced funding of $250,000 to support Prairie Scene, a two-week festival in the nation’s capital that will showcase Manitoba artists from April 26 to May 7, 2011.
 
“There are many talented artists located throughout Manitoba and I am certain the group chosen to represent Manitoba at the festival will do the province proud,” said Marcelino. “Support for Prairie Scene reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to the many artists living in Manitoba and our desire to provide opportunities for them.”
 
Prairie Scene is the latest in a series of festivals produced by the National Arts Centre.  The festival will embrace the diversity of the arts and culture in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The festival will feature a comprehensive mix of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film, literature and culinary arts.
 
The National Arts Centre began the festival in 2003 with the Atlantic Scene, then the Alberta Scene in 2005, Quebec Scene in 2007, B.C. Scene in 2009, and now the stage will be set for the prairies.
 
The National Arts Centre will present 80 different events over the 13-day festival in multiple venues across Ottawa.  Part of the goal is to propel the careers of young artists by introducing them to a group of well-known presenters.
 
The $250,000 in provincial funding will offset the fees, travel costs and expenses associated with the participation of Manitoba artists and arts organizations.
 
“By supporting Prairie Scene we are enhancing Manitoba artists’ opportunities for exposure, both nationally and internationally,” said Marcelino. “Everyone who attends the Prairie Scene will get a taste of the special talents Manitobans have come to enjoy. I am sure all the artists who participate will be great Manitoba ambassadors on the national stage.”

United Ways Splurges on LEED Building

Manitoba Deputy Premier Rosann Wowchuk helps officially open the new, downtown home of the United Way in Winnipeg. The LEED standard, energy efficient building puts the organization closer to partner agencies, with the main floor dedicated to community use.


Government of Canada and Manitoba stimulus dollars at work
Winnipeg, Manitoba – The United Way of Winnipeg has moved into a new downtown home which will help fulfill its mission of creating opportunities for a better life for everyone.   The Honourable Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba,  and the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Provencher, were present at the grand opening today, along with Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz and United Way of Winnipeg 2010 Board of Trustees Chair, Allan Fineblit.
 
This project involved the construction of a new three-storey 20,000-square-foot building on Main Street between Pacific and Alexander Avenues. The second and third floors of the new building will house agency staff, while the main floor will accommodate professional development, training and volunteer opportunities in the non-profit sector.
 
“The United Way of Winnipeg has served our community for nearly half a century, and the Government of Manitoba is honoured to have been able to assist this outstanding organization move to a new, green location that puts them closer to their partner agencies, which provide essential social services to Winnipeggers,” said Premier Selinger.
 
“The Government of Canada is proud to have partnered with United Way and the Government of Manitoba to get this new facility built,” said Minister Toews.  “The completion of an important project such as this will strengthen this community, contribute to revitalizing the downtown core and have a lasting impact on the quality of life of people in the region.”
 
This project was made possible thanks to funding from the federal and provincial governments of $3.33 million each, under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The total eligible project cost was $10 million dollars, with United Way of Winnipeg providing the remainder of the funding through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. The City of Winnipeg invested an additional $200,000 outside of the eligible project costs under ISF.
  
“As Mayor, I am proud the City of Winnipeg has committed $200,000 to this exciting new downtown home for the United Way Winnipeg so they can continue to positively impact numerous lives of citizens from the heart of our city and significantly contribute to the revitalization of our downtown,” said Mayor Katz.
 
“United Way’s new building embodies Winnipeggers’ commitment to each other, our city, our environment and our future.  We are extremely proud and grateful that absolutely no donations to the annual campaign have or ever will be used to fund construction or land costs thanks to the vision, leadership and generosity of the Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg and a small group of long-time loyal friends and supporters.  Thank you for giving Winnipeggers a new space to connect and collaborate, and a place where community spirit and social innovation can come together to create lasting change and better lives,” said Mr. Fineblit.
 
As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is providing funding to close to 4,000 infrastructure projects across the country.
 
Canada and Manitoba are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure.  Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently.
 
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For further information, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.  
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
To learn more about Manitoba’s infrastructure projects, please visit www.infrastructure.mb.ca.
The provincial government is distributing this news release on behalf of the governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg and the United Way of Winnipeg.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Policy Research Initiative - Conversation with Tim Brodhead

Policy Research Initiative - Conversation with Tim Brodhead

Dr. Fraser Mustard receives the Buffalo Award from Hon. Selinger

Premier Selinger inducts Dr. Fraser Mustard, renowned early human development expert, into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, an honour that recognizes the outstanding and distinctive contributions of leaders in areas such as politics, business, sports and entertainment.

Become Scam Savvy - Do not be duped!

This message is from the Business Transformation and Technology/Information Protection Centre.

·         Be aware that scammers may hijack your webmail account (ex: Gmail/Hotmail) and use your account to scam or send spam to your contacts.
·         The scammer may use your hijacked account to appeal to your contacts saying that you are in trouble in a foreign country.
·         Posing as you, the scammer urges your contacts to wire funds through a money service such as Western Union.
·         You may not realize when a scammer has hijacked your account.

Public Defender for a bogus doctor vs no public defender for victim of inappropriate taser by police

In Salmon Idaho a man turned into a woman felt up the breasts of at least two other women in at Boise area nightclubs pretending to be a plastic surgeon named Berlyn Aussieahshowna (cute name to booth) and charged hefty fees on top of that.  This is like taking candy from a baby – how stupid are we Americans becoming – too much fast food I tell you!
   The guy or gal introduced himself to the women in the bar and provided them with referrals to a real clinic. That’s his mistake – he was busted when alarm bells went off with women calling in to confirm appointments with this strangely-named doctor.
This doctor had previous records with the law under the name of Kristopher Jon Ross. He is also known as Kristina Ross depending on which disguise he chooses on a particular day.
 He is eligible for public defender. Curiously, a woman who is trying to fight for the death of her son because of allegedly inappropriate police tasering is not eligible for public defender in Canada. She is defending herself when last I heard.  While Canada have great medical care the justice system appears lacking on this count.

Manitoba Throne Speech Fall 2010 - Highlights

November 16, 2010

2010 THRONE SPEECH HIGHLIGHTS

Economy and Innovation
·         small business tax eliminated Dec.1
·         new Manitoba Youth Corps
·         small business incentives for women, young people
·         new innovation agenda
·         new trade advisory organization
·         new strategy to reduce use of fossil fuels
 
Educating for the Future
·         plain-language report cards
·         co-ordinated in-service days
·         student consequences for late assignments and poor performance
·         more student-friendly movement and transfer between high school, trades, colleges and universities
·         new initiatives to combat bullying in schools
·         plan to improve student attendance
·         innovative ‘Early Returns’ program phased-in at licensed daycares and nursery schools
·         online child-care registry to be expanded provincewide
·         expansion of infant-care spaces
·         pension plan for child-care workers beginning Dec. 1
 
Health Innovation
·         new ambulance helicopter
·         100 per cent access to a family physician
·         quick-care clinics staffed by nurse practitioners
·         primary health-care bus
·         mobile units for minimally invasive surgery
·         legislation to cap health-administrative costs
·         construction of ACCESS St. James, new Women’s Hospital, Ste. Anne Hospital and Mental Health Crisis Centre at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) to begin this year
 Safer Communities
·         expanding the Gang Response and Suppression Program
·         hiring more community-based police
·         establishing a new mental-health court
·         working with Ottawa on tougher federal laws on home invasions, carjackings and knife crimes
·         developing new programs to keep youth in school and out of gangs
·         planning for new correctional facilities
·         initiating a new strategy to combat human trafficking
·         developing a strategy to stop cyberstalking
·         expanding the Safety Aid program to more communities and allowing Manitobans of all ages to participate
 
Helping Families and the Environment
·         new program to improve programming and infrastructure of community clubs
·         new initiative to revitalize rural community centres
·         better protection for those buying cell phones, condos and insurance
·         new measures to protect against real-estate fraud
·         strengthened FASD strategy
·         enhanced suicide-prevention strategy
·         further increase to minimum wage
·         expansion of age-friendly initiatives
·         long-term plan for seniors’ housing and care
·         improvement to pension rules
·         regulation of residential development outside of Winnipeg to ensure proper water and
waste-water treatment
·         new nutrient-reduction targets to save Lake Winnipeg
·         expanded efforts to reduce greenhouse gases
·         new protected areas
·         strengthened Polar Bear Protection Act
·         measures to help beluga whales
·         improvements to provincial parks including repairs to damage caused by the recent bad weather
 
Rural and Northern Manitoba
·         new five-year highways and bridges plan
·         work toward better access to Red Seal Apprentice designation in rural and remote areas
·         expanded drainage, especially in the Interlake region
·         long-term downtown redevelopment strategy for Brandon
·         construction of Westman CancerCare Centre and Flin Flon Clinic, provision of dialysis services at Gimli, Russell and Peguis, and ambulance facilities at Ste. Rose and Arborg which are now underway
·         new emergency ward at the Dauphin Hospital