-We are presently in the midst of another grey day in Halifax. Fortunately, at least so far today doesn't seem quite as rainy as yesterday was.
-Shortly after I woke up this morning I was sitting at my desk checking my email when I noticed a German shepherd-like dog walk past my window. A few moments later the dog was followed by his two police handlers. Though the dog was sniffing aggressively I got the sense that they didn't find whatever it was they were looking for.
-Apparently 'Steven' Harper is finally coming to Nova Scotia for a rally today. Of course because it is in Windsor instead of Halifax I won't even be able to consider attending, and I have no idea whether or not it will be open to the public or not - or if prospective attendees will have to register in advance and then be screened.
-There is a pretty good sale today at Strange Adventures in Halifax. I bought a copy of Power Grid and an expansion map.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Campaign Literature Update
A few days ago I mentioned that we had not yet received any campaign literature.
It seems that yesterday may have marked a turning point as we received literature from three of the four candidates. Then today I noticed that our lobby has been again filled with literature from the Liberal and Conservative candidates. Perhaps not surprisingly, we have yet to receive any literature/flyers from the Green Party candidate.
Given that we have now received flyers for two days in a row I suspect that we may be in for another batch tomorrow, and then maybe even over the weekend.
What we still haven't received are either calls from pollsters or at-the-door visits from any of the campaigns. I am starting to hope that our recently acquired campaign flyers are a sign canvassing teams are just around the corner, though this is likely a little too optimistic a stance to take.
Campaign literature aside, I really don't have much of a sense of how the race in this riding is likely to turnout. Though this has long been an NDP riding and the current incumbent is NDP the Liberal candidate really seems to be pushing quite hard and may have more signs throughout the district (and we have certainly received more campaign literature from him). On the other hand, that the Green Party and Conservative candidates are unlikely to win does seem pretty clear, at least if numbers of signs is a good indicator of likelihood of winning.
It seems that yesterday may have marked a turning point as we received literature from three of the four candidates. Then today I noticed that our lobby has been again filled with literature from the Liberal and Conservative candidates. Perhaps not surprisingly, we have yet to receive any literature/flyers from the Green Party candidate.
Given that we have now received flyers for two days in a row I suspect that we may be in for another batch tomorrow, and then maybe even over the weekend.
What we still haven't received are either calls from pollsters or at-the-door visits from any of the campaigns. I am starting to hope that our recently acquired campaign flyers are a sign canvassing teams are just around the corner, though this is likely a little too optimistic a stance to take.
Campaign literature aside, I really don't have much of a sense of how the race in this riding is likely to turnout. Though this has long been an NDP riding and the current incumbent is NDP the Liberal candidate really seems to be pushing quite hard and may have more signs throughout the district (and we have certainly received more campaign literature from him). On the other hand, that the Green Party and Conservative candidates are unlikely to win does seem pretty clear, at least if numbers of signs is a good indicator of likelihood of winning.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Why haven't we been called?
While I am not intimately familiar with the sampling methods used by Canadian pollsters, I really would have imagined that give the volume of polling currently ongoing and give the fact that we have a listed number that we would have received calls for at least one poll by this point.
This amazes me because there is a lot of polling going on at the moment. My sense is that there are at least 4-5 publicly available national polls that come out every few days or so that typically have sample sizes of between 2000 and 3000 voters. Then there are the local/regional polls that are being conducted on a semi-regular basis. And finally we have the polls that are regularly being conducted by/for the 3/4 main political parties.
Given all of this calling (and the fact that non-responses necessitate more calling) how is is possible that we haven't been called at least once? The absence of calls almost makes it hard to believe that the reported volume of polling is actually taking place.
This amazes me because there is a lot of polling going on at the moment. My sense is that there are at least 4-5 publicly available national polls that come out every few days or so that typically have sample sizes of between 2000 and 3000 voters. Then there are the local/regional polls that are being conducted on a semi-regular basis. And finally we have the polls that are regularly being conducted by/for the 3/4 main political parties.
Given all of this calling (and the fact that non-responses necessitate more calling) how is is possible that we haven't been called at least once? The absence of calls almost makes it hard to believe that the reported volume of polling is actually taking place.
Don't look too closely, things might not be pretty
A few days ago Twitter was abuzz with complaints about Elections Canada advance polling staff not knowing many of the rules relating to acceptable forms of identification when voting. Sadly, I can't say that I was the least bit surprised that this was the case. Actually, I would have been more surprised if polling station employees had known all of the rules and had applied them properly.
I say this for two related reasons. Firstly, a few years ago my father and brother had the pleasure of working as scrutineers for a friend who was a candidate and were able to witness first hand the many errors made by polling station staff. Secondly, just a few days ago a friend of mine who will be working at a polling station for election described the training he received and the conditions under which he would be work, and lets just say that both are less than ideal.
One thing that my father, brother, and friend pointed out is that polling station employees have to put in brutally long days before they even get around to counting the votes. According to my friend, not only do the same two polling station attendees have to guard/watch the same ballot box from the time polling starts to the time it ends, they also don't get a break and need to shut down their box any time anyone needs to step away from the polling station (like when someone goes to the bathroom).
So then after already putting in a 12 or 13 hour work day these same polling station workers finally get down to counting the votes and filling out the associated forms. According to my father and brother the polling station attendants they worked with weren't particularly good at filling out these forms and sometimes didn't do it accurately. And why would they be familiar with these forms - many of them haven't filled in these forms before and those who have wouldn't have done it since the preceding election (which, in this case, was now three years ago). Of course, there are also issues relating adding and counting that could crop up under close scrutiny (so one hopes that there are scrupulous scrutineers).
Oh, and did you know how much training polling station employees have? According to my friend he received 3 hours of training. That's right, just a single three hour training session. He also suggested it wasn't a particularly effective 3 hour training session. I should note that one of the things my friend said he did learn was that in cases where the records would indicate that someone has voted but the voter claims they have not the polling station attendant is supposed to allow them to vote.
So of course given the limited training provided and that polling station employees are not overly familiar with the proper procedures and protocol and then when you throw fatigue into the mix does it surprise anyone that there are polling station employees making mistakes?
I guess I find it funny that so much time and effort has gone into policing campaign expenditures and donations yet relatively little effort seems to have been placed on ensuring that the actual voting process/vote counting process is not amenable to error or manipulation. And such issues will be come all the more important in cases where there are close races when a handful of votes actually makes a difference one way or the other.
I say this for two related reasons. Firstly, a few years ago my father and brother had the pleasure of working as scrutineers for a friend who was a candidate and were able to witness first hand the many errors made by polling station staff. Secondly, just a few days ago a friend of mine who will be working at a polling station for election described the training he received and the conditions under which he would be work, and lets just say that both are less than ideal.
One thing that my father, brother, and friend pointed out is that polling station employees have to put in brutally long days before they even get around to counting the votes. According to my friend, not only do the same two polling station attendees have to guard/watch the same ballot box from the time polling starts to the time it ends, they also don't get a break and need to shut down their box any time anyone needs to step away from the polling station (like when someone goes to the bathroom).
So then after already putting in a 12 or 13 hour work day these same polling station workers finally get down to counting the votes and filling out the associated forms. According to my father and brother the polling station attendants they worked with weren't particularly good at filling out these forms and sometimes didn't do it accurately. And why would they be familiar with these forms - many of them haven't filled in these forms before and those who have wouldn't have done it since the preceding election (which, in this case, was now three years ago). Of course, there are also issues relating adding and counting that could crop up under close scrutiny (so one hopes that there are scrupulous scrutineers).
Oh, and did you know how much training polling station employees have? According to my friend he received 3 hours of training. That's right, just a single three hour training session. He also suggested it wasn't a particularly effective 3 hour training session. I should note that one of the things my friend said he did learn was that in cases where the records would indicate that someone has voted but the voter claims they have not the polling station attendant is supposed to allow them to vote.
So of course given the limited training provided and that polling station employees are not overly familiar with the proper procedures and protocol and then when you throw fatigue into the mix does it surprise anyone that there are polling station employees making mistakes?
I guess I find it funny that so much time and effort has gone into policing campaign expenditures and donations yet relatively little effort seems to have been placed on ensuring that the actual voting process/vote counting process is not amenable to error or manipulation. And such issues will be come all the more important in cases where there are close races when a handful of votes actually makes a difference one way or the other.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Advance polling numbers from Election Canada
Elections Canada just released preliminary numbers on this past weekend's advance polling. It seems that close to 500 000 more people than in 2008 voted during the advance polling period (and this count doesn't include the number of special ballots that have been cast) bringing the total advance polling votes to just over 2 million.
Given that the advance polling period took place on a holiday weekend I am not sure how much of this 34.5% bump in turnout is really indicative of an overall increase in turnout, though I guess I would be a little surprised if we saw as low a rate of turnout as we saw in 2008.
The eventual overall turnout aside, I think that these advance polling numbers certainly don't pose a serious threat to the argument that holding the primary polling day on a non-working day might improve turnout/participation.
Oh, if 2008 is used as an indicator of turnout, the advance polling numbers might mean that upwards of 1/7 of the total number of votes have already been cast. I guess now I am curious to know if any polls have been conducted to figure out how these 2 million voters voted.
I should also note that I am quite pleased with Elections Canada for releasing these numbers so quickly.
Given that the advance polling period took place on a holiday weekend I am not sure how much of this 34.5% bump in turnout is really indicative of an overall increase in turnout, though I guess I would be a little surprised if we saw as low a rate of turnout as we saw in 2008.
The eventual overall turnout aside, I think that these advance polling numbers certainly don't pose a serious threat to the argument that holding the primary polling day on a non-working day might improve turnout/participation.
Oh, if 2008 is used as an indicator of turnout, the advance polling numbers might mean that upwards of 1/7 of the total number of votes have already been cast. I guess now I am curious to know if any polls have been conducted to figure out how these 2 million voters voted.
I should also note that I am quite pleased with Elections Canada for releasing these numbers so quickly.
Campaign Literature
We are now exactly one week from the end of this campaign period and our apartment has still not received a single piece of campaign literature or a visit from any of the local campaigns. How can this be? Are none of the parties interested in our votes/feedback?
I have also noticed that I have only seen any of this district's candidates at the various leaders' events that I have attended this campaign period. That being said, these events have provided me with opportunities to see all candidates from the major parties with the exception of the Conservative - an individual that I still haven't laid eyes on.
On a related note, just recently I realized that I don't think that Harper and the Conservatives have yet had a major campaign rally in Halifax or Nova Scotia. I have to imagine that the last week of the campaign won't be when they decided to dial up their efforts in Halifax.
Anyway, all of this to say that I don't think that it would be fair to say that Halifax has really been a battleground area this time around. I guess depending on how well the NDP do in this election this area may be a little bit more of a key area in the next election.
I have also noticed that I have only seen any of this district's candidates at the various leaders' events that I have attended this campaign period. That being said, these events have provided me with opportunities to see all candidates from the major parties with the exception of the Conservative - an individual that I still haven't laid eyes on.
On a related note, just recently I realized that I don't think that Harper and the Conservatives have yet had a major campaign rally in Halifax or Nova Scotia. I have to imagine that the last week of the campaign won't be when they decided to dial up their efforts in Halifax.
Anyway, all of this to say that I don't think that it would be fair to say that Halifax has really been a battleground area this time around. I guess depending on how well the NDP do in this election this area may be a little bit more of a key area in the next election.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Update
This morning we all woke up to find that the Easter Bunny did in fact manage to find us and provide us with unhealthy treats. So far I have only managed to eat a single Kinder egg, it definitely seems like more than enough candy for one day (I have no idea how I will manage to consume the treats still in my basket).
Shortly after examining our baskets and playing our Easter Bingo scratch cards we moved to our holiday morning breakfast, which seems to have been enjoyed by all.
Almost immediately after breakfast I started preparing food for tonight's meal/feast. Part way through the process I realized that I was missing a key ingredient. Fortunately we were able to get the missing ingredient from a friend/neighbour/guest so everything should be as expected for the meal.
Almost as soon as I started working on the food Neil undertook an apartment-wide cleaning mission assigned to him by Rebecca. I have to say, things are looking pretty good a few hours in.
Now that most of the good is ready and the apartment cleaning almost complete I finally have the chance to sit down and use my computer for an extended period (meaning long enough to make this post). What I should probably be doing with this time instead of posting is studying, so I guess that is what I will do as soon as I complete this post.
Shortly after examining our baskets and playing our Easter Bingo scratch cards we moved to our holiday morning breakfast, which seems to have been enjoyed by all.
Almost immediately after breakfast I started preparing food for tonight's meal/feast. Part way through the process I realized that I was missing a key ingredient. Fortunately we were able to get the missing ingredient from a friend/neighbour/guest so everything should be as expected for the meal.
Almost as soon as I started working on the food Neil undertook an apartment-wide cleaning mission assigned to him by Rebecca. I have to say, things are looking pretty good a few hours in.
Now that most of the good is ready and the apartment cleaning almost complete I finally have the chance to sit down and use my computer for an extended period (meaning long enough to make this post). What I should probably be doing with this time instead of posting is studying, so I guess that is what I will do as soon as I complete this post.
Friday, April 22, 2011
A Few Quick Notes 536
-Today turned out to be a pretty nice day. I guess it was fitting for Earth Day.
-Today,for the first time in quite a while, I took an afternoon nap - it was great.
-I made some chili for dinner tonight.
-As Easter is fast approaching I will soon need to start work on my Easter bread baking project. As things stand right now I will likely be taking care of most of this baking tomorrow afternoon or evening.
-Today was an advance polling day in the current Canadian election. Based on polling station reports from Neil and Rebecca and comments I have seen on Twitter I get the sense that these events were well attended. Actually, I am curious if we will ever see exactly how many people voted this way and if the numbers were higher than in past years when the advance polling day happened on a not-holiday.
-Actually, the more I think about it the more I think that voting day should be a holiday/non-work day. Such a change might also provide Canada Post of being a little more useful in terms of collecting special ballots on the final day of the election.
-Today,for the first time in quite a while, I took an afternoon nap - it was great.
-I made some chili for dinner tonight.
-As Easter is fast approaching I will soon need to start work on my Easter bread baking project. As things stand right now I will likely be taking care of most of this baking tomorrow afternoon or evening.
-Today was an advance polling day in the current Canadian election. Based on polling station reports from Neil and Rebecca and comments I have seen on Twitter I get the sense that these events were well attended. Actually, I am curious if we will ever see exactly how many people voted this way and if the numbers were higher than in past years when the advance polling day happened on a not-holiday.
-Actually, the more I think about it the more I think that voting day should be a holiday/non-work day. Such a change might also provide Canada Post of being a little more useful in terms of collecting special ballots on the final day of the election.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Internet coverage of election night
It seems that just recently some members of the media, including former member of Moxy Fruvous and current CBC broadcaster Jian Ghomeshi, have just recently figured out that tweeting about elections results before all of the polls have closed is prohibited by the Canada Elections Act.
The most important section of this act seems to be s. 329, which would appear to pretty clearly prohibit such behaviour.
I guess what I find a little strange about this coming up now, especially coming from CBC employees, is that television and radio broadcasts produced by their employer have had staged broadcast coverage for years precisely because of this clause. Did they fail to notice this fact during their coverage of the last election?
That being said, I think it is pretty clear that this section of the law was written without the understanding that it would restrict millions of people from engaging in everyday social media behaviour. Furthermore, given that it is almost impossible to expect 100% compliance with this law might it not make a little more sense to find a way of modifying the law so that loopholes/non-compliance don't negatively impact those who do comply with the prohibition?
The most important section of this act seems to be s. 329, which would appear to pretty clearly prohibit such behaviour.
329. No person shall transmit the result or purported result of the vote in an electoral district to the public in another electoral district before the close of all of the polling stations in that other electoral district.
I guess what I find a little strange about this coming up now, especially coming from CBC employees, is that television and radio broadcasts produced by their employer have had staged broadcast coverage for years precisely because of this clause. Did they fail to notice this fact during their coverage of the last election?
That being said, I think it is pretty clear that this section of the law was written without the understanding that it would restrict millions of people from engaging in everyday social media behaviour. Furthermore, given that it is almost impossible to expect 100% compliance with this law might it not make a little more sense to find a way of modifying the law so that loopholes/non-compliance don't negatively impact those who do comply with the prohibition?
A Few Quick Notes 535
-We had the pleasure of watching rain fall for most of the day today. Apparently we may have a thunderstorm tonight.
-On Monday Jeannette and I finally got around to trading our Newfoundland drivers' licenses in for Nova Scotia licenses. After a little searching online I was able to learn that students in Nova Scotia are able to exchange their out-of-province licenses for Nova Scotia licenses for a reduced fee. Of course, when I called Access Nova Scotia to figure out the documents I would need to bring with me the person I spoke to was completely unfamiliar with the option. Only after he went to the section of the website with the pertinent details did he believe me that this was an option. Soon after we arrived at the Access Nova Scotia location in Dartmouth we learned that a number of the staff working the service counters were also unfamiliar with the option (which was $50 cheaper than the next cheapest option). Fortunately, after communicating with their supervisors the desk workers were able to provide us with the licenses we requested.
I was really amazed that so many Access Nova Scotia employees would be unfamiliar with this option, particularly given the number of students currently residing in Nova Scotia.
-We had some barbecued burgers for dinner tonight. I made some buns to accompany the burgers.
-Another Bruce Carson story hit today. This story suggests that at least one person in the Prime Minister's office raised a few ethics concerns relating to Carson over the past few years. I also got the sense that a few of the letters mentioned in this story may have been released and might be available in the near future. In many ways I am surprised that this story hasn't caused more of a splash than it has.
-On Monday Jeannette and I finally got around to trading our Newfoundland drivers' licenses in for Nova Scotia licenses. After a little searching online I was able to learn that students in Nova Scotia are able to exchange their out-of-province licenses for Nova Scotia licenses for a reduced fee. Of course, when I called Access Nova Scotia to figure out the documents I would need to bring with me the person I spoke to was completely unfamiliar with the option. Only after he went to the section of the website with the pertinent details did he believe me that this was an option. Soon after we arrived at the Access Nova Scotia location in Dartmouth we learned that a number of the staff working the service counters were also unfamiliar with the option (which was $50 cheaper than the next cheapest option). Fortunately, after communicating with their supervisors the desk workers were able to provide us with the licenses we requested.
I was really amazed that so many Access Nova Scotia employees would be unfamiliar with this option, particularly given the number of students currently residing in Nova Scotia.
-We had some barbecued burgers for dinner tonight. I made some buns to accompany the burgers.
-Another Bruce Carson story hit today. This story suggests that at least one person in the Prime Minister's office raised a few ethics concerns relating to Carson over the past few years. I also got the sense that a few of the letters mentioned in this story may have been released and might be available in the near future. In many ways I am surprised that this story hasn't caused more of a splash than it has.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Hitting the big time (again) with my hot vids
Moments ago I received a request from CPAC to re-post my video of the recent Green Party rally with Elizabeth May. Not surprisingly, I agreed to allow them to re-post the video. Hopefully in the near future I will be able to post a link to the new home of this video.
[Embedded video]
Amazingly, particularly given the (low) quality of most of my YouTube videos, this isn't the first time I have had interest in my videos from deep cable channels. As some of you may recall, a few years ago I licensed some of my YouTube vides of the Montreal hockey riots to the reality TV show Most Shocking.
[Embedded video]
Every time things like this happen I feel a little more legit and a little more like a citizen journalist. Of course every time I post about going to the grocery store and buying butter or doing my laundry I feel a little bit less like a citizen reporter and more like a person just filling space to make Montifax look like an active blog.
[Embedded video]
Amazingly, particularly given the (low) quality of most of my YouTube videos, this isn't the first time I have had interest in my videos from deep cable channels. As some of you may recall, a few years ago I licensed some of my YouTube vides of the Montreal hockey riots to the reality TV show Most Shocking.
[Embedded video]
Every time things like this happen I feel a little more legit and a little more like a citizen journalist. Of course every time I post about going to the grocery store and buying butter or doing my laundry I feel a little bit less like a citizen reporter and more like a person just filling space to make Montifax look like an active blog.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
This 'vote mob' thing has gone a little too far
A few weeks ago some University of Guelph students engaged in pseudo-protest/public action that they called a vote mob. As far as I can tell their action involved them standing across from a Harper/Conservative event and indicating that they, as youth, planned on voting in this election.
Since this time the 'idea' has spread across the country and other university groups have tried to engage in similar behaviours. A few days ago CBC reported on 'similar' activities that had taken place throughout the Maritimes. Then just today I saw that MUNSU has posted a video of their attempted 'vote mob.'
Since first hearing about the concept I have been a little unclear about exactly what these actions were hoping to achieve. Now, as the idea travels further and further from the originators, the connection to a goal related to voting seems increasingly unclear. For instance, what is the MUNSU thing supposed to do? If anything I suspect that a video that shows a 'vote mob' of about 30 (if that) in an otherwise empty university campus might actually confirm that youth really aren't that engaged in voting. One would think that if students were engaged in voting and the whole 'vote mob' idea Atlantic Canada's largest university could pull enough attendees to at least fill a regular classroom.
So as much as flash mobs social networking based protesting are all the rage right now I think that the Canadian university student community might actually be better off if they just forgot about the whole 'vote mob' thing for the time being, or at least until they can figure what it means or how to actually get mass participation (and this participation problem may be tied to the first problem). As it stands right now, I can't help but feel a little embarrassed for the members of these vote mobs.
Since this time the 'idea' has spread across the country and other university groups have tried to engage in similar behaviours. A few days ago CBC reported on 'similar' activities that had taken place throughout the Maritimes. Then just today I saw that MUNSU has posted a video of their attempted 'vote mob.'
Since first hearing about the concept I have been a little unclear about exactly what these actions were hoping to achieve. Now, as the idea travels further and further from the originators, the connection to a goal related to voting seems increasingly unclear. For instance, what is the MUNSU thing supposed to do? If anything I suspect that a video that shows a 'vote mob' of about 30 (if that) in an otherwise empty university campus might actually confirm that youth really aren't that engaged in voting. One would think that if students were engaged in voting and the whole 'vote mob' idea Atlantic Canada's largest university could pull enough attendees to at least fill a regular classroom.
So as much as flash mobs social networking based protesting are all the rage right now I think that the Canadian university student community might actually be better off if they just forgot about the whole 'vote mob' thing for the time being, or at least until they can figure what it means or how to actually get mass participation (and this participation problem may be tied to the first problem). As it stands right now, I can't help but feel a little embarrassed for the members of these vote mobs.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Democracy in Action
As I believe I recently mentioned, on Friday I got around to casting my special ballot.
As you can see, it was a pretty special moment.
[Embedded video]
I just hope it makes it to Ottawa in time to be counted.
As you can see, it was a pretty special moment.
[Embedded video]
I just hope it makes it to Ottawa in time to be counted.
Campaign Event Recap 3
As I mentioned a few minutes ago, Jeannette, Neil, and I (along with our friend Andrew) decided to head to the Halifax farmer's market to try and see Jack Layton.
Almost as soon as we arrived on the premises of the market we observed signs that suggested we may have missed the big event. Most notably, reporters and people with NDP lanyards were streaming out of the building. Once we made it inside we did manage to spot the remnants of the event, including some of the partially packed equipment and local candidate/MP Megan Leslie.
I just realized that I didn't see anyone handing out literature. I don't think that I even so any evidence that any one had been handing out literature. And mention of the event seems to be absent from most of the relevant NDP Twitter feeds. I guess they were going for stealth this morning? It is unclear to me why they would try to sneak in and out of downtown Halifax, an NDP district, without letting anyone (aside from the media) know in advance.
As close as we came to actually seeing Jack Layton was walking by his campaign bus as we entered the farmer's market.
By the time we left the market the bus had pulled out and was nowhere to be seen.
Almost as soon as we arrived on the premises of the market we observed signs that suggested we may have missed the big event. Most notably, reporters and people with NDP lanyards were streaming out of the building. Once we made it inside we did manage to spot the remnants of the event, including some of the partially packed equipment and local candidate/MP Megan Leslie.
I just realized that I didn't see anyone handing out literature. I don't think that I even so any evidence that any one had been handing out literature. And mention of the event seems to be absent from most of the relevant NDP Twitter feeds. I guess they were going for stealth this morning? It is unclear to me why they would try to sneak in and out of downtown Halifax, an NDP district, without letting anyone (aside from the media) know in advance.
As close as we came to actually seeing Jack Layton was walking by his campaign bus as we entered the farmer's market.
By the time we left the market the bus had pulled out and was nowhere to be seen.
Campaign Events 3
Word on the tweet is that Jack Layton is at the local farmer's market at the moment. We are thinking about heading over so that we can complete the set - Opposition Leaders who aren't Gilles Duceppe.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
A Few Quick Notes 534
-I think today might have been overcast with a few sunny periods, but the more I think about it the more that I really don't remember much of today's weather. I guess I was paying attention to other things.
-Last night Neil, Rebecca, Jeannette, and I tried to go to a local restaurant to take advantage of a Groupon that I purchased a few weeks ago. Much to our surprise, the place was absolutely packed. I guess the fact that it was about 6:00 PM on a beautiful Friday evening may have had something to do with it. (Somehow all of us forgot to piece together that it was Friday evening and that Friday evening might be a particularly busy time.) We eventually decided that we weren't wiling to wait such a long time for a table in a restaurant that would likely still be overfilled when we got the table.
-For breakfast/brunch this morning I made a loaf of bread. It seems that I am getting a fair bit better at judging the volumes required for a single loaf of bread. This is good, as sometimes it is a good move to make a single loaf instead of a half-dozen loaves.
-As expected, Dal's tuition will be going up for next year. I am still of the opinion that the province may be shooting itself in the foot by allowing this to happen, but obviously they feel differently. I guess time will tell - but I think that they really can't risk driving away too many more young people given their already lopsided demographic balance.
-Just moments ago I finished some grading that I have been working on for the past two days. On both days I really put in a few good hours. Though these days were not particularly pleasant, that I have finished means that I should be able to promptly get back to studying.
-The Lounge Lizards are great. I really don't listen to them quite enough.
-Last night Neil, Rebecca, Jeannette, and I tried to go to a local restaurant to take advantage of a Groupon that I purchased a few weeks ago. Much to our surprise, the place was absolutely packed. I guess the fact that it was about 6:00 PM on a beautiful Friday evening may have had something to do with it. (Somehow all of us forgot to piece together that it was Friday evening and that Friday evening might be a particularly busy time.) We eventually decided that we weren't wiling to wait such a long time for a table in a restaurant that would likely still be overfilled when we got the table.
-For breakfast/brunch this morning I made a loaf of bread. It seems that I am getting a fair bit better at judging the volumes required for a single loaf of bread. This is good, as sometimes it is a good move to make a single loaf instead of a half-dozen loaves.
-As expected, Dal's tuition will be going up for next year. I am still of the opinion that the province may be shooting itself in the foot by allowing this to happen, but obviously they feel differently. I guess time will tell - but I think that they really can't risk driving away too many more young people given their already lopsided demographic balance.
-Just moments ago I finished some grading that I have been working on for the past two days. On both days I really put in a few good hours. Though these days were not particularly pleasant, that I have finished means that I should be able to promptly get back to studying.
-The Lounge Lizards are great. I really don't listen to them quite enough.
Friday, April 15, 2011
A Few Quick Notes 533
-Today was a beautiful, though chilly, day.
-I am now up to 6 for 34 in this year's RUTRTW. I suspect that my last cup, which was a winner, will be my final cup for the the year, so, amazingly, I think I came in a little better than expected by the end.
-Yesterday Jeannette and I were walking downtown when we were handed Porter promotional items. Upon closer inspection we learned that what we had been handed were unassembled balsa planes. Today I decided to assemble my plane.
[Embedded video]
-I have been doing a fair bit of grading today, I guess if I want to reach my daily goal I should head back to my stack of exams.
-I am now up to 6 for 34 in this year's RUTRTW. I suspect that my last cup, which was a winner, will be my final cup for the the year, so, amazingly, I think I came in a little better than expected by the end.
-Yesterday Jeannette and I were walking downtown when we were handed Porter promotional items. Upon closer inspection we learned that what we had been handed were unassembled balsa planes. Today I decided to assemble my plane.
[Embedded video]
-I have been doing a fair bit of grading today, I guess if I want to reach my daily goal I should head back to my stack of exams.
I am no longer with Ballot
Earlier this evening I finally got around to placing my completed special ballot in the mail. Hopefully it will arrive in Ottawa in the next few days.
I am glad that my special ballot wasn't caught up in the same kind of stink that some special at the University of Guelph were earlier today. Later in the day Elections Canada confirmed that the votes that had been cast through the contested process will stand and that similar practices will be discontinued for the duration of the election.
I am glad that my special ballot wasn't caught up in the same kind of stink that some special at the University of Guelph were earlier today. Later in the day Elections Canada confirmed that the votes that had been cast through the contested process will stand and that similar practices will be discontinued for the duration of the election.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
I am now with Ballot
Just in times for the debates my special ballot arrived. Who knows, maybe I will cast it immediately after the debate.
How classy.
How underwhelming?
And I have to provide my old writing utensil.
How classy.
How underwhelming?
And I have to provide my old writing utensil.
A Few Quick Notes 532
-As predicted, today was definitely a less than ideal day. While today was not rainy from beginning to end, it was overcast all day.
-It seems that both Jeannette and I had our headphones break on us recently. These developments necessitated a trip to a store where we each purchased replacement sets. The only upside seems to be that we both have slightly newer headphones (and in my case a set that seem to fit a little better).
-I made a satisfying, vegetable-heavy batch of chicken noodle soup for dinner tonight. Now that the leftover noodles have expanded it seems that we have more than we did after dinner.
-Though I haven't completely given up following online election coverage, I have had to dial back the time I spend following the up to the minute developments on Twitter. I just can't afford to spend 5 hours a day watching tweets flow in.
-Developments that I did manage to spend a few minutes following today related to the Auditor General. The first development of the day was a Canadian Press story releasing details in a leaked draft version of a report that makes it look as though the government may have broken the law when it came to spending related to the recent G8/G20 preparations. The second development, which hit a few hours later, had to do with Conservative MPs using an old quote from the Auditor General out of context to make it look as though she was saying something complementary about the Conservative government though she had actually been talking about the previous Liberal government. All in all, it doesn't sound as though it was a particularly good day for the Conservative party.
-Yesterday I should have mentioned that Jeannette helped out with our haircuts. Jeannette helped buff out noticeable lines that we had each given other.
-It seems that both Jeannette and I had our headphones break on us recently. These developments necessitated a trip to a store where we each purchased replacement sets. The only upside seems to be that we both have slightly newer headphones (and in my case a set that seem to fit a little better).
-I made a satisfying, vegetable-heavy batch of chicken noodle soup for dinner tonight. Now that the leftover noodles have expanded it seems that we have more than we did after dinner.
-Though I haven't completely given up following online election coverage, I have had to dial back the time I spend following the up to the minute developments on Twitter. I just can't afford to spend 5 hours a day watching tweets flow in.
-Developments that I did manage to spend a few minutes following today related to the Auditor General. The first development of the day was a Canadian Press story releasing details in a leaked draft version of a report that makes it look as though the government may have broken the law when it came to spending related to the recent G8/G20 preparations. The second development, which hit a few hours later, had to do with Conservative MPs using an old quote from the Auditor General out of context to make it look as though she was saying something complementary about the Conservative government though she had actually been talking about the previous Liberal government. All in all, it doesn't sound as though it was a particularly good day for the Conservative party.
-Yesterday I should have mentioned that Jeannette helped out with our haircuts. Jeannette helped buff out noticeable lines that we had each given other.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
A Few Quick Notes 531
-We had the pleasure of having another beautiful day today. It seems that the first part of this week isn't supposed to be quite as nice as this weekend was.
-I am now 5 for 33 for this year's RUTRTW contest. Maybe not surprisingly, all of the 5 prizes have been been free coffees.
-This weekend I was again able to take advantage of the fact that our building has not yet increased the laundry prices as promised. I am quite happy that the promised price increase has not yet been implemented, though this impending doom of the price change is a little nerve-wracking.
-A few days ago it became clear that one of the two local grocery stores has stopped carrying pate. This seems a strange development as they had been carrying a number of varieties until a few weeks ago and because the other store is continuing to carry a number of varieties. What I can't figure out is why this change would have happened at this particular moment in time.
-A few days ago I saw a CBC story about a local sexual assault that had a pretty distrubing line.
How is it that similar attacks have happened to the same woman three times?
-Gilles Duceppe seems to have requested a time change for the French language debate from Thursday to Wednesday because of a scheduling conflict - with a NHL hockey game.
Though I get the sense that at least a few of the other parties aren't opposed to such a change, I haven't heard if the change will actually be approved.
Update: Neil just informed me that the debate has in fact been changed and will now be taking place on Wednesday.
-Neil and I traded haircuts this afternoon.
-I am now 5 for 33 for this year's RUTRTW contest. Maybe not surprisingly, all of the 5 prizes have been been free coffees.
-This weekend I was again able to take advantage of the fact that our building has not yet increased the laundry prices as promised. I am quite happy that the promised price increase has not yet been implemented, though this impending doom of the price change is a little nerve-wracking.
-A few days ago it became clear that one of the two local grocery stores has stopped carrying pate. This seems a strange development as they had been carrying a number of varieties until a few weeks ago and because the other store is continuing to carry a number of varieties. What I can't figure out is why this change would have happened at this particular moment in time.
-A few days ago I saw a CBC story about a local sexual assault that had a pretty distrubing line.
The woman told police she recognized him as the same stranger who had touched her three times previously in similar incidents.
How is it that similar attacks have happened to the same woman three times?
-Gilles Duceppe seems to have requested a time change for the French language debate from Thursday to Wednesday because of a scheduling conflict - with a NHL hockey game.
Though I get the sense that at least a few of the other parties aren't opposed to such a change, I haven't heard if the change will actually be approved.
Update: Neil just informed me that the debate has in fact been changed and will now be taking place on Wednesday.
-Neil and I traded haircuts this afternoon.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Campaign Event Recap 2 (update)
First off, sadly, it seems that that my Elizabeth May rally video is attracting quite as many viewers in its early hours as my Ignatieff video of a week ago did.
Secondly, while at the rally I noticed quite a number of media types, including Global, CTV, CBC, and Canadian Press cameramen (and they were all men) and several additional reporters. I should be clear that I did see at least one CBC reporter and at least one CBC cameraman. Given these sightings I was a little surprised to see that the story about the rally that CBC has on their website is from the Canadian Press. If they are just going to re-post content from the Canadian press I don't quite understand why they would even send reporters to such an event. This practice seems a little wasteful to me (particularly when my sense is that the Canadian Press had only one guy there instead of two).
I guess that's it for now.
Secondly, while at the rally I noticed quite a number of media types, including Global, CTV, CBC, and Canadian Press cameramen (and they were all men) and several additional reporters. I should be clear that I did see at least one CBC reporter and at least one CBC cameraman. Given these sightings I was a little surprised to see that the story about the rally that CBC has on their website is from the Canadian Press. If they are just going to re-post content from the Canadian press I don't quite understand why they would even send reporters to such an event. This practice seems a little wasteful to me (particularly when my sense is that the Canadian Press had only one guy there instead of two).
I guess that's it for now.
Campaign Event Recap 2
As I mentioned earlier today, Neil and I were thinking about going to the Green Party's Halifax 'Rally for Democracy' to see what Elizabeth May had to say. As planned, we did manage to make it to the event.
Much to my surprise, the event was actually quite well attended. On stage May suggested that it may have been the largest election event to have yet taken place in Halifax this campaign. While this may be true, I think that the Liberal event last weekend may have given this event a run for its money.
Almost as soon as we arrived at the event we spotted May. She appeared to be giving an interview to a TV-based media outlet. This interview seemed to go on for quite some time, much longer than I might have expected.
While this aforementioned interview was ongoing a banjo player was entertaining the masses.
This guy played for quite a while. It was really a nice touch. Actually, shortly after listening to the music for a while I realized that something like this was missing from the Liberal rally, and they really should had someone providing a little bit of pre-rally entertainment to keep the crowd up-beat and motivated for the talks to come. Though a small, gesture, having this performance was really great.
Eventually, a few speakers came to the stage to talk about the Green Party and issues that they have been facing. I think the third speaker was the candidate in our Halifax riding, Michael Dewar. Dewar gave a full-bodied address and was quite a bit more animated that the other speakers.
After speaking for a few minutes Dewar introduced May, who, as promised, spoke primarily about issues relating to Canadian democracy and the upcoming televised debates instead of traditional Green Party topics (though a few references to such issues did slip in).
[Embedded video]
I was particularly pleased to hear a few of her comments about the role the media has been playing in this election and that they have been complicit in facilitating some of the questionable practices of parties when it comes to having overly controlled campaign events. Sadly, as she noted, this isn't an issue that is likely to get much play in the national media.
Anyway, though the rally wasn't quite over, we decided to leave shortly after May finished speaking.
Much to my surprise, the event was actually quite well attended. On stage May suggested that it may have been the largest election event to have yet taken place in Halifax this campaign. While this may be true, I think that the Liberal event last weekend may have given this event a run for its money.
Almost as soon as we arrived at the event we spotted May. She appeared to be giving an interview to a TV-based media outlet. This interview seemed to go on for quite some time, much longer than I might have expected.
While this aforementioned interview was ongoing a banjo player was entertaining the masses.
This guy played for quite a while. It was really a nice touch. Actually, shortly after listening to the music for a while I realized that something like this was missing from the Liberal rally, and they really should had someone providing a little bit of pre-rally entertainment to keep the crowd up-beat and motivated for the talks to come. Though a small, gesture, having this performance was really great.
Eventually, a few speakers came to the stage to talk about the Green Party and issues that they have been facing. I think the third speaker was the candidate in our Halifax riding, Michael Dewar. Dewar gave a full-bodied address and was quite a bit more animated that the other speakers.
After speaking for a few minutes Dewar introduced May, who, as promised, spoke primarily about issues relating to Canadian democracy and the upcoming televised debates instead of traditional Green Party topics (though a few references to such issues did slip in).
[Embedded video]
I was particularly pleased to hear a few of her comments about the role the media has been playing in this election and that they have been complicit in facilitating some of the questionable practices of parties when it comes to having overly controlled campaign events. Sadly, as she noted, this isn't an issue that is likely to get much play in the national media.
Anyway, though the rally wasn't quite over, we decided to leave shortly after May finished speaking.
A Few Quick Notes 530
-Today has been pretty beautiful so far, though the forecast is for things to take a turn for the worse later this afternoon.
-I am currently in the midst of drinking what may be my last RUTRTW for the season. I wonder if it will be a winner?
-Neil and I did make it, as planned, to our local Yuk Yuk's last night. Also as planned, we got to see Graham Clark perform. Before the show I even took the opportunity to introduce myself and compliment him on his work. As far as I could tell I may have been the only bumper in the audience?
-I am currently in the midst doing some laundry. Much to my surprise, the prices have still not been adjusted up to the $2 a load prices.
-I am currently in the midst of drinking what may be my last RUTRTW for the season. I wonder if it will be a winner?
-Neil and I did make it, as planned, to our local Yuk Yuk's last night. Also as planned, we got to see Graham Clark perform. Before the show I even took the opportunity to introduce myself and compliment him on his work. As far as I could tell I may have been the only bumper in the audience?
-I am currently in the midst doing some laundry. Much to my surprise, the prices have still not been adjusted up to the $2 a load prices.
Campaign Events 2
So one Saturday after our trip to the Liberal Ignatieff rally it seems that we now have the opportunity to head to a Green rally with Elizabeth May rally on the waterfront. As Neil and I are both hearing directly from as many of the federal leaders as possible we are both planning on attending.
Hopefully, like last week, I will be able to post something of a re-cap after the event.
Anyway, I presume that may connections to both of these events might be enough to have me booted from any upcoming Conservative events that may or may not take place in Halifax before the end of the election.
Hopefully, like last week, I will be able to post something of a re-cap after the event.
Anyway, I presume that may connections to both of these events might be enough to have me booted from any upcoming Conservative events that may or may not take place in Halifax before the end of the election.
Friday, April 08, 2011
A Few Quick Notes 529
-We are in the midst of another beautiful day in Halifax. Amazingly, even though it has been sunny all day the puddle outside my window (which was featured in yesterday's video) has still not dried up.
-I am now down to a shameful 4 for 32 in this year's RUTRTW contest. I guess all of this year's Dal luck when to the girl who won a car the other day.
-I have been spending far too much time following a variety of Canadian politics types on Twitter. The problem is that as reporters are reporting on things from the field one can basically watch stories as they break and as the various parties respond to them. One can easily have an entire day sucked up without really accomplishing more than gaining a familiarity political brouhaha of the day.
-Last night Neil and I attended our final DAGS meeting of the year, and this was after we had already attended our union's AGM. Talk about a day full of large-scale meetings.
-Neil and I will be heading over to our local Yuk Yuk's tonight to see Graham Clark of Stop Podcasting Yourself fame. I am curious to know if I will be the only bumper/MaxFunster in the audience tonight?
Though Neil isn't much of a MaxFunster or a bumper, tonight's show will mean that he is something of a Stop Podcasting Yourself completist in that he will have seen both Dave and Graham perform live in Halifax. Presumably one of the few people in the world to have accomplished such a feat?
-I should either get back to work or start making dinner. Probably the latter in this instance.
-I am now down to a shameful 4 for 32 in this year's RUTRTW contest. I guess all of this year's Dal luck when to the girl who won a car the other day.
-I have been spending far too much time following a variety of Canadian politics types on Twitter. The problem is that as reporters are reporting on things from the field one can basically watch stories as they break and as the various parties respond to them. One can easily have an entire day sucked up without really accomplishing more than gaining a familiarity political brouhaha of the day.
-Last night Neil and I attended our final DAGS meeting of the year, and this was after we had already attended our union's AGM. Talk about a day full of large-scale meetings.
-Neil and I will be heading over to our local Yuk Yuk's tonight to see Graham Clark of Stop Podcasting Yourself fame. I am curious to know if I will be the only bumper/MaxFunster in the audience tonight?
Though Neil isn't much of a MaxFunster or a bumper, tonight's show will mean that he is something of a Stop Podcasting Yourself completist in that he will have seen both Dave and Graham perform live in Halifax. Presumably one of the few people in the world to have accomplished such a feat?
-I should either get back to work or start making dinner. Probably the latter in this instance.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
An intermittently windy day
I had to head out for a few hours this morning so I decided to set my time-lapse machine up for the duration of my absence.
I was able to aim the camera at a puddle outside of my window and capture the reflection of the nice blue sky and passing clouds, but also the fact that there were intermittent gusts of wind that obscured the reflection.
Though I can't say that too much happens in this video, I do think it is one of my better time-lapse attempts.
[Embedded video]
I was able to aim the camera at a puddle outside of my window and capture the reflection of the nice blue sky and passing clouds, but also the fact that there were intermittent gusts of wind that obscured the reflection.
Though I can't say that too much happens in this video, I do think it is one of my better time-lapse attempts.
[Embedded video]
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
A Few Quick Notes 528
-Today has been grey all day, though it did take a few hours for this to turn to honest-to-goodness rain. Fortunately, at least for the time being, the rain seems to have stopped.
-I am now down to 4 for 32 in this year's RUTRTW contest. This are definitely now completely off the rails and I am kind of enjoying it.
-Tonight, for the first time this year, I used a barbecue to cook dinner. Everyone seemed pretty pleased with the resulting burgers. I hope tomorrow's sausages are received as positively.
[Embedded video]
As you can see, things were a little smokey at first. Fortunately it only took a little while for things to calm down.
-It seems that Harper and his party have recently come under fire for tossing students from their events. CBC recently posted a great back and forth between Soudas, a Harper spokesperson, and a reporter about these incidents. Soudas's active avoidance of the questions would be impressive if it wasn't quite so frustrating.
-I am incredibly tired right now. I guess I will go to bed shortly.
-I am now down to 4 for 32 in this year's RUTRTW contest. This are definitely now completely off the rails and I am kind of enjoying it.
-Tonight, for the first time this year, I used a barbecue to cook dinner. Everyone seemed pretty pleased with the resulting burgers. I hope tomorrow's sausages are received as positively.
[Embedded video]
As you can see, things were a little smokey at first. Fortunately it only took a little while for things to calm down.
-It seems that Harper and his party have recently come under fire for tossing students from their events. CBC recently posted a great back and forth between Soudas, a Harper spokesperson, and a reporter about these incidents. Soudas's active avoidance of the questions would be impressive if it wasn't quite so frustrating.
-I am incredibly tired right now. I guess I will go to bed shortly.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Big change to the special ballot application page at Elections Canada
As some of you may recall, a few days ago I pointed out that Elections Canada's special ballot application webpage was less than fully accessible. Most notably, to access the special ballot application one first had to use a clunky Java tool to enter basic information about one's home riding.
Not long after making my post I wrote to Elections Canada to draw their attention to the issue as I feared that the problem had the potential to deter quite a number of voters.
Much to my surprise, this evening I received a response from Elections Canada about the issue. An while they didn't quite acknowledge all of the problems that existed, they do have seem to have made a few changes that move things in the right directly. Most importantly, they have made the Java tool optional and offered an HTML only option that provides quick access to the PDF form.
I like to interpret the following quote in such a way that suggests they made the changes because of my email, though this may be reading a little too much into it.
Though they didn't admit it in their email, I think that they also fixed some compatibility issues relating to their Java tool, which now works on my computer. I guess the important thing is that they made the changes that make the form more accessible, anything else wouldn't be anything more than an ego boost.
Not long after making my post I wrote to Elections Canada to draw their attention to the issue as I feared that the problem had the potential to deter quite a number of voters.
Much to my surprise, this evening I received a response from Elections Canada about the issue. An while they didn't quite acknowledge all of the problems that existed, they do have seem to have made a few changes that move things in the right directly. Most importantly, they have made the Java tool optional and offered an HTML only option that provides quick access to the PDF form.
I like to interpret the following quote in such a way that suggests they made the changes because of my email, though this may be reading a little too much into it.
To help both PC and Mac users online, we have incorporated, over the last days, one additional message and link at the bottom of each screen to offer the elector, as you suggested, the ability to access a basic HTML version of the application
Though they didn't admit it in their email, I think that they also fixed some compatibility issues relating to their Java tool, which now works on my computer. I guess the important thing is that they made the changes that make the form more accessible, anything else wouldn't be anything more than an ego boost.
Yum!
While walking along Queen Street yesterday afternoon I happened to notice the following on someone's stoop.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the potato was still on the stoop today. Actually, I happened to be walking past this building earlier today and saw someone exit the building and leave the potato untouched. I am not curious how long the potato will remain before it is either damaged or discarded.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the potato was still on the stoop today. Actually, I happened to be walking past this building earlier today and saw someone exit the building and leave the potato untouched. I am not curious how long the potato will remain before it is either damaged or discarded.
A Few Quick Notes 527
-Though today started off being a fair bit above average it seems that things have now turned a little overcast. Hopefully this change in sky colour won't lead to a change in precipitation levels.
-I am now down to 4 for 31 in this year's RUTRTW contest. I have to say, my heart really isn't in it any more. I keep buying rims just expecting to to lose (and then become somewhat comforted by the fact that my prediction turned out to be correct). Maybe I will find a way to get my groove back for next year.
-My Ignatieff rally video seems to gotten a few views, and this is after I deleted the first version to replace it with a higher quality video. I suspect that things will level off shortly, at at least by the end of the campaign.
-Early this afternoon I picked up a few more essays to grade. I suspect that almost as soon as I finish grading these essays it will be time to grade final exams. I can't wait for that to start.
-Yesterday, while we were making our way to the rally, I happened to notice a sign promoting upcoming shows at our local comedy club. Much to my surprise, it seems that one of the hosts of Stop Podcasting Yourself, Graham Clark, will be appearing there this weekend. This is great. I hope to be able to attend the Thursday night show, though I am not quite sure who I will be able to convince to go with me.
-I am now down to 4 for 31 in this year's RUTRTW contest. I have to say, my heart really isn't in it any more. I keep buying rims just expecting to to lose (and then become somewhat comforted by the fact that my prediction turned out to be correct). Maybe I will find a way to get my groove back for next year.
-My Ignatieff rally video seems to gotten a few views, and this is after I deleted the first version to replace it with a higher quality video. I suspect that things will level off shortly, at at least by the end of the campaign.
-Early this afternoon I picked up a few more essays to grade. I suspect that almost as soon as I finish grading these essays it will be time to grade final exams. I can't wait for that to start.
-Yesterday, while we were making our way to the rally, I happened to notice a sign promoting upcoming shows at our local comedy club. Much to my surprise, it seems that one of the hosts of Stop Podcasting Yourself, Graham Clark, will be appearing there this weekend. This is great. I hope to be able to attend the Thursday night show, though I am not quite sure who I will be able to convince to go with me.
Campaign Event Recap
As I mentioned yesterday, Neil and I were planning on attending a Liberal campaign rally yesterday evening. The event's headliner was to be Michael Ignatieff.
Almost as soon as we arrived at the hotel hosting the event it was clear that quite a number of people would be attending this rally. Many of these people were decked out in red clothing of various sorts. The other thing that almost immediately became clear was that this was an older crowd, those of us below 40 were in a definite minority.
That being said, there was definitely a crowd. Once the initial space was filled they even had to make available an overflow section of the room, which also seemed to fill up nicely.
After what seemed like something of a delay, though as I didn't have a watch and there was some confusion about the planned starting time I don't really know how delayed the start was, Mike Savage came on stage to get things going.
Much to my surprise, Savage then introduced all of the Liberal candidates for the province. Each of the candidates then came on stage with a spouse or family member. As this process was taking placed noticed that a friend's wife heading on stage as her candidate father's requisite family member. These individuals then positioned themselves across the back of the stage creating something of a human backdrop.
The final candidate to be introduced was Stan Kutcher, the candidate for the Halifax riding. Kutcher was then given the opportunity to introduce Michael Ignatieff.
You can check out a video of this (and some of Ignatieff's speech if you would like.
[Embedded video]
Much to my surprise, Ignatieff seemed to be a pretty confident speaker. He seemed to have no problem speaking in the rally setting. He even got one pretty good laugh with a line suggesting that if Harper promised to stop telling lies about the Liberals he would stop telling the truth about the Conservatives.
Maybe not surprisingly, the rally basically just consisted of the introductions by Savage and Kutcher and then the speech by Ignatieff. There were not opportunities for questions and as far as I could tell there wasn't even an organized meet and greet after the conclusion of the main event.
As far as I was concerned the biggest frustration of the event was the post-rally emptying of the room. It seemed to take about 15 or 20 minutes for us to be able to finally make our way out of the room where the lobby was held. As we were leaving I couldn't entirely figure out the reason for the bottle neck, though it could have had to do with people just socializing as they exited the room.
Anyway, I guess I will now have to see if I can find a way to attend one or two more of these held by other parties. I am curious to see how they stack up against the Ignatieff version.
Almost as soon as we arrived at the hotel hosting the event it was clear that quite a number of people would be attending this rally. Many of these people were decked out in red clothing of various sorts. The other thing that almost immediately became clear was that this was an older crowd, those of us below 40 were in a definite minority.
That being said, there was definitely a crowd. Once the initial space was filled they even had to make available an overflow section of the room, which also seemed to fill up nicely.
After what seemed like something of a delay, though as I didn't have a watch and there was some confusion about the planned starting time I don't really know how delayed the start was, Mike Savage came on stage to get things going.
Much to my surprise, Savage then introduced all of the Liberal candidates for the province. Each of the candidates then came on stage with a spouse or family member. As this process was taking placed noticed that a friend's wife heading on stage as her candidate father's requisite family member. These individuals then positioned themselves across the back of the stage creating something of a human backdrop.
The final candidate to be introduced was Stan Kutcher, the candidate for the Halifax riding. Kutcher was then given the opportunity to introduce Michael Ignatieff.
You can check out a video of this (and some of Ignatieff's speech if you would like.
[Embedded video]
Much to my surprise, Ignatieff seemed to be a pretty confident speaker. He seemed to have no problem speaking in the rally setting. He even got one pretty good laugh with a line suggesting that if Harper promised to stop telling lies about the Liberals he would stop telling the truth about the Conservatives.
Maybe not surprisingly, the rally basically just consisted of the introductions by Savage and Kutcher and then the speech by Ignatieff. There were not opportunities for questions and as far as I could tell there wasn't even an organized meet and greet after the conclusion of the main event.
As far as I was concerned the biggest frustration of the event was the post-rally emptying of the room. It seemed to take about 15 or 20 minutes for us to be able to finally make our way out of the room where the lobby was held. As we were leaving I couldn't entirely figure out the reason for the bottle neck, though it could have had to do with people just socializing as they exited the room.
Anyway, I guess I will now have to see if I can find a way to attend one or two more of these held by other parties. I am curious to see how they stack up against the Ignatieff version.
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Campaign Events
In just a few minutes I will be heading out to attend the first Canadian election campaign rally/event that I have ever attended. Neil and I will be attending some kind of event with Michael Ignatieff and local candidates at the hotel across the street from our apartment. We will be attending as interested observers rather than as Liberal partisans
For years I have been curious to know what kinds of things go on at these events as I have only ever seen them the snippets that are played on nightly newscasts. Given my long-term interest in these events I thought it would be ridiculous to turn up the chance to attend such an event when it is held only a two minute walk away from my place of residence.
Given that today was the day the Liberal's launched their platform I presume they will be mentioning it and maybe even given away copies. I presume that we will also be in for at least a few political speeches of varying lengths and qualities. I guess ideally we would get to witness at least one truly rousing speech - though that may be a bit of a long shot.
Amazingly, if I had been on top of things, I could have actually had my first political rally/event experience yesterday at an NDP thing in Dartmouth. Unfortunately, I didn't find out about the event until about an hour before it was to start. Maybe if I hear about another such event I will have to try to attend.
Hopefully I will be able to provide an update later tonight.
For years I have been curious to know what kinds of things go on at these events as I have only ever seen them the snippets that are played on nightly newscasts. Given my long-term interest in these events I thought it would be ridiculous to turn up the chance to attend such an event when it is held only a two minute walk away from my place of residence.
Given that today was the day the Liberal's launched their platform I presume they will be mentioning it and maybe even given away copies. I presume that we will also be in for at least a few political speeches of varying lengths and qualities. I guess ideally we would get to witness at least one truly rousing speech - though that may be a bit of a long shot.
Amazingly, if I had been on top of things, I could have actually had my first political rally/event experience yesterday at an NDP thing in Dartmouth. Unfortunately, I didn't find out about the event until about an hour before it was to start. Maybe if I hear about another such event I will have to try to attend.
Hopefully I will be able to provide an update later tonight.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Friday, April 01, 2011
A Few Quick Notes 526
-After several hours of overcast skies this morning we have finally made the transition to rain/snow and high winds. Though we don't yet have a storm warning, other parts of the Maritimes have been warned about a snowstorm that is due to hit this weekend. So even if we don't get 30 cm of snow, it does look as though we will be getting something unpleasant this weekend.
-On a related note, it seems that there is an Ultimate tournament taking place this weekend that should be made pretty unfun by this weather. Actually, the likelihood of similar weather was exactly why I chose not to play in the same tournament last year. Anyway, I really hope that things aren't too unpleasant for those playing.
-After a little dilly-dallying this morning I finally got around to sending an email to Elections Canada about their less than function special ballot application webpage. Of course after sending the email I was taken to a page where it was suggested that I shouldn't expect a particularly prompt response. I guess I just hope that they change their system before too many people are discouraged from voting.
-As I was walking to an appointment this morning I came across this car.
I guess it must be an April Fool's day joke but I really don't get it.
-At first I thought a story from St. John's about the Village Mall booting Metrobus from their parking lot was an April Fool's Day joke as well, but this one seems to be real. This is definitely going to be a bummer for a number of bus riders and will again hit the people who can least afford to be hit.
My favourite part of the story was the part at the end when they talked about decreasing ridership. I wonder if the decreasing ridership might have anything to do with a decreasing quality of the service? My experience with Metrobus over the years has been that they have consistently made bus routes less useful and changed route structures so that trips to and from the same places take longer than they used to. No wonder fewer people ride the bus under these circumstances.
-On a related note, it seems that there is an Ultimate tournament taking place this weekend that should be made pretty unfun by this weather. Actually, the likelihood of similar weather was exactly why I chose not to play in the same tournament last year. Anyway, I really hope that things aren't too unpleasant for those playing.
-After a little dilly-dallying this morning I finally got around to sending an email to Elections Canada about their less than function special ballot application webpage. Of course after sending the email I was taken to a page where it was suggested that I shouldn't expect a particularly prompt response. I guess I just hope that they change their system before too many people are discouraged from voting.
-As I was walking to an appointment this morning I came across this car.
I guess it must be an April Fool's day joke but I really don't get it.
-At first I thought a story from St. John's about the Village Mall booting Metrobus from their parking lot was an April Fool's Day joke as well, but this one seems to be real. This is definitely going to be a bummer for a number of bus riders and will again hit the people who can least afford to be hit.
My favourite part of the story was the part at the end when they talked about decreasing ridership. I wonder if the decreasing ridership might have anything to do with a decreasing quality of the service? My experience with Metrobus over the years has been that they have consistently made bus routes less useful and changed route structures so that trips to and from the same places take longer than they used to. No wonder fewer people ride the bus under these circumstances.
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