Friday, October 31

God Will Take Care Of Us

" Kid, how are you doing? "

" Uncle George, I'm fine. PM has formed a new cabinet, hopefully things will get better as promised. Sirens continues but I just ignore it."

" I'm a bit worried... "

" Is it because you don't know which CEO will soon be taken over your office? "

" More or less, I'm afraid there's nobody to take care of you after I'm retired."

" You need not worry because our heavenly father is always there for me, and for you. Anything should happen it happens. I look forward to visiting you sometime next year, as I miss you and your family very much. "

" Good to hear that, kid. I'm always by your side so as many others. Stay strong and keep in touch. "

" I will. My heartfelt blessings to you and all your beloved. "



*

Buy Out Deal


Oman has awarded a second fixed-line licence to PCCW-Awaser Oman Consortium, a joint venture between local interests and Hong Kong-based Pacific Century CyberWorks, to provide telecom services to the sultanate.

The Omani Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) said the consortium achieved the highest marks in technical and commercial evaluation as well as in its financial bid. The statement over the weekend added that the consortium is given 15 working days to honour its obligations with the TRA.

The award marks a milestone in the liberalization of the telecommunications sector in the sultanate. For this exercise, the Class 1 fixed-line license is for a 25-year period with 15-year contract for broadband services. Among others, one criteria is that no association with the incumbent fixed-line operator, Omantel, is allowed, while bidders need not have Omani partner and may be fully foreign owned. It was reported that a fee of OMR500000 (US$1.3 million) is payable upon award and the successful party will pay seven percent of gross revenues as royalty to the government. In fact, it is understood that the consortium will be given radio spectrum to operate wireless broadband services that is not available to Omantel.

With a population of 3.3 million, the penetration rate for fixed-line services is 10% while its just 3% for Internet subscribers.

PCCW provides comprehensive telecom services and is one of Asia’s leading info-com players. It has more than 16,000 staff worldwide with headquarters in Hong Kong and operations in the China and Asia as well as the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

http://www.telecoms-mag.com/newsglobe/article.asp?HH_ID=AR_4550


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Wednesday, October 29

Journalism Sacrificed For Power and Pensions



By Michael S. Malone

The traditional media is playing a very, very dangerous game. With its readers, with the Constitution, and with its own fate.
The sheer bias in the print and television coverage of this election campaign is not just bewildering, but appalling. And over the last few months I’ve found myself slowly moving from shaking my head at the obvious one-sided reporting, to actually shouting at the screen of my television and my laptop computer.

But worst of all, for the last couple weeks, I’ve begun — for the first time in my adult life — to be embarrassed to admit what I do for a living. A few days ago, when asked by a new acquaintance what I did for a living, I replied that I was “a writer”, because I couldn’t bring myself to admit to a stranger that I’m a journalist. You need to understand how painful this is for me. I am one of those people who truly bleeds ink when I’m cut. I am a fourth generation newspaperman. As family history tells it, my great-grandfather was a newspaper editor in Abilene, Kansas during the last of the cowboy days, then moved to Oregon to help start the Oregon Journal (now the Oregonian). My hard-living - and when I knew her, scary - grandmother was one of the first women reporters for the Los Angeles Times. And my father, though profoundly dyslexic, followed a long career in intelligence to finish his life (thanks to word processors and spellcheckers) as a very successful freelance writer.

I’ve spent thirty years in every part of journalism, from beat reporter to magazine editor. And my oldest son, following in the family business, so to speak, earned his first national by-line before he earned his drivers license. So, when I say I’m deeply ashamed right now to be called a “journalist”, you can imagine just how deep that cuts into my soul. Now, of course, there’s always been bias in the media. Human beings are biased, so the work they do, including reporting, is inevitably colored. Hell, I can show you ten different ways to color variations of the word “said” - muttered, shouted, announced, reluctantly replied, responded, etc. - to influence the way a reader will apprehend exactly the same quote. We all learn that in Reporting 101, or at least in the first few weeks working in a newsroom. But what we are also supposed to learn during that same apprenticeship is to recognize the dangerous power of that technique, and many others, and develop built-in alarms against their unconscious.

But even more important, we are also supposed to be taught that even though there is no such thing as pure, Platonic objectivity in reporting, we are to spend our careers struggling to approach that ideal as closely as possible. That means constantly challenging our own prejudices, systematically presenting opposing views, and never, ever burying stories that contradict our own world views or challenge people or institutions we admire. If we can’t achieve Olympian detachment, than at least we can recognize human frailty - especially in ourselves.

For many years, spotting bias in reporting was a little parlor game of mine, watching TV news or reading a newspaper article and spotting how the reporter had inserted, often unconsciously, his or her own preconceptions. But I always wrote it off as bad judgment, and lack of professionalism, rather than bad faith and conscious advocacy. Sure, being a child of the ‘60s I saw a lot of subjective “New” Journalism, and did a fair amount of it myself, but that kind of writing, like columns and editorials, was supposed to be segregated from ‘real’ reporting, and at least in mainstream media, usually was. The same was true for the emerging blogosphere, which by its very nature was opinionated and biased.

But my complacent faith in my peers first began to be shaken when some of the most admired journalists in the country were exposed as plagiarists, or worse, accused of making up stories from whole cloth. I’d spent my entire professional career scrupulously pounding out endless dreary footnotes and double-checking sources to make sure that I never got accused of lying or stealing someone else’s work - not out any native honesty, but out of fear: I’d always been told to fake or steal a story was a firing offense . . .indeed, it meant being blackballed out of the profession.

And yet, few of those worthies ever seemed to get fired for their crimes - and if they did they were soon rehired into an even more prestigious jobs. It seemed as if there were two sets of rules: one for us workaday journalists toiling out in the sticks, and another for folks who’d managed, through talent or deceit, to make it to the national level. Meanwhile, I watched with disbelief as the nation’s leading newspapers, many of whom I’d written for in the past, slowly let opinion pieces creep into the news section, and from there onto the front page. Personal opinions and comments that, had they appeared in my stories in 1979, would have gotten my butt kicked by the nearest copy editor, were now standard operating procedure at the New York Times, the Washington Post, and soon after in almost every small town paper in the U.S.

But what really shattered my faith - and I know the day and place where it happened - was the War in Lebanon three summers ago. The hotel I was staying at in Windhoek, Namibia only carried CNN, a network I’d already learned to approach with skepticism. But this was CNN International, which is even worse. I sat there, first with my jaw hanging down, then actually shouting at the TV, as one field reporter after another reported the carnage of the Israeli attacks on Beirut, with almost no corresponding coverage of the Hezbollah missiles raining down on northern Israel. The reporting was so utterly and shamelessly biased that I sat there for hours watching, assuming that eventually CNNi would get around to telling the rest of the story . . .but it never happened.

But nothing, nothing I’ve seen has matched the media bias on display in the current Presidential campaign. Republicans are justifiably foaming at the mouth over the sheer one-sidedness of the press coverage of the two candidates and their running mates. But in the last few days, even Democrats, who have been gloating over the pass - no, make that shameless support - they’ve gotten from the press, are starting to get uncomfortable as they realize that no one wins in the long run when we don’t have a free and fair press. I was one of the first people in the traditional media to call for the firing of Dan Rather - not because of his phony story, but because he refused to admit his mistake - but, bless him, even Gunga Dan thinks the media is one-sided in this election.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not one of those people who think the media has been too hard on, say, Gov. Palin, by rushing reportorial SWAT teams to Alaska to rifle through her garbage. This is the Big Leagues, and if she wants to suit up and take the field, then Gov. Palin better be ready to play. The few instances where I think the press has gone too far - such as the Times reporter talking to Cindy McCain’s daughter’s MySpace friends - can easily be solved with a few newsroom smackdowns and temporary repostings to the Omaha Bureau.

No, what I object to (and I think most other Americans do as well) is the lack of equivalent hardball coverage of the other side - or worse, actively serving as attack dogs for Senators Obama and Biden. If the current polls are correct, we are about to elect as President of the United States a man who is essentially a cipher, who has left almost no paper trail, seems to have few friends (that at least will talk) and has entire years missing out of his biography. That isn’t Sen. Obama’s fault: his job is to put his best face forward. No, it is the traditional media’s fault, for it alone (unlike the alternative media) has had the resources to cover this story properly, and has systematically refused to do so.

Why, for example to quote McCain’s lawyer, haven’t we seen an interview with Sen. Obama’s grad school drug dealer - when we know all about Mrs. McCain’s addiction? Are Bill Ayers and Tony Rezko that hard to interview? All those phony voter registrations that hard to scrutinize? And why are Senator Biden’s endless gaffes almost always covered up, or rationalized, by the traditional media? The absolute nadir (though I hate to commit to that, as we still have two weeks before the election) came with Joe the Plumber. Middle America, even when they didn’t agree with Joe, looked on in horror as the press took apart the private life of an average person who had the temerity to ask a tough question of a Presidential candidate. So much for the Standing Up for the Little Man, so much for Speaking Truth to Power, so much for Comforting the Afflicted and Afflicting the Comfortable, and all of those other catchphrases we journalists used to believe we lived by.

I learned a long time ago that when people or institutions begin to behave in a manner that seems to be entirely against their own interests, it’s because we don’t understand what their motives really are. It would seem that by so exposing their biases and betting everything on one candidate over another, the traditional media is trying to commit suicide - especially when, given our currently volatile world and economy, the chances of a successful Obama presidency, indeed any presidency, is probably less than 50:50.

Furthermore, I also happen to believe that most reporters, whatever their political bias, are human torpedoes . . .and, had they been unleashed, would have raced in and roughed up the Obama campaign as much as they did McCain’s. That’s what reporters do, I was proud to have been one, and I’m still drawn to a good story, any good story, like a shark to blood in the water. So why weren’t those legions of hungry reporters set loose on the Obama campaign? Who are the real villains in this story of mainstream media betrayal?
The editors. The men and women you don’t see; the people who not only decide what goes in the paper, but what doesn’t; the managers who give the reporters their assignments and lay-out the editorial pages. They are the real culprits.

Why? I think I know, because had my life taken a different path, I could have been one: Picture yourself in your 50s in a job where you’ve spent 30 years working your way to the top, to the cockpit of power . . . only to discover that you’re presiding over a dying industry. The Internet and alternative media are stealing your readers, your advertisers and your top young talent. Many of your peers shrewdly took golden parachutes and disappeared. Your job doesn’t have anywhere near the power and influence it did when your started your climb. The Newspaper Guild is too weak to protect you any more, and there is a very good chance you’ll lose your job before you cross that finish line, ten years hence, of retirement and a pension.

In other words, you are facing career catastrophe -and desperate times call for desperate measures. Even if you have to risk everything on a single Hail Mary play. Even if you have to compromise the principles that got you here. After all, newspapers and network news are doomed anyway - all that counts is keeping them on life support until you can retire. And then the opportunity presents itself: an attractive young candidate whose politics likely matches yours, but more important, he offers the prospect of a transformed Washington with the power to fix everything that has gone wrong in your career. With luck, this monolithic, single-party government will crush the alternative media via a revived Fairness Doctrine, re-invigorate unions by getting rid of secret votes, and just maybe, be beholden to people like you in the traditional media for getting it there.

And besides, you tell yourself, it’s all for the good of the country . . .


Michael S. Malone grew up in Silicon Valley. He joined the San Jose Mercury News and became one of the nation’s first daily high-tech reporters. He is the author of Infinite Loop: How Apple, the World's Most Insanely Great Computer Company, Went Insane . Other notable books by Malone are The Big Score, The Virtual Corporation and Intellectual Capital. Malone has also written for the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, is a former editor of Forbes ASAP, and has contributed to Upside and Fast Company magazines. He was also the host of Malone, an interview series on PBS.

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Monday, October 27

We Are Sick Of You

Listen! I dare you not!!

Easy, I'm listening...

I dare you not to post any more "Sirens" on this blog!!! WE ARE SICK OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Calm down I'll do no more. If the fire fighters and paramedics in Toronto like to be humiliated, I couldn't care less. Seemingly, Stephane Dion wants to humiliate himself and his party, so be it.





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Sunday, October 26

What Has Wen Jiabao Done To Me

Take a good look at this hypocrite, Wen Jiabao the Premier of China, is the one who's been torturing me. He had sexuality harassed me over the past year, by installing a surveillance camera at my tiny apartment in HK. Hong Kong government knew about the scandal but did nothing to protect me. As soon as I found out the sickening plot, my naked photos were spreading all over the Internet, threatening me to keep my mouth shut. Shortly after I moved back to Canada thought that I was in good hands, worst had yet to come.

How and why such a disaster occurred? I will explain it in graphic details in my biography. It's time to tear down Wen Jiabao's ugly mask, letting people know who he really is, nothing but a psychopath.



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Saturday, October 25

Together Standing Tall



~ Ireland's Call by Celtic Thunder ~

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Stalkers On The Bus

Who will rise up for me against the wicked?

Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to me soul.

PSALM 94:16-19



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Thursday, October 23

Economic Summit


President George W Bush, President Sarkozy of France, and President Barroso of the European Commission.

By Merle D. Kellerhals Jr.
Staff Writer
Washington — The leaders of 20 nations have been invited to attend an economic summit in Washington to discuss the current financial crisis, its causes and efforts to resolve it through more effective regulation and reform, the White House says.

“In addition, we expect that the leaders will discuss the effects of the crisis on emerging economies and developing nations,” White House press secretary Dana Perino said October 22. A growing concern among developed economies is what impact the current financial crisis will have long-term on developing nations and foreign financial assistance.

President Bush is inviting the members of the Group of 20 to a “Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy” to be held in the Washington area November 15. It will be the first of a series of summits to bring together world leaders who participate in the G20 finance process to discuss current economic issues.

Bush met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso in the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, over the weekend of October 18 to discuss the economic crisis. Plans for the summit were developed during that meeting, Perino said.

“The summit will also provide an important opportunity for leaders to strengthen the underpinnings of capitalism by discussing how they can enhance their commitment to open, competitive economies, as well as trade and investment liberalization,” Perino said.

The G20 members are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.


http://www.america.gov/st/econ-english/2008/October/20081022124842dmslahrellek0.359234.html


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Enough Is Enough

PM, EITHER YOU'RE INCOMPETENT, OR YOU DON'T CARE !

Oct 22





Oct 19




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Tuesday, October 21

Acknowledgements


I consider myself, as the luckiest writer in the world. Am famous not because I write well, but because I live well, well enough to tell this story with all my heart. A story about surviving with dignity and integrity, more importantly, with faith and hope and love.

This book could not have been written without your continuously support. For reasons I cannot name you though I wish to, I intend to give my readers some hints. For everything you have done for a stranger, a nobody, you are just too great to stay behind the scene.

You are a leader, a genuine leader with subtle humanity. Along the way you have proved your vision to distinguish the unforeseeable. You would stand up for anyone regardless of race or sex or age. By enduring all the difficulties and challenges happened at one time, you never gave up or finger pointed to those who should have held responsible instead. You put up with all the name callings and poor ratings, you never said a thing to clear your own name. Perhaps it's not your job but mine. I wish this story to be told because someone must honoring you as you have deserved, giving you all the credits you have earned.

Hoping the others would get the message I delivered, by understanding who would fight for their best interest till the end. If somebody would stand up for a stranger, doubtlessly he will stand up for his nation under any circumstance. If somebody would stand up for a nobody, he certainly will stand up for his people at all costs. You are that somebody who is trustworthy at all times. You are not only God's servant but my hero, my guardian angel.

Great minds think alike, hence I will stand by you and your colleagues, for we share the same values on common grounds, such as empathy, and decency. God bless you and your country, today and in the many years to come.

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Monday, October 20

What A Loser



"I have informed the president of the Liberal Party of Canada and the president of the national caucus, that I will stay as leader until a new one is chosen at a convention that I have asked to be organised," Stephane Dion announced Monday at a press conference in the Capital.

Mr Dion claimed he has become a politician to help keep Canada united, and he has fought for both present and the next generation. But Canadians have not learned about the true colour of him, he in fact blamed the Conservative for misrepresenting his leadership and image.

Are you sure about this Mr Dion? Canadians are all dumb? Who are you trying to fool but yourself? Since your party members and the Prime Minister can't do anything to stop you from harassing me, likely I'd have to live with it, or until more people die from a shortage of paramedics. You're such a powerful man I just don't understand how you turned out to be such a loser. Oddly enough and pathetic.

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Sunday, October 19

Love Them Anyway

Although they whistled the dog you'd never seen during midnight all the time, love them anyway.

Although they slammed their door harshly 5-6 times a day, love them anyway.

Although they admitted they did it on purpose to annoy you, love them anyway.

Although they called you crazy bitxx, love them anyway.

Although they moved in spreading the stuff outside your door on Saturday night, love them anyway.

All because they're no ordinary neighbours, love them anyway.


Oct 19 at 2:45pm



Oct 19 at 4:10pm



Oct 10 at 10:30pm



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I Will Survive



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Saturday, October 18

My Dream Publication Fund


I have a dream, not as big as Martin Luther King's, but I do have one.

My dream of being a writer has been fulfilled years ago. I indeed got four books published in the past three years. Unfortunately two of them had never got a chance to make it to the book store. A few thousand copies had been returned by the distributor, for some reasons far too dangerous to reveal. But I'm going to tell it anyway. Not only telling it, but I will get this inhuman story published no matter what. By successfully doing so, I'd need your help and support.

If you're a regular of this blog, I wouldn't have to say more. If you're new comer, just trace back to read between the lines, you'll see my testimonials along with the supporting evidences all over the blog. Certainly it'll take some time, but I can assure you it's well worth it. If you happen to be an Asian who can read Chinese, feel free to visit my other blog "Long Long Journey", more to discover.

So I'm a writer, I write to make a living. Nevertheless I've been struggled should this story be told as the consequences will be overwhelming. Yet, I've made up my mind to stun the world now, by consolidating this whole conspiracy associated with the Chinese authorities, the Hong Kong government, ample of celebrities who're involved. It won't be easy, but I'll do my best. This is no ordinary story since my decent normal life has been completely ruined by Wen Jiabao, worst of all he wouldn't let go. I simply want my life back and justice be served in God's time.

Therefore if you'd like this story to expose, you may contribute to my fund raising account listed below. I have named it "My Dream Publication Fund", your contributions will help me to get it done. In return, you'd get a signed copy when my book gets published in January 2009. It's a promise and I won't let you down.

Connie Missipi
Scotiabank Bank Account: 416320225886


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Friday, October 17

Vivo Per Lei




~ By Andrea Bocelli & Hayley Westenra ~


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Thursday, October 16

I Am Blessed



Hi Dave

I've received your hearty message, thanks for being there for me, always. Know that uncle Johnny will pay you a visit soon, could you please send my best regards to him. He's been very supportive as well throughout the Marathon. I respect him as much as I respect you.

Can't thank enough for everything you and your big family have done for me. On one hand I feel like an orphan who has left behind but on the other hand, I feel like the Queen who has dominated the world, by realising so many others out there truly care about me. Hence I'm not alone. And I never will.

Love & Blessings
Solitude

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Tuesday, October 14

United We Stand



"Goodness it's outrageous! I thought they would have won 200 seats at the least, otherwise what's the point of spending millions of our dollars calling this campaign? Especially when we've undergone an economic downturn?"

"Woman, will you shut up and what do you know about politics? PM complained about the Parliament had not been functioning; now gaining 15 more seats or so will absolutely help a lot! Don't you get it? The Parliament has to be well functioning in order to protect our interest! Winning this election is surely a big triumph for the party, a grand victory for Stephen Harper, and a huge success for Canadians! We're looking at 7 trillion dollars surplus by end of this year!!"

"Oh, points taken. What a pity they're only a few seats away from the majority, I'd suggest the PM to call on another election in January. Keep trying every 3-6 months would do, if not ask Dion to back him up."

"You bet! PM will definitely go to any length to get it done!"

"See, united we stand. We've made it, folks. Am so proud of you all."

"Bien fait et maintenir le bon travail !"

*

Survivor


During my childhood and adulthood I'd been through a lot, yet hadn't seen the worst, until 1 February this year. What actually happened on that night? The scariest moment in my entire life I'd never forget.

31 Jan I landed at Pearson airport, so-called friends came to pick me up. They suggested me to stay at the Best Western in Richmond Hill, I hesitated a bit as I couldn't afford to take another chance to put myself in danger after the inhuman suffering in Hong Kong. Off the airport on the highway, there're three vehicles pulled over on the side way then followed us. One of the vehicles was a limo with the license "ZAH 64" deliberately drove ahead, making sure I'd seen it then disappeared. Because of that I fell for the trick, I thought it's Richard who'd taken control so I was in good hands. Best Western I stayed. The snow storm had soon be coming.

What're the chances you'd get a hotel room 333 when you simply walked in? Such a lucky number you'd have to pay extra extra money or you'd need to be a VIP to get it. I got it anyway. Again I thought Richard would have come to meet me afterwards, everything seemed too good to be true. I rested for the night then I was asked to switch to another room the next morning. Odd thing was the receptionist insisted I'd need to get the key by myself at the front desk. By leaving the room I noticed the whole floor had been blocked and I was the only guest staying on that floor. Being naive I still thought it could have been Richard my sweetheart's thoughtful arrangement.

The hotel reassigned me to a room at the end of corridor right next to the emergency exit. I didn't go out but waited patiently believing Richard would soon be arrived in any minute. I watched a movie called "Charlie Wilson's War" followed by the Tyra Bank Show. Hillary Clinton was the guest interviewing by the host on that particular episode. Something questionable across my mind started to annoy me. I flipped over the channels there I watched a sitcom "Two and a half man". Some lines had frightened me while the phone rang. My so-called friends offered to keep me company going out for dinner. But Richard would be here very soon, I turned them down as a second thought, I requested for delivery.

On a piece of paper I wrote something. My FRIENDS came I talked loud in a casual manner but showed them the paper with anxiety. He turned pale after reading my message, looked up to the ceiling denying as if there was a hidden camera. Finally I knew what was going on. My FRIENDS had betrayed me since I wrote them e-mail weeks ago. That particular moment my fear and my disappointment arouse my head likely to explode. I grabbed my hand-carry then walked out the room immediately, they followed me pretending they're innocent as if I was out of my mind over reacting. How strange a number of people were indeed staring at me by the doors when I walked through the corridor downstairs. Hadn't they supposed to stay inside the rooms enjoying some private moments? My heart was pounding badly I could hardly breathe when I saw the hotel exit in three yards. I was so afraid that I couldn't make it through.

-15C outside the hotel in the parking lot I yelled to my FRIENDS. They acted in slow motion unwilling to drive me to the police station as requested. At last I used their cell phones to call 911 and I jumped off the car on highway 7 standing in the middle of the road. Never intended to kill myself but in hopes of someone passing by would have seen me and saved me. Shortly after a paramedic came by, I refused to get in the ambulance because I knew he couldn't be trusted. The paramedic looked furious I tried to stay away from him. I started to make a scene on the highway to get noticed. But all the drivers played as by-standers, on one ever stopped by to give a hand. I was trembling feeling so desperate liked the end of the world. Later the paramedic and my FRIEND dragged me all the way to the pedestrian threatening me to cooperate. I was completely isolated.

Eventually some police officers came. Instead of taking my words they started searching my bag tried to set me up with Marijuana. I kept waving and yelling when being pushed into the police car. While two more police vehicles arrived, Dan the good Samaritan assured he would get some help. By the time I believed we'd under a lot of spot lights, that the police stopped violating my human rights. They drove me to the York Central hospital where a lot of spies had arrived before I got in. And that's another horrifying story to tell.

In short, today whoever you vote just don't vote for Stephen Harper. I wish I could tell you more, but that can't be done if Stephen Harper is in power. God bless Canada.

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Sunday, October 12

Thanksgiving Prayer



May you always have an angel by your side
Watching out for you in all the things you do
Reminding you to keep believing in brighter days
Finding ways for your wishes and dreams to come true
Giving you hope that is as certain as the sun
Giving you the strength of serenity as you guide
may you always have love and comfort and courage

And may you always have an angel by your side
Someone there to catch you if you fall
Encouraging your dreams
Inspiring your happiness
Holding your hand and helping you through it all
In all of our days, our lives are always changing
Tears come along a s well as smiles
Along the roads you travel, may the miles be a thousand times more lovely than lonely
May they give you gifts that never, ever end
Someone wonderful to love and a dear friend in whom you can confide
May you have rainbows after every storm
May you have hopes to keep you safe and warm

And may you always have an angel by your side

~ Douglas Pagels ~

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Father and Son



100 years after the World War III, my grand daughter comes to me ( yes I'm still alive ).

"Grandma, I can't make up my mind of which degree I should go for ? Would you give me some advice?"

"Sweetheart, it well depends. What kind of profession you're interested in?"

"I want to be a righteous person who can help people in need fighting for justice. Should I take LLB, BS in Criminal Justice, or BA in Politics?"

"Sweetheart, if that's the case, I'd suggest you to take BA in Mass Communication. Be a professional Journalist working with the media, is as good as being a Samaritan. Go ask Uncle Lloyd and Uncle Jimmy, they will tell you all the good deeds they'd done with their colleagues in the past."

"What if I'm interested in computer science as a Minor degree?"

"Sweetheart this is completely out of my knowledge. Why don't you go ask Grandpa or Uncle Bill?"

"Grandpa has been grounded by Grand-grandpa and I haven't seen him for a long time. Grandma don't you know it?"

"Of course I know it. May be they need some private moments to talk to each other. It's gonna be fine and you'll see him soon. Tell Grand-grandpa we miss him too."

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Saturday, October 11

Stephen Harper Can't Be Trusted



Complaint re: Toronto EMS Paramedics file # 2008-1854
James S Russell to me
show details

4 Sep

Reply

Dear Ms Missipi,

I am writing in regard to your communication with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, among others, where you outlined some concerns pertaining to the actions of Toronto EMS paramedics on June 6, 2008 near 20 Gerrard Street E, Toronto.

On July 4, 2008 I asked you to provide more details regarding the actions of the paramedic in question. In your response of July 10, 2008 you did not provide any further details to this specific incident, to assist us in our review. I have included this e-mail below. Therefore we have reviewed the incident with the information initially provided to us.

I wish to inform you that Toronto EMS has now completed this review of the incident and your concerns have been brought to the attention of the paramedics involved. I regret that your encounter with the paramedics may have caused you some concern, however it has been determined that the paramedics were only trying to protect the privacy of their patient.

Thank you for bringing the matter to our attention and allowing us the opportunity to review your concerns.

Sincerely,

Jim Russell
A/R Coordinator
TEMS Professional Standards Unit

*******************************************************************************

from Connie Missipi
to jrussel@toronto.ca
cc pm@pm.gc.ca,
ctvglobemediacommunications@ctvglobemedia.com,
ireport@cnn.com,
mingpao@mingpao.com,
dennis.o.brown@ontario.ca,
tony.campeau@ontario.ca,
jim.vanpelt@ontario.ca,
blake.forsyth@ontario.ca,
Finley.D@parl.gc.ca,
info@gg.ca
bcc conniemissipi@gmail.com

date 15 July 2008 22:53

subject Paramedics on 109 Grange Court
mailed-by gmail.com
hide details 15 Jul

Reply

Dear Jim

For your information I'd witnessed another odd case during last week when I strolled along on Spadina. As usual I took a walk from my apartment to China town as part of a routine, there I saw the ambulance and the fire truck again, hence I followed them to Grange Court unite 109. For further details please refer to the videos uploaded on my blog. It's self explanatory.

http://deepestriversflowwiththeleastnoise.blogspot.com

Would greatly appreciate you look into the matter and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely
Connie

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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Connie Missipi

Date: 2008/7/10

Subject: Re: Your concerns re: police and paramedics - 20 Gerrard St E June 6, 2008
To: James S Russell
Cc: info@gg.ca

Good evening Jim

Thanks for your reply. Indeed I'm trying to put everything together at the moment, such as all the photos and videos I've taken during the last couple weeks. I'm editing it so that I may present it to you later or to whom it may concern. As a matter of fact, I've been seeing a lot of the ambulances running on Spadina, turned on the sirens very loud even there's little traffic on the road. I saw one this afternoon and I recorded it.

As mentioned, when I'm done with the documentary, I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, have a great weekend and God bless.

Sincerely
Connie

http://deepestriversflowwiththeleastnoise.blogspot.com

http://conniemissipi.blogspot.com

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2008/7/4 James S Russell :

Good Day Ms Missipi,

You recently communicated with the Toronto Police Services Board in regard to some concerns about the actions of police officers and paramedics while on the scene of an emergency response at 20 Gerrard Street E. on June 6, 2008. In order to properly deal with any concerns regarding paramedics your e-mail was forwarded to The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care's Emergency Health Services Branch Investigation Unit. This unit, in turn, has forwarded your concerns to Toronto Emergency Medical Services in order to deal with the concerns you raised about the actions of the paramedics.

In response to your concerns Toronto Emergency Medical Services has begun a review of the incident.

As I understand the issues outlined in your e-mail, you are concerned that you did not witness a sick or injured patient being attended to and that the paramedics appeared to have luggage on their stretcher when they exited the building. As well you have expressed concern that one of the paramedics blocked your view of the proceedings as you were attempting to take pictures of the activity. You indicate that this was done in a harsh manner. I would ask you to provide more detail as to exactly what actions this paramedic took so that the incident can be properly reviewed.

Additionally you have raised questions about what actually happened at the address and who called for emergency services to attend. Please be advised that in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act it is not the policy of Toronto Emergency Medical Services to release that information.

Should you have further information that would assist us in our review please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Jim Russell
A/R Coordinator
TEMS Professional Standards Unit
(416) 338-0768

***********************************************************************************

from Connie Missipi

to pm@pm.gc.ca,
ctvglobemediacommunications@ctvglobemedia.com

date 7 June 2008 00:39

subject Fwd: Copy of: Complaints re Police Officers
mailed-by gmail.com
hide details 7 Jun

Reply

- Hide quoted text -

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Toronto Police Services Board
Date: 2008/6/7
Subject: Copy of: Complaints re Police Officers
To: cmissipi@gmail.com


This is a copy of the following message you sent to Toronto Police Services Board via Toronto Police Services Board

This is an enquiry e-mail via http://www.tpsb.ca from:
Connie Missipi

Dear Sir / Madam

I am a freelance writer and I've got four books published in the last three years. I am Canadian Citizen just came back for good from Hong Kong on January 31, 2008.

On Monday, June 2, 2008, I'd been to the Fire Station 332 located on 260 Adelaide Street West. I was able to talk to Caption Thompson and a fire fighter whose name was Morris. I was there because I've been seeing a lot of fire trucks and ambulances in the GTA that I found it very unusual. As a freelancer I've travelled quite a bit all over the world, I must admit I rarely see that many fire trucks and ambulances running in the city with the sirens on so frequently. On some occasional evenings, I even saw the fire trucks turned on the sirens during midnight driving on the Gardiner Expressway. I was amazed, and sick worried about the fire safety in the city. Hence I have decided to work on a story about this particular situation. For further details please refer to my blog:

http://deepestriversflowwiththeleastnoise.blogspot.com/2008/06/show-must-go-on.html

On Friday, June 6, 2008, I strolled along the Yonge Street and I stopped by somewhere near the College Street to have a sketch by an artist on the pedestrian. I believe I spent almost 2 hours on the spot, there I saw at least five of the fire trucks and ambulances passed by. Again, I was amazed. In fact there was one pulled over right across the street, that I saw a few paramedics using a cot moving someone into the ambulance. I didn't see it clear from a distance but I took some photos with my cell phone.

Around 6:30pm I took off heading south, there I saw another fire truck passing by! I was awfully curious so I followed the truck, seeing it stopped over at 20 Gerrard Street East in front of the Covenant House. Shortly after an ambulance came by followed by a police car. I stopped by the scene and waited to see what happened, in a few minutes I saw a few paramedics came out from the Covenant House, with a cot covering with some pieces of luggage!

Let me put it this way. As a seasoned traveller I'm not easily surprised. However, I was stunned by what lied in front of my eyes, simply because I was expecting to see a patient or someone got injured perhaps. It's all unbelievable! Again I used my cell phone to take photos then a paramedic walked toward me blocking my view in a very harsh manner. I managed to take a picture of him though. In another minute I was surrounded by two police officers. One of officers 9711 yelled at me in a very offensive way, prevented me from taking more photos. But I claimed my rights as where I located was a public area. I didn't break any law but he wouldn't let me taking any more photos and the ambulance left. Later I was warned by the officer 8995, which I didn't quite get it for what had I done wrong? When I put down his name he asked to see my identity, I cooperated.

To set the record straight, I certainly asked why would the paramedics saving luggage on the scene? Not to mention there were a fire truck, an ambulance and a police car on site. I couldn't figure it out by using my common sense and my knowledge as a well educated writer. What had actually happened in the Covenant House? Who called for emergence service in the first place? Why were the paramedic and the officers so furious? Hadn't they dealt with any reporters or media under that kind of circumstance? What about freedom of the press? I demand all these answers. Details of the crew are as following:

Fire Truck: P5424 / YHI 581
Ambulance: 575 0VZ
Police Car: 5111 / BDBN078
Police Officers: 8995 A Parvin / 9711

Obviously, I am writing this lengthy letter to complain about the way I was treated by the police officers. Besides I would demand all the answers in question for what actually happened on the scene, or I couldn't help speculating it's abusively use of manpower. Since I have all the photos stored in my cell phone, I'm much obligated to show you the images for reference if required. For your information, I've copied this message to the Prime Minister, the Chief of Police and the CTVglobemedia.

Thank you for your time and your earliest reply will be much appreciated.

Yours sincerely
Connie Missipi

--
http://conniemissipi.blogspot.com

http://deepestriversflowwiththeleastnoise.blogspot.com

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Friday, October 10

Stars Of Pornography




















What a lovely evening when I came home, I met a team of production crews talking fairly loud in the elevator. Out of curiosity I asked what they're producing. And they told me they're making a pornography.

Well well well, then I suggested they're better off with the couples of above. Aren't they just look perfectly nice and eye catching together?

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Thursday, October 9

International Dog Show 2008


Australian Terrier
One of the smallest working terriers, more easily obedience trained than most terriers. Adaptable to almost any climate. Good traveler. Alert, wants to please. Amusing and lovable. Spirited, self-assured and curious. Tends to favor one person, but loves everyone. Friendly and quite playful, good with other family pets if raised with them.


Bulldog
During the Middle Ages, butchers in England developed the "Olde English Bulldogge" to help them catch bulls for slaughter. Despite his fearsome visage, the Bulldog is very sweet, devoted, and eager to please. Peaceful, placid, and quiet. Gentle and patient with small children, although he is sometimes not aware of his own strength and can knock a small child down or break the skin even with a playful bite. Will defend his family valiantly, if necessary. Needs human companionship. Has been called "beautiful in his ugliness." Definitely needs puppy classes for socialization; otherwise these dogs tend to be quite dog aggressive.


English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is a descendent of ancient British hunting hounds. Used in packs to chase fox with hunters on horseback, the Foxhound has impressive stamina and a good nose. He can run steadily for hours at a time. Very active. A bold and passionate hunter. Friendly. Responsive and obedient to his master, but training takes patience.


Leonberger
The Leonberger was developed in 1846 in Leonberg, Germany by Heinrich Essig, one of the city's aldermen, from crosses between the Newfoundland, Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard and other, unknown breeds. Sweet, loving, and steadfast. Stable and calm. Friendly personality, yet protective and devoted. The Leonberger is a good watchdog, but fairly quiet as a rule. A gentle giant. Serious, intelligent, and brave. Wants to please; responds well to training. Very affectionate and patient with children. These dogs are often excellent as therapy dogs.


Löwchen
Many artworks from earlier centuries feature the Löwchen; by World War II the breed had become quite rare and by 1969 the Guinness Book of World Records had identified the Löwchen as the rarest of all dog breeds. Despite its name, the Löwchen is far from being a ferocious dog and rarely shows aggression either to humans or other animals. In fact, he's generally a cheerful, curious, and affectionate little dog who loves to cuddle, and even sleep with people.


Norwegian Elkhound
One of the most ancient breeds, a skeleton similar to today's Norwegian Elkhound has been found dating from 4000 to 5000 BC. Fearless and friendly; a reliable, energetic and alert companion for children and a sensible guard. A clean and docile dog with an outstanding character. Affectionate and loyal, engaging and sensitive. Dignified and independant.


Swedish Vallhund
he sturdy little Swedish Vallhund has been traced back more than 1000 years, to the time of the Vikings. In fact, the dog was at one time known as the "Vikingarnas," or "Viking Dog." Like many Spitz breeds, Vallhunds tend to bark a lot, although they can be trained not to do this. These fast, agile little dogs love to be trained, to solve problems, and to work. They also love to play with children and adults, and to accompany them on outdoor adventures.


Sussex Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel is a small-game hunter and companion dog, developed in Sussex Drive, Canada. Steady and calm around the house, not very outgoing or demonstrative compared to other spaniels. Novice owners should be willing and able to assert their dominance. Can be snappish if annoyed. Tends to be aggressive with unfamiliar dogs. Brave and fearless when properly socialized. Aloof and dignified. Noble. Somewhat strong-willed, but with a desire to please. Very determined. Patient and loyal. Highly intelligent and bred to take initiative. Some sources say this dog is aggressive, but will listen to his master. This dog can be willful, requiring firm, patient and on-going training.

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Abuse Of Power


Stephen Harper is very persistent. So am I.

What's the point of doing all these harassment when enough is enough? Why humiliating the public servants as well as the nation being watched closely by the media all over the world?

No wonder he's been telling Canadians not to panic for the economic crisis, surely, when we do have something much serious to be worried about. It's called abuse of power, extremely dangerous while the Prime Minister seems to have lost his mind, completely.













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Tuesday, October 7

Hidden Agenda



Stephen Harper is dedicated to building a weaker, dirtier, more corrupted Canada by delivering real results for everyday Canadian families. He has spent his entire political career deceiving Canadians who work hard, pay their taxes and play by the rules.

As Prime Minister, Stephen Harper has delivered false action on the priorities of all Canadian families including:

- Passing the tough new political fundraising rules that take the big money, corporations and unions out of political party financing. China is no corporation or union so is an exception.

- Reducing the GST from 7% to 6% and now, to 5%. Can be reduced to 1% if a majority government is guaranteed.

- Providing $1,200 per year, per child under six, that parents can spend on their own child care priorities. In exchange the parents must bring in their children as backdrop when needed.

- Giving Canadians tax credits for money spent on transit passes, textbooks and kids’ sports. Whatever you want if a majority government is promised.

- Strengthening Canada’s product safety laws, including the first ever federal mandatory recall law, and new rules for what can be called a “product of Canada”. Maple Leaf Consumer Foods was bad example.

- Passing tough new laws that will keep gun criminals and sexual predators behind bars. Wen Jiabao is granted immunity for he's a big donor.

- Taking real action on the environment with Canada’s first ever mandatory greenhouse gas emission regulations. Elizabeth May may or may not agree.

- Investing in new patrol ships, satellite surveillance, and arctic rangers to protect our sovereignty over Canada’s North. Leaving the NATO confidential documents behind is no big deal.

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Monday, October 6

Mission Possible



Sweetheart, someone has been trying hard to make me believe, that you've gone to heaven already. They think that would break my heart, but why would I?

In a sense, wouldn't it be better if you stay with our heavenly father rather than continuously suffer on this immoral planet?

Stay strong.

Wherever you are, I love you, and will see you soon after my mission accomplished.

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Sunday, October 5

Nuit Blanche

Last night I'd a great time wandering in downtown Toronto. From sunset at 6:52pm Saturday to sunrise on Sunday, Toronto had been transformed into an artistic global city so full of energy.

Thousands of people hung around, participating this annual all-night cultural event. The very first time I felt home-coming since I've ever landed. A flashback of some good old memories that I always wanted to embrace. In the crowds I moved and I was moved. Audiences were able to express freely interacting with the artists, while the artists were able to exhibit a variety of performing arts in the streets. A diverse art community had no boundaries. An absolute gorgeous city once I loved and I missed.

Perhaps there was a moment, I could finally drift away from adversity that's been haunting me across the countries. For long I've chased after a dream, a dream to a paradise, a paradise where is no hatred but a peace of mind.






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Saturday, October 4

Time Would Tell



"Hello my dear, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Oh Sarah how are you? Sure I'm all ears."

"You know, it's been very stressful these days. People are making fun of me that truly upset me."

"Sarah I understand what you've been through. Just a year ago people had the same thoughts about me, but look, today they all stand by me. It's just a matter of time to earn your credits, so hang in there."

"That's true my dear. What's up with you lately?"

"Oh I'm busy working on the federal election assignment. Something seems go wrong and if it doesn't get any better, I think I'd need to go to Ottawa."

"What for?"

"Well, hopefully I'll be able to meet with Laureen Teskey, the Principal of University of Calgary, and the Pastor of East Gate Alliance Church. I need to learn more about the Prime Minister with some insightful opinions by people who influence him."

"I see. Best of luck and thank you for your kind words."

"My pleasure. By the way, a simple question I'd like to know. What newspapers and magazines do you regularly read?"

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Thursday, October 2

She Says He Says



SHE SAYS:

- Julie Couillard says her tell-all memoir painting a scathing portrait of ex-boyfriend Maxime Bernier is about re-establishing her credibility, but adds she isn't surprised the former cabinet minister is calling her allegations crazy.

- Couillard's book, entitled My Story, depicts the Quebec Conservative MP and disgraced foreign affairs minister as a vain, superficial womanizer who frequently badmouthed Prime Minister Stephen Harper's physical appearance and "control freak" leadership style.

- In an interview this week with the CBC's Evan Solomon to be aired on Sunday, Couillard said it was her editor's decision to release her book in the middle of the Oct. 14 federal election campaign.

- Her book is not nearly as harsh as what she experienced when Bernier failed to defend her during last spring's media frenzy over misplaced classified briefing documents.

- Bernier resigned from cabinet in May only hours before Couillard described in a television interview how he had left documents for a NATO summit at her Montreal home. The two had recently ended their relationship.

- During that time, Couillard was described in the media and by opposition parties as a biker chick, a stripper and a possible national security threat.

- In the book, she describes how Bernier, who didn't own a laptop, frequently used her home computer to download and print files and turned her house into a "second office."

- She said that on one instance, Bernier asked her to throw out a document because his briefcase was too full, but told her to wait until trash day because the papers were confidential.

- In the book, Couillard details how Bernier was aware of her past relationship with Gilles Giguère, a well-known Montreal crime figure who was gunned down in 1996 after becoming a police informer, as well as a turbulent two-year marriage to Stéphane Sirois, who admitted to being an enforcer for the Rockers, a Hells Angels puppet club.

- Couillard also claims Bernier often criticized Conservative Leader Stephen Harper's weight and choice of clothing.

- She says Bernier thought Harper had a bad sense of style, was fat and unhealthy and drank too much Pepsi.

- She says Bernier didn't think Harper would survive his first term as PM and that Bernier thought he'd replace him as Tory leader.

- Also, Couillard says Bernier was happy about their relationship because some of his colleagues thought he was gay.



HE SAYS:

- In a statement Wednesday, Bernier who is running for re-election, said the claims in the book were "completely ridiculous."

- Bernier has denied any knowledge of Couillard's past, saying he learned about it after they broke up.

- In an interview with a local radio station in his home riding on Wednesday, Bernier dismissed Couillard's allegations as "gossipy delusions," saying his former girlfriend was only interested in increasing book sales.

- "We can see she's a woman who is very angry," he said. "She's a woman who is settling her accounts."

- Last April, during a trip to Afghanistan, he suggested Afghan President Hamid Karzai should fire the governor of Kandahar, where most of Canada's troops are based.

- He later backed away from his comment, saying, "Afghanistan is a sovereign state that makes its own decisions about government appointments."

- A month later, he promised to make one of Canada's C-17 military cargo aircraft available to transport aid to Burma's cyclone survivors. But none of the four aircraft were available and the government had to spend $1 million to rent a Russian cargo aircraft.

**********************************************************************

Couillard's book will hit store shelves in English and French on Oct. 6 for $29.99. What interested me the most, is how and why a former Foreign Minister who apparently didn't take his job seriously, had put the national security at risk then forced to resign, could somehow running for re-election and has won the support of the Prime Minister.

References:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2008/10/02/couillard.html
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081001/bernier_couillard_081001/20081001?hub=TopStories
http://www.thestar.com/article/507473

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Wednesday, October 1

Where Are You



~ By East Clubbers ~

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You're the 11946911 visitor, thank you and God bless.