Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Veolia Transdev. www.transdev.ca
Veolia Transdev: creation of the world's leading private-sector company in sustainable mobility
Paris - March 03, 2011 After consultation with the employee representative bodies of Veolia Transport and Transdev and approval by decree of the French Commission on State Shareholdings and Transfers (Commission des Participations et des Transferts) Veolia Environnement and the Caisse des Dépôts announce the creation of Veolia Transdev today, the result of the combination of their respective subsidiaries, Veolia Transport and Transdev. The company will be the world's private-sector leader in sustainable mobility with more than 110, 000 employees in 28 countries.
Following completion of the transactions set out in the agreements signed in May 2010, Veolia Transdev is owned jointly by Veolia Environnement and the Caisse des Dépôts.
Now that the adaptation of the shareholders'agreement, announced on February 7, has been approved by the relevant governing bodies, after consultation of the employee representative bodies, Veolia Transdev will have a single Chief Executive, Jérôme Gallot, with full operational responsibilities. The senior management team will implement the operational, geographic and modal synergies that have been identified and foster the rapid emergence of a common corporate culture focused on efficiency, business development, close ties with local communities and service quality.
In a global passenger transportation market driven by increasing urbanization, sustainable
Paris - March 03, 2011 After consultation with the employee representative bodies of Veolia Transport and Transdev and approval by decree of the French Commission on State Shareholdings and Transfers (Commission des Participations et des Transferts) Veolia Environnement and the Caisse des Dépôts announce the creation of Veolia Transdev today, the result of the combination of their respective subsidiaries, Veolia Transport and Transdev. The company will be the world's private-sector leader in sustainable mobility with more than 110, 000 employees in 28 countries.
Following completion of the transactions set out in the agreements signed in May 2010, Veolia Transdev is owned jointly by Veolia Environnement and the Caisse des Dépôts.
Now that the adaptation of the shareholders'agreement, announced on February 7, has been approved by the relevant governing bodies, after consultation of the employee representative bodies, Veolia Transdev will have a single Chief Executive, Jérôme Gallot, with full operational responsibilities. The senior management team will implement the operational, geographic and modal synergies that have been identified and foster the rapid emergence of a common corporate culture focused on efficiency, business development, close ties with local communities and service quality.
In a global passenger transportation market driven by increasing urbanization, sustainable
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Britain's Electoral Reform Referendum Explained By Kittens | The Awl
Britain's Electoral Reform Referendum Explained By Kittens | The Awl
Tuesday, May 3, 2011Knifecrime Island
11
Britain's Electoral Reform Referendum Explained By Kittens
By Alex Balk | May 3, 2011
As part of the deal that brought about the present British governing coalition, the Conservatives agreed to the demands of the Liberal Democrats—Knifecrime Island's perennial third or fourth party, depending on which iteration of their composition you are scoring them by—to hold a referendum on electoral reform. Under the current system, known as "first past the post," the candidate who receives the most votes in his or her constituency wins the seat. This is problematic to some, who see it as unfair in cases where candidates who are, for example, on the left of the spectrum, receive more votes in total than the candidate on the right, but still lose the seat because the candidate of the right received an individual plurality. This contentious referendum asks whether Britain should switch to Alternative Voting (actually, a modified version of alternative voting), in which voters select candidates in order of preference, and ballots are rearranged until one candidate has a total majority based on the number of ballots reflecting—oh, who are we kidding, only the most dedicated psephologist could make any sense of this. It's much easier to understand when it's clarified by kitties. Enjoy
Tuesday, May 3, 2011Knifecrime Island
11
Britain's Electoral Reform Referendum Explained By Kittens
By Alex Balk | May 3, 2011
As part of the deal that brought about the present British governing coalition, the Conservatives agreed to the demands of the Liberal Democrats—Knifecrime Island's perennial third or fourth party, depending on which iteration of their composition you are scoring them by—to hold a referendum on electoral reform. Under the current system, known as "first past the post," the candidate who receives the most votes in his or her constituency wins the seat. This is problematic to some, who see it as unfair in cases where candidates who are, for example, on the left of the spectrum, receive more votes in total than the candidate on the right, but still lose the seat because the candidate of the right received an individual plurality. This contentious referendum asks whether Britain should switch to Alternative Voting (actually, a modified version of alternative voting), in which voters select candidates in order of preference, and ballots are rearranged until one candidate has a total majority based on the number of ballots reflecting—oh, who are we kidding, only the most dedicated psephologist could make any sense of this. It's much easier to understand when it's clarified by kitties. Enjoy
Sunday, May 1, 2011
NO credible candidates in KSP
As it was in the beginning , and as it was in the end - Kildonan-St.Paul did NOT have one credible candidate worth voting for.
The unforgettable odyssey Charkaoui | Fabrice de Pierrebourg | Justice and miscellaneous
The unforgettable odyssey Charkaoui | Fabrice de Pierrebourg | Justice and miscellaneous Security Certificates in Quebec. To be translated.
In June 2009, while he was still subject to a security certificate, Montrealer Adil Charkaoui found himself against his will for 20 hours without his GPS monitoring bracelet as imposed by the court, La Presse was told . A scramble occurred after the removal of the GPS monitoring bracelet at the request of the Americans,as the was plane traveling from Fredericton to Montreal.
This prompted an odyssey Police officers for days, the exchange generated hundreds of emails, and cost about $ 10 000. The Press was able to reconstruct events after reading hundreds of emails and reports obtained through the Access to Information from the Border Services Agency (CBSA).
It occurred as part of a national tour to speak out against security certificates undertaken by Charkaoui in May and June 2009. This tour took him to Halifax and Fredericton from May 31 to June 3 May 28,2009. The Montrealer notified the CBSA of the project. If the federal agency agrees, it would be the first time he could leave "freely" the Island of Montreal since his arrest in 2003.
This information was relayed electronically to CBSA officials in Atlantic Canada and the RCMP and CSIS. This,Unfortunately became a misunderstanding and the signal for battle. We understand from reading the exchanges between officials that the electronic bracelet that must be permanently Charkaoui his ankle on the orders of the Federal Court became a real headache for those concerned.
Especially since Transport Canada prohibited for safety reasons, use of a GPS on a aircraft,or any electronic system that can cause interference with the navigation systems
Several options were explored for travel, including the option of the train, s that Charkaoui do, but was of breach of his condition to do his tour. Finally, the CBSA decided to meet Montrealer, change the bracelet for a GPS portable device, but still had to be removed from his ankle for time of the flight.(ME- Typical Quebec situation-Love it!)
In addition, Charkaoui would be escorted by two officers in the air travel from Montreal to Halifax, May 31, Fredericton and Montreal, June 3
An unneeded expense, said Charkaoui "Why pay two employees per hour plus expenses, he told La Presse . It was enough to send an officer to board and another on arrival. "
"Maher Arar 2"
It was during his return trip to Montreal with Air Canada flight 7671 that the situation became complicated.
2:54 p.m.: A Transport Canada inspector warned the two CBSA officers who escorted Charkaoui , which is on a "no-fly list" that he may not be able to board. The route taken by aircraft was to fly over Maine for 45 minutes. The Americans "do not want their territory to be overflown by an aircraft with the subject (Charkaoui) on board."
3:33 p.m.: Charkaoui is still allowed to board for unspecified reasons. But after 40 minutes of flight, the aircraft suddenly turn on the orders of the Americans, and came back and landed at his starting point. "I saw the U.S. pass before my eyes, remembers Mr. Charkaoui. I was afraid that one landing. I thought, it will be 2 Maher Arar. "
At 5:16 p.m., both CBSA and Charkaoui are asked to leave the aircraft by an employee of Air Canada. The bag of Charkaoui is waiting on the tarmac. "Everyone looked at me through the windows as if I were a monster." Agents go to the bathroom to restart the GPS bracelet. Their attempts are unsuccessful reactivation. There is no service, because the network used by the CBSA bracelet has chosen for this trip does not include New Brunswick.
Who has spoken to Americans?
All evening, and even a part of the night, the CBSA is trying to find a plan B. In the meantime, Charkaoui is still without GPS bracelet. All these people spent the night at the hotel. Two RCMP officers were called in to keep the bedroom door of Montrealers.
The next day June 4 at 7:35, Charkaoui decides drives to Montreal in a rental car. Three CBSA officers follow in another rental car. The "cell reception is not very good, and GPS does not work," writes one of them on the road.
During that time, tempers flare in Montreal and Ottawa by email . The Agency wants
to know who warned the Americans of the presence of Charkaoui on board, which could constitute a violation of privacy. The DG "Communication" of the CBSA stated in writing " that there was no a priori reason to do so because it was a domestic flight" and Air Canada states not responsible.
As for the director of security for Air Canada, he mentions to the CBSA that this event will be costly to Air Canada which received many complaints from its passengers.
In another email, Director of Security for Air Canada saw that maybe that the CBSA officers who escorted Charkaoui were armed. "The problem: we did not know, we were not notified." Retrying reactivation of the bracelet in Rivière-du-Loup at noon during the lunch break. This time, the GPS battery is flat.
Only 110 kilometers of Quebec that the system finally becomes operational. At 1:42 p.m., the CBSA Charkaoui phone to ask him to stop at the next rest area. At 1:45 p.m., Adil Charkoui recovers its surveillance.
In its report, one of three officers wrote, "1:46 p.m.: After we said goodbye, the subject is gone. (Portion censored). We were going to wait a few minutes before heading back to Montreal for not giving the subject the impression that we were still trying to follow it. "
They leave the stop at 13:51.
Today Charkaoui would like to find out who has informed the Americans. "Who had an interest to do so if this is the Service? This was done on purpose to force the plane to land on U.S. soil. This is really serious, "he acknowledges.
Air Canada did not respond to questions from The Press . The CBSA said first must "consult with other departments."
In June 2009, while he was still subject to a security certificate, Montrealer Adil Charkaoui found himself against his will for 20 hours without his GPS monitoring bracelet as imposed by the court, La Presse was told . A scramble occurred after the removal of the GPS monitoring bracelet at the request of the Americans,as the was plane traveling from Fredericton to Montreal.
This prompted an odyssey Police officers for days, the exchange generated hundreds of emails, and cost about $ 10 000. The Press was able to reconstruct events after reading hundreds of emails and reports obtained through the Access to Information from the Border Services Agency (CBSA).
It occurred as part of a national tour to speak out against security certificates undertaken by Charkaoui in May and June 2009. This tour took him to Halifax and Fredericton from May 31 to June 3 May 28,2009. The Montrealer notified the CBSA of the project. If the federal agency agrees, it would be the first time he could leave "freely" the Island of Montreal since his arrest in 2003.
This information was relayed electronically to CBSA officials in Atlantic Canada and the RCMP and CSIS. This,Unfortunately became a misunderstanding and the signal for battle. We understand from reading the exchanges between officials that the electronic bracelet that must be permanently Charkaoui his ankle on the orders of the Federal Court became a real headache for those concerned.
Especially since Transport Canada prohibited for safety reasons, use of a GPS on a aircraft,or any electronic system that can cause interference with the navigation systems
Several options were explored for travel, including the option of the train, s that Charkaoui do, but was of breach of his condition to do his tour. Finally, the CBSA decided to meet Montrealer, change the bracelet for a GPS portable device, but still had to be removed from his ankle for time of the flight.(ME- Typical Quebec situation-Love it!)
In addition, Charkaoui would be escorted by two officers in the air travel from Montreal to Halifax, May 31, Fredericton and Montreal, June 3
An unneeded expense, said Charkaoui "Why pay two employees per hour plus expenses, he told La Presse . It was enough to send an officer to board and another on arrival. "
"Maher Arar 2"
It was during his return trip to Montreal with Air Canada flight 7671 that the situation became complicated.
2:54 p.m.: A Transport Canada inspector warned the two CBSA officers who escorted Charkaoui , which is on a "no-fly list" that he may not be able to board. The route taken by aircraft was to fly over Maine for 45 minutes. The Americans "do not want their territory to be overflown by an aircraft with the subject (Charkaoui) on board."
3:33 p.m.: Charkaoui is still allowed to board for unspecified reasons. But after 40 minutes of flight, the aircraft suddenly turn on the orders of the Americans, and came back and landed at his starting point. "I saw the U.S. pass before my eyes, remembers Mr. Charkaoui. I was afraid that one landing. I thought, it will be 2 Maher Arar. "
At 5:16 p.m., both CBSA and Charkaoui are asked to leave the aircraft by an employee of Air Canada. The bag of Charkaoui is waiting on the tarmac. "Everyone looked at me through the windows as if I were a monster." Agents go to the bathroom to restart the GPS bracelet. Their attempts are unsuccessful reactivation. There is no service, because the network used by the CBSA bracelet has chosen for this trip does not include New Brunswick.
Who has spoken to Americans?
All evening, and even a part of the night, the CBSA is trying to find a plan B. In the meantime, Charkaoui is still without GPS bracelet. All these people spent the night at the hotel. Two RCMP officers were called in to keep the bedroom door of Montrealers.
The next day June 4 at 7:35, Charkaoui decides drives to Montreal in a rental car. Three CBSA officers follow in another rental car. The "cell reception is not very good, and GPS does not work," writes one of them on the road.
During that time, tempers flare in Montreal and Ottawa by email . The Agency wants
to know who warned the Americans of the presence of Charkaoui on board, which could constitute a violation of privacy. The DG "Communication" of the CBSA stated in writing " that there was no a priori reason to do so because it was a domestic flight" and Air Canada states not responsible.
As for the director of security for Air Canada, he mentions to the CBSA that this event will be costly to Air Canada which received many complaints from its passengers.
In another email, Director of Security for Air Canada saw that maybe that the CBSA officers who escorted Charkaoui were armed. "The problem: we did not know, we were not notified." Retrying reactivation of the bracelet in Rivière-du-Loup at noon during the lunch break. This time, the GPS battery is flat.
Only 110 kilometers of Quebec that the system finally becomes operational. At 1:42 p.m., the CBSA Charkaoui phone to ask him to stop at the next rest area. At 1:45 p.m., Adil Charkoui recovers its surveillance.
In its report, one of three officers wrote, "1:46 p.m.: After we said goodbye, the subject is gone. (Portion censored). We were going to wait a few minutes before heading back to Montreal for not giving the subject the impression that we were still trying to follow it. "
They leave the stop at 13:51.
Today Charkaoui would like to find out who has informed the Americans. "Who had an interest to do so if this is the Service? This was done on purpose to force the plane to land on U.S. soil. This is really serious, "he acknowledges.
Air Canada did not respond to questions from The Press . The CBSA said first must "consult with other departments."
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The Great Canadian Talk Show: Another woman voter demands NDP MP Pat Martin apologize for verbal attack
The Great Canadian Talk Show: Another woman voter demands NDP MP Pat Martin apologize for verbal attack
And just for the record, his poor attendance record has nothing to do with him spending time at his family’s hobby farm in British Columbia, he said.
Martin said he hasn’t been there in over two years. The Winnipeg Centre MP is recently divorced and says his ex-wife got the hobby farm in the divorce settlement. Despite rumours to the contrary, Martin says he still lives on Canora Street in Wolseley.
Tory MP Joy Smith (Kildonan-St. Paul) missed the most votes among Manitoba MPs. But she had a valid reason. She told the Winnipeg Sun her husband has been battling cancer for the past four years.
And just for the record, his poor attendance record has nothing to do with him spending time at his family’s hobby farm in British Columbia, he said.
Martin said he hasn’t been there in over two years. The Winnipeg Centre MP is recently divorced and says his ex-wife got the hobby farm in the divorce settlement. Despite rumours to the contrary, Martin says he still lives on Canora Street in Wolseley.
Tory MP Joy Smith (Kildonan-St. Paul) missed the most votes among Manitoba MPs. But she had a valid reason. She told the Winnipeg Sun her husband has been battling cancer for the past four years.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
StopThePave.org | Join the Wave Against the Pave!
StopThePave.org | Join the Wave Against the Pave!
The Gateway Project is the most environmentally threatening highway mega-project in British Columbia's history. It WILL affect our region's air quality and hasten global climate change. And it WON'T reduce traffic congestion.
• It will worsen the global climate crisis.
• It WON'T relieve traffic congestion.
• It will suck $4.5 billion from the regional transportation system.
• It makes a mockery of our Livable Region Strategic Plan.
• it will all end up as taxpayer debt.
• it will destroy ancient indigenous sites.
The Gateway Project is the most environmentally threatening highway mega-project in British Columbia's history. It WILL affect our region's air quality and hasten global climate change. And it WON'T reduce traffic congestion.
• It will worsen the global climate crisis.
• It WON'T relieve traffic congestion.
• It will suck $4.5 billion from the regional transportation system.
• It makes a mockery of our Livable Region Strategic Plan.
• it will all end up as taxpayer debt.
• it will destroy ancient indigenous sites.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
I hate to say it...But...
I hate to admit it...but I don't think I am Liberal,and NOT Green,Not Socialist, and NOT Conservative.
Election 2011, a dark fiction;Atwood
Election 2011, a dark fiction - The Globe and Mail
“Just a minute!” you say. “You want me to commit to an unknown, very large sum? That’s not fair! And it’s not competent, either.” “More bickering!” he says. “We need stability!” “But I might have to go on paying huge sums for decades!” you say. “We’re already up to our necks in debt! I’ll have to give up other things – I won’t be able to pay for the doctor, or support for special needs, or drinking water, or care for the elderly, or the kids’ education, or … and what happens if there’s a pandemic, or a natural catastrophe such as an earthquake, and you’ve already spent the money that could have helped in a disaster?”
“You are a very negative person,” he says. “You are not welcome here
"I don’t want to pay for the vacuum cleaner,” you say. “You have to pay for it,” he says. “See, it says here on this document. Isn’t this your signature?” “Yes,” you say, “but the document’s been changed to mean the exact opposite of what I signed. If I altered a document like that, I’d end up in jail.” “You are double-plus not welcome,” he says. “I make the rules around here.”
“Just a minute!” you say. “You want me to commit to an unknown, very large sum? That’s not fair! And it’s not competent, either.” “More bickering!” he says. “We need stability!” “But I might have to go on paying huge sums for decades!” you say. “We’re already up to our necks in debt! I’ll have to give up other things – I won’t be able to pay for the doctor, or support for special needs, or drinking water, or care for the elderly, or the kids’ education, or … and what happens if there’s a pandemic, or a natural catastrophe such as an earthquake, and you’ve already spent the money that could have helped in a disaster?”
“You are a very negative person,” he says. “You are not welcome here
"I don’t want to pay for the vacuum cleaner,” you say. “You have to pay for it,” he says. “See, it says here on this document. Isn’t this your signature?” “Yes,” you say, “but the document’s been changed to mean the exact opposite of what I signed. If I altered a document like that, I’d end up in jail.” “You are double-plus not welcome,” he says. “I make the rules around here.”
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Manitoba Liberal Candidates
THE LAURIER CLUB OF MANITOBA
Presents a luncheon with
Your Liberal Candidates for election to the Parliament of Canada
Victor Andres - Kildonan - St. Paul
Rob Clement - Charleswood St. James Assiniboia
Terry Duguid - Winnipeg South
Sydney Garrioch - Churchill
Duncan Geisler - Selkirk - Interlake
Terry Hayward - Provencher
Kevin Lamoureux - Winnipeg North
Wendy Menzies - Dauphin - Swan River - Marquette
Anita Neville - Winnipeg South Centre
Ilona Niemczyk - Elmwood Transcona
Wes Penner – Brandon Souris
Raymond Simard - St. Boniface
Dr. M.J. Willard - Portage Lisgar
Allan Wise - Winnipeg Centre
7th Floor,Fort Garry Hotel,Friday April 15th,2011- Managed in high heels-yeh!!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Creekside: Bruce Carson : "stickhandling" the Afghan file
Creekside: Bruce Carson : "stickhandling" the Afghan fileThursday, April 07, 2011
Bruce Carson : "stickhandling" the Afghan file
Five times convicted fraudster Bruce Carson - currently under RCMP investigation for influence peddling and illegal lobbying of Indian Affairs to obtain a water filtration contract that would have netted his 22-year old fiancee 20% of sales - was granted a secret security clearance in 2006 by some "low level staffer", just so he could be Harper's "main player "and "point man" on the top secret and sensitive Afghanistan file.
"... starting in 2007, Carson was a regular participant in daily telephone briefings on Afghanistan involving senior officials from departments such as foreign affairs, defence, RCMP, justice and corrections. “It was evident to all the departments that he was the main player, Harper’s point man on the file,” said one source familiar with the briefings. “He was given the most sensitive file to work on."
So while Stockwell Day was braying in the House in 2007 that even to question the treatment of detainees was tantamount to treason, a convicted felon was briefing his Correction Services Canada inspections team in Afghanistan "on a daily basis" and possibly figuring out what to do about Corrections Canada requests for boots suitable for "walking through blood and fecal matter on patrol or in the prison".
While Harper has a national security adviser, it was left to Carson, chief policy analyst, to stickhandle the Afghan file on a daily basis. His focus was usually on how the mission was being communicated here in Canada rather than on developments in the field, the source said."
Ah yes, putting the happy face on war crimes :
Canadian diplomats in Afghanistan were ordered in 2007 to hold back information in their reports to Ottawa about the handling of the prisoners, say defence and foreign affairs sources. The instruction — issued soon after allegations of torture by Afghan authorities began appearing in public — was aimed at defusing the explosive human-rights controversy, said sources who spoke on the condition of
Bruce Carson : "stickhandling" the Afghan file
Five times convicted fraudster Bruce Carson - currently under RCMP investigation for influence peddling and illegal lobbying of Indian Affairs to obtain a water filtration contract that would have netted his 22-year old fiancee 20% of sales - was granted a secret security clearance in 2006 by some "low level staffer", just so he could be Harper's "main player "and "point man" on the top secret and sensitive Afghanistan file.
"... starting in 2007, Carson was a regular participant in daily telephone briefings on Afghanistan involving senior officials from departments such as foreign affairs, defence, RCMP, justice and corrections. “It was evident to all the departments that he was the main player, Harper’s point man on the file,” said one source familiar with the briefings. “He was given the most sensitive file to work on."
So while Stockwell Day was braying in the House in 2007 that even to question the treatment of detainees was tantamount to treason, a convicted felon was briefing his Correction Services Canada inspections team in Afghanistan "on a daily basis" and possibly figuring out what to do about Corrections Canada requests for boots suitable for "walking through blood and fecal matter on patrol or in the prison".
While Harper has a national security adviser, it was left to Carson, chief policy analyst, to stickhandle the Afghan file on a daily basis. His focus was usually on how the mission was being communicated here in Canada rather than on developments in the field, the source said."
Ah yes, putting the happy face on war crimes :
Canadian diplomats in Afghanistan were ordered in 2007 to hold back information in their reports to Ottawa about the handling of the prisoners, say defence and foreign affairs sources. The instruction — issued soon after allegations of torture by Afghan authorities began appearing in public — was aimed at defusing the explosive human-rights controversy, said sources who spoke on the condition of
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Good war resister news:
wmtc: good war resister news: positive decision in dean walcott's case!
Another Victory for War resisters in Federal Court: Federal Court judge orders new Humanitarian and Compassionate Application and Pre-Removal Risk Assessment for war resister Dean Walcott!
In a strongly worded decision, Justice de Montigny affirmed that the Immigration Officer who denied Dean’s application to stay in Canada did not adequately address his conscientious objections to the war and the harsh punishment he would face if deported to the United States.
The court made it clear that applications to stay in Canada on Humanitarian & Compassionate grounds cannot be properly addressed unless “the sincere moral and political objections that motivated” war resisters to refuse to participate in the Iraq war are taken into account.
The judge strongly affirmed that the long prison sentences and other harsh treatment given to war resisters who publicly speak out against the war amounts to persecution.
Another Victory for War resisters in Federal Court: Federal Court judge orders new Humanitarian and Compassionate Application and Pre-Removal Risk Assessment for war resister Dean Walcott!
In a strongly worded decision, Justice de Montigny affirmed that the Immigration Officer who denied Dean’s application to stay in Canada did not adequately address his conscientious objections to the war and the harsh punishment he would face if deported to the United States.
The court made it clear that applications to stay in Canada on Humanitarian & Compassionate grounds cannot be properly addressed unless “the sincere moral and political objections that motivated” war resisters to refuse to participate in the Iraq war are taken into account.
The judge strongly affirmed that the long prison sentences and other harsh treatment given to war resisters who publicly speak out against the war amounts to persecution.
Almost Forgot....
He paid his respects to Stanley Knowles, who first introduced the Canada Pension Plan in 1956; and the C.C.F...and wished every one the best in dealing with the Flood warnings. (Personally....the leaders have been organised since November...and the decision will be ,who and which land will be saved and flooded.) I wonder why the media left...It was not a political speech- but more a religious in tone..I might be wrong.. God give me strength to follow and to do the correct thing...
Strangest ending...to a speech...in Wpg.
Looking a bit disheartened,but very relaxed..after quoting Mathew Day about politics being local...he ended with"..And give me everything you've got!" Why??! He is a man who has everything in life! But when he said it he could not look at the crowd; and stepped down from the podium. Give him everything I have- he would not ask that of his own family- and yet he asks poor people like myself to give everything I have?? He sounds like the Catholic Church!! What then- I be penniless again; a pauper as I have lived for the past 40 years of my life!! Like Jamie/Annie...counting the days for the check to arrive. He has forgotten what it is like to be poor??// Or does he feel that is what has been asked of him...Really , I wish I could understand!!And what was Dan Vandel, doing at the head table? " He talks to all levels of Government ",was the reply. I felt so confused, and unable to help- that I forgot to order food for the week. A "Blow-up " picture/into a facial portrait is sad, yet a compassionate man. If visiting Winnipeg, dispirits him so much - he should do things which makes him happy! Because ,I think most/all want him to be Happy! Canada wishes him much happiness!!
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Tyee – Gary Doer's Startling Embrace of the Oil Sands
The Tyee – Gary Doer's Startling Embrace of the Oil Sands
In 2005, Business Week magazine named then-Manitoba premier Gary Doer one of the top 20 individuals on the planet fighting climate change. Six years later, Doer, now Canada's ambassador to the U.S., is considered one of the top oil sands salespeople in Washington, D.C.
Traveling to America's capital city late last February, I'd wanted to ask him about this apparent incongruity at the apex of a long and successful political career. The oil sands, after all, are Canada's fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions.
They produce some of the planet's most carbon-intensive fuel.
How would Doer, once one of Canada's staunchest supporters of the Kyoto Accord, rationalize his new role, convincing American politicians their concerns about the oil sands are unfounded, telling them not to impose limits on rapid industry expansions?
I never got to ask Doer that question, but I came close. In the weeks leading up to my trip, the Canadian embassy and Alberta Washington office turned down nearly a dozen requests to set up an interview.
In 2005, Business Week magazine named then-Manitoba premier Gary Doer one of the top 20 individuals on the planet fighting climate change. Six years later, Doer, now Canada's ambassador to the U.S., is considered one of the top oil sands salespeople in Washington, D.C.
Traveling to America's capital city late last February, I'd wanted to ask him about this apparent incongruity at the apex of a long and successful political career. The oil sands, after all, are Canada's fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions.
They produce some of the planet's most carbon-intensive fuel.
How would Doer, once one of Canada's staunchest supporters of the Kyoto Accord, rationalize his new role, convincing American politicians their concerns about the oil sands are unfounded, telling them not to impose limits on rapid industry expansions?
I never got to ask Doer that question, but I came close. In the weeks leading up to my trip, the Canadian embassy and Alberta Washington office turned down nearly a dozen requests to set up an interview.
Mackling,83 takes on Toews in Provencher
Mackling takes on Toews - Winnipeg Free Press
Mackling, 83, is seeking the federal NDP nomination in Provencher, the riding long held by Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, Manitoba's senior federal Tory and former provincial justice minister.
Mackling said his frustration with the polarizing, "American-style" tactics and policies of the Conservatives are what drove him out of retirement.
"I'm running because I am very concerned about what's happening in Canada," Mackling said. "They are undermining all of the social fabric we have built over decades."
Mackling said he is most frustrated with tax cuts for the wealthy and for corporations as well as the Conservatives' tough-on-crime agenda, which critics say is forcing the construction of more prison beds instead of focusing on preventing crime, rehabilitating criminals and curbing poverty.
"If I were a true-blue Conservative, I would resent a government that is ludicrously spending this kind of money on a dead end," Mackling said. "Sure, (criminals) have to answer for what they have done, but they have to come out of prison with some skills, not just an improvement in how they can commit crimes and get away with them."
Toews said he welcomed Mackling into the race and expected a good, clean campaign. He said he worked for Mackling as a provincial lawyer when Mackling was in cabinet.
"Al Mackling is a gentleman, and not to be underestimated," Toews said.
Mackling, 83, is seeking the federal NDP nomination in Provencher, the riding long held by Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, Manitoba's senior federal Tory and former provincial justice minister.
Mackling said his frustration with the polarizing, "American-style" tactics and policies of the Conservatives are what drove him out of retirement.
"I'm running because I am very concerned about what's happening in Canada," Mackling said. "They are undermining all of the social fabric we have built over decades."
Mackling said he is most frustrated with tax cuts for the wealthy and for corporations as well as the Conservatives' tough-on-crime agenda, which critics say is forcing the construction of more prison beds instead of focusing on preventing crime, rehabilitating criminals and curbing poverty.
"If I were a true-blue Conservative, I would resent a government that is ludicrously spending this kind of money on a dead end," Mackling said. "Sure, (criminals) have to answer for what they have done, but they have to come out of prison with some skills, not just an improvement in how they can commit crimes and get away with them."
Toews said he welcomed Mackling into the race and expected a good, clean campaign. He said he worked for Mackling as a provincial lawyer when Mackling was in cabinet.
"Al Mackling is a gentleman, and not to be underestimated," Toews said.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Doer,Tar Sands,& Alberta
Practical politics at work - Winnipeg Free Press
The irony of Gary Doer promoting Alberta's so-called dirty oil will not be lost on environmentalists, the same ones who sang his praises for protecting the boreal forest on the east side of Lake Winnipeg by forcing Manitoba Hydro to build its new transmission line on the west side at much greater cost.
Any suggestion of hypocrisy, however, would be unfair because it is Mr. Doer's job, as Canada's ambassador to the United States, to promote the oil sands and the economic opportunity they represent.
The fact is, in the short time that he's been in the post, Mr. Doer has shown himself to be a master craftsman in the art of practical politics at the highest levels of international diplomacy. Manitobans already understood that the former premier was a skilled negotiator and communicator, but Canadians in general are only now getting a handle on our man in Washington.
On the oil sands, for example, Mr. Doer has been busy reminding Americans that their oil security and thousands of jobs would be lost if environmentalists win the argument that Alberta's crude is a major polluter and a blight on the planet.
As Allen Abel notes on the page opposite, the ambassador appeals to America's self-interest, rather than to the better angels of their nature. Like previous envoys, he has also discovered that he needs to repeat some basic truths, including the fact Canada is America's largest trading partner and its
The irony of Gary Doer promoting Alberta's so-called dirty oil will not be lost on environmentalists, the same ones who sang his praises for protecting the boreal forest on the east side of Lake Winnipeg by forcing Manitoba Hydro to build its new transmission line on the west side at much greater cost.
Any suggestion of hypocrisy, however, would be unfair because it is Mr. Doer's job, as Canada's ambassador to the United States, to promote the oil sands and the economic opportunity they represent.
The fact is, in the short time that he's been in the post, Mr. Doer has shown himself to be a master craftsman in the art of practical politics at the highest levels of international diplomacy. Manitobans already understood that the former premier was a skilled negotiator and communicator, but Canadians in general are only now getting a handle on our man in Washington.
On the oil sands, for example, Mr. Doer has been busy reminding Americans that their oil security and thousands of jobs would be lost if environmentalists win the argument that Alberta's crude is a major polluter and a blight on the planet.
As Allen Abel notes on the page opposite, the ambassador appeals to America's self-interest, rather than to the better angels of their nature. Like previous envoys, he has also discovered that he needs to repeat some basic truths, including the fact Canada is America's largest trading partner and its
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Wish I could write like this;Conscise and to the point.
Posted on April 2, 2011 in Toronto Centre
" This election is all about choice. A choice about vision and policies, a choice about character, what we want our politics and government to be about.
Liberals are talking real substantive change in this election, and the choice between us and the Conservatives.
How many times do I hear the refrain “you’re all the same…”
But in this election we’re not all the same. The Conservatives want to give the banks and the oil companies a tax cut right away, and make people wait for years before they get the same.
That’s just wrong.
The Conservatives want to spend $30 billion on new fighter jets without a competitive bid. Even the Pentagon is saying they’re too expensive.
The Liberals want to have a complete review, to see what we need, to spend what we can afford after a competition.
The Conservatives want to spend billions on megaprisons, “to lock ‘em up and throw away the key.” Liberals want to stop crime before it happens, deal with the addiction and mental health issues that are behind so much crime and violence, and not repeat the mistakes of our American neighbours.
The Liberal Party is proud of the way we have led the country in the past, our commitments to a prosperous and innovative economy, to learning, to social justice, to the environment and to Canada’s role in the world.
This election is about the future, the way we apply our knowledge that the world is becoming smaller and more competitive, as well as more complex.
The Liberal spirit is an optimistic one. We know that there are challenges ahead, but we our operating emotion is not fear. It is hope.
And so there is not just a contrast in policies, in the difference between nothing on health care and a plan on how to help families cope with ageing, in the difference on the environment and jobs. There is a difference of character.
The true character of the Conservatives comes out at night, in their ads. They speak the language of fear, of derision, of scorn. They tear down. For all of Mr Harper’s smiles (seen always at a distance) the ads show a sneer and even a snarl.
I don’t think Canadians will give into the scare tactics. We know that Michael Ignatieff is a good, thoughtful man. We know Canada is a caring country. We know the world is the place we need to make our living and our home.
Laurier talked of his “sunny ways.” In Toronto we speak of “Raes of sunshine.” We look forward to this campaign with hope and optimism, knowing our opponents are not our enemies, and confident in the result on May 2."
" This election is all about choice. A choice about vision and policies, a choice about character, what we want our politics and government to be about.
Liberals are talking real substantive change in this election, and the choice between us and the Conservatives.
How many times do I hear the refrain “you’re all the same…”
But in this election we’re not all the same. The Conservatives want to give the banks and the oil companies a tax cut right away, and make people wait for years before they get the same.
That’s just wrong.
The Conservatives want to spend $30 billion on new fighter jets without a competitive bid. Even the Pentagon is saying they’re too expensive.
The Liberals want to have a complete review, to see what we need, to spend what we can afford after a competition.
The Conservatives want to spend billions on megaprisons, “to lock ‘em up and throw away the key.” Liberals want to stop crime before it happens, deal with the addiction and mental health issues that are behind so much crime and violence, and not repeat the mistakes of our American neighbours.
The Liberal Party is proud of the way we have led the country in the past, our commitments to a prosperous and innovative economy, to learning, to social justice, to the environment and to Canada’s role in the world.
This election is about the future, the way we apply our knowledge that the world is becoming smaller and more competitive, as well as more complex.
The Liberal spirit is an optimistic one. We know that there are challenges ahead, but we our operating emotion is not fear. It is hope.
And so there is not just a contrast in policies, in the difference between nothing on health care and a plan on how to help families cope with ageing, in the difference on the environment and jobs. There is a difference of character.
The true character of the Conservatives comes out at night, in their ads. They speak the language of fear, of derision, of scorn. They tear down. For all of Mr Harper’s smiles (seen always at a distance) the ads show a sneer and even a snarl.
I don’t think Canadians will give into the scare tactics. We know that Michael Ignatieff is a good, thoughtful man. We know Canada is a caring country. We know the world is the place we need to make our living and our home.
Laurier talked of his “sunny ways.” In Toronto we speak of “Raes of sunshine.” We look forward to this campaign with hope and optimism, knowing our opponents are not our enemies, and confident in the result on May 2."
The 6 lane highway of KSP
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Rumours swirl around vacant Tory candidacy - Winnipeg Free Press
Rumours swirl around vacant Tory candidacy - Winnipeg Free Press
Late last week, Winnipeg School Division trustee Joyce Bateman was widely rumoured to be the candidate appointed by Tory party brass after Raymond Hall abruptly resigned as the party's nominee earlier this month.
That rumour raised eyebrows because Bateman is a longtime Liberal. She was a member of the Liberal party until very recently and actively supported Ontario MP Ken Dryden in the 2006 Liberal leadership race. Sources say she had expressed interest in running for the Grits when MP Anita Neville retires. Neville is running again this election.
Speculation that Bateman was about to switch parties and run for the Tories was a hot topic in Liberal circles over the weekend, and several Liberals tried to reach her to dissuade her from running.
But the weekend passed with no formal announcement about Bateman's candidacy. Repeated calls to Bateman and local senior Tories, including national party councillor Marni Larkin, have gone unanswered since Thursday. The president of the Tory riding association in Winnipeg South Centre, who recently spoke candidly about divisions within the riding association, is out of town and could not be reached for comment.
Late last week, Winnipeg School Division trustee Joyce Bateman was widely rumoured to be the candidate appointed by Tory party brass after Raymond Hall abruptly resigned as the party's nominee earlier this month.
That rumour raised eyebrows because Bateman is a longtime Liberal. She was a member of the Liberal party until very recently and actively supported Ontario MP Ken Dryden in the 2006 Liberal leadership race. Sources say she had expressed interest in running for the Grits when MP Anita Neville retires. Neville is running again this election.
Speculation that Bateman was about to switch parties and run for the Tories was a hot topic in Liberal circles over the weekend, and several Liberals tried to reach her to dissuade her from running.
But the weekend passed with no formal announcement about Bateman's candidacy. Repeated calls to Bateman and local senior Tories, including national party councillor Marni Larkin, have gone unanswered since Thursday. The president of the Tory riding association in Winnipeg South Centre, who recently spoke candidly about divisions within the riding association, is out of town and could not be reached for comment.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Germany's Greens elected | Reuters
RPT-Germany's Greens come of age after Japan disaster | ReutersBERLIN, March 27 (Reuters) - Japan's nuclear disaster helped lift Germany's anti-nuclear Greens off the opposition benches and into the seat of power of the country's richest state on Sunday with an unprecedented surge of popularity.
In a stunning victory, the Greens ousted Chancellor Angela Merkel's party in the industrial state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, which the conservatives have ruled for 58 consecutive years. The Greens also beat their traditional allies, the Social Democrats.
"This is a historic turning point in Greens history," said party co-leader Claudia Roth at celebrations in Berlin after an ear-splitting cheer went out at 6 p.m. as exit polls showed the Greens had enough support to win the state premier's office.
Founded 31 years ago as a colourful band of peaceniks and anti-nuclear activists, the Greens made their mark mostly as an entertaining opposition party. Their trademarks included muesli, woolly sweaters, long hair, thick beards and gender equality.
They were long wracked by rows between a fundamentalist wing -- "fundis" who wanted to stay in opposition, and more pragmatic "realos" who sought to influence policies and get into power.
The "realos" ultimately won the upper hand after about 20 years and the Greens took power as junior partners to the centre-left Social Democrats at the national level in 1998.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Liberals meet at Jarry Est., Montreal/St. Michel Environmental Complex
St. Michel Environmental Complex - La TOHU's St. Michel Environmental Complex in MontrealThe St. Michel Environmental Complex is one of Montreal's best examples of sustainable development. What used to be a limestone quarry and city dump is now 48 hectares (119 acres) of family-friendly green space with bikes paths, cross country ski trails and various outdoor sports facilities. This award-winning ecological centre is also a recycling sorting plant and a micro-power station sharing space with circus mecca La TOHU, Montreal's "circus city," home to the National Circus School and Cirque du Soleil headquarters. By 2020, what's remaining of the grounds' 192 hectares (474 acres) will also be turned into parkland roughly the size of Parc Mont-Royal.
St. Michel Environmental Complex: Turning Trash Into Treasure
In 1996, the complex began a project geared to turning one of North America's largest landfills and what used to be a major source of pollution in Montreal into a viable resource by converting the area's release of biogas -- a flammable combination of methane and carbon dioxide produced by bacterial degradation of organic matter -- into useable electricity. In the same year, Hydro-Québec signed a 25-year contract to buy the converted energy. In concert with its biogas conversion project, the St. Michel Environmental Complex also serves as a city recycling sorting centre and composting site. The resulting compost is given out, twice a year
St. Michel Environmental Complex: Turning Trash Into Treasure
In 1996, the complex began a project geared to turning one of North America's largest landfills and what used to be a major source of pollution in Montreal into a viable resource by converting the area's release of biogas -- a flammable combination of methane and carbon dioxide produced by bacterial degradation of organic matter -- into useable electricity. In the same year, Hydro-Québec signed a 25-year contract to buy the converted energy. In concert with its biogas conversion project, the St. Michel Environmental Complex also serves as a city recycling sorting centre and composting site. The resulting compost is given out, twice a year
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The Koch brothers move north.
The Koch brothers move north | Strange Bedfellows — Politics News - seattlepi.com
“The registration was made on March 15 making Koch Industries legally able to lobby provincial policy makers on the issues of ‘energy and resource development,’ ‘economic development,’ and ‘taxation policy’,” thetyee.ca, a Vancouver news website, reported Thursday.
The Kochs have already let their money speak up north. They’ve given $175,000 to The Fraser Institute, a free market Vancouver think tank that serves as advocate for the energy, mining, timber and other Canadian resource industries.
And they are deeply involved in the vast Alberta oil sands development.
Koch Industries owns a crude oil terminal in Hardesty, Alberta and a Koch subsidiary, Flint Hills Resources Canada LP, is a major exporter of oil to the United States.
Alberta is a very conservative place. Its Conservative Party government has been in power for nearly 40 years. The Conservatives’ main challenge comes from a recently formed right-wing group called the Wild Rose Alliance
“The registration was made on March 15 making Koch Industries legally able to lobby provincial policy makers on the issues of ‘energy and resource development,’ ‘economic development,’ and ‘taxation policy’,” thetyee.ca, a Vancouver news website, reported Thursday.
The Kochs have already let their money speak up north. They’ve given $175,000 to The Fraser Institute, a free market Vancouver think tank that serves as advocate for the energy, mining, timber and other Canadian resource industries.
And they are deeply involved in the vast Alberta oil sands development.
Koch Industries owns a crude oil terminal in Hardesty, Alberta and a Koch subsidiary, Flint Hills Resources Canada LP, is a major exporter of oil to the United States.
Alberta is a very conservative place. Its Conservative Party government has been in power for nearly 40 years. The Conservatives’ main challenge comes from a recently formed right-wing group called the Wild Rose Alliance
Monday, March 21, 2011
#Carson-H2O Pros
Former Harper adviser under RCMP investigation met with Tory cabinet minister - Winnipeg Free Press
Was H2O the one who sponsored Glen Murray's social of Ontario MLA's- but was oddly cancelled - and some female photographer with a big heavy camera on her shoulder was trying to take a photo of me; which I was try to duck dive and avoid. And then next evening some young man from the Ontario Enviroment was trying to tell me that some thing glitch happened the previous night-which I could NOT understand.Did not not what to believe- I mean Ralphie is communications for Murray- is there still another Dept.of Enviroment??- with a building of 14 floors?? or did he just mistake my elder years in the low lit area?? Really, Why show me your e-mail messages on your blackberry??
Was H2O the one who sponsored Glen Murray's social of Ontario MLA's- but was oddly cancelled - and some female photographer with a big heavy camera on her shoulder was trying to take a photo of me; which I was try to duck dive and avoid. And then next evening some young man from the Ontario Enviroment was trying to tell me that some thing glitch happened the previous night-which I could NOT understand.Did not not what to believe- I mean Ralphie is communications for Murray- is there still another Dept.of Enviroment??- with a building of 14 floors?? or did he just mistake my elder years in the low lit area?? Really, Why show me your e-mail messages on your blackberry??
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics/#Bdgt11/$50 mill$$
Home - Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics to receive $50 million dollars in Waterloo ,Ontario.
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is a basic research centre dedicated to exploring the world around us at its most fundamental level. It began in the summer of 1999 when Mike Lazaridis, founder and Co-CEO of Research In Motion (RIM) - maker of the successful BlackBerryTM - found himself in a position to help foster research and innovation in Canada by establishing a world-class institute devoted to theoretical physics. [Full History]
Research
Since research operations began in the fall of 2001, the Institute has grown to include over 80 resident researchers who are involved in day-to-day operations. Additionally, the vigorous Visitor Program has enabled PI to host hundreds of international researchers each year for collaborations and workshops. The current groups involved with cross-disciplinary research include Condensed Matter, Cosmology & Gravitation, Particle Physics, Quantum Foundations, Quantum Gravity, Quantum Information Theory, Superstring Theory and related areas. You can learn more about the science at What We Research. PI also develops future generations of scientists through the innovative Perimeter Scholars International. This research training program exposes rising talent from around the world to the full spectrum of theoretical physics, bringing them rapidly to the leading edge of current research.
Outreach
In addition to the scientific operations, Perimeter Institute
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is a basic research centre dedicated to exploring the world around us at its most fundamental level. It began in the summer of 1999 when Mike Lazaridis, founder and Co-CEO of Research In Motion (RIM) - maker of the successful BlackBerryTM - found himself in a position to help foster research and innovation in Canada by establishing a world-class institute devoted to theoretical physics. [Full History]
Research
Since research operations began in the fall of 2001, the Institute has grown to include over 80 resident researchers who are involved in day-to-day operations. Additionally, the vigorous Visitor Program has enabled PI to host hundreds of international researchers each year for collaborations and workshops. The current groups involved with cross-disciplinary research include Condensed Matter, Cosmology & Gravitation, Particle Physics, Quantum Foundations, Quantum Gravity, Quantum Information Theory, Superstring Theory and related areas. You can learn more about the science at What We Research. PI also develops future generations of scientists through the innovative Perimeter Scholars International. This research training program exposes rising talent from around the world to the full spectrum of theoretical physics, bringing them rapidly to the leading edge of current research.
Outreach
In addition to the scientific operations, Perimeter Institute
Elections Canada Online | The 36-Day Election Calendar
Elections Canada Online
The 36-Day Election Calendar
Issue of the writs; voting by special ballot begins Day 36 before election day (or earlier)
Offices of the returning officers open Days 36–32
Preliminary lists of electors sent to returning officers Day 34
Revision of lists of electors begins The date set by the CEO, usually Day 33
Notice of Election published – candidates may file nominations Day 32 (or earlier)
Preliminary lists of electors sent to candidates as they are confirmed Day 32
Targeted revision begins Day 29
Voter information cards mailed to all registered electors Days 26–24
Nominations close Day 21 (2:00 p.m.)
Confirmation of candidacies Day 19 (2:00 p.m.) (or earlier)
Reminder cards distributed Days 19–17
Revised lists of electors sent to candidates Day 11
Advance polls (registration at polls permitted) Days 10, 9, 7
Actual spending limits announced for candidates and parties Day 7
Revision ends Day 6 (6:00 p.m.)
Deadline for registering to vote by special ballot Day 6 (6:00 p.m.)
Election day* Day 0
* Special ballots must be received by the returning officer before the close of polls or at Elections Canada in Ottawa before 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
For more information, please contact:
Elections Canada
257 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0M6 Telephone 1-800-463-6868 toll-free in Canada and the United State
The 36-Day Election Calendar
Issue of the writs; voting by special ballot begins Day 36 before election day (or earlier)
Offices of the returning officers open Days 36–32
Preliminary lists of electors sent to returning officers Day 34
Revision of lists of electors begins The date set by the CEO, usually Day 33
Notice of Election published – candidates may file nominations Day 32 (or earlier)
Preliminary lists of electors sent to candidates as they are confirmed Day 32
Targeted revision begins Day 29
Voter information cards mailed to all registered electors Days 26–24
Nominations close Day 21 (2:00 p.m.)
Confirmation of candidacies Day 19 (2:00 p.m.) (or earlier)
Reminder cards distributed Days 19–17
Revised lists of electors sent to candidates Day 11
Advance polls (registration at polls permitted) Days 10, 9, 7
Actual spending limits announced for candidates and parties Day 7
Revision ends Day 6 (6:00 p.m.)
Deadline for registering to vote by special ballot Day 6 (6:00 p.m.)
Election day* Day 0
* Special ballots must be received by the returning officer before the close of polls or at Elections Canada in Ottawa before 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
For more information, please contact:
Elections Canada
257 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0M6 Telephone 1-800-463-6868 toll-free in Canada and the United State
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