Let's be clear, because polls are sometimes ridiculous! The NDP are up, great, but most gains are in Quebec and British Columbia. Ontario is still where it was a week ago, with the Liberals firmly in 2nd place here.
As for the ridings of Kitchener-Waterloo, and Kitchener Centre there is unfortunately no way that the NDP will win these races. Both seats are two candidate races. The only way for the Conservative incumbents to lose is for the Liberal candidates to recieve votes.
Now I am going to tell you to vote the way that is best for you. Do not be swayed by polls, usually on election day they don't live up to their hype. Vote how you have planned whether that is for the Liberals, NDP, Greens, Conservatives or one of the other candidates in your riding!
Just be sure to vote. The only way to have a democracy is to participate in it.
April 22, 2011
New Election, New Issues in Kitchener-Waterloo
Well,
After the last election and my (non-expert) prediction that the Liberals would easily take the riding of Kitchener-Waterloo, I was a little humbled. Obviously, the riding didn't vote the way I expected, or most for that matter.
I had two angry people that contacted me regarding my suggestion that people vote with their heart, for who they truly believed in, and not strategically. I suppose that a 17 vote margin of victory emphasizes how important every single vote is. Truly this is an encouraging sign, however, perhaps I underestimated the influence that one person writing on the internet could have.
In terms of the 2008 election results for the riding of Kitchener-Waterloo, I both apologize to those who regretted following my advice, and I also applaud you for voting for whom you truly believed in.
Now that we are back to the polls again, 2011, in this riding, carries with it the hopes and fears carried over from 2008. I would again encourage people to vote from their heart for those issues that truly matter to them. I would further say that the issues that truly matter involves refusing to allow the Conservative candidate to win this riding.
I am not going to make any predictions. At the time of this blog entry, the conservatives hold a national lead of 12% in the polls, but in this riding, it is anyone's to win. Many people, I expect, will abandon the party closest to their heart and follow a more strategic plan when placing their 'X'. But nothing is certain. That I have learned from 2008.
In 2008, Telegdi, our liberal candidate, went into the vote coming off a previous victory that numbered in the thousands, only to lose this immense lead. It was unimaginable for me. Braid, our Conservative MP, worked diligently to catch the Liberal candidate, and managed to do it. Braid was certainly helped by the strong Green candidate in Cathy MacLellan. Her strong showing placed her in the top 5 Green candidates in the country. I wonder how many will abandon her this time around in order to stop the Conservative candidate. The NDP candidate did not fair as well as hoped last time to the polls, but now Bill Brown brings a new face and energy to the New Democrats.
There is no doubt that many regret how they voted in 2008. This shouldn't be the case. All candidates are worthy of votes. They stand with courage and conviction. They all care about this riding.
If I was to suggest a method to the madness of election time in Canada, it would be to simply educate yourself as to the issues, and the candidates. Be diligent in ensuring that your vote is based on the current times. Traditional voting, in my humble opinion, is foolish. Issues change greatly from one year to the next. Educate yourself as to who you are voting for.
I have made up my mind, though I did struggle for a time. I feel confident that I have weighed my options, examined the issues and now can stand tall after making my vote. This time around I will not be so foolish as to presume to tell you what to do with yours. But please be sure to vote. That is democracy. That is what this country was built on. That is what so many sacrificed their lived to protect.
After the last election and my (non-expert) prediction that the Liberals would easily take the riding of Kitchener-Waterloo, I was a little humbled. Obviously, the riding didn't vote the way I expected, or most for that matter.
I had two angry people that contacted me regarding my suggestion that people vote with their heart, for who they truly believed in, and not strategically. I suppose that a 17 vote margin of victory emphasizes how important every single vote is. Truly this is an encouraging sign, however, perhaps I underestimated the influence that one person writing on the internet could have.
In terms of the 2008 election results for the riding of Kitchener-Waterloo, I both apologize to those who regretted following my advice, and I also applaud you for voting for whom you truly believed in.
Now that we are back to the polls again, 2011, in this riding, carries with it the hopes and fears carried over from 2008. I would again encourage people to vote from their heart for those issues that truly matter to them. I would further say that the issues that truly matter involves refusing to allow the Conservative candidate to win this riding.
I am not going to make any predictions. At the time of this blog entry, the conservatives hold a national lead of 12% in the polls, but in this riding, it is anyone's to win. Many people, I expect, will abandon the party closest to their heart and follow a more strategic plan when placing their 'X'. But nothing is certain. That I have learned from 2008.
In 2008, Telegdi, our liberal candidate, went into the vote coming off a previous victory that numbered in the thousands, only to lose this immense lead. It was unimaginable for me. Braid, our Conservative MP, worked diligently to catch the Liberal candidate, and managed to do it. Braid was certainly helped by the strong Green candidate in Cathy MacLellan. Her strong showing placed her in the top 5 Green candidates in the country. I wonder how many will abandon her this time around in order to stop the Conservative candidate. The NDP candidate did not fair as well as hoped last time to the polls, but now Bill Brown brings a new face and energy to the New Democrats.
There is no doubt that many regret how they voted in 2008. This shouldn't be the case. All candidates are worthy of votes. They stand with courage and conviction. They all care about this riding.
If I was to suggest a method to the madness of election time in Canada, it would be to simply educate yourself as to the issues, and the candidates. Be diligent in ensuring that your vote is based on the current times. Traditional voting, in my humble opinion, is foolish. Issues change greatly from one year to the next. Educate yourself as to who you are voting for.
I have made up my mind, though I did struggle for a time. I feel confident that I have weighed my options, examined the issues and now can stand tall after making my vote. This time around I will not be so foolish as to presume to tell you what to do with yours. But please be sure to vote. That is democracy. That is what this country was built on. That is what so many sacrificed their lived to protect.
August 17, 2010
K-W Less Crappy?
Sorry for the headline, I just thought this was a humourous article, though it is definitely good news.
So not only can we commit to reduce our energy consumption, but we have already reduced our water usage! These are the kind of necessary first steps needed to develop some long-standing, large-scale changes in the way we live, in order to live more sustainable lives.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, well done K-dub!
So not only can we commit to reduce our energy consumption, but we have already reduced our water usage! These are the kind of necessary first steps needed to develop some long-standing, large-scale changes in the way we live, in order to live more sustainable lives.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, well done K-dub!
K & W Are Energy Aware
We are conscious of our energy choices here in K & W! Waterloo Region places second in the Ontario Power Pledge contest, and Kitchener places 4th!
It is good to know that we here in Kitchener-Waterloo are aware of our energy uses and are able to pledge to reduce our consumption. There is still hope.
Well Done K-dub!
It is good to know that we here in Kitchener-Waterloo are aware of our energy uses and are able to pledge to reduce our consumption. There is still hope.
Well Done K-dub!
August 16, 2010
Grand River CarShare AGM
Check out the link for information on the upcoming annual general meeting for Grand River CarShare. A great organization, that you should find out more about.
September 26, 2009
Detroit: A Transformation From Autos To Agriculture
What an incredible story of the transformation that will soon take over Detroit. The article sums up the events wonderfully. What a horrendous state of affairs that now rules this city, but with new vision, there is hope.
http://news.therecord.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/604062
Waterloo Region doesn't suffer from the same problems as Detroit. We are not similar in any respect really. However, the lesson here is that we need to reclaim greenspace and use it to strengthen community, and give a strong identity, where it is weak or non-existent. There are so many areas in K-W and Cambridge, and Guelph that could be re-identified and made to contribute to the health of our cities. A very interesting article indeed!
http://news.therecord.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/604062
Waterloo Region doesn't suffer from the same problems as Detroit. We are not similar in any respect really. However, the lesson here is that we need to reclaim greenspace and use it to strengthen community, and give a strong identity, where it is weak or non-existent. There are so many areas in K-W and Cambridge, and Guelph that could be re-identified and made to contribute to the health of our cities. A very interesting article indeed!
September 7, 2009
Local Food and Chef Festival!
Local restaurants and farmers are coming together for the 6th annual Taste Local! Taste Fresh! event. It will take place in Elmira on Sept. 20th. This is a great event with some great local chefs creating amazing dishes using local foods! Guests will get 20 different appetizers to try from 20 farmer-chef pairings. It will be a great afternoon!
http://www.elmiraindependent.com//news.php?id=1745
Check it out!
http://www.elmiraindependent.com//news.php?id=1745
Check it out!
August 25, 2009
Green Pee!
How`s this for a GREAT GREEN INITIATIVE! Brazil`s public service announcements are way better than anything we have here! ENJOY the video!
Xixi no Banho - 1 Translation(s) | dotSUB
Shared via AddThis
Xixi no Banho - 1 Translation(s) | dotSUB
Shared via AddThis
August 24, 2009
Growing Green Roofs
I have been preaching their benefits for years. I started looking at them as a serious alternative seven or eight years ago. I still have yet to go ahead with my own, however, it has been due to the lack of knowledge in the roofing industry. This is beginning to change. Thank goodness.
http://news.guelphmercury.com/News/Local/article/524208
More and more communities will embrace the green roof trend over the coming decade. The benefits, outlined in the article out of the Guelph Mercury, are many. The disadvantages are only in cost.
Always, responsible, sustainable ideas, concepts, and necessities come down to cost. It is time to look at cost as more than simple dollars. We need to open our minds to complete costs of the decisions we make, notably the environmental cost associated with doing, or not doing.
Something to keep in mind with all your choices.
August 10, 2009
Out of the Dark - Check out this great eco event!!!
Out of the Dark: A Solar Information Night
Date: Thursday, August 13th 2009 (on the eve of the Great Blackout, August 14, 2003)
Time: 6:30-9:00pm (Presentation starts at 7pm)
Location: At Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, 101 Father David Bauer Drive
Learn how you can harvest free energy from the sun using solar technology. This information night will feature talks from guest speakers including Jed Goldberg, president of Earth Day Canada speaking on communities involved in sustainable energy, with Regional Chair Ken Seiling and Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran representing the support that the Region of Waterloo and the City of Waterloo have for solar energy. Information will be shared about an exciting opportunity in Waterloo Region: the Solar Initiative for Distributed Energy (SIDE) organized by Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW). Learn about this community bulk buy that allows homeowners, cooperatives, small business owners, and faith communities to access turnkey solar power systems for less than the retail price. Learn about the government grants and incentives available to anyone who installs solar power including the time limited 2009 Home Renovation Tax Credit. Various solar technologies will be discussed, including solar panels which generate electricity (called photovoltaic or “PV”) and others which heat water (called solar thermal). Solar installers will be on-hand to give demonstrations and answer questions. This event is hosted by Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) and the Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP). Admission is FREE.
Pre-Register at www.crewsolar.eventbrite.com
For more information visit www.crewzone.ca .
Date: Thursday, August 13th 2009 (on the eve of the Great Blackout, August 14, 2003)
Time: 6:30-9:00pm (Presentation starts at 7pm)
Location: At Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, 101 Father David Bauer Drive
Learn how you can harvest free energy from the sun using solar technology. This information night will feature talks from guest speakers including Jed Goldberg, president of Earth Day Canada speaking on communities involved in sustainable energy, with Regional Chair Ken Seiling and Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran representing the support that the Region of Waterloo and the City of Waterloo have for solar energy. Information will be shared about an exciting opportunity in Waterloo Region: the Solar Initiative for Distributed Energy (SIDE) organized by Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW). Learn about this community bulk buy that allows homeowners, cooperatives, small business owners, and faith communities to access turnkey solar power systems for less than the retail price. Learn about the government grants and incentives available to anyone who installs solar power including the time limited 2009 Home Renovation Tax Credit. Various solar technologies will be discussed, including solar panels which generate electricity (called photovoltaic or “PV”) and others which heat water (called solar thermal). Solar installers will be on-hand to give demonstrations and answer questions. This event is hosted by Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) and the Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP). Admission is FREE.
Pre-Register at www.crewsolar.eventbrite.com
For more information visit www.crewzone.ca .
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