What’s the point?

So the provincial Tories are going to ‘fast track’ their policy process in the event the new NDP leader decides to call an election in the next year.
The only way this makes sense is if it’s actually an attempt to get the policy process done and forgotten by the time the 2011 election rolls around, [...]

Digesting Doer

A few quick thoughts on Manitoba’s soon-to-be-former Premier after several hours of digesting the news.
First, let’s give the guy some credit. When it comes to politics, he’s a master craftsman. He’s managed to increase his party’s seat count in six consecutive elections (!), and continues to outpoll his leadership rivals by significant double digit margins.
His [...]

WOW – Doer, done

Doer stepping down as Premier
Given there was no heads up on this at all (note the Freep’s reference to a “hastily called news conference”), the big question is whether he’s running to something or away from something. Since he was so evasive about his future plans, I’m betting he’s got another gig already lined up, [...]

“Exclusive”: From the frontlines of Twitter

The local media war continues, with Twitter becoming the battleground in the last 24 hours.
It started with a typical story tease from Global’s Meera Bahadoosingh yesterday:
Global’s got a great lead story tonight! It’s one you don’t want to miss…
Interesting I thought. Of course not as interesting as this tweet from Freep photog Mike Deal late [...]

Try YouTube guys, it’s free

So the Manitoba government wants to explore the idea of launching an ‘educational’ television network that will ‘tell Manitoba stories’ and ‘increase educational opportunities for people living in remote communities.’
Oh please. What a load of crap.
If those are your goals, then they should be pursued exclusively online, not through a conventional TV channel. And there’s [...]

The media pissing match continues…

The fun continues in the wake of Margo’s editorial on Saturday:

CJOB’s Richard Cloutier led off his show this morning with two “exclusive”stories. The first on WRHA honcho Brian Postl being recruited to head the U of M’s Faculty of Medicine, and the second on David Asper having greater involvement with the U of M’s Faculty [...]

Where have I read this before?

Had a slight feeling of déjà vu when reading Freep publisher Bob Cox’s column this morning: Let me tell you about Doug.
Until I remembered this article by the Sinc back in March: Trust us, funny man Doug…you do deserve award.
Two separate columns that detail how a third columnist got his job and how he’s a [...]

Whiff of desperation?

In her editorial this morning Free Press editor Margo Goodhand blasts local radio stations — CJOB specifically — for ripping off stories that first appear in the Free Press.
I understand her point that Freep journalists are doing the work of reporting, and other media outlets are benefiting from those efforts free of charge. But she’s [...]

Conservation by urination

Eliminating just one toilet flush per day can apparently conserve 4,380 litres of water over the course of a year. A Brazilian environmental group, SOS Mata Atlantica, has an interesting suggestion for how to make this happen:

Note: Post title shamelessly ripped off from the Freakonomics blog.

Back in Mayberry

You know it’s a slow news day when one of your big online headlines is:
Lightning strike destroys rural garage

Oh the ladies at the sewing auxiliary are going to be buzzing about this one!
(Cool photos though.)