One of the weapons in controlling terrorism is the monitoring of border points. The United States has wanted data bases from the international community to check the foreign nationals entering the country. This includes travel from its northern neighbour, Canada.
Every day, there are news reports of security breaches and identity theft. Apparently, the severity of identity theft problem has not reached the Canadian passport offices. If these government officials who administer the passport offices indeed are aware of the preponderance of identity theft crime, then the security protocol is even more baffling:
In a court ruling certain not be please the airlines, the Supreme Court of Canada reaffirmed the rights of obese fliers:
Authorities in Canada are trying to reassure the public that tracking bridge traffic and privacy can co-exist:
“As the first electronically tolled bridge in western Canada, slated for completion in spring 2009, it will be equipped with toll sensors and digital cameras to track the identification of every vehicle that travels on the one-kilometre span.
But TransLink spokesman Ken Hardie said people shouldn’t worry about their privacy being invaded.”
link: Vehicles will be tracked, but privacy will be guarded on Golden Ears Bridge, TransLink says
It appears that, theoretically, only the police and billing agents will have access to the tracking data. TransLink does not state how long these records in this data base will be maintained. Further, there seems to be a fundamental difference in the interpretation of the term ‘privacy’. Mr Hardie reassures that privacy will not be invaded. Unfortunately, the surveillance, recording and tracking of citizens is, in itself, an invasion of privacy.
Catherine Forsythe
In California, it is now against the law to text message while driving:
“…”Banning electronic text messaging while driving will keep drivers’ hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, making our roadways a safer place for all Californians,” Schwarzenegger said in a written statement.
But a Republican lawmaker argued the measure is yet another example of adding unnecessary legislation to the Vehicle Code when there’s already sufficient rules on the books.”
link: California bans text messaging while driving
Canadian doctors are trying to discourage the use of cell phones while driving. Such behaviour significantly increases automobile accidents. These may appear to be common sense issues. However, it seems that legislation and the threat of legal consequences are necessary for some people to use their good judgement.
Catherine Forsythe
Hazelton, British Columbia, Canada may not be a place that many people know. It is a small hamlet in northern British Columbia. It is about 450 kilometres or 275 miles from Prince George. Hazelton is also the home of gold medal wrestler, Carol Huynh:
“BEIJING - Wrestler Carol Huynh, the little dynamo from tiny Hazelton, B.C., won Canada’s first gold medal of the Beijing Olympics today, beating two-time reigning world champion Chibaru Icho of China in the final of the women’s 48 kg class.”
link: B.C.’s Huynh takes wrestling gold
In the crush of mass media, Carol Huynh’s achievement may not receive the recognition it deserves. From beginnings in a northern Canadian village to Olympic gold in Beijing is a remarkable story. It is headline news across Canada. Carol Huynh’s story brings honours to her family and country. Kudos to Carol Huynh, Olympic champion.
Catherine Forsythe
In a long, rain delayed game, the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team advances to the semifinals. The U.S. team managed a 2 - 1 victory over Canada in extra time.
In the twelfth minute, Angela Hucles scored on a close shot. The Canadian goalkeeper, Erin McLeod, was injured on the play. She tried to continue but was replaced by Karina LeBlanc.
The game was delayed by rain and lightening. Play was halted for about an hour and forty minutes. The delay seem to spark the Canadians. The Canadian team scored at the thirty minute mark to tie the game. Christine Sinclair scored for Canada on a spectacular shot from outside the box. It was the first time since the opening game that the U.S. goalkeeper, Hope Solo, was beaten.
The U.S. made the final score in extra time. Natasha Kai headed a shot by Karina LeBlanc for the victory.
The American attack was much more consistent and did not rely as much on the long shot. There were many scoring opportunities for the American women. The score would have been higher except for solid play by both Canadian goalkeepers.
This advances the U.S. Women’s Team to the semifinals against Japan. The American women seem to be improving their play with each game. The scoring has been shared by different players. The American coach, Pia Sundhage, knows that there were missed scoring opportunities. She knows that finishing offensive attack will balance out in future games. From a coaching perspective, the team’s development is ideal. The U.S. women are advancing and improving with each game.
Catherine Forsythe
The quarterfinals in women’s Olympic soccer will have Canada playing the USA. These are two teams that know each other well and have played against one another several time this year.
The U.S. women know that Canada is strong and very physical. The main Canadian strategy will be the long ball. The Canadian offense will try to place a long ball behind the American defenders. The Canadian women have the fitness and speed to run down the ball and look for scoring opportunities. The task for the American defenders will be to keep the play in front of them constantly and to remain disciplined. The Canadians will try to force the defenders into making errors and allow for scoring opportunities on the American goalkeeper, Hope Solo. This is a game where Hope Solo must communicate and read the play for her defense. In the last two games, the American defense and Hope Solo have not allowed a goal.
The winner of this match, scheduled for Friday, will advance to the Olympic semifinals. The game will be played at 6:00 A.M. east coast time. For the team that advances, the other side of the draw, in the semifinals, will be either the team from Japan or the team from China.
Catherine Forsythe
Canadians who like to buy their “tech stuff” online and who watch for bargains are waiting for Newegg to open their newegg.ca site. Right now, there is “coming soon” place holder on the site.
There is a sign-up to be notified about the launch and possible specials, as Newegg expands. This Canadian branch of Newegg has been something that the geeks-north-of-the-border have wanted for years.
Catherine
