A Cat in the Hand...

Hello readers,

There is nothing like having a cat in the house. I don't even need to have the cat sitting on the couch with me. I don't need the cat to be cuddled up to me. I don't even need to see the cat to be happy. I just need to know it's there.

I love cats. I love dogs too, don't get me wrong and I wouldn't define myself as either a dog or a cat person solely, but given the choice between a cat and a dog, I would probably choose a cat. I know some people think they're stand-offish and are only good pets when it suits their needs, but I've never met a cat I didn't like. Even working at a kennel where cats' worst personalities come out, I've always had a soft-spot for those fluffy felines.

I'm cat-sitting for my sister while she's chilling at the cottage. Alex is this beautiful little calico cat who has short hair and sheds like a little monster. She's got a very welcoming personality, very sweet, and very personable. She's a great cat to be cat-sitting.

She is not, however, my Oliver. Don't get me wrong, Alex is great, but there's nothing like cuddling with my Oliver. I even love his annoying little meow that my parents, my brother, and my soon-to-be sister-in-law HATE. He sounds a little effeminate, but it's adorable. And I miss him. As much as I want him to move out East with me (and my mother would be more than happy to shove him in a box and FedEx him out here pronto!) I imagine that where ever I'm living come September will not allow pets, and to be honest, it would be cruel to Oliver. He's an indoor farm cat (if such a thing exists). He likes to be able to go outside whenever he wants (and his little meow will definitely tell you when wants out) but also like to have a house to sleep in and take refuge in. A little condo in downtown Toronto would just not do him justice.

So, until I live somewhere that Oliver will appreciate (and mark my words, when I figure out where I'm going to live after my Masters, I'm going to find a place I can take Oliver with me) my parents, my brother, and my soon-to-be sister-in-law will just have to obey his beck and call and love him ten-fold in my absence, and I will have to do with my sister's cat as a stand-in for my love of felines.

Cheers,
Cait

Quick Update

Hello!

So, if it hasn't been apparent so far, I have been neglecting this blog. Completely and absolutely. I'm tracing it back to my deep-seated love of my summer so far. I think I tend to use writing and blogging as an escape from the mundane, or from discontent, I dunno. So far though, I've really needed no escape. I also realize that my productivity tends to plummet during the summer, and when the space around me is dishevelled and disorganized. Case in point:

My room.

As my mother can now attest, having seen the wonders of my tiny residence in Ottawa through the magic of Skype, my living space is a pig sty. It's hard to feel inspired when I'd rather burn my room to the ground and start over, than clean it up.

So, I'm going to get cleaning tonight. After cleaning, hopefully I'll be able to write something far more substantial than a cleaning plan.

I'm also going to have a sit down at some point with the roommates to discuss the common living space in our residence. While my room is a pigsty, I keep everything I commonly share with my roommates quite clean. I clean up my dishes, I don't leave my crap lying around. This is not a common theme amongst some of my flatmates and it needs to stop. How I'll approach them, I'm not quite sure, but it'll happen. First, though, I need to clean my personal space. I really should set a good example before I approach others.

Until later,

Cait

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things!

Long time no see, dear readers!!

I must, first, profusely apologize for not updating this blog in over a month. I went on a little hibernation called "moving-to-a-new-city-starting-a-new-job-and-not-having-any-inspiration." So, An Albertan in Toronto is now, at least for a few months, An Albertan in Ottawa. I am working in our nation's capital this summer as a policy intern for the Government of Canada and loving every minute of it. I love this city, I love my job, I love the people I work with, and I just love it here!

I think my lack of writing also has something to do with my level of contentment. In Toronto, I'm just basically there to do my degree and get out. Toronto is a great city, don't get me wrong. I just probably prefer visiting it rather than actually living there. In Ottawa, while I am just here to do my internship and get out, I can definitely see myself moving here, whether it be right after I graduate, or a few years down the road. I have friends who say it takes at least a year/year and a half to get acquainted with a city and to actually make somewhere feel like home. I know some people would also argue that the difference I'm experiencing is one of work-life v. school/student life. I also know some would say that I spent winter in Toronto, which is dark and grey and slushy. Yes, those are valid points, but let me refute them.

First, it didn't take a year for me to get acquainted with Ottawa and to make it feel like home. I felt more at home in Ottawa in my first week here than I did in my eight months in Toronto.

Second, while work-life and student-life are two very different things, I love both of those types of living. I LOVE school. I would go to school for the rest of my life if I could afford it. I also love working, especially in jobs like I've had with the two governments I've worked for.

Third, I love winter, so the fact that my time in Toronto was spent during Canada's longest season is not applicable to me... Although, to be fair, Toronto's winter sucks on the scale of winter-awesomeness. I enjoy snow. Clean white snow that stays snow and doesn't melt into a ridiculous slushy-type substance packed with salt. I also enjoy sand and not salt on the roads because salt ruins my boots and leave white crap everywhere once it dries. I also enjoy long, cold winters, not short, warm winters. I like perpetual -20 to -30. I like my winters to last from October to April (or May, or June ;) I didn't wear my winter jacket once in Toronto after February.

So, Ottawa is definitely winning the competition for my heart.

But, even with all this, I have been neglecting this blog and I will do so no longer. I'm making the commitment to go back to blogging at least once a week on various topics in my life, or in the news. We'll be short on sports talk this summer as I really only care about the NHL, but the draft is coming up so look for a post on that, and then there's free agency! I won't be talking about any issues that pertain to my job as I imagine there may be some issues of confidentiality/conflict of interest/public service etiquette, but I'll talk about other stuff.

So, until next week,

Cait

The Day After

Hello All,

So the election is over. And what an election it was. A Conservative majority. An New Democratic opposition. A decimated Bloc Quebecois. And a crushed Liberal Party. I'm in a little bit of a shock, to be honest.

I expected a Conservative government, I did. I just thought it would be a minority. I expected the NDP to do better than it ever has before. I just thought they'd, at most, beat the Liberals by one or two seats or lose to the Liberals by the same margin. I did not expect the Bloc to be killed and given only a fraction of a fraction of the seats, let a long see Gilles Duceppe lost his own riding. Nor did I expect the Liberals to com so solidly in 3rd place or that Michael Ignatieff, leader and Chef du Parti, would not be elected to Parliament. It's telling that the leader was not elected and even more telling that former leader Stephane Dion was able to retain his seat.

What do you do when the horse you backed and invested so much in breaks its leg in the final stretch of the race and comes in 3rd to the dirty jockey and his horse who used drugs and lies to cheat his way to the top? You shoot the horse, train another stallion, and move on. But you have to train it right.

With a majority government in power, the Liberals have at least 4 years to find a great candidate and make him or her into a prize winner. It'll be a tough road. It'll be a long road, but if you're able to find some new talent to hone, mold, and energize, you could see a lot of change.

But you'll have to be in the dark for a while. Like two, maybe three elections a while. Change doesn't come overnight and the Liberals don't have a lot of good names to put forward. I personally like Gerard Kennedy, but he lost his seat last night to the orange flood. I also really like Ken Dryden, but I've just been informed, to great dismay and shock, that he lost his seat as well. The Liberals need someone not tainted by this election.

A few names I have in mind, in no particular order:
- Kirsty Duncan (MP Etobicoke-North, ON)
- Bob Rae (MP Toronto-Centre, ON)
- Justin Trudeau (MP Papineau, PQ)
- Dominic LeBlanc (MP Beauséjour, NB)
- Scott Brison (MP Kings-Hants, NS
- Grant Mitchell (Senator, AB)

I'm sure there are a few names I've forgotten, but those are some of my favourites.

This is just a few. Realistically, I think it'll probably be Bob Rae, but personally, I think it needs to be someone who will be around in politics for another 15-20 years. The Liberals have to stop eating their wounded or else the party will continue to get weaker and weaker. So fine someone who can survive another election loss, keep them around and make 'em a real contender.

On a positive note, this election saw the separatists decimated. Hooray for no longer trying to pull this country apart! And the Green Party of Canada elected it first ever Member of Parliament - Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands, BC). Good for her!

On a "let's move on" note, now that the election is done I can refocus on hockey. Vancouver is currently playing Nashville right now. Tied going into first overtime. The series is tied at one game a piece.

Go Canucks!

Cheers,
Cait

It's May 2nd: VOTE!

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 Hello All,

So while I may have been neglecting this blog, I have not been neglecting my interest in this election. I had grand plans for this last election post. I was going to tell you why you should vote. I was going to tell you how you could vote. I was also going to tell you who I am voting for. I'm going to do all of these things, but not in the majestic way I had imagined.

It is currently 10:18pm in Ottawa, ON where I am now living for the summer. My internship for my program starts tomorrow so I can't really spend three hours writing what I really want to write. So I'm going to give it to you plan and simple.



1) Why you should vote.
       a.) You have a right to vote.
       b.) You have the privilege to vote without being threatened,
       persecuted, or killed for doing so.
       c.) Millions upon millions upon millions of people have fought and
       died for the right to vote and to take part in the democratic process.
       Many of these people died long ago, but even today in places like
       Egypt, we are seeing people die for something you get to do
       tomorrow for free and without violence.
       d.) This is your life and your country for five more years. How do you
       want to spend that time?
       e.) Politicians (mainly the Conservatives, but not just them) have
       shown disdain for democracy and the rules we govern ourselves by.
       Vote to express how much living in a free and democratic society
       means to you.
       f.) It's your civic duty.
       g.) As a Canadian, you should feel proud to cast a ballot for your
       representative. It's the polite way of telling those who hold power
       how much we dislike or like how they wield it.
       h.) If you don't vote, then how do you legitimately complain about
       how the government is taxing you too much, is not providing
       adequate services, is ruining the environment, is ignoring farmers/
       students/seniors/teachers/doctors/nurses/municipalities/etc, etc.

2) Where you can vote:
       This will differ depending on where you live. Best bet, go to the Elections Canada website. They have all the information there. When in doubt, CALL THEM! (1-800-463-6868) Every citizen has a right to vote and Elections Canada is there to ensure that that right is fulfilled. Your only option to vote now is to go to your polling station and cast a ballot. Make sure you bring valid government issued ID with your address on it. If you don't have that, there are two other options:
       a.) bring two original pieces of authorized identification (full list
       of what can be used is found here)
       b.) Take someone from your polling station who is eligible to vote
       and can prove it with ID or option a.) and get them to swear an
       oath that you live in your riding.

Like I said, though: If you have ANY questions or are confused about anything related to the process of voting, CALL ELECTIONS CANADA!!! One small phone call could make all the difference.

3) Who I am voting for:
       And now we get to the juicy bit. For those of you who know me, you've known all along that I am a member of the Liberal Party of Canada and had planned to vote Liberal. This has not always been the case. I voted for New Democrat Linda Duncan in Edmonton-Strathcona in the previous election and help elect the only non-Conservative member of Parliament from Alberta. That was a strategic decision. I knew a vote for Duncan would be a vote against the Conservatives and vote that could make a difference. I was right.
       I considered voting strategically this election as well when I thought I'd be voting in Trinity-Spadina in Toronto, ON this time around. In that riding, a vote for NDP Olivia Chow would have ensured a non-Conservative seat (though as I understand it now, the Conservative in that riding is not really a contender).
       I am, however, voting in Ottawa-Vanier tomorrow and I will be voting Liberal. Not because it's strategic, but because I believe the Liberal Party of Canada has the best plan for the country. Let's forget about the policy for a moment and allow me to be hyper-partisan for a few sentences.

       Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada are leading this country, MY country, down a very dangerous road filled with social and economic conservatism, fear and hatred of criticism, disdain for democracy and this democratic nation's citizens, and selfish, underhanded motives. The Conservative Party has made a lot of hay out of Michael Ignatieff's work experience abroad. They question whether he's "Here for Canada." My argument is this: Stephen Harper, having spent all of his time in Canada is NOT "Here for Canada," he is here for himself and his ideology. Granted, most politicians are, but in Harper's case, it's about power and it's about his agenda and not necessarily even his party's. He keeps a tight lid on his cabinet and refuses to listen to criticisms that come from allies. He sees the media as a nuisance to his end goal (whatever it may be) instead of a legitimate tool to ensure the legitimacy and accountability of government. All in all, a country run by Stephen Harper, even in a minority setting, let along a majority, is an extremely terrifying scenario.

       On the flip side of why I'm not voting Conservative, is why I am voting Liberal. I like their policy on education and how every student should be given money, regardless of their family economic background. I like the pragmatic approach to tax policy and while I think corporate taxes could still be higher without threatening a lot of our competitiveness, the plan to maintain rather than cut corporate taxes is a step in the right direction. The party's environmental policy is fair to Alberta's oil sands while still trying to decrease the environmental damage of producing the resource. It also provides individual citizens an opportunity to effectively make small changes which, when added together, could make the biggest difference in fighting climate change. I could go on and on about what I think the Liberal's are doing right (I could also expand on where I think they could improve, but of all the parties, I believe the Liberals have the shortest fault list).
       On Michael Ignatieff specifically, I am a firm believer that he would do wonders for this country. I think he's a realist that has the well-being of Canadians firmly implanted in his vision for this country. I think he has the intelligence to deal with tough decisions that will face us in the years to come (Health Care and Climate Change being only two of the many). I also believe that he can restore our international reputation as a well-travelled man who understands global politics. I've had the honour of hearing him speak as an academic and as a politician. I've read several of his pieces and seen his documentary on Quebec. I've been able to see Ignatieff from several different angles, and I believe that he could be the best thing this country never knew it could have. 

       So, to end, this blog fully endorses Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Party of Canada.

Who will you endorse? And who will you vote for? I don't care who it is. I honestly don't. I know some people would rather certain people stay home so that their opponents don't get elected. I think that's bulls**t (pardon my cursing). Yeah, I'd prefer if the people going to vote tomorrow were voting for anyone other than the Conservatives, but living in a democracy means that I will live with the decisions that the majority of the citizens make. Because I voted, I then get to spend the next few years between elections trying to hold the government to account and then finally trying to sway others to change their minds in the next election.

So, VOTE, will you? Please!

Cheers,
Cait

Election Issue: Me Failing

Hello all,

Please don't hate me. I have been seriously neglecting my duties with this blog. Let me chronicle the last couple weeks for you in brief:

Wrote 20 page paper.
Studied for a final exam.
Wrote another 22 page paper.
Watched some hockey.
Caught up on sleep.
Finished planning year end gala.
Baked and iced 80 cupcakes.
Cleaned room then made it messy again picking outfit for gala.
Had a blast at the year end gala.
Packed for a road trip.
10 hour bus ride to Sault Ste. Marie.
Good weekend with family and friends without Internet.
9.5 hour drive back to Toronto from Sault Ste. Marie.

I am now posting. These past few weeks have been just so hectic, and I so sorry for those of you who were reading my stuff for the election and found me not actually doing my job.

Election is in one week, May 2nd. Monday! Advanced polls were this weekend. Won't have a lot of time to blog before then. I am now in the process of packing up my apartment because I am moving on Thursday to Toronto Ottawa. (*Thanks for pointing out my mistake, Mom ;)

Will try to blog tonight about two different issues: 1) Rural Canada 2) Aboriginal Issues

Then hopefully on Wednesday or Thursday I can cover two more topic (To Be Decided On) and then I will most definitely post on Saturday about why YOU (yes I mean you!) should vote on Monday if you haven't already. Sunday I will post about who I am voting for and why. Then Monday will just be one friendly reminder that you should all vote.

Again, I am sorry for failing on my Election Issue series.

Cait

Election Issue: Oil Sands

Today we're talking oil sands, dear readers,

I'm going to focus on what has been announced in terms of the oil sands. The post isn't intended to argue the environmental pros and cons of the oil sands, just the pros and cons of the party platforms on the controversial industry. 

Again, if there's a subject you think I should cover, let me know and I'll be more than happy to make a post on it. And please, if you're enjoying these posts, consider passing the link on to your friends and family, by whatever means of social media or traditional media/means you prefer.

Conservative Party of Canada

The Conservatives have committed to reducing the tax benefit available to the oil and gas industry, including phasing out the Accelerated 
Capital Cost Allowance by 2015. Budget 2011 also called to reduce the deduction rates for intangible capital expenses in oil sands projects to align them with the rates applicable in the conventional oil and gas sector. The Conservative Party has said that Budget 2011 would eliminate two tax subsidies it currently provides to the oil sands industry. In general, the Conservative Party is supportive of the oil sands industry and further development of the resource.

Pros: According to the budget document, the changes to deduction rates could increase federal reserves by about $15 million in 2011-2012 and $30 million in 2012-2013.

Cons: The Conservative plan alienates Alberta, even though Albertans don't realize it (or just don't want to admit it to themselves). Concerns of Western Alienation tend to ignore times that Conservatives take part in the conspiracy. The plan would close a tax-loophole that is used heavily by the oil and gas industry, apparently giving Ottawa an extra $580 million to use on the eastern provinces. Even Premier Stelmach expressed concerns with Budget 2011 and the effect it would have on the oil and gas industry. Yet he supports it. Albertans should be careful putting all their trust in the Conservatives. To be fair, whatever happens, because Alberta is much better off than other provincial counterparts in the east, and has a smaller population, any elected government will spend more on Eastern Canada than Western Canada.

Liberal Party of Canada

The Liberal Party Platform, released this past weekend, proposes to cancel the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (ACCA) immediately, and use the funds gained to invest in cleaner development. This cancellation would occur about 3-4 years prior to the Conservative plan to phase out the
allowance. The Liberals have promised to invest in cleaner technologies intended to help make the oil sands more environmentally sustainable including eliminating the 15% environmental impact differential compared to conventional sources of oil. Finally, the Liberals intend to "increase the rigour with which the federal government exercises its regulatory responsibilities relevant to oil sands development." It's a general promise with no realy substantive "how" provisions. In general, the Liberal Party of Canada is supportive of the oil sands and further sustainable development of the resource.

Pros: The party expects a $500 million revenue from canceling the ACCA immediately, rather than phasing it out over four years. These funds would go towards creating a more "environmentally friendly" oil sands through clean technologies and sustainable development. The Liberal plan would invest in the oil sands rather than in other industries.

Cons: To be honest, the cons of the Liberal plan are about the same as the Conservative Party's plan. Eliminating the ACCA under the Liberals would have up front consequences rather than in 3-4 years. To be fair, immediately cutting the allowance could cause problems for projects that had planned on taking advantage of it in the near future. Like I mentioned above, every federal government will spend more on Eastern Canada than Western Canada due to the nature of our federation.

New Democratic Party

When Jack Layton was in Quebec last week, he came down hard on the oil sands. He said he would cancel all fossil fuel subsidies (of which there are plenty in the oil sands) and would increase investment in clean energy technology. Mr. Layton, using a study released by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, said that Canada provides about $2 billion in subsides to the fossil fuel industry. Of the three major parties, 
the NDP is the only one to use the term "tar sands" to describe the Alberta industry. In 2008, NDP candidate Michael Byers called for a complete shut down of the industry, and the only non-Conservative Albertan Member of Parliament, Linda Duncan, released a report this past September calling for a serious review of the environmental impacts of the oil sands. She also suggested that no new development should take place until the review was completed. The NDP are not generally supportive of the oil sands and oil sands development.

Pros: Without fossil fuel subsidies, oil production would likely decrease, reducing carbon emissions and slowing production of a non-renewable resource.

Cons: Without fossil fuel subsidies, oil production would likely decrease, reducing economic growth and productivity that drive much of Alberta and Canada's economic development. One in 15 jobs in Alberta are energy related and 23% of oil sands related employment is from out of province. I won't go into the GDP benefits of the oil sands, but the NDP stance on the oil sands could be dangerous to Alberta and to Canada.

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Election Issue: Pensions

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Week One is done, good readers,

Now on to week two. If you've noticed, I've posted a poll on the right hand side of my blog. If you like, please consider voting (It's good practice for doing your democratic duty on May 2nd). I'll probably change the poll next week to keep things fresh. As well, of there's a topic you'd like me to cover, leave a comment and I'll try to get to it. I want to know what you're interested in knowing about.

So, what's our topic today? Pensions! Of all the topics I'll talk about on this blog, "pensions" is probably the one I'm least interested in. While it's important for me to start thinking about my retirement and my retirement savings, that time of my life just seems so far away. Nonetheless, if the parties are going to continue to talk "family," pensions definitely fit into the conversation. So, let's get to it!

Liberal Party of Canada: CPP and SRO

      The Liberal Party has called for an expansion of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) by gradually increasing the defined benefits of the core CPP. As well, they are proposing a Secured Retirement Option (SRO) that is a voluntary supplement to the CPP and can allow individuals to save an additional 5-10% of their pay in a fund backed by the CPP. It would be fully portable between jobs.

      Pros: Works with a current system so as to decrease the costs of creating new programs. The SRO allows workers to contribute to a plan that follows them throughout their careers from employer to employer. It also provides an alternate way for small to medium businesses to provide pension plans that aren't prohibitively expensive for employers. 

     Cons: Criticisms of the SRO are that these new "options" do little to help those who don't already open Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP) seeing as the SRO is basically just a government-run RRSP.

New Democratic Party: Double-Double

      The NDP have proposed to double the Canada Pension Plan and the Quebec Pension Plan (CPP/QPP). As well, they want to change federal bankruptcy laws to make pensioners (and those on long-term disability) the priority creditors if a company goes bankrupt.

      Pros: It enhances the CPP and QPP to an extent that tangible changes could 

actually be seen. As well, it safeguards the most vulnerable if a company collapses.

      Cons: It's expensive. And will only get more expensive as the baby boomers retire and the population gets older. By protecting pensioners and those on disablity through bankruptcy laws, it does little to protect current employees who are still contributing to a pension plan. What happens to those workers who lose their jobs and their pension?

Conservative Party of Canada: Budget 2011

      So the Conservatives have not said a lot about pensions. Most of what I found from the party was included in Budget 2011, which would have failed if the government hadn't fallen on contempt. The budget calls for an elimination of the mandatory retirement age. It also indicates that more meetings are need to look at how the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) could be enhanced. It implies modest enhancements to the CPP, but really only entails further discussion. As well, it promotes a Pooled Registered Pension Plan (PRPP) which is a voluntary plan employers and employees can contribute to.

      Pros: To be honest, it's hard for me to determine pros and cons on a topic that I know so little about. This plan allows workers who want to work longer, and are able to work longer, do so. As well, if offers more options for individuals to choose from in order to secure their retirement. It also provides a method by which the CPP could be enhanced to help more people.

      Cons: From what I gather, PRPPs aren't guarenteed, aren't transferable between jobs, and are not indexed to inflation and cost of living. As well, modest enhancements to the CPP may not be enough to address inherent problems with senior poverty rates and preparing Canadians for retirement.

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Election Issue: Jobs

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Hello, Dear Readers,

So begins my second election issues post. Slowly, but surely, the political parties are rolling out their platforms. While the argument still seems to be revolving around families, both the Conservative Party and the New Democratic Party announced measures to stimulate job growth in small to medium sized businesses. Less of an emphasis on job creation has been promoted by the Liberal Party, but I checked their website and found some movement on this front.

So, let's talk jobs!

Conservative Party of Canada: Free-Trade and Hiring Credits

Stephen Harper announced that his government, if 

re-elected, would continue to pursue free trade with the European Union and India. With the majority of our trade happening with the United States, arguments have been made for diversification to protect us further from economic downturns like the one that began in 2008. Beyond free trade, the Conservative Party has announced a one time tax credit for small business (with 25 employees or fewer). Where Employment Insurance premiums are less than $10,000 in 2010, small businesses will qualify for a tax credit for new employees up to $1,000. There are a lot of stipulations, but suffice it to say that the Conservatives hope their plan will encourage about 525,000 small businesses to hire 1-3 new employees for the next fiscal period.

      Pros: Free trade can create new markets for Canadian products, which can stimulate demand, and increase the desire to employ more workers. The Hiring Credit gives a certain incentive for increasing the number of available positions and decreasing unemployment. 

      Cons: Free trade is a slippery slope. You either love it or you hate it. It can lead to increased demand for domestic products, but it can also decrease the demand for domestic employment and encourage jobs to be "shipped overseas." As well, the Conservative Hiring Credit is a short term election promise. It would only affect the coming year and doesn't involve a long-term plan or incentive to continue job creation.  

Liberal Party of Canada: Youth and Entrepreneurs

The Liberals haven't really announced a 

plank of their platform that deals directly with jobs and job creation. Their website mentions a Youth Hiring Incentive that would encourage medium to small business to employ young people. Businesses hiring youth would face no increase in their Employment Insurance premiums for these youth hires. As well, Navdeep Bains, an incumbent Liberal candidate in Mississauga has suggested a national strategy for helping entrepreneurs in high growth sectors.

      Pros: As the baby boomers retire, Canada will increasingly have to rely on young workers entering the job market. Encouraging youth hiring will create important job opportunities for training and preparing for future employment and can help increase the skills of our upcoming breadwinners. As for the national strategy for entrepreneurs, it's important to have a pan-Canadian strategy to ensure competitiveness is similar across the country.

      Cons: So far, there is little to help those who are in the middle of their careers and have lost their jobs to the recent recession. There is also little meat to the national strategy for entrepreneurs. I'm looking forward to hearing more on jobs and job creation as the election goes on. I guess I'm hoping that the only plan for employment isn't just to support upcoming workers and retiring workers.

New Democratic Party: Tax Credits and Corporate Income Taxes

Jack Layton announced a plan to decrease the small business tax rate from 11% to 9% and create a Job Creation Tax Credit of $4,500 per new hire. To help pay for these changes, the NDP have proposed returning the Corporate Income Tax Rate to its 2008 level. This would entail an increase from 16.5% to 19.5%.

      Pros: A decrease in the small business tax rate can help small businesses operate and compete in an increasingly global market. The tax credit, much like the Conservative's plan, will encourage new hiring through monetary incentives. Increasing the Corporate Income Tax rate will create more income for the government to pay for the cut in the small business tax rate and and the hiring credit.

      Cons: As I mentioned in my previous post, corporate taxes are often linked to economic competitiveness and prosperity. An increase could harm Canada's economic growth and punish larger businesses who contribute to local, regional, national, and the global economies.

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Election Post #1: Families

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Good Morning!

Here's day one of my election promise of knowledge expansion. Today's post will not be following the outline I proposed yesterday. I've learned that this early in an election, when parties have not made a lot of policy and platform announcements, it's hard to find one issue that all the parties have talked about. I could write something about a coalition, I could write something about the "expiry-date" of seniors, I could even write something about sweaters, eyebrows and mustaches. These aren't issue topics. My goal for this blog is to write about substantial policy items. I want to know the party plans for tackling climate change and environmental issues, education and pensions, the oil sands and national defence. Apparently, the Liberal Party's platform is being rolled out in its entirety this week, and we've seen the Conservative Party and the New Democratic Party announce a few tidbits already.

So here's my plan for today. I'm going to talk about what the parties have already announced:
It's a family sort of thing. All of the parties have framed their policy announcements around how they will help families. Families need tax cuts, families need education, families need help with their personal debt. Here's just a snap-shot of what the parties are doing for families today.

Conservative Party of Canada: Family Tax Cut

Yesterday, the Conservative Party of Canada announced a plan to allow
families to split their income. It's a plan that will allow families with children under 18 to pool the income of both parents for tax purposes. This election promise will not take effect until after the deficit has been eliminated (which the Conservative Government projects to be in the 2015-2016 fiscal year) and will allow $50,000 of household earnings to be shared among spouses.
      Pros: Families with children will, to a certain extent, receive a tax break. The Conservative Party's website has a nifty little backgrounder on the plan that shows that families who are able to split their income for taxes will pay less as a whole.
      Cons: This plan does nothing to help working families with no children, working families with over-age dependents (or those caring for elderly parents), and single people or unmarried couples. As well, it will not become policy until the deficit is eliminated, which could be beyond the 2015-2016 timeline and even beyond the next election.


Liberal Party of Canada: The Learning Passport
This morning, Michael Ignatieff announced his plan for post-secondary education. The Learning Passport will provide $4,000 over four years (tax free) to high-school students who choose to attend a post-secondary institution.
Children from low-income families will receive more funds, up to $6,000 over four years. The funds will be provided through the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), granting an account is opened in the student's name. The money will only be available for education purposes (be it tuition, textbooks and the like), and will remain available until all funds are used up (in other words, if you don't use it all in the first round of education, you can use it to upgrade later in life). 
      Pros: It will be easier for families to send their children to post-secondary educational institutes. It will provide about $1 billion in funding to education. The Liberal's would fund the program by cancelling the proposed corporate tax cuts and replacing the current textbook credit and education tax credit currently in operation. According to a report by Miner Management Consultants, 77% of the future work force will need some sort of post-secondary education. Currently, only about 60% of people have post-secondary education, and projections only estimate that number rising to 66% by 2031. There's going to be a skilled-labour shortage if something isn't done. This plan may be a large part of the solution.
      Cons: Depending on how you feel about corporate taxes, the corporate tax cuts would be eliminated. The argument for corporate tax cuts is that they stimulate economic growth by helping companies spend more. The trade off is fewer funds for governments to fund programs like health care and education. 

New Democratic Party of Canada: Cap on Credit Card Rates
This morning, Jack Layton announced that if elected, the NDP would cap credit card rates at five percentage points above prime. This would mean that 25% interest rates would be a novelty of the past. The highest the rate could
currently go is 8% as prime is just 3%. The plan is geared to help working class families who are facing increasing debt loads and are turning to credit cards to pay for their day-to-day expenses like groceries and gas. He also would like to give financial regulators the power to ban excessive fees on credit cards and create a mandatory code of conduct for credit card companies.
      Pros: It would take effect immediately. Layton is comparing it to Harper's income splitting plan (outlined above) in that the NDP would help families now, rather than waiting until government follies are fixed with a balanced budget.
      Cons: It's either too big, or too small... jury's out on that. It's too big in the sense that it seeks to nationally regulate an industry that is global in nature. It's too small in that it does nothing to really reduce current debt, it just slows the accumulation of debt.

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My Election Promise: Knowledge Expansion

Happy Election Season!


We're in election mode now, dear readers. May 2nd will be the day we all head to the polls. While I am completely obsessed with elections, I understand that not everyone I know is. However, I hope that you will follow me for the next month or so as the campaign heats up and I plan to go beyond my civic duty. It's my duty to vote. I will be voting on May 2nd. I know who I will be voting for. What I hope to do with this blog is help you figure out who you'll be voting for. I'll be going beyond my civic duty in the sense that I hope to create an information source for you that examines the party platforms in an objective way so you're able to make your own decision.

First, start here: Vote Compass
This is a great tool. It's a quick questionnaire that takes about five minutes to complete and will place your values on a spectrum in comparison to the party platforms of Canada's major parties.

If you're like me, however, I don't believe that tools like this one are perfect. There are intricacies in party platforms that are too complicated to fit into polls like this. So I'm going to try to post an entry on a different election issue three times a week until we go to the polls. My final post before the election will explain who I'm voting for and why. I hope that by the end of this little experiment, you will also be able to make a similar argument about who you'll be voting for.

So stay tuned! I'll kick the ball off tomorrow with a to be determined topic. As neither the Conservative Party of Canada or the Liberal Party of Canada have released their official platforms, and the New Democratic Party only has a bare-bones "first steps" platforms, I'll be taking a look at what they're saying on the campaign trail until more official documents are released.

Exciting times here in Canada! I hope you enjoy!

Cheers,
Cait

What Will Your Election Be Fought On?

May 2^nd, 2011. Apparently this could be the earliest date Canadian could find themselves going to the polls. The nature of Canadian elections is much different from what we see in other countries, particularly in the United States. We don’t have two years to prepare for an election.

Thirty-six days. That’s the minimum time span of our election cycle and has been close to the average length in the last decade or so. Thirty-six days to get acquainted with the party platforms. Thirty-six days to learn the values our potential Prime Ministers hold. Thirty-six days to make a decision that may shape how this country is run for the next five years.

Is this enough time?

Doesn’t matter. Time’s up. The parties are ready to run and barring a spectacular budget that will placate the New Democratic Party, they’re going to be running. So it doesn’t matter if you’re prepared to make a decision or not. You have to do it. At this point, that’s really the only option available.

So how do you find knowledge and work within the framework of our electoral system? Find an issue.

Think of your values. Is the environment your number one concern? Ask the leaders and the members running for Parliament how they plan on tackling air pollution.

Worried about healthcare? Force the parties to take a stand on how their governments would mitigate rising healthcare costs without sacrificing services, care and its universal nature.

Concerned that the job market is in trouble? Demand a plan that will stimulate job growth in emerging sectors that are able to supply sustainable and stable employment.

Pick an issue that gets your blood flowing, your heart pounding and your interests perked. This is your election. It doesn’t matter whether the government falls on the budget or by contempt of Parliament. Don’t let those seeking your vote define the important issues. Define the issues for yourself.

What’s important to you? What will make your life better? What will make your country better?

Elections are held for the people and whether you want an election or not, you have a voice and it should be heard.

Thirty-six days to shape an election for the people and in the people’s interests.

What will your election be fought on?

His Anger? My Anger

Politics today, dear readers!

The Globe and Mail has an article on their website today that looks at three of Canada's national parties pre-election. "How the parties stack up before the writ" takes a candid snapshot of a party's message, state of readiness, target audience, and what their leaders need to work on (which I read as their biggest weakness).

Fine. Great. I think it's important to take stock of the key players running up to an election.

However, I take issue with the piece's definition of Michael Ignatieff's weakness:
"His anger. Passion is good but in a scrum Friday, Mr. Ignatieff overdid it, gesticulating and raising his voice."

Passion is good. I also think anger is good. Why shouldn't Ignatieff be angry at his opponents for what he sees as deficiencies in governance? The problem with politics in Canada today is that politicians and our public figures are expected to tone down their rhetoric, hide their personalities, and shy away from being too controversial. This is all in an attempt to piss off the fewest amount of people and gain the greatest amount of votes from an increasingly disinterested public.

In 2008, Canada saw only 59% of its citizens go to the polls and elect a minority Conservative government. This is the lowest, the lowest, turnout we've ever experienced as a country, and when I read comments like the one above, I can see why. "His anger." His anger? I can think of several other aspects of Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Party of Canada that they need to work on.

"His anger." I'm appalled. I can't express how appalled I am. Can't we talk about the Party's inability to sell its ideas effectively? Can't we talk about the obviously staged, and incredibly inauthentic pictures of Ignatieff skating on the Rideau Canal? To be fair, all the parties have these photos, the most recent being Stephen Harper lying on the floor next to a student who passed out during one of his speeches. Can't we talk about how only recently the Leader of the Opposition has been able to find his voice?

About two and a half years ago, I went to a dinner event at which Ignatieff was the keynote speaker. It was a great speech and was full of ideas. It spoke to me, but I doubt it would have spoken to anyone outside of that room as most of us were already convinced. It lacked a certain appeal that is required of national figures. He was Harvard Ignatieff. He was Journalist Ignatieff.

A few weeks ago, in comparison, I saw him speak to a group of young Ontario Liberals. His voice, his passion and the fire behind his actions have completely changed. He's ready. He's found a voice that I believe will be far more effective in reaching Canadians. He was Michael Ignatieff.

"His anger." The quote from Ignatieff during that scrum was needed. He is angry. I am angry. Liberals are angry. A good chunk of Canadians are angry.

"His anger"?

My anger.

How Could I Be So Stupid?

I guess I have a lot on my mind. Two posts in one week! Both on hockey.

Yesterday evening I had a Skype session with my mother. While we discussed a lot of things, the one that stands out in my mind is an argument we had about Zdeno Chara and whether his hit on Max Pacioretty was intentional or not.

Now, those of you who know me, know that I have a hard time admitting that I'm wrong. Even in the face of a good argument, I can be stupidly stubborn and unwilling to admit that I could have erred.

So it'll be refreshing to hear me say, "I erred last night."


I argued that the Chara hit, whole violent, was not as intentional as some are making it out to be. We're only discussing it because of where it happened on the ice. A few feet up the ice, or somewhere along seamless boards and this wouldn't be a story. Yes, Chara intended to hit Pacioretty. Yes Chara intended to hit him hard (at 6'9" it's hard not to hit a guy hard).

I still believe that he didn't intend to injure Pacioretty like he did, but the hit was more violent than it needed to be. Something needs to happen to the game of hockey if Canadians can remain proud of our sport.

What changed my mind?

1) My mother used the "Bertuzzi Card."

Last night I argued that the Chara hit was different than Todd Bertuzzi's hit on Steve Moore. It wasn't. I have always said that Todd Bertuzzi should never have been allowed to play hockey again. The same may go for Chara once the extent of Pacioretty's injuries are assessed. I don't think Chara intended the outcome of his hit And it takes a big step for me to admit that I don't think Bertuzzi intended the outcome of his. (To clarify, I never thought Bertuzzi intended to break Moore's neck, but I struggle to believe that he didn't intend to injure him). Both players, knowing their size, their strength, and the dangers of the game, should be held accountable for their actions and should understand how their play will affect the payers they play with.

Chalk up a win for my mom for showing me, once again, that I should always listen to her advice.

2) Ken Dryden's article in the Globe and Mail.

Read it. It's fantastic.
How could we be so stupid?
How could I be so stupid?

When the Oilers aren't playing well, I usually says that the more physical they are, the better they play.

It's true. But maybe that should change in general about the game. The game is dangerous, yes, and it always will be to some extent, but we can make it sager if we go back to emphasizing skill rather than brute force. (i.e. No more "fighting summer camps" for young hockey players run by Derek Boogard)

3) Another Globe and Mail article by John Allemang.

He gives several suggestions as to how the game can change to protect its players. I don't agree with all his suggestions, but it's a serious conversation the league, its owners, its general managers, its coaches, its players, and its fans need to have.

My favourites of his suggestions:
a.) Ban head hits
            - No exceptions
b.) Treat violence as violence
            - There's a difference between physical play and violence. Pay
              attention to it.


So, may I swallow my words and my pride, take the foot out of my mouth, and condemn myself for being so stupid and so stubborn.

Cheers,

Cait

Hockey, Concussed

Good morning dear readers!

I had a professor simplify the concussion scenario in the NHL today. All he said was: "Concussions were happening long before they happened to Sidney Crosby. Now we're paying attention."

It's true. Lately we've seen an emphasis on head injuries in the NHL. I ask the question, more to myself than the community as a whole, "Why now?" When I first started watching hockey, concussions weren't a huge story. Once in a while I would hear something about Eric Lindros (especially when he retired in 2007 after sustaining eight concussions). I remember being at a game in Edmonton when the Oilers were facing Wayne Gretzky who was playing for the St. Louis Blues in 1996. He was hit pretty hard and the only NHL game I ever saw him play live was cut short in the first period by a head shot. My dad said something about head injuries, and that was the end of the conversation.

I've seen a recent trend in sports commentators talking more consistently about the dangers of head shots, head injuries and especially concussions. Part of it must be medical advancements that allow us to understand head injuries much better than we ever have in the past. With the death of Bob Probert and the subsequent revelation that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), there has been an increasing concern over what the sport of hockey does to its players in the long run. Sidney Crosby is only one of many who have been sidelined by concussions this season. The recent hit Zdeno Chara dealt to Montreal's Max Pacioretty, while not just a head shot, has called into question the physicality of the game, and the punishment mechanisms of the league.

I think we can all agree, head injuries are bad. Concussions are bad. We should be trying to curb the amount of games missed and careers cut short by head injuries. We should also be looking at ways to deal effective punishments for overly violent hits (whether that type of violence was intended or not). But how do we do this without losing the game we've all come to know and love: fast, physical, skillful, dangerous, tough and entertaining. I don't have all the answers. There are people much smarter than I am, and more connected to the sport than I am, trying to come up with a solution.

So what do we do? Make sure children coming up through the hockey system know that head injuries are dangerous, and head shots, violent or not, will not be tolerated. At all. As much as I enjoy a good fight here and there, young players should also know how that part of the game can seriously affect their lives. Knowledge is power and the right kind of training that includes the health aspects of a physical game and not just the skills on the ice can mean a world of difference.

What do you think?

Cheers,

Cait

Review...Reflect...Retool... Reorganize

Hello dear readers,

So I am now two months in to the new year and my promise to write weekly has been broken. I make no excuses for this. I went home for Reading Week and didn't feel like writing. I was busy with internship applications, school projects, and various other activities. I let those other things take priority over this blog, and I really should have been able to plan my life better to allow me to keep them all in my priority list.

So, two months in, I think it's time for a little reflection.

1) Review:All in all, my resolutions from January have all gone out the window. I haven't written here weekly. I haven't been following my healthy living guidelines, and I sort of came up with a new idea for my creative writing, but haven't really done anything with it. Fail.

2) Reflect: I think this failure has come from a lack of motivation, a lack of organization, and really, a personal struggle to come to terms with some of my weaknesses (aka: personal time management, chocolate, fear of failure).

3) Retool: All of these resolutions are still something I'd like to accomplish, and still believe I can accomplish. So I have to redefine success in an incremental sense. Take these things week by week instead of as an overbearing, intimidating goal.

4) Reorganize: How am I going to accomplish these things? First, on Sundays, I'm going to sit down and take 15 minutes to outline what I'd like to accomplish in that week. These goals will have to be realistic. For example, this Sunday I can't sit down and say I'm going to go to the gym 6 days a week, eat no chocolate, and write 10 pages of creative literature. I need to start small. I'll keep you up to date on what my weekly goals are, and please feel free to keep me to account and ask me where I am on my new journey.

So dear readers, this post was brought to you by a desire to be a little more self motivated, and, to be honest, a little selfish in using this blog as a tool to aid my own growth. Maybe this review will help some of you to reflect on the goals you've made for yourself. If being in a public policy program has taught me nothing else, good policy requires a method of evaluation that leads to change where change is needed. This was my evaluation of how my personal policy needed to change. Now that I have a new game plan, maybe I'll start seeing more change.

Cheers,

Cait

It's Hockey Fight Night

Good Afternoon, Sports Fans!

I'm going to preface this post with a 100% honest statement. I think fighting in hockey positively contributes to the game in more ways than one. I think it creates excitement. I think it creates a type of loyalty between players and among fans that makes the game intriguing. Who hasn't stood on their feet at a game asking their guy to take an opponent out? Strength, and let's be honest again, a type of violence, is a part of the game we've come to know and love.

I'm also going to say this: Bench clearing brawls are entertaining. I love to see the passion in players that makes them get up off their bench to go help their fellow players and to stand up for their team mates.  This is why I admire what Pittsburgh's Eric Godard did on Friday night.

Godard saw a guy, New York's Micheal Haley, going after Pittsburgh's goalie, Brent Johnson, and knew that someone had to step in. Haley skated down the ice to challenge Johnson while the refs were busy dealing with a brawl at the other end of the ice. Forwards don't go after goalies. Neither do defencemen. It's an unwritten rule and code of NHL. While Johnson has proven he's more than capable of taking care of himself, the behaviour of Haley was completely out of line. Knowing his team mates on the ice were more involved in the big brawl down by the Islander's net, Godard took matters into his own hands.

I understand why Haley wanted to make a statement. He's a recent call up from the Islander's farm team. Guys who don't have the skills of players like Sidney Crosby, Taylor Hall, and Jonathan Toews often try to provide a physicality to their play that makes them fan favourites and shows coaches that they're willing to take and make the hard hits to play the game they love.

But Haley had nothing left to prove. He had already taken down Max Talbot seconds prior to his altercation with Johnson. His team was humiliating the Penguins on the scoreboard. He disgraced the game and he disgraced himself.

So, that's my opinion. What do you guys think?

Cheers,

Cait

Dinner, Colleagues, and a Great Time

To quote one of my favourite characters:

"Nothing makes me feel quite so good as the sight of colleagues enjoying each other outside of work"
                                                                            - Jed Bartlett,
                                                          "The Crackpots and These Women"
This sentiment couldn't be truer.

Earlier this week, I went to supper with eleven of my classmates. It was a good mix of friends who I talk to often and those who I just chat with once and a while. Personalities come out during class discussions, sure, but when a group is sharing a good meal, good wine, a fantastic location, and a common sense of relaxation and socialization, you really get to know people.

Yesterday was the last day of "Winterlicious" a food event in Toronto where restaurants create a set menu at a set cost and people take advantage of fine cuisine and potentially lower prices. Rosewater Supper Club was the location of Wednesday night's dinner.

Located in the Financial District of Toronto, Rosewater is an extremely high-class restaurant with elite patronage. Walking to supper, I had a feeling. A feeling of a type of belonging. "I can't wait until this is my life. I love this!" I thought. I love the idea of going to nice places for dinner with friends, colleagues, business associates, etc. That sort of lifestyle excites me!

I arrived early and sat at the bar with a couple of other early arrivals. We were taken up to our private room shortly after our drinks arrived. Yes, that's right, our private room. For twelve of us, they put us in a room with two glass walls looking over the rest of the restaurant. It was gorgeous. It was high class, and it was cozy. Cozy enough that even with a long table, it felt like we were all having a great conversation, together.

The food was fantastic, but it's not really a character in this story, just the oil that greased the wheels of conversation. That and good wine.

We heard family stories, good humours jokes, and anecdotes. Friendly bickering and good ideas. We talked about school, and internships. About our pasts, our presents, and our futures. I talked about growing up on a farm while others talked about how they met their significant others.

It was a fantastic evening. One member of a group invited us to her place after dinner where conversation continued. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and just truly enjoyable.

By far, this was one of my favourite evenings since moving to Toronto. I thank everyone who came out, and the two women who planned the evening. Cheers my friends...

Cheers,
Cait

Banana Muffins!

Quick one today, readers,

Had a great weekend out in Mississauga hanging with the extended family. It's always nice to just take a break and relax. They got a new puppy, Magic. A miniature poodle, pure black, and soooooo cute. Wish I could have taken a pic, but my camera is out of juice and I won't be able to recharge until I'm home for reading week (forgot the charger there). He's a well behaved little rascal.

Speaking of home, I also made Banana Muffins tonight. Nothing like a little late night baking to lift the spirits. The place smells wonderful, and so much like home. Can't wait to actually be there. Less than two weeks.

I'm in the process of writing cover letters and updating my resume for my internship applications. Due this week. I'm hoping to end up in a nice little placement in Ottawa, but we'll see what the cards deal me. I'm applying to a bunch of places to keep my options open.

Wish I could write more, but I've got two more letters to proof-read, muffins to take out of the oven, and some macroeconomics readings to do. The night of a grad student doesn't end just because the clock strikes twelve. I only wish I were Cinderella!

Cheers,
Cait

What's In A Name?

"You don't look like a Caitlin."

It was suggested to me at a party this past weekend that my name did not appear to be my name. Cait seemed more appropriate, but still not quite right. We never got around to what they thought my name should be, but it made me think: "What's in a name?"

I've always like my name. It's unique. It's far more common than it used to be, however. In my two year master's program, there are three "Caitlin's" alone. All spelled the same way, which is unique in itself.

My mom, as the story goes, name me after a character found in the comics. "Katy Keene." She was a little bit before my time, but I've seen a comic here and there of her within my brother's extensive Archie comics collection.

My middle names come from my family predecessors. Emma from my father's side and Joyce from my mother's (a middle name which I share with her).

I've always enjoyed the flow of my name and worry that I'm going to eventually marry someone whose last name will throw everything out of whack. My mother assures me that the best choice is to retain my maiden name to avoid mounds of paperwork and future headaches.

I've always enjoyed what my name means. Where my brother's name references something that has no bearing in his life (Christopher means "Christ-bearer" and religion is not a subject that speaks to him.), my name, which may not entirely be descriptive, definitely represents an ideal I'd like to achieve.

Caitlin means "pure." It's a Gaelic/Irish form of K/Catherine. Emma means "universal" and is an old German name. Joyce means "joy" or "cheer." How lovely. "Pure universal joy." If there is a better ideal to live up to, I don't know it. My last name actually means "sheriff" or "leader" which I've always enjoyed. It gives me the sensation of power, even though I may not actually hold it.

So what's in a name?

What's in your names, dear readers?

Cait

Down Goes the NHL All-Star Oilers Game

Hello Sports Fans!

So the title of this little blog is slightly confusing ("Oilers" and "All-Star" all in one sentence? Ridiculous!) But not really. I've got another hockey themed blog for you all. Today, I'm going to discuss the All-Star Game, the Edmonton Oilers, and provide a link to my favourite NHL themed blog.

1) NHL All-Star Game
     Captains have been chose and aging Nicklas Lidstrom and young-gun Eric Staal have been chosen to lead their respective teams. I won't bore you with the topical "Will Sid the Kid participate?" tirade. Gone is the traditional format of East v. West. On January 28th, 2011, Staal and Lidstrom will be choosing their teams in a school yard type draft (if school yard teams were chosen on national television with talking heads analyzing who is most popular and who is the loser who will get chosen last).
     Oilers Ales Hemsky, concussion permitting, will be one of the guys chosen and I expect him to go closer to the end, or at least the end of the middle, of the pack. I'm extremely interested in seeing whether the superstar we all expect Hemsky to be will be able to show his face. Is Hemsky's problem the fact that he very rarely has players on his line to play to his potential, or is he just extremely hard to play with in general? Not that All-Star games have a history of genuinely showcasing all-star talent, but it'll be interesting to see who he plays with, and how well they click together.

2) The Edmonton Oilers
     I'm going to live in the past for a few paragraphs here. The Oilers lack a cohesive strategy for winning. They lack heart. They lack grit (they play exponentially better when they play tough). They lack the leadership the young guys need in the dressing room and on the ice. They lack someone who drives straight to the net to grab rebounds or redirect shots across or in front of the crease. We had all these things, once upon a time. These traits now stake their claim on the left wing of the Los Angeles Kings with #94 Ryan Smyth. 
     Yes, I know. I'm a little bit biased. Anyone who knows me knows I like the nickname Smitty (spelled without a 'y' in my case because I am not, after all, the real deal). They know all my jersey's bear the 94 on their backs. They know Captain Canada is my home boy. But honestly. Since Smyth was traded on February 27, 2007, our team has lacked heart, grit, leadership, and cohesion. No one has stepped into his skates, and the Oilers desperately need someone who can provide all those attributes. We all know Shawn Horcoff can't!

3) Down Goes Brown

     If you're interested in an extremely funny and glaringly accurate NHL blog to follow, I highly suggest "Down Goes Brown."Written by a Leafs fan who know the dire situation of his home team, he makes some pointed and comedic comments on all aspects of the game from suspensions, Gary Bettman, Chris Pronger, and sports commentators.

And that's the ball game!

Cait