Chronological Index of Ensign Articles for January of 2003
The 2003 New Years Predictions Wednesday January 1, 2003 This is a very long winded piece that gives you a review of how last year's predictions turned out and gives you a view of 2003.	By the week Dec. 29 to Jan. 4 January 5 to 11 January 12 to 18 January 19 to 25 January 26 to Feb 1
New Years Chinook Saturday January 4, 2002 Its still winter in Tisdale but for all of the Southwest of Saskatchewan and most of the area South of the Yellowhead above freezing temperatures now for the third day. This story includes twenty pictures and with a dial up connection will require a moment to load.
Gaaaaaasssssss! Sunday January 5, 2003 Petroleum prices at the pump are beginning to show serious instability.
Heat Containment Sunday January 5, 2002 A glaring example of wasting fuel brings the whole concept of conservation to focus.
Fragile: Space Time Continuum Monday January 6, 2003 It seems like only a few weeks ago that my little boy was waiting for me to come home from work beside these trees, he was three and his head reached half way to the top of the closest tree in the picture.
A letter to Deputy Prime Minister John Manley Monday January 6, 2003 I was unable to obtain the exact reference from early December but Major Baxter brings a serious matter to our attention as he explains that the government of our country has been unable or unwilling to draft a clear foreign policy which would guide both planning and decision making with regard to Canada's underfunded military forces.
The joy of childhood Monday January 6, 2003 Mark Allan Whittle of Hamilton launches the new year by celebrating the way children look at thing and enjoy them for what they are.
Journalist Helen Thomas, George Bush's NoFault and Saskatchewan's NoFault Monday January 6, 2003 Mario deSantis points out the methods of the United States President and the anti-social behaviour of Saskatchewan's Insurance company.
The Greenwater report Monday January 6, 2003 Gerald Crawford tells us about the rising level of snow and snowmobilers at the park and shows us the adventure of a family raising livestock.
Time to end the reliance on grain sales Tuesday January 7, 2003 More and more examples of farmers diversifying their operation to include livestock as they adapt to the change in climate and the marketplace.
Hope for a better 2003 Wednesday January 8, 2003 Ron Thornton points out some serious concerns about the way things are going and presents the hope that these are not trends and that we will some hope find a better way.
"arriving at a general approach" unlikely Wednesday January 8, 2003 Joe Hueglin is from southern Ontario but he realises the counterproductive approach to the Kyoto Protocol by exempting Ontario's automotive manufacturers.
Connecting the dots . . . or not! Wednesday January 8, 2003 When the hard news becomes implusible rumors and gossip will evolve to fill the unexplained.
The Bush Administration policies of cutting taxes and going to war: an artificial propped up economy and getting ready for another collapse Wednesday January 8, 2003 Mario deSantis details what looks very much like wrong headed economic theory that goes behind the United States tax cuts. The hard facts are that the American economy is not performing well and despite predictions of budget surpluses the reality is a big deficit.
Surprise, shock and things are normal Thursday January 9, 2003 This morning at 0800 the snow swirled around and the biting West wind gnawed at my coat, this is January.
Bush tax cut plan will force Manleyís hand . . . eventually Thursday January 9, 2003 Walter Robinson of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation believes the US president has it right and that Canada just get right at it and mirror the tax cuts proposed in the US for stock holders and high income earners as he points out that Canadians are paying more income tax each and every year.
Ravens and Woodpeckers Thursday January 9, 2003 Sandra McIntyre tells us how she related to a story on this web site and the wonder of being a part of a world that includes vocal ravens and noisy woodpeckers.
The Linear Thinking mentality of President Bush Inc. and Thinking in Circles with Systems Thinking Thursday January 9, 2003 Mario deSantis identifies a major problem. The method and and the thinking process involved predetermines the solution developed. Though this seems like a simple premise the ramifications are extremely far reaching and most definitely affects everyone living on this planet.
Life Goes On Friday January 10, 2003 For some a cold day is a day to stay inside and dream of warmer times but for others it is a time to do what they always do.
Nystrom, Tim Horton's, the cops and the NDP Friday January 10, 2003 It looks like Edwin Wallace is not endorsing Lorne Nystrom as leader of the NDP.
Program Mismanagement A Hallmark Friday January 10, 2003 Mike Reilly points out the complete and total failure of the federal government's gun registration program that has seen $200,000,000 spent on making and upgrading a simple database. (By the way the one in the illustration by FTLComm would cost you a bit less)
President Bush Inc.'s $674 billion Stimulus Package: A partial lesson of critical thinking for Bush Inc. and Walter Robinson Friday January 10, 2003 Mario deSantis takes issue with Walter Robinson's facts and observations that the Bush tax cuts will be good for the United States and would have positive effects if Canada followed suit. Mario sites a number of American sources that point out that the US deficits are certain to degrade both the economy and the standard of living for the majority.
Requiem for a spruce tree Saturday, January 11, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Hardly a lamentation, this tree had the sharpest and most vicious needles ever experience on a Christmas Tree.
An exemplified description of Systems Dynamics: Small events can have large consequences Saturday, January 11, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Edward Lorenz made an incredible discovery about weather computer modelling that has rippled through every theory related to existance. Mario gives us the details on how he sees the chaos theory affecting human economic activity and theory.
Stuck Train, March 10, 1979 Sunday, January 12, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Saskatchewan in the winter can be a remarkable place, this set of pictures tell of a Sunday afternoon after the wind had brought a little snow the area near Palmier.
Venezuela: the other side of the story Sunday, January 12, 2003 by: Mark Weisbrot This story appeared in the Washington Post today and is one of the few stories that tells what the United States government would rather their people did not know. Mr. Weisbrot maintains that the common poeple of the country support the government while the affluent and oil companies supported by the US government want to over throw the democracy.
Freezing In the Dark Monday, January 13, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Power went off in La Ronge and most of Northern Saskatchewan at noon yesterday, came back at 7:00 and went off again this morning at 8:30.
The Greenwater Report Monday, January 13, 2003 by: Gerald Crawford The cold weather is not slowing down the snow mobilers as Gerald tells about their preparations for upcoming Derbys and there are pickerel under the ice.
If Only This Were Jack Layton's Vision Of Proportional Representation Monday, January 13, 2003 by: Ron Thornton The cherish need of many Canadians is to see some sort of electral reform that would more fairly allow all Canadians to feel a part of the democratic process. NDP candidate Jack Layton has been touting proportional representation and Ron Thornton considers this as an interesting alternative with some possible improvements.
Anti-Canadian Wheat Board Rhetoric Monday, January 13, 2003 by: Joyce Neufeld The elections for the Canadian Wheat Board are history but the harping of those who oppose the system continues to rattle around the country. Joyce Neufeld from Waldeck points out the small minority involved and the need for everyone to grasp the logical that makes the Wheat Board a good idea.
Afternoon ladies Tuesday, January 14, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire At 2:00 this group of nine ladies and one gentleman enjoyed each other's company at Wolfers.
Recognizing Boundaries and the Value of Thinking versus the God of Money and the Gospels of Standard of Living and Productivity Tuesday, January 14, 2003 by: Mario deSantis The idea that Gross Domestic Product can grow infinitely is simply not true and yet the principles that the worshippers of the god of money are convinced that there are no limits. Indeed greed is in itself infinite.
Paul "Moses" Martin Wednesday, January 15, 2003 by: Douglas R. Day Mr. Day itemises the woes former finance minister Martin visited upon Canadians. This story is especially important with Mr. Allan Rock having withdrawn from the leadership race because Paul Martin has sewen up the membership of the Liberal party snuffing out all opponents.
The Vicious Circle of: The Rules of Law, Law & Order Policies and Erosion of Democracy Wednesday, January 15, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Put on your thinking cap because this story demands that you work your way through some serious logic. The consequences of escalating repressive behaviour by government and its agents are themselves increased escalation of these same behaviours.
Enforcement of SECTION 85 ignored Wednesday, January 15, 2003 by: Joe Hueglin While the government of Canada puts almost a billion dollars into registering hunting rifles the laws enacted to deal with the criminal use of firearms is being ignored by the same government.
Official Grand Opening Nipawin Metis Local Building Thuesday, January 16, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Wednesday afternoon there was the grand opening of the Metis Nation's building in Nipawin and Mario was there and has picture to show us what happened.
President Bush opposes the University of Michigan's Admissions Policies: The hard facts and soft facts of students' performance Thursday, January 16, 2003 by: Mario deSantis The United States Republican government pushes forward its extreme rightwing agenda as it moved yesterday to challenge in the supreme court the quota system in the University of Michigan's Law school.
Fudge Snowplane Brochure Friday, January 17, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire We can step back in time and see the mid war development of a machine built to cope with the harsh winter travel conditions of the late forties.
Media Uninformed Friday, January 17, 2003 by: Brad Thomson Brad Thomson is the secretary of the Progressive Conservative riding association for Ottawa South and is not happy with the way the Ontario based news media looked upon the Conservative leadership race that has just begun as they ho-hum over the "might-have-run" stars.
American War against Iraq: Bush's Weapon of Mass Distraction Friday, January 17, 2003 by: Mario deSantis The warmongering both of the US government and the television news system is unprecidented in modern history and Mario deSantis points out the utter disregard being given the rest of the world.
Chicken Delight adds new menu Saturday, January 18, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire I has been a while since we last had a QuickTime Virtual reality image but here is one from inside Chicken Delight looking across at the RECPlex and the South part of Tisdale.
Toy Sale 2003 Sunday, January 19, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire The gasoline and grease crowd gathered at Schapansky's Auction today as it was time for wheeling and dealing on snowmachines.
Drawing a blank Sunday, January 19, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire A trip to Weekes to get the story, amazing images and then everything vanished. A tale of digital woe.
Federal firearms fiasco: A billion dollars of waste is the real crime Sunday, January 19, 2003 by: Walter Robinson Mr. Robinson of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation outlines the staggering proportions of the most monumental failure in government.
Bush's Tort Reform to Quick-Fix Higher Medical Insurance Premiums: Cap on jury awards, no frivolous lawsuits, limited punitive damages Sunday, January 19, 2003 by: Mario deSantis The private medical system in the United Sttes is becoming mired in impossible premiums for medical doctors boosting the over all cost of medical care. The ugly loop of overworked doctors and reduced proper care is leading the US president to fire the symptom with tort reform.
The Greenwater report Monday, January 20, 2003 by: Gerald Crawford Snowmobiling and cross country skiing are the main event out at Greenwater park but Gerald has much more for us this week as we see some truly fabulous flowers.
Political Princes To Party Likes Its 2003 Monday, January 20, 2003 by: Ron Thornton As polls were not published until Tuesday Ron Thornton briefs us on the Canadian political scene. The surprising poll results show how accurate Ron's view is as the Alliance has slipped to 4th place behind NDP and PCs while the Liberals ride at 52%.
Soup N sandwiches for 157 Wednesday, January 22, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Tisdale's Golden Age Centre held a luncheon today, the place was full and what a lunch!
Just a little chilly Wednesday, January 22, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Though it is definitely cold outside it is also normal for this time of year for a few days to a week of similar temperatures. Time to say to folks "Cold enough for yuh?" Some day in my old age I will eventually figure out just what that greeting means and why it is used.
Saskatchewan Wheat Pool: not a co-operative Wednesday, January 22, 2003 by: Joyce Neufeld Less than a month may be left in the life of what was once the major grain handler for all of Canada. Joyce Neufeld tells us about the warnings given the provincial government in 1995 but they and the company went ahead and privatised the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool out of business.
Stop president Bush's madness to wage a war against Iraq, for OIL and only OIL Wednesday, January 22, 2003 by: Mario deSantis This is one of the most important stories you will read today as Mario deSantis explains the underlying unsettling situation that is motivating the American government to secure oil reserves as the American economy and way of life is so heavily dependent upon the lifestyle that requires cheap oil. The references for this story are remarkable.
Anti Canadian Wheat Board proponents lack credibility Wednesday, January 22, 2003 by: Henry Neufeld The elections for the four open seats on the Canadian Wheat Board were filled with only one going to the anti-wheat board forces but that hasn't stopped the rhetoric and Henry Neufeld points out the simple lack of credibility.
Or what's a heaven for Thursday, January 23, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Though it is the typical English thing to consider the meaning of life it is also necessary to weigh the turbulance of the day to day dramas in terms of what does it all really mean. No answers here, more questions and lots of hope, which of course could just be wishful thinking.
Chretien's corporate cash counting doesn't add up Thursday, January 23, 2003 by: Walter Robinson The Prime Minister seems to feel that something has to be done about the financing of the Canadian political system but Walter Robinson is asking, "why now" and suggests that paying off corporations with the many bonuses they receive might be a much better way to get started on a cleaner politcial life.
The duplicity and danger of President Bush's public policies versus the big picture of environmental public policies Thursday, January 23, 2003 by: Mario deSantis The feelings of insecurity that seem to be a part of life now in all parts of the globe and the constant threats from the most powerful military country clearly suggest to everyone that the real villian is the former governor of Texas.
A little storm in February 1975 Friday, January 24, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Here is an interesting set of pictures from the results of a storm twenty-seven years ago in Weekes.
Tort or No-fault combo problem Friday, January 24, 2003 by: Jim Rivait, Lori Terry and Timothy W. Shire Jim Rivait of the Insurance Bureau of Canadian expalins his position on the present dilemma facing Saskatchewan drivers as to go with no-fault or with a tort form of accidental injury insurance. Timothy Shire tries to give the issue some perspective and Lorie Terry from the Coalition Against No-fault gives us her comments on Jim Rivait's position.
Who are the evil doers in the Iraq Crisis? Friday, January 24, 2003 by: Mario deSantis German and France are in agreement requiring a peaceful negotiation with in the United Nations while in 1983 it was Donald Rumsfeld who was supplying the weapons of mass destruction to Saddam Hussein.
A sign of the times Saturday, January 25, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire On Robbie Burns day there are some of us who consider the past and the roots of our culture, how remote from even the recent past is the meaning of the sign seen here late this afternoon. (Check the reference with this story)
Maintenance Free Life Forms Saturday, January 25, 2003 by: Michael Townsend Simple is often what we make it and in Mike's case it looks like he has found two companions to share his life with and this pair have a lesson to teach us.
Indoor soccer tournment Sunday, January 26, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire The RECPlex was a bouncing with soccer balls Saturday as teams from surrounding communities came out for a tournment.
Checked out a book lately? Sunday, January 26, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Here is your chance to visit Tisdale's public library. There is a need for a word of caution, if you are accessing this site using a dial up connection this page will take a will to download as it includes a 1.7 MB QuickTime VR of the library's interior. This also is a test page using a ten inch rather than an eight inch format. I would appreciate feedback on this new wider design.
Beeland Accommodation Desk Monday, January 27, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire The Beeland Co-op is into a reorganisation cycle with the development of a service desk work station and the elimination of the check out counter for sports and hardware.
The Greenwater Report Monday, January 27, 2003 by: Gerald Crawford Its been cold out there but the Loppet was held. Gerrys trying to cope with dribbling dogs , the pie is a killer and "gem" jars make a comeback.
The Kaibab Deer and Bush's War: The Wrong Public Policies of Killings & Quick Fixes Monday, January 27, 2003 by: Mario deSantis The simple principles that product the exact opposite consequence of what was intended is ever so likely to result from the overwhelming intent by the United States to launch an unwarranted war on Iraq.
The Maple Leaf Forever Tuesday, January 28, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Canadian eh! Much more that hockey, rocky mountains and being polite.
The Vancouver International Motorcycle Show Tuesday, January 28, 2003 by: Michael Townsend This story is for those of you who enjoy the world of motorcycles as Mike takes us to the show and shows us around. The "flash" presentation consists of twenty-three motorcycles and will take a minute to download its 800K on a dial up connection.
Early election issue Tuesday, January 28, 2003 by: Mike Reilly Tonight the CBC National did a feature story on the legislation that is expected to be tabled tomorrow but may merely be a continued part of the restlessness of Paul Martin and his rush to gain power immediately.
Parkland Photography Club January meeting Wednesday, January 29, 2003 by: Gerald Crawford Wesley Swan's "sky" topped the entries this month as the club discusses the changing times photography is now encountering and had time to present an award to a member.
War Decision Defining Moment Wednesday, January 29, 2003 by: Richard Neuman If you read nothing else about the American invasion of Iraq go over this article very carefully. Richard Neuman identifies the consequences and warns of the dangers if United States ignores the UN and NATO and what that will mean for us as a country. A simple but powerful document that clarifies the issue.
On president Bush's prescriptions for a better world: More tax cuts and more wars to make peace Wednesday, January 29, 2003 by: Mario deSantis If the problems of the world were easily solved with basic solutions then our world would be a utopia. Human beings act upon a wide range of stimuli and the "American Way" was a complete bust in the old West now it would appear gunslingers and sheriffs are about to take over the world.
On the job Thursday, January 30, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Traffic is busy on highway #35 which serves as Tisdale's main street and this morning there was "supervision".
Slow leak at Elementary school Thursday, January 30, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Cold weather the last two weeks has prevented the leak at the intersection in front of the Elementary school from being repaired but with warmer temperatures there is a big hole there now.
President Bush Inc.: Concocting a war against Iraq to liberate its oil Thursday, January 30, 2003 by: Mario deSantis The lack of a plausible argument for the American quest to depose the government of Iraq leaves the only logical conclusion as Mario deSantis points out the commonly held belief that the motivation, the only motivation for this intended aggression is the need for inexpensive oil.
Golden Age Centre Quilting Bee Friday, January 31, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Four quilts came into being yesterday as a crew began work at 10:00 assembling the parts to make the whole.
We Could Use A Little Vision, Pride, And Resolve Ourselves Friday, January 31, 2003 by: Ron Thornton Clearly a much different view of the US president's state of the union address than others expressed on this site. Ron Thornton admires the President's stance on launching a war against Iraq and wishes that Canada would also lower its taxes to stimulate economic growth.
Return to Ensign - Return to Saskatchewan News   This page is a story posted on Ensign and/or Saskatchewan News, both of which are daily web sites offering a variety of material from scenic images, political commentary, information and news. These publications are the work of Faster Than Light Communications . If you would like to comment on this story or you wish to contact the editor of these sites please send us email.   Editor : Timothy W. Shire Faster Than Light Communication Box 1776, Tisdale, Saskatchewan, Canada, S0E 1T0 306 873 2004