A crude awakening: the oil crash

This looks like a really interesting film. Nothing really new, but it seems to portray the urgency of the energy crisis.

I encourage you to check out the website: http://www.oilcrashmovie.com/

Post-election impressions

I'm not surprised with the results of the October 10th Election and Referendum. On the surface, the Ontario Parliament remained essentially the same. We have a Liberal majority government, PC opposition, a few NDPs and no Greens. But, beneath the surface, I sense that change is just around the corner.

Although they didn't win any seats, the Greens increased their support 3 fold from the 2003 election. Up from 2.7% to 8%. No other party has come close to this amount of change. In addition, there were several notable achievements from individual Green Party candidates. Shane Jolley in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound came a close second with over 33% support. And, in my own riding in Guelph, Ben Polley came in third with over 19% support.

More hope is given to me when I look at the results from the Student Vote - a mock election held in schools. If these students had there way, Ontario would remain Liberal a liberal majority, but would have a Green Party opposition.

As for the Referendum, I have to say, that I was not at all shocked with the results. The change seemed confusing to people. In fact, I have heard several reports from friends working at the election booths, that people weren't sure what the question meant. I don't think that the government did a good job of educating the public (why would they... when they are currently benefiting from the current system).

Did anyone else notice something wrong with the "Your Big Decision" television campaigns? Every time the person in the commercial said "Yes" to the question, something bad happened... hmmm.

In the end, MMP was rejected - overwhelmingly rejected. But, two statistics stand out in my mind that give me hope for the future. Firstly, more people voted in the referendum than in the election (something like 55% vs. 50%). Secondly, of the people ages 18-34, 67% were in favour of adopting the MMP electoral system.

Change happens slowly. For those of you who are disappointed with the results of this election, don't loose hope. There are always more elections. Don't feel defeated, your vote does matter.

California here I come!

I recently got some very awesome news. I was chosen to present a poster of my research at the Behavior, Energy and Climate Change conference held at the beginning of November in Sacramento! Even better, I have the trip and all my expenses covered by the Ontario Centres of Excellence Professional Outreach Award.

I'm super excited. This will be the first time that I've had an opportunity to present my work and my research to a group of other professionals and academics. Also, this will be the first time that I've traveled anywhere on a plane in my adult life. Plus, I get to stay at a really fancy hotel!

Don't worry, there will be plenty of pictures to come!