Chronological Index of Ensign Articles for March of 2000
Wednesday March 1, 2000 Its official, march has come in like a lamb with glorious sunshine and reasonable -9 temperature this morning and expected to reach the freezing mark as the day warms up.	By the week Feb 27 to Mar 4 Mar 5 to 11 Mar 12 to 18 Mar 19 to 25 Mar 26 to April 1 -
Weldon - A Virtual Visit Wednesday March 1, 2000 A short review of the Weldon web site and consideration of what this web site says about the community.
Stop Managing By the Numbers Game and Begin Managing by Your Stories Wednesday March 1, 2000 Mario deSantis explains the favoured argument of political leaders to use numbers rather then understanding and common sense to resolve situations that appear to worsen on an almost daily basis.
Thursday March 2, 2000 Today we recognise the passing of one of Saskatchewan's great heroines. Sandra Schmirler died last night leaving her family, the curling community and Saskatchewan people saddened at the loss of a thirty-six year old mother of two and the person who most raised the game of curling to its greatest heights and world recognition. We are all better for having lived during her time and regret that it was not longer.
Tisdale On March Second Thursday March 2, 2000 A look down mainstreet and a thought or two about what concerns people in this town today.
Mayor Dayday's GNP Accounting: and write offs Thursday March 2, 2000 Mario deSantis points out that March is race relations month in Saskatoon.
Northern Fripp Thursday March 2, 2000 Northern Steel has begun moving production facilities to the former Fripp plant which is now Northern Steel's additional manufacturing facility.
Sandra Schmirler: Loved For Being Herself Friday March 3, 2000 Barrie Ward send Ensign a song and picture that were his feelings and Timothy Shire added his comments about the remarkable coverage in the media of her life and accomplishments.
CarTime Friday March 3, 2000 "In spring a young man's fancy turns to ---" Yes we usually thing of "love" in that phrase but spring is the season people like to turn over their cars, trucks, vans and SUVs.
On Mismanagement of Health Care Saturday March 4, 2000 While provincial health ministers are cranky with the federal government Mario deSantis points out that cut backs and closures in Saskatchewan cost more then they save, are common in other parts of the country.
Sylvania In The Spring Saturday March 4, 2000 Some pictures from the hamlet of Sylvania Friday afternoon.
Sunday March 5, 2000 Yesterday around ten-thirty this pictures shows the line up at an ESSO automatic car wash on 20th Street in Saskatoon. Over a block of dirty cars and patient owners.
The Big Question for Saskatchewan Health Care: Underfunding or Mismanagement? Sunday March 5, 2000 Mario deSantis helps understand some of the confusion with so many health districts in the red and unrealistic manner used to administer the districts and the whole system.
Minister of Health Pat Atkinson: breaking the law and becoming a Magician Sunday March 5, 2000 Mario deSantis explains how the minister approves eleven budgets after they occured making the District Health Act a sham.
Monday March 6, 2000 There is a certain seemliness to this morning's Monday sky. Two solid layers of cloud over our heads and the temperature on the positive side of zero. From Alberta we hear that the RCMP works for oil companies and in Saskatchewan there has been deafening silence since the RCMP task force went to work on the Saskatoon investigations of the city police death squad alligations. Chile's dictator Pinochet is back home in Santiago, the Sandra Schmirler funeral is live on CBC Newsworld and CBC Radio 540 at 1:00 today.
The greatest challenge for Saskatchewan: Education and learning for our troubled children Monday March 6, 2000 The way to equality in a democratic society is education and Mario deSantis discusses the importance of this concept and foreshadows the horrific consequences if this challenge is not taken up.
Tuesday March 7, 2000 This picture was taken yesterday afternoon with heavy snow falling to the West and North it appeared as though we too would soon see snow but alas this did not happen. Instead the Wheat Pool has suspended trading on the stock exchange as it re-organises, todays news is filled with yet more discussion on health care. It is a topic that won't go away. We have published countless articles on the subject and today is no exception as Mario explains the "wellness model" issue and how home care is a dodge. This article and the Recplex March calendar will be published at 10:45 this morning so drop back then and check things out.
Calendar of Events for March Tuesday March 7, 2000 A light month of activities planned so we are sitting on the fence.
Minister of Health Pat Atkinson: "Wellness Model" is outside the Canada Health Act Tuesday March 7, 2000 Get patients out of hospital and into home care and the cost is shifted from medicare to the patient.
The highest priority to cure health care: stop mismanaging it! Wednesday March 8, 2000 Mario deSantis has complained extensively about the condition of the Saskatchewan and Canadian health care situation, this morning's article draws some important conclusions and underlines the basic principles that we all need to be reminded of, but he also tells us the solution.
The Price is Right! Wednesday March 8, 2000 This morning we consider the price of gasoline and speculate about its future.
High School Desktop Publishing Class Projects Thursday March 9, 2000 Here are four projects from a desktop publishing class in Kamloops.
Ramblers Win 1st Game 5 - 3 Thursday March 9, 2000 The first game of the Pasquia Senior Hockey League final best of seven series got underway last night as the Ramblers took the first game 5 - 3. Here is Jordan Spagrud trying to get one by Kinistino goalie T.J. Lasuik.
ESSO Goes Way Up Friday March 10, 2000 Only ESSO so far has changed gas prices in Tisdale Thursday when it met the Regina price of 72.9 (that would be more then $3.00 a gallon). All other outlets remain at the same level as reported earlier this week. It is interesting to note that the price in Kamloops B. C. varies from 62.9 to 68.9. Picture above taken Thursday at 7:00 PM.
A Partial Diagnosis of Health Care Corruption: The Quality Circle of the Big Brains Includes our Renown Health Economists Friday March 10, 2000 Mario deSantis points out that he is not the only one to identify the economists and healthcare advisors as the culprits in causing the destruction of the Medicare system.
Saturday March 11, 2000 This is how Tisdale's main street looked at 9:30 this morning, lots of sunlight and a bit chilly in the shadows. Today Ensign will be posting a new concept in marketing, road asalt and Mario's concerns about the North East Health District, these will appear this morning around 11:45 thanks for dropping by this morning.
A"Salt" Victim Saturday March 11, 2000 Northern highways are loaded up with salt and this article discusses some concerns about this practice.
North East Health District: the closure of Carrot River Hospital and Telehealth Saturday March 11, 2000 Ironic situation of the district's support of the high cost remote technology project telehealth while closing the Carrot River hospital even with the closing the district is expecting to go in the hole three quarters of a million this year.
Beeland Co-op Goes Online Saturday March 11, 2000 Taking the next step the Co-op has placed their weekly Sale advertising material on a web site that lets the customer use their computer to display this week's specials.
We're Back, So where's the Water? Sunday March 12, 2000 This picture was taken yesterday afternoon and centre foreground are two geese looking at the frozen creek.
Hogs On Ice Sunday March 12, 2000 Here are some pictures of a meeting of the Kamloops motorcycle club on the ice in the Kamloops Blazers arena.
Bad Boy Biker; Is the image reality or myth? Sunday March 12, 2000 Michael Townsend gives some insight into the remarkable world of modern motorcycle activities and clubs. This is his editorial from his Hog Strokes, the newsletter for the Kamloops Motorcycle club.
Ramblers Win Three Straight Monday March 12, 2000 Here is a game report with pictures of the Sunday night victory of the Ramblers over the Kinistino Tigers.
They Stand on Guard Monday March 13, 2000 Timothy Shire exposes his deeply shaken trust in the National police force.
Dr. Steven Lewis and HSURC Commission of Saskatchewan: Contributing sources to the decline of health care Monday March 13, 2000 Mario deSantis has found the smoking gun that points toward the culprits who began the process of wrecking the whole system of health care in this province.
Louise Simard is the New CEO for SAHO Tuesday March 14, 2000 Provincial organisation that administers health care has hired the deputy premier's wife to run things. Five years ago she was minister of health in charge of closing many health services down in rural Saskatchewan, now after practicing law since then she is back.
Stopover Tuesday March 14, 2000 On their way some where and laying over in town, here are some pictures of some sojourners in Tisdale.
Tisdale Judo Wednesday March 15, 2000 - the Ides of March Tisdale Judo club gets a visit from the provincial coach. This story includes pictures and report on the evening.
A Saskatchewan Way of Justice: leading by the nose till we are stabbed in the back Wednesday March 15, 2000 Mario deSantis gives us some needed insight into the convolutions in the Saskatoon police inquiry.
Yorkton Housefire Thursday March 16, 2000 House fire, a scaring event, this story tells about a fire that happened two weeks ago and explains the nature of the beast.
A Question for Minister of Health Pat Atkinson: How Much money is Telehealth costing? Thursday March 16, 2000 "Telehealth" turns out to be two pilot projects assisted by SHIN, phase two project one cost 1.5 million.
Pasquia League Champions Three Years Straight - Tisdale Ramblers Thursday March 16, 2000 Ramblers win best of seven series for Championship with Kinistino in four straight in over time last night as Ryan Turcotte scores two goals and an assist.
Farewell to our Provincial Auditor: Wayne Strelioff Thursday March 16, 2000 Provincial Auditor heads to BC after years of outstanding service here in Saskatchewan.
Top of the Mornin' to Yah Friday March 17, 2000 The congeniality of the Irish seems to spread around abit every day but this bleak Friday morning at 9:15 it's coffee time at Hanigans. Top of the morning to you.
More Than A Hoe! Saturday March 18, 2000 Find out about what farmers and farm machinery dealers are up against this year as fuel prices have driven yet another obstacle in front of prairie farmers. (this article has a QuickTime VR panorama of a farm machinery sales lot)
The Splendor of Spring Saturday March 18, 2000 A fabulous sunset Friday night to get us ready for the change of season
Sunday March 19, 2000 This picture was taken at sunrise Saturday morning West of Melfort. Though the wind was cool all day the sky cleared and the country was drenched in sunlight. You might want to check out the newly overhaulled table of contents as Ensign has upgraded this section to further enhance the archieved material.
First Day of Spring Monday March 20, 2000 Our yard is melting but a neighbours is filled with water and has to pump it out.
Away Mission To Regina's RCMP Chapel Monday March 20, 2000 To celebrate this first day of spring we have a very special photo essay for you today, this extensive set of pictures were taken yesterday and depicit the exploration of the RCMP chapel in Regina.
Premier Romanow: Militarizing Health Care and Killing Rural Saskatchewan Monday March 20, 2000 Mario deSantis identifies major US military contractors as the companies benefitting from health care technical projects.
If Its Not Broke, Don't Fix It! Tuesday March 21, 2000 This morning we give some consideration as to the motivation for consolidation of the rural forms of government in Saskatchewan. The picture above was taken at 8:50 this morning and demonstrates the clear blue sky of this fine morning here in Tisdale.
Alternate Universe News: Aliens Tuesday March 21, 2000 The last time we heard from the Alternate Universe was back in May so it is good this morning to once again consider the world created by Carey Heilman.
Is It Time To Take Down the Flag Wednesday March 22, 2000 Tisdale merchants are considering responding to Kevin McIntyre's call for solidarity with Carrot River as this morning Ensign published three articles that respond to the growing provincial threats to Rural Saskatchewan. Country folks, its time to stand together.
Premier Romanow's Government: The Obsession of Saving Money Versus Building Healthier Communitiies Wednesday March 22, 2000 Mario gives us some insight into the processes that seem to be distorting both reality and the future through deliberate government policy.
United We Stand Wednesday March 22, 2000 Kevin McIntyre of Carrot Rivers speaks from the heart as he explains the extreme displeasure felt by residents of his community at the loss of their hospital and the prospects of future losses.
IF Wednesday March 22, 2000 Edwin Wallace, a farmer from the Swift Current area voices his concerns and opinions on the provincial government's recent initiatives.
Tisdale Collective Kitchens Thursday March 23, 2000 Here is a remarkable self-help project that illustrates the power of people working together.
Regina Health District Closes One Surgical Theatre: Shortage of Leaership, Shortage of Nurses and Shortage of Democracy Thursday March 23, 2000 Mario deSantis explains the situation that sees nurses over worked while the District has difficulties recruiting additional staff.
Dr. Steven Lewis: Preaching the Gospel of Statistics at SAHA Convention Thursday March 23, 2000 The man most responsible for the decline in Canadian health care says everythings better than people think, according to his figures!
Honourable Pat Atkinson: Spending More Money and Running for the Laurel of "Saviour of Medicare" Friday March 24, 2000 Mario deSantis has repeated his concern about healthcare mis-management for some time but today with the Provincial Health ministers meeting with their federal counter-part, Mario's comments are particularly appropriate as the same arguments repeat and the tax payer has no choice but to keep forking over money to be squandered.
Spring At Wolf Creek Saturday March 25, 2000 And a fine Saturday it is with the sun shining, water giggling in the ditches and geese circling over head. Today we take a few minutes and visit with the miniature horses at Wolf Creek farms.
Minister of Health Pat Atkinson and Health Indicators:"there are lies, damned lies, and statistics" Saturday March 25, 2000 Mario helps us to see through the clutter and realise that the use of statistics in an evolving and changing society will bear little help toward solving problems of any kind.
What's good for the Gander is good for the Goose! Sunday March 26, 2000 Two weeks ago this same group of geese were complaining about the lack of fluid water but are now in their glory. Here are some pictures of this cheerful flock.
Saskatchewan Health Care: our politicians and bureaucrats have no vision and no leadership Sunday March 26, 2000 With the apparent reversal or partical reversal with Carrot River Mario deSantis questions the underlying philosophy of the government and its impending "ultimate" solution legislation.
Green Grass Grew All Around Sunday March 27, 2000 Already there are green lawns showing up around town even before we see folks in short pants.
Spring Clouds 2000 Monday March 27, 2000 The picture above was taken yesterday afternoon but we have low fast moving cumulus clouds proceeding overhead again today. This story has some more pictures of a grand sky that signals the unsettled climatic condition that we all associate with spring.
Letters Monday March 27, 2000 I have found it difficult to keep up to date with the mail that comes in and have not updated the letters section of Ensign in some time. However, I received a really important message yesterday and have put it into this section so you can find out first hand from a Nurse what the issue of "nurse shortages" is all about. Please keep sending me e-mail, so many articles flow directly from these communications and it gives this publication a vital link with reality.
Round Wood Tuesday March 28, 2000 Not completely unique for odd loads but this truck of cores is an interesting load spotting in Tisdale Monday.
Saskatchewan Health Care: the most corrupted system in Canada Tuesday March 28, 2000 Mario deSantis reports on the balancing act that is going on between reality and the reporting of reality as seen through the eyes of government officials.
Cominatchyah! Wednesday March 29, 2000 Yes I realise I am belly-aching but I am terrified of hitting a cyclist. With the ice gone from the streets its time for two wheelers to claim the side of the street on which you drive your car or truck. They are cominatchyah!
Few Words on the WCB Rebates Wednesday March 29, 2000 Year after year the Workers compensation board refuses to pay injury claims while injured workers receive medical treatment that is paid from medicare then the board refunds the surplus to employers.
Region 7 Drama Festival Thursday March 30, 2000 Three intense days of drama get underway today at TMSS.
And Expression of Democracy: "are you in favour of forced municipal amalgamation?" Thursday March 30, 2000 Mario deSantis gives his view of the SARM / provincial conflict over rural govenment. Mario is highly critical of provincial government policies in the light of the past performance and positions taken on issues affecting the non-urban areas of the province.
Tisdale Marchs On Thursday March 30, 2000 A quick run down on things happening around town.
The Crow Says Thursday March 30, 2000 A few questions to a crow and a few comments from a crow.
A Month In Sheep's Clothing Friday March 31, 2000 This morning's picture was taken around 9:30 and we have seen March come and go as a lamb.
Good Work by Justice Robert Laing: Charging Saskatoon Police with Rambo style investigation Friday March 31, 2000 Saskatoon City Police are identified by Judge for improper conduct and treatment of an accused.
Farm Machinery In An Off Year Friday March 31, 2000 A short article discussing diversity and sales in Tisdale.