You're gonna make Stephen Harper cry.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Nova Scotia Liberal Apologies For Topless Photo Of NDP Candidate
[Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Stephen] McNeil says he's spoken to Dexter about the issue and is trying to contact [Lenore] Zann to apologize in person "for the way she's been treated, the way the information was put out.
The volunteer that emailed the photo to CBC will be given a 2nd chance.
Lenore Zann is surprised it's the Liberals that would stoop to such tactics. Perhaps not surprising: her IMBD star meter is up 25% this week.
The volunteer that emailed the photo to CBC will be given a 2nd chance.
Lenore Zann is surprised it's the Liberals that would stoop to such tactics. Perhaps not surprising: her IMBD star meter is up 25% this week.
Randy Hillier: Lets Rename The Titanic
I’ve learned that Hillier will soon be announcing a policy to rename the party. That’s right. Instead of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, Hillier proposes that we rename it the Conservative Party of Ontario.
If Hillier wins the PCPO leadership (but he won't), call it whatever you like. I just hope he pulls the more mainstream candidates into crazy-land with him and leaves us with plenty of youtube clips chronicling the process.
If Hillier wins the PCPO leadership (but he won't), call it whatever you like. I just hope he pulls the more mainstream candidates into crazy-land with him and leaves us with plenty of youtube clips chronicling the process.
Nova Scotia Liberals Smear Lenore Zann
Hopefully, a photo emerges of Stephen McNeil with his schlong hanging out. Or maybe, if we're really lucky, there's a shot of this guy at a nude beach somewhere. That would be hilarious.
Mr. McNeil should apologize on behalf of his party.
The Last To Go
Mercer, Nature, 1978, v271 pp.321-325
“One warning sign that a dangerous warming is beginning in Antarctica, will be a breakup of ice shelves in the Antarctic Peninsula just south of the recent January 0C isotherm; the ice shelf in the Prince Gustav Channel on the east side of the peninsula, and the Wordie Ice Shelf; the ice shelf in George VI Sound, and the ice shelf in Wilkins Sound on the west side.”
The Wilkins Ice Shelf was the only one remaining...until this week.
“One warning sign that a dangerous warming is beginning in Antarctica, will be a breakup of ice shelves in the Antarctic Peninsula just south of the recent January 0C isotherm; the ice shelf in the Prince Gustav Channel on the east side of the peninsula, and the Wordie Ice Shelf; the ice shelf in George VI Sound, and the ice shelf in Wilkins Sound on the west side.”
The Wilkins Ice Shelf was the only one remaining...until this week.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
More Tory On Tory Violence
First, there was Harper vs. Mulroney. Next up as the coalition unravels: Harper vs. Manning?
Given Harper's "multiple betrayals", that seems quite possible
Given Harper's "multiple betrayals", that seems quite possible
Let Him Keep It
Once I was all for rescinding Conrad Black's Order of Canada. These days, however, I have become more compassionate I guess and I feel he should be allowed to keep the thing. He may be able to trade it away for cigarettes or in one of those "leave me alone, Bubba" moments.
Man, Would You Look At All The Old White Folk
Ezra plays Calgary, and I'll bet the place hasn't seen this much gray hair since the Rolling Stones last came through town. I suppose when the Speechy Revolution finally arrives these folk will send their grand-kids to the barricades, or they'll mount machine-guns on their walkers. Speaking of the revolution, the Alberta Budget came down yesterday and in it was no hint of Lindsay Blackett's Human Rights reform package. Perhaps this was not the most likely place to introduce such changes, but several media outlets had suggested they might be made public this week and they have not been.
If Ezra's crusade fails in Alberta...with a Conservative majority in place there for the foreseeable future (and beyond!). Wow! Smell the flop-sweat!
Iggy's Gloriousness Approaches Transfinity
Liberals: 34 per cent (+8)
Conservatives: 32 per cent (-6)
NDP: 15 per cent (-3)
Bloc Quebecois: 10 per cent (same)
Green Party: 9 per cent (+2)
Ontario and Quebec are pretty much where they've been.
Ont.
Liberals: 45 per cent (+11)
Conservatives: 32 per cent (-7)
NDP: 15 per cent (-3)
Green Party: 9 per cent (same)
Que.
Bloc Quebecois: 40 per cent (+3)
Liberals: 29 per cent (+5)
Conservatives: 15 per cent (-7)
NDP: 9 per cent (-3)
Green Party: 6 per cent (+2)
Note to self: don't piss off them Quebecers. Talk of "ordinary folk" doesn't play there at all.
And I'd like to see a fuller breakdown of "The Western Canada" numbers
Conservatives: 46 per cent (-7)
Liberals: 24 per cent (+8)
NDP: 19 per cent (-3)
Greens: 11 per cent (+2)
...that show where the improvement is coming from. I am assuming B.C.
Blue Like you asks: How much longer will left-leaning Libbers put up with Iggy?
Well, you know, I find I'm hanging in there pretty good.
Conservatives: 32 per cent (-6)
NDP: 15 per cent (-3)
Bloc Quebecois: 10 per cent (same)
Green Party: 9 per cent (+2)
Ontario and Quebec are pretty much where they've been.
Ont.
Liberals: 45 per cent (+11)
Conservatives: 32 per cent (-7)
NDP: 15 per cent (-3)
Green Party: 9 per cent (same)
Que.
Bloc Quebecois: 40 per cent (+3)
Liberals: 29 per cent (+5)
Conservatives: 15 per cent (-7)
NDP: 9 per cent (-3)
Green Party: 6 per cent (+2)
Note to self: don't piss off them Quebecers. Talk of "ordinary folk" doesn't play there at all.
And I'd like to see a fuller breakdown of "The Western Canada" numbers
Conservatives: 46 per cent (-7)
Liberals: 24 per cent (+8)
NDP: 19 per cent (-3)
Greens: 11 per cent (+2)
...that show where the improvement is coming from. I am assuming B.C.
Blue Like you asks: How much longer will left-leaning Libbers put up with Iggy?
Well, you know, I find I'm hanging in there pretty good.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Pankiw Case Appealed
Several years back, former Reform Party MP Jim Pankiw was charged under sections 5, 12, and 14 of the CHRA (referring to discrimination and harassment in the provision of services) for distributing a series of householder” pamphlets to his constituents that contained anti-aboriginal language and imagery. The case was originally dismissed because the "Canadian Human Rights Act does not apply to the “householder” pamphlets".
However, it is now being appealed:
Canadian Human Rights Commission lawyer Daniel Poulin said from Ottawa on Monday the commission appealed the ruling “late last week.”
“It is the position of the commission that the Human Rights Tribunal erred when it interpreted (the term) ‘services’ under Sections 5 and 14 of the Canadian Human Rights Act,” Poulin said.
The commission believes Pankiw’s householder mailouts should be considered a service, and that the act should apply, he said.
Rob Breakenridge asks:
So seven years after an MP sent out some pamphlets to his constituents and five years after that MP was sent packing by his constituents, we're still wasting taxpayer dollars investigating whether these pamphlets were "offensive".
Whether they were or not, it would seem as though a verdict was already rendered: i.e. the decision by Pankiw's constituents that they no longer wanted him as their representative in Ottawa. Why are we still wasting taxpayer dollars on this case?
Because if they were against the act they were against the act? And how about: if the matter were being pursued through the criminal code then it would cost a lot more?
However, it is now being appealed:
Canadian Human Rights Commission lawyer Daniel Poulin said from Ottawa on Monday the commission appealed the ruling “late last week.”
“It is the position of the commission that the Human Rights Tribunal erred when it interpreted (the term) ‘services’ under Sections 5 and 14 of the Canadian Human Rights Act,” Poulin said.
The commission believes Pankiw’s householder mailouts should be considered a service, and that the act should apply, he said.
Rob Breakenridge asks:
So seven years after an MP sent out some pamphlets to his constituents and five years after that MP was sent packing by his constituents, we're still wasting taxpayer dollars investigating whether these pamphlets were "offensive".
Whether they were or not, it would seem as though a verdict was already rendered: i.e. the decision by Pankiw's constituents that they no longer wanted him as their representative in Ottawa. Why are we still wasting taxpayer dollars on this case?
Because if they were against the act they were against the act? And how about: if the matter were being pursued through the criminal code then it would cost a lot more?
So Who Were The Jewish Bikers?
A buddy of mine from work wandered onto the IJV-led protest/JDL-led counterprotest outside of the Summerhill LCBO on the weekend. He asked me: "What's Going On With the Jewish Bike Gang?"
And I thought: "Holy crap! Did the JDL bring in the heavy mob to muscle the severely outnumbered IJV protesters?"
Apparently, not quite. The bikers were members of "Yids on Wheels", and they there a "club" rather than a "gang". Intimidating looking, however:
Well, maybe not. Mind you, the folks at the CCD says these guys were "singing and dancing", and that might have been a bit scary.
More (and more serious) coverage of the event can be found here.
U.S. Climate Legislation: Incremental Change Ahead
From Nation Journal's weekly "Congressional Insiders Poll":
Q: What is the likeliest outcome in this Congress of the debate on energy and climate change?
[...]
Democrats (27 votes)Sweeping change 33%
Incremental change 67%
No change 0%
[...]
Republicans (34 votes)Sweeping change 15%
Incremental change 53%
No change 29%
Don't know 3%
Which sounds crap--for example, don't expect Canada to join a regional cap-&-trade system anytime soon because there probably won't be one--until you realize that our government is doing nothing but defund our climate scientists.
Q: What is the likeliest outcome in this Congress of the debate on energy and climate change?
[...]
Democrats (27 votes)Sweeping change 33%
Incremental change 67%
No change 0%
[...]
Republicans (34 votes)Sweeping change 15%
Incremental change 53%
No change 29%
Don't know 3%
Which sounds crap--for example, don't expect Canada to join a regional cap-&-trade system anytime soon because there probably won't be one--until you realize that our government is doing nothing but defund our climate scientists.
Monday, April 06, 2009
All Shook Down
A quicky review of Ezra's Magnum Opus, because he doesn't mention me one single time and therefore I wasn't going to buy the damn thing, so wound up reading it quickly in a book store while I waited for my wife to teach her skating class.
Well, his fact checking skills haven't improved. The wind up to the RCMP and Privacy Commission investigations of the CHRC in the "hacked wifi" case, which essentially exonerated the federal agency, isn't touched upon at all.
Now, you might say that's because the book was written in 2008 before this came to pass, but there is no excuse for Ezra's misinterpretation Guy Earle's BCHRC complaint (he's the comedian that went off at a couple of lesbians). Ez is still calling this a section 7 case. Section 7 covers "discriminatory publication" and is the B.C. equivalent of Section 13 of the CHRA. However, it isn't a section 7: it's a section 8 case, which concerns "discrimination in accommodation, service and facility". So, nothing to do with "free speech".
Which Ezra knows or should know by now.
And, oh yeah, I looked three of four times and couldn't locate an index. In a non-fiction book about Canadian Law. That tells you something.
Well, his fact checking skills haven't improved. The wind up to the RCMP and Privacy Commission investigations of the CHRC in the "hacked wifi" case, which essentially exonerated the federal agency, isn't touched upon at all.
Now, you might say that's because the book was written in 2008 before this came to pass, but there is no excuse for Ezra's misinterpretation Guy Earle's BCHRC complaint (he's the comedian that went off at a couple of lesbians). Ez is still calling this a section 7 case. Section 7 covers "discriminatory publication" and is the B.C. equivalent of Section 13 of the CHRA. However, it isn't a section 7: it's a section 8 case, which concerns "discrimination in accommodation, service and facility". So, nothing to do with "free speech".
Which Ezra knows or should know by now.
And, oh yeah, I looked three of four times and couldn't locate an index. In a non-fiction book about Canadian Law. That tells you something.
So What's Going On With Human Rights Legislation In Alberta?
I dunno.
Either they are on the verge of writing protections for homosexuals explicitly into the Act, removing the power to adjudicate hate-speech cases from the AHRC, and allowing parents to opt their kids out of school classes that go against their religious beliefs (like classes teaching evolutionary biology?)
...or they are not.
I've received a couple of emails from people fairly close to the scene in Calgary who say the Stelmach government, and Culture and Community Spirit Minister Lindsay Blackett in particular, will indeed be going ahead with the reforms, but there have appeared in Mr. Blackett's statements over the past several weeks a number of hedges that make me think this will not happen, at least not in Spring 2009.
However, there are definitely a couple of private member's motions on the table:
In Motion 511 Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview MLA Tony Vandermeer suggests: "Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly urge the Government to review how complaints are addressed by the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission to ensure a fair process for both complainants and respondents."
Calgary-Egmont MLA Jonathan Denis is bringing forward Motion 523: "Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly urge the Government to introduce amendments to the Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act whereby those who are found to have filed frivolous and vexatious complaints with the Human Rights and Citizenship Commission (including complaints that are found to unreasonably challenge the rights of freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of conscience and religion) be required to pay a portion of the respondent's procedural costs."
Note that these are private motions and, if they function in the same way as they do on the Federal level, they don't actually require action on the part of the provincial government: they are non-binding statements of opinion, not changes to the actual law.
Note too that the 2nd motion (Denis') is quite interesting in that requiring the complainants to pay the costs of the respondent is a common reform suggested to the HRC system by people generally supportive of that system (for example, I think Kinsella might have mentioned such a reform, although I can't find the post on his site). However, it turns out that, in some cases where there is an "egregious abuse" of the Human Rights Tribunal process, it can already be done.
In any case, the next few weeks should tell the tale.
Either they are on the verge of writing protections for homosexuals explicitly into the Act, removing the power to adjudicate hate-speech cases from the AHRC, and allowing parents to opt their kids out of school classes that go against their religious beliefs (like classes teaching evolutionary biology?)
...or they are not.
I've received a couple of emails from people fairly close to the scene in Calgary who say the Stelmach government, and Culture and Community Spirit Minister Lindsay Blackett in particular, will indeed be going ahead with the reforms, but there have appeared in Mr. Blackett's statements over the past several weeks a number of hedges that make me think this will not happen, at least not in Spring 2009.
However, there are definitely a couple of private member's motions on the table:
In Motion 511 Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview MLA Tony Vandermeer suggests: "Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly urge the Government to review how complaints are addressed by the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission to ensure a fair process for both complainants and respondents."
Calgary-Egmont MLA Jonathan Denis is bringing forward Motion 523: "Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly urge the Government to introduce amendments to the Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act whereby those who are found to have filed frivolous and vexatious complaints with the Human Rights and Citizenship Commission (including complaints that are found to unreasonably challenge the rights of freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of conscience and religion) be required to pay a portion of the respondent's procedural costs."
Note that these are private motions and, if they function in the same way as they do on the Federal level, they don't actually require action on the part of the provincial government: they are non-binding statements of opinion, not changes to the actual law.
Note too that the 2nd motion (Denis') is quite interesting in that requiring the complainants to pay the costs of the respondent is a common reform suggested to the HRC system by people generally supportive of that system (for example, I think Kinsella might have mentioned such a reform, although I can't find the post on his site). However, it turns out that, in some cases where there is an "egregious abuse" of the Human Rights Tribunal process, it can already be done.
In any case, the next few weeks should tell the tale.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
James Lunney Watch: Update
MSM reaction continues to trickle in over Tory MP (and chiropractor) James Lunney's statement in the HOC that, if Darwin lived today, he might just convert to young Earth creationism. Not nearly as much outrage as when Gary Goodyear stepped in it the previous week, but maybe the good jokes were all used up in that first incident.
Lunney himself, wisely enough, is staying quiet.
Lunney himself, wisely enough, is staying quiet.
At Least THIS Guy Isn't Subject To Uncontrollable Erections
John Mashey is the "Buckets" of the Climate Science end of the blogosphere, and he's been going through the Cato Institute's latest list of Climate Change deniers to root out the unknown loonies from the more familiar loonies that tend to appear on such lists on a weekly basis.
Among other things, he's found a Creationist:
Edward Blick, PhD, retired professor at U of Oklahoma (aerospace, mechanical, nuclear) who also has published books including:Scientific Analysis of Genesis (1991), and Correlation of the Bible and Science (1976) and Special Creation Vs. Evolution (1981).
Excellent work, John, though not quite on the level of Eli's research into James DeMeo who, when he is not saving the nation from drought by draining Orgone from the atmosphere, may be getting it on solo style while crouched inside one of Wilhem Reich's "sex boxes".
Among other things, he's found a Creationist:
Edward Blick, PhD, retired professor at U of Oklahoma (aerospace, mechanical, nuclear) who also has published books including:Scientific Analysis of Genesis (1991), and Correlation of the Bible and Science (1976) and Special Creation Vs. Evolution (1981).
Excellent work, John, though not quite on the level of Eli's research into James DeMeo who, when he is not saving the nation from drought by draining Orgone from the atmosphere, may be getting it on solo style while crouched inside one of Wilhem Reich's "sex boxes".
Saturday, April 04, 2009
The Point Of All This Internet Muckraking And On-Line Garbology
...is to move an opinion/newsy-like item you care about into the MSM so it is seen by 1,000,000s of Canadians rather than the 200 blogging nerds and your mama who find your writing intrinsically interesting.
Kudos to GritGirl, whoever she/he/it may be. The Tories wanted the G20 narrative to be about Stephen Harper being Statesmanly on the world stage. With his/her/its help, the narrative instead is about Stephen Harper's getting trapped in the john when he was taking a dump and thereby missing the Russian annexation of the Baffin Penisula (or something like that).
Lowbrow? Sure! But in politics cheap shots often work best. Glad there are people on our side who realize this simple fact.
Overheard In London
"WTF have you been?"
"In the Little PM's Room. Stay away from the curry in this town."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. Creeps up on you, y'know?"
"Feel Better now?"
"Oh yeah! Oh...YEAH! Anything happen while I was away?"
"Russians annexed Baffin Island. Nothing up there but polar bears and Eskimos."
"Any of them vote for me?"
"Nah."
"So fuck 'em. Hey, is this a smile?"
"Uhh..."
"Yes or no?"
"You're trying, Stephen. You're trying."
Lunney Goes To Ground
After speculating in the HOC on Thursday that, were Darwin alive today, he might embrace Creationism, Nanaimo-Alberni MP James Lunney has gone into hiding:
Calls to Lunney went unanswered Thursday. On Friday, staff members at his Ottawa office said he was unavailable. When asked where Lunney was, Dale Wolley, his administrative assistant, said: 'He's not available to your beck and call,' and refused to answer.
Curtis Hansen, his constituency assistant in Nanaimo said Lunney was expected in the riding Friday afternoon and would give convey the message, but Lunney did not immediately return the call.
He's also got a prominent section on his webpage for "Lunney in the News", and "Speeches and Statements", but his Thursday speech and the reaction it occasioned are nowhere to be found.
An oversight I am sure.
Calls to Lunney went unanswered Thursday. On Friday, staff members at his Ottawa office said he was unavailable. When asked where Lunney was, Dale Wolley, his administrative assistant, said: 'He's not available to your beck and call,' and refused to answer.
Curtis Hansen, his constituency assistant in Nanaimo said Lunney was expected in the riding Friday afternoon and would give convey the message, but Lunney did not immediately return the call.
He's also got a prominent section on his webpage for "Lunney in the News", and "Speeches and Statements", but his Thursday speech and the reaction it occasioned are nowhere to be found.
An oversight I am sure.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Ezra Invokes The Elders Of Zion
Apparently, they're the ones that stepped in and got Kinsella fired from the CJC:
That letter is an after-the-fact attempt at spin by Kinsella. In February, he threatened to blackball and bad-mouth the Canada-Israel Committee, a sister organization to the Canadian Jewish Congress. The Jewish community's central advocacy agency ordered Kinsella off the CJC. He asked to 'resign' instead of being fired, just to save face. But fired he was.
Yo Ez, who exactly is on the Jewish community's central advocacy agency? Freud? Jesus? Wittgenstein? Ron Jeremy? And do they live on UFOs over the Jewish quarter of Montreal, or what? And as a non-Jew, can I join? Do I get a cash card that never runs out? What's the deal?
That letter is an after-the-fact attempt at spin by Kinsella. In February, he threatened to blackball and bad-mouth the Canada-Israel Committee, a sister organization to the Canadian Jewish Congress. The Jewish community's central advocacy agency ordered Kinsella off the CJC. He asked to 'resign' instead of being fired, just to save face. But fired he was.
Yo Ez, who exactly is on the Jewish community's central advocacy agency? Freud? Jesus? Wittgenstein? Ron Jeremy? And do they live on UFOs over the Jewish quarter of Montreal, or what? And as a non-Jew, can I join? Do I get a cash card that never runs out? What's the deal?
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