The fire near the Lime Kiln Trail has been described as a tragedy. Perhaps not. If houses or roads had been built on the land it certainly would be a tragedy that the forest would never recover from, though some would call it development or progress. But the forest will
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THE FIFTH COLUMN: Religious Bullshit and Assisted Suicide Law Struck Down
If you are a religious person you know that life is sacred and only god can decide when and how you will die. You also know that god has a plan for you and works in mysterious ways. So he might decide that you will die quietly in your sleep
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: The Bill That Couldn’t Happen Here
Back when I worked for the House of Commons, every time an Omnibus Bill was proposed (and the usual discussions and negotiations around splitting it were occurring) we would joke about the ultimate Omnibus Bill – An Act for the Government of Canada, with everything a government wanted to do
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: God Created Adam and Eve Not Adam and Steve
I’m really not sure why religious right wingers always seem to use this phrase in reference to the Adam and Eve story (as well as other Old Testament references) to justify their claims that homosexuality is an abomination (and as the Catholic school system would call it “intrinsically disordered”). The
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Endangered Species Legislation Wrong Approach
Trying to protect endangered species is simply the wrong approach to protecting wildlife. What we do is allow open season on development/destruction of wildlife habitat unless it contains endangered species. Then we make a half-hearted token attempt to protect those species, often while still allowing the development/destruction of the habitat
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Heritage Minister James Moore Wrong on Sexhibit
Heritage Minister James Moore is clearly wrong in his criticism of “Sex: A Tell-All Exhibition” at the Canada Science and Technology Museum. It is not so much his criticism of the content that is wrong, although suggesting that human reproduction is an inappropriate subject for a science museum is somewhat
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Are Foreign Funded Canadian Charities Soft on Child Terrorists
Analysis by the Canadian Press shows that the three of the top four Canadian charities that received the most foreign funding were Care Canada, World Vision Canada and the Canadian UNICEF Committee, all known for helping starving children, many in war torn areas. Many of these children were victims of
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: CN Cycle for CHEO 2012: Forgetting and Remembering the Hills
I described last years CN Cycle for CHEO as the best yet but I’m not sure how to describe this years. It started out cool and I dressed for it but didn’t think of removing layers as it warmed up. I maintained almost the same pace as last year at
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: South March Highlands Mountain Bikers – Unlikely Trail Heroes
Unlikely, because more often than not the stereotypical view of mountain bikers is more likely to be as trail villains rather than trail heroes. First, we have the well meaning but uninformed view of many who call themselves environmentalists that mountain biking damages trails, when the vast majority of the
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Reflections
This has probably been the longest I have gone between blog posts, despite my best intentions, but as I said I have not abandoned you. I have simply been busy with other things mostly related to mapping and biking and the South Match Highlands struggle. But I have also been
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: I Have Not Abandoned You
Well it may look like I have abandoned my New Years Resolution to maintain more consistent blogging I have not abandoned you. I have just been side tracked by other matters, including some home renovation issues, computer problems and even some mapping projects. But I have been thinking about blog
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Facebook is NOT The Internet – The Internet IS The (Social) Network
In the beginning there were BBSs (Bulletin Board Systems). In a foreshadowing of things to come, almost immediately following the invention of the Personal Computer (PC) they became communications devices as BBS systems were set up for hobbyists to use to share information and home-written programs. At this time PC
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Vale Wins 2012 Public Eye People’s Award for Worst Company of the Year
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Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: The Truth About The Kanata Lakes 60% Plus Agreement
So, what of the so-called 40% agreement to protect environmental lands in the Kanata Lakes development in the South March Highlands. Is it really a myth. Apparently so. The more I examine and analysis the facts and reality around that so-called agreement the more I realize it was just spin.
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Winter Bike Final Modifications & Mid Season Review
When I first bought my new winter bike in October I wrote “It’s a bit small for me, but was about the largest they had in stock and with some adjustments to the handlebar and seat height I have it set up about the same as my mountain bike, which
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: There’s An App For That
I just discovered a wonderful app I have on my phone. This app allows you to make and check appointments. It has a really simple interface – you just dial the number of the place you want to check, or make, an appointment at and a very human like voice
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: Help Save the South March Highlands by Voting it One of Canada’s Great Places
The Fifth Column has written many times about the most biodiverse natural area in Ottawa adjacent to urban Kanata and threatened by urban sprawl and development. Now is your chance to help save the South March Highlands by raising the profile of its cause by voting to have it designated
Continue readingTHE FIFTH COLUMN: A Non-Satirical Look at Ottawa’s PIN Messaging "Scandal"
Is Ottawa’s PIN scandal really a tempest in a teapot. You cannot legislate or regulate integrity. The only thing that can ensure someone’s integrity is their integrity. As it stands now there is a possibility for Ottawa City staff members to discuss public policy matters without there being a record
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