Veblen’s Theory of the Leisure Class Updated
In his 1899 work The Theory of the Leisure Class, Thorstein Veblen wrote, “The basis on which good repute in any highly organised industrial community ultimately rests is pecuniary strength;…
February 2012
An inauspicious beginning for the opposition at the Park Board
With another Vision majority on the Park Board we have 3 more years of them doing pretty much whatever they want. That is the nature of democracy and I respect…
Of big brothers and little birds
Yup, they’re watching, and we’d just better get used to it. Item: A British couple hoping to holiday in Los Angeles was seized at the airport and incarcerated overnight, then…
This is the 1%
I really hope Americans aren’t just paying attention to the race for the Republican nomination, but are actually giving each of these candidates a good look to see how contemptible…
Josh Fox Arrested For "Unlawful Entry" At Congressional Fracking Public Hearing, GOP Attacks 1st Amendment Rights
Josh Fox Arrested.png Earlier this morning, "Gasland" filmmaker and anti-fracking advocate Josh Fox was ejected out of the Energy and Environment subcommittee meeting on fracking after he attempted to film…
Wednesday Morning Links
Miscellaneous material for your mid-week reading. – Paul Wells points out that despite the Cons’ best efforts to get Canadians to panic over the state of our retirement system, the…
Adjournments generally granted even at start of trial
Graham v. Vandersloot, 2012 ONCA 60 deals with the propriety an adjournment sought on the start of trial. The broad lesson is, generally, such adjournments will be granted. The Court writes: Adjournment…
An unlikely ally
Brad Trost represents, in my opinion, the very worst of the Conservative Party. A true Reform-a-tory he would have us all living back in the 1950’s when men were men…
Vancouver Observer: Canada’s right-wing media monopolies move further right
I’ve made the domination of Canada’s right-wing media the centrepiece of this blog. Sometimes I wonder why. Those posts are the least travelled, the least linked of any on this…
Tales of the golden arches
A little latter-day nausea for those of us who used to be “lovin’ it.”
Simple solution to Abortion Access on PEI
The PEI Liberals, under the leadership of Robert Ghiz are saying that Women on PEI do in fact have access to abortion services. They have access because they can drive/fly/bus/hitchhike/taxi…
The Genderbread Person
Presenting the Genderbread Person.
The High Cost of Corporate Tax Cuts
The Harper government’s plans to reduce the deficit with savings from Old Age Security, are absolute nonsense. Their argument is that it will be more beneficial for younger workers. Just…
"Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?"
That was Adolf Hitler in 1939, who had found a model for his own policies of mass extermination. He was explaining that the genocide of the Armenians would become, as…
Canadian Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver Unable To Answer Question re: Hydrocarbons & Climate Change
Canada’s Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver, who most recently has been publicly vilifying ordinary Canadians who are concerned about clean water, clean air, and a stable climate, demonstrated in the…
Oh Raj Sherman, Stop Trying to Get Into the News
Attacking the federal Liberals and Bob Rae over the Northern Gateway Pipeline is not how you’ll boost your poll numbers. You’re flogging a dead horse, my friend. And this comes…
Vancouver Observer: Canada’s right-wing media monopolies move further right
I’ve made the domination of Canada’s right-wing media the centrepiece of this blog. Sometimes I wonder why. Those posts are the least travelled, the least linked of any on this…
Virginia State Senator Janet Howell Has A Brilliant Plan
Virginia State Senate is trying to put through a bill requiring women to have an ultra-sound before an abortion. Senator Janet Howell has formed a brilliant protest manoeuvre Howell expressed…
Most in Kamloops favour CBC expansion, poll finds by Mike Youds
Study shows that a substantial majority — 73 per cent — of Kamloops area residents surveyed would like CBC to establish a local radio station to cover community affairs.