Former GOP honcho nets $8 million in armed robbery
headlines we should have seen: Former House of Representative leader Dick “Dick” Armey pulls off $8 million gunpoint stick-up. No, I am not exaggerating. Dick Armey walked into the Tea…
2012
Five myths about charitable giving
From the Washington Post, follow the link for complete article. Of course it refers to American organizations but Canadian charities are not substantially different. 1. Charities are principally dedicated to…
Most Shameful Politician of 2012: Peter Van Loan
Peter Van Loan is a sore winner Peter Van Loan doesn’t believe in the concept of shame. Well, check that. He believes that others might feel shame and that it…
12 Words I (Re)Discovered in 2012
Defenestrate: To eject or throw (someone or something) from a window. Kludge: an improvised device, usually crudely constructed. Typically used to test the validity of a principle before doing a…
Chief Spence and Our Quiet Racist Traditions. . . . .
Unfortunately racism is an incredibly powerful and shockingly nefarious thing. It seeps into people’s blood and bones in ways that they don’t even notice. Racism is not just a conscious…
Most Ineffective Cabinet Minister of 2012: John Duncan
Is there anyone John Duncan cannot offend? Late last year, the housing crisis in Attawapiskat was making headlines and John Duncan, the Aboriginal Affairs Minister, was the point man for…
5475…Sit Stand Live Longer
Got this from Boing Boing via the great Russell Barth: In 2002, over 2000 people between the ages of 51 and 80 were asked to sit on the floor using…
5474…Breaking Bad Collectables
My real world and Facebook friend Kia Mennie “…reports that Breaking Bad collectibles, such as mini-figures, bobbleheads, paperweights, and plush toys, will be available next year.”No footnote so if you…
United Church of Canada implores Harper to meet with hunger striker Chief Spence
by United Church of Canada: December 19, 2012 The Right Hon. Stephen Harper Prime Minister of Canada House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario Fax: 613-941-6900 Dear Prime Minister Harper: We write…
Most Delusional Politician of 2012: Gerry Ritz
Ralph Wiggum would be a better Agriculture Minister than Gerry Ritz In 2008, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz was faced with a listeriosis crisis that killed 17 people. In a conference…
When will it be enough?
BREAKING NEWS: Politicians are talking, and nothing is getting done. Meetings are being held, and nothing is being done. Money is being spent and still, nothing is being done. For…
Idle No More and the Power of Solidarity
One day historians, or forensic psychiatrists, will no doubt argue over why Stephen Harper was prepared to let Chief Theresa Spence die.Was it because that cold, cruel, man couldn't feel…
Political Stooge of 2012: Pierre Poilievre
To be perfectly honest, I struggled with this. Here’s Pierre Poilievre repeating talking points ad nauseam without a hint of even considering answering the reporter’s question. So it should be…
Why God?
Dr. John Stackhouse – Why, God?” Asked the American People, and Would Not Stay for an Answer Has Prof. Alvin Plantinga of the University of Notre Dame, arguably the most…
Worst Political Accusation of 2012: Rob Anders
Rob Anders will always have a future in the private sector at Sun News. Quite possibly the quote of year comes from the immensely quotable Rob Anders: I actually think…
ISS over Regina
I was checking to see the next time the International Space Station would fly over Regina’s skies, and saw it was in two minutes! (There are only a few times…
Idle No More at Ottawa’s Rideau Centre today
At the Idle No More event at Ottawa’s Rideau Centre today, I bore witness: I saw friendly activists handing out literature: I saw a poster that said “We Support Chief…
Sexual Violence Against Indigenous Women
i am reposting this horrific news, without commentary except to say that obviously i do not share the authors’ insistence on nonviolence, but equally obviously that is not the most…
Care about equality? Suck up the tall buildings
Over the holidays I read Matt Yglesias fantastic book “The rent is too damn high,” which deals with urban policy in the United States and its effect on housing prices.…
Prudent fiscal management, BC Liberal style
Note 16 of BC Hydro’s audited financials statements, March 31, 2012 Energy Commitments “BC Hydro (excluding Powerex) has long-term energy purchase agreements to meet a portion of its expected future…