“Filter Bubbles”: Public discourse in an age of citizen journalism by Regan Burles
Winner of the 2012 Dalton Camp Award discusses Kai Nagata and the link between media and democracy.
2012
This presentation is essential reading in understanding what is to come
(If some of the slides are blank either zoom in one level or fullscreen the presentation) The End Game
A winning essay on national media coverage of the 2011 federal election
This is a brilliant piece of writing by Mark Brister: “National media coverage of the 2011 federal election was a failure.” Not sure if it’s getting much coverage but there’s…
Ezra Levant campaign to run for Parliament? I hope so.
We have Conservatives apparently urging the shrill Ezra Levant to run for the Conservative nomination in Calgary Centre. This being Calgary, I doubt there would be any doubt of him…
Capital punishment, without process
A video was released this week showing the ugly homicide of Vancouver citizen Paul Boyd. If you consider the video offered any new information, reconsider. This was written almost 18…
May 30: (extra blog for the day) evening thoughts
Today, Norbert Cunningham wrote an introductory column on the baby boomers. He’ll continue it on June 1. I have no idea what he’ll write – so this is no attempt…
In The Forecast: More Extreme – and Expensive – Weather Events
Montreal Quebec was hit by a short but fierce rainstorm on Tuesday, doing millions of dollars worth of damage to homes and businesses. The Montreal Gazette reported: Montreal firefighters answered…
Medicare in the 21st Century – Change is Afoot!
On May 23, I was lucky enough to hear Andre Picard speak. He’s the health and social policy writer for the Globe and Mail newspaper, but he’s much more than…
Two reports on pesticide risks
Thursday, May 31, 2012 When a politician says that his report is about the science, and not about the politics, it’s probably wise to take that claim with a grain…
Examining the status quo
If unlike me, you are not ancient, listen to Simi Sara at CKNW’s audio vault, May 31, 1 pm, to remember how excellent talk radio can be. This is broadcasting…
Greater Sudbury at a Crossroads, Part 1: Looking Backwards and Moving Forwards
The City of Greater Sudbury finds itself at a crossroads. The time is now ripe to tackle difficult, but important and interesting questions about the nature of our City, and…
Dear journalists (Part 2)
I had never intended to make the first part an ongoing “series” and was really just the result of my angry ranting, yet again I feel a need to ask…
Breastfeeding in Uniform
Apparently there is some sort of controversy surrounding these pictures. That is good, because I can therefor post them here under the fair dealing exception of the Canada’s copyright Act.…
Mainstream Media + [UN]Ethical Oil = Minimal Oil Spill(s) Coverage
Déjà vu! Around this time, last year, Mainstream Media was providing minimal coverage of the Rainbow Pipeline leak. Fast-forward 1 year and yet another oil spill — an oil spill…
Arms Race Update – US Space Drone Returns
Drones in space? The US Air Force is preparing for the return of its automated space craft after 453-days and counting in orbit. Here it is, the X-37. The robotic…
New Abortion Caravan Counter-Protest in photos
On May 29, 2012, anti-choicers led by the Calgary-based Canadian Centre for Bioethical Reform launched their “New Abortion Caravan” in Vancouver. Their goal is to drive their graphic anti-abortion trucks…
More F-35 Troubles Loom
One of the ongoing controversies plaguing the F-35 has been what powers it. There was early backing for two engines to be developed but Congress angrily quashed that in favour…
Legislating Against Sea Level Rise – What Crazy People Do in Government
North Carolina is firmly Republican and its legislature is just as firmly crazy. Crazy as in detached from reality, liberated from reason, unhinged. From Scientific American: “…the meter or so…
Social Issues: Justice for Rwandan Genocide
Thursday, May 31st will be marked as a day justice was found, when former Rwandan minister, Callixte Nzabonimana, was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 1994…
Missed Opportunity for PEI Poverty Strategy
The government of Prince Edward Island has introduced a Social Action Plan to Reduce Poverty, found online at PEI CSS. This Action Plan follows community consultations, including face-to-face meetings and…