Celebration capitalism, protest and the Sochi Olympics
Jules Boykoff is an activist, author and former Olympic athlete. His most recent book is titled, Celebration Capitalism and the Olympic Games (2014). He is currently an associate professor of…
February 2014
John Tory has unfriended me on Facebook (updated)
Seriously. Lisa, too. I wonder if the social media cold-shouldering has anything to do with John’s now-immortal statement: “I’ll say to young women, learn how to play golf…Because you will…
Andrea Horwath: Labour’s Fair-Weather Friend?
In light of her refusal to say much about anything, a political disease she may have caught from her federal cousins, Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath is being viewed increasingly…
The branding of Premier Wynne: Loser.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne has a problem with Ontario voters. They have taken her measure. She has been found wanting. It is not her politics. It is not her demeanour.…
Through Andrew Leslie To The Troops
I don’t have much to say on this. Other than the amount involved ($72,000) there is nothing remarkable about it. And if you look at the list CTV got hold…
Ignoring The American Expereince
Some Americans have been warning Canada that following in their footsteps isn’t wise. They warned that establishing mandatory minimum sentences fills up jails but does not deter crime. Still, as…
Magic numbers and the math stick
Economics is often associated with numbers. We are bombarded with economic data: GDP, unemployment, inflation, debt, exchange rates, market indices…the list is seemingly endless. While many of these numbers change…
The Horribly Humiliating Fate of Stephen Harper’s Propaganda Show
I'm sure you remember how just over a month ago Stephen Harper set out to make his own propaganda movies.By making us pay to make him look good. With a…
The Game of Throne #nlpoli
In 1979 and 1989, using pretty much the same party constitution as they have now, the provincial Conservatives in Newfoundland and Labrador managed to find a new party leader before…
Stephen Harper and the Shadow of the Police State
He has committed so many crimes against Canada and his values it's hard to list them all, let alone categorize them. But without a doubt his worst crime is his…
Returning Home
I have returned home tonight to be with my family while my daughter undergoes a minor medical procedure on Monday. I apologize to those attending the events I had been…
“What Makes Canada So Great?”
Michaela Pereira, CNN television personality and news anchor (I use the term loosely) asked a member of the Canadian Olympic skiing team this question: “What makes Canada so great?” My…
I’ve been nominated! And I need your vote.
Vote today here.
Ipsos: Ontario Liberal support is soft as butter
…and now you see why I think they’re going to lose. From Ipsos’ press release tonight: Potential actual turnout at the polls could boost Tories… While the three parties are…
From a question about iPad’s
This, in response to a question on another board somewhere… “I’m just curious if anyone here uses an iPad for any of their image work, like creating graphics and designs?…
Legal Versus “Personal” Conflicts of Interest
In May, 2013, I wrote my thoughts about Ontario’s Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and the effect it had on the governance and procedural behaviour of municipal councillors. Back then,…
He Can Always Go Back to Israel
It looks as though Stephen Harper won’t find much love when he travels to Mexico for the upcoming North American leaders’ summit. American officials have already bluntly warned Harper not…
The Idiot Cull
I nominate the late James Coot, a Middleboro Kentucky preacher, for a 2014 Darwin Award. Snake-handling star of ‘Snake Salvation’ reality show dies from snake bite (via Raw Story )…
Open Data Day in 110 cities Worldwide! Here’s 6 things to do
It is, as always, with a fair amount of wonder that I watch the open data day wiki grow each year. This year there are 100 self organized events taking…