Those Who Would Bomb…
Apparently a good many Canadians, even a majority, would have the federal government continue our bombing campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Let's unpack that curious thinking.It strikes me…
The Mound of Sound
Is the Petro-Economy a Millstone Around Canada’s Neck?
Didn't we imagine that this was going to be our ticket to Easy Street? Hell we had almost as much oil as Saudi Arabia and the world was going to…
The Ponzi Economy and The Ride of the Looter Class
We're already well into our eventual environmental meltdown. Are we now also on the cusp of a global economic meltdown? There is a growing chorus of voices warning that the…
Mulcair’s Opening Salvo – and It’s BullS__t
I feel badly for Tom Mulcair but who wouldn't? He was supposed to be farting through silk right now but the last election sent him instead to the cellar where…
The Complete History of Japan – In a Matter of Minutes
It's fast, it's fun - and it's sort of accurate. The history of Japan. Sit back, relax, enjoy.
Which Explains Why Assange Must Remain in the Ecuadorian Embassy.
The Swedes say they want WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange brought to justice on sexual assault charges. Assange says it's a ruse intended solely to get him in American custody.Who to…
Galbraith on "What Ever Happened to Conservatives?"
Political economist, James K. Galbraith, wrote The Predator State toward the end of the Bush/Cheney fiasco. In this book he dissects what today stands as our economic orthodoxy - globalization…
What If Assad Wins, What Then?
Russia's intervention in Syria may have turned the tables in favour of strongman, Bashar Assad. Russian airpower has been pounding the daylights out of Assad's opposition, the rebels (our guys),…
The Greatest 60s Cover Band?
Twin sisters, Mona and Lisa. Austrian girls now living in Liverpool. They went public at the age of 13. I've never heard anything quite like them. Now I think I'm…
Are You Really Going to Bank on Justin and Christia When It Comes to the TPP? Elizabeth Warren Has Some Insights You Might Find Helpful.
Justin Trudeau and his international trade minister, Christia Freeland, are non-committal when asked whether Canada should sign onto the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. They tell us they're going to…
Rick’s Rona Rant
From last evening's RMR I take the piss out of Ambrose, referring to her as "Mona," but Mercer has a habit of calling her "Ronna" as in Donna. Charming.
A Page from Vancouver Island’s Maritime History – the BCP45
It's a bit of Vancouver Island history. The seiner, BCP45, came out of the Burrard drydocks in 1927 and plied the coastal waters for salmon until 1994. It changed hands…
Well, There’s One Rona That’s Not a Dead Loss
No, I'm not talking about Mona Ambrose, erstwhile nursemaid to the wallowing wounded remains of the Conservative Party. She definitely is a dead loss.It's the other Rona, the hardware chain,…
C’Mon, Don’t Say It Never Crossed Your Mind.
David Suzuki says Shifty Steve Harper deserves a double helping of the ol' mandatory minimum in the Greybar Hotel for his years of 'wilful blindness' over the environment.But the Rolling…
Is Israel a Lost Cause?
There's been a seismic struggle underway for the heart of Israel between the faction of Israelis who yearn for a liberal democracy and the more powerful, dominant group determined to…
It’s Not the Heat, It’s the Humidity.
Anyone who grew up in southern Ontario before the era of central air conditioning is all too familiar with the line, "it's not the heat, it's the humidity." As we…
What’s That Sound? It’s Jackboots Marching For Trump.
Well at least they're not turning out in brown shirts, not yet at least. Still there's no denying that America's authoritarian right primary voters know their man - Donald J.…
It’s Time America and Her Posse Had a New Mideast Policy. Enough of This "Fool’s Errand."
The Sheriff (USA) and his posse (Canada and our fellow minions) are not doing all that well in the Middle East these days. Fact is we haven't been doing much…
Now, Sit Still While I Shoot You Down
Lockheed has spent years, many years, telling the world that its F-35, supposedly stealthy, light attack bomber is unlike any warplane in the sky today. Turns out they're right.Recent reports…
As the World Burns
When you're roaring toward the cliff edge does it really matter if it's a jackboot or a Gucci loafer smashing the gas pedal into the floorboards? That's kind of how…