Sea Shepherd Piratical? Hardly.
Japanese whale “researchers” have persuaded a U.S. judge to declare the Sea Shepherd organization piratical. The ruling was issued on Wednesday by chief judge Alex Kozinski of the 9th US…
The Mound of Sound
Call It What You Like – Homeland, Vaterland, Rodina – It’s All the Same
On the 10th anniversary of the creation of America’s Department of Homeland Security some are deeply worried about the connotation of the word “homeland” itself in the evolution of today’s…
It’s Called "Green Fatigue" And There’s a Good Chance You’ve Got It
A survey of 22,812 respondents in 22 countries has found that only 49% consider climate change a very serious issue. Public concerns about environmental issues has slumped to a 20-year…
Ban Hunter-Killer Robots Now
We’re on the threshold of a tipping point in combat weaponry – the deployment of autonomous attack robots. That’s right, think Terminator. You’re not far off the mark. Robot warfare…
To Be Innocent on Death Row in Texas
It’s pretty hard to be a condemned inmate in Texas when all you’ve got is science on your side. Larry Swearingen is sitting on Death Row for a 1998 murder…
InterContinental Drug Cartel Warfare?
Africa’s drug cartels are no longer content to simply be mules for moving Latin America’s drug cartels’ product into Europe. Now they’re even moving into the Latin American gangs’ home…
Yeah, Sure, the Jim Crow South is No More
Any court that can pretend corporations are people has demonstrated a talent for overcoming reality. That pretty much describes today’s United States Supreme Court or at least the hard-right conservative…
"A Perpetuation of Racial Entitlement"
It’s not hard to figure out where U.S. Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia stands on the Voting Rights Act of 1965. When he labeled a provision that requires the Slave…
It’s More Than a Little Missing Ice
Killer heat waves, droughts and floods whipsawing the planet are the result of the warming Arctic region. It’s pretty simple – lose the ice, lose the planet. Hey, how about…
A Cautionary Tale – The Right to Die
Here’s something to think about. A few days ago I experienced, first-hand, the death of a dear friend. He had been in decline for several months. This necessitated a few…
Just Shut Up and Do As You’re Told
If you have any illusions you’re not living in a corporatist state, any doubt, watch this film, “Obey.” Then think about how you’re going to be living in ten years…
Jimmy Carter Gives Canada Its Due
The film Argo might have won the Oscar but Jimmy Carter thinks the real prize goes to Canada, not the C.I.A. Carter described Ben Affleck’s picture as a “great drama”.…
Andrew’s Letter to Wolfie on the 10th Anniversary of the Conquest of Iraq
Career U.S. Army commander turned academic, Andrew J. Bacevich, has ties to Iraq. He commanded an American unit in Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait on the orders of George…
I Lost a Buddy Last Night
Neighbours. His wife called close to 10. He didn’t have the strength to get himself off the toilet and she didn’t have the strength to get him up either. I…
The Hard Truth About Unconventional Fossil Fuel
When it comes to unconventional fossil fuels, the majority of Canadian politicians, federal and provincial, fall into two categories – idiots or featherbedders. The Tyee has this eye-opener from geologist…
Nobody is Safe Anymore. No One, Nowhere.
It’s the latest, greatest thing in the Pentagon’s toybox – MAVs. Micro Air Vehicles like those shown in the following video already exist and they could take your last shreds…
A Warming World Equals Work Loss
Most of us realize that it’s a lot harder to work on those really hot, humid days. Climate change is bringing us more hot, humid days and there are more…
Chris Hadfield – Rockstar
The Guardian is singing the praises of Canadian fighter jock, test pilot and astronaut, the soon-to-be ISS commander, Chris Hadfield. This line says it all: “…he is on the way…
The Pot Calling the Kettle Unqualified
Angry old man, Grampa John McCain is at it again. The guy who nearly made Sarah Palin his wing-gal in the executive branch had the gall to label Chuck Hagel…
Time to Say "None of the Above"
I wouldn’t ride in a car with a driver who was too stupid to know when to use the brakes. Would you? Yet that’s a pretty fair metaphor for the…