Saddam could be executed within days: reports

From the CBC. I've commented on a similar topic before. I'm not saying stay the execution, if he's guilty of the crimes the punishment fits. However, the violence in Iraq needs to subside first, otherwise Saddam's execution will just add fuel to the fire.

Technorati tags: Saddam Hussein Iraq

Elections Canada chief to resign

From the Globe and Mail, this article insituates that the dispute with the Harper government had something to do with the resignation of the head of Elections Canada, Jean-Pierre Kingsley. Maybe, maybe not.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Harper supporter but it bothers me when I see comments like this in articles that imply something without the requisite commentary from those it references. It's up to the Canadian Press news agency, to elaborate on the innuendo, not the Government.

I think some people leaving comments in the Globe have it backward.

Technorati tags: Elections Canada

FDA: Cloned livestock is safe to eat

I blogged yesterday on a similar topic, ditto for this one. It's interesting research but the science is far to new to state unequivocally that we know what the hell we're doing. After all it's only been 10 years since the first cloned sheep.

Technorati tags: GM food

CBC: U.S. group backs engineered peanuts

From the CBC, US scientists have been given the go ahead to genetically engineer peanuts. I would not be the least little bit surprised if in 20 years from now, all of the unintended consequences of GM food start to come out.

Technorati tags: GM food

Harper, 2 other MPs exceeded donations limit

From the CBC, the Conservative party refunded donations related to the party's 2005 convention and issued tax receipts. $456 is certainly no big deal but it's the principle.

I can understand how this could happen, given that many of the delegates and members are new but ignorance of the law is no excuse.

They know now, no harm no foul.

Technorati tags: Conservative Campaign financing

Pakistan to mine border with Afghanistan

From CNN, it's about time. I can appreciate that Musharref has a difficult situation in that there is wide spread support for the Taliban in the tribal regions and much anti-western sentiment in his country.

I wonder if Pakistan is truly doing that little to control militants crossing the border into Afghanistan or if it's just that NATO is attempting to deflect the fact that they are not committing the necessary resources themselves to do what they could and should be doing.

Technorati tags: Afghanistan Pakistan

Documentary: French soldiers had 2 chances to kill bin Laden

From the CBC, there is a French Documentary, which claims that French soldiers had Bin Laden in there sights but were not given the go ahead to shoot by US commanders. This occurred twice, once in 2003 and once in 2004. The documentary is titled: Ben Laden, les ratés d'une traque (Bin Laden, the Failures of a Manhunt).

Anything is possible but I find this claim to be highly unlikely.

Technorati tags: Afghanistan Bin Laden

Keith Ellison-Virgil Goode

I had blogged previously about Keith Ellison (D), the Senator who wants to take his oath on the Quran has opposed to the Bible. This seems to have stirred up quite a bit of controversy south of the border. Virgil Goode (R), was on Fox News stating his position, Goode is quoted as having written......

"When I raise my hand to take the oath on Swearing In Day, I will have the Bible in my other hand. I do not subscribe to using the Koran in any way. The Muslim Representative from Minnesota was elected by the voters of that district and if American citizens don’t wake up and adopt the Virgil Goode position on immigration there will likely be many more Muslims elected to office and demanding the use of the Koran. We need to stop illegal immigration totally and reduce legal immigration and end the diversity visas policy pushed hard by President Clinton and allowing many persons from the Middle East to come to this country. I fear that in the next century we will have many more Muslims in the United States if we do not adopt the strict immigration policies that I believe are necessary to preserve the values and beliefs traditional to the United States of America and to prevent our resources from being swamped. The Ten Commandments and 'In God We Trust' are on the wall in my office. A Muslim student came by the office and asked why I did not have anything on my wall about the Koran. My response was clear, 'As long as I have the honor of representing the citizens of the 5th District of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives, The Koran is not going to be on the wall of my office"

I find it truly amazing how emotional and uninformed the discussion is on this issue (that is, over an above how amazing it is that this is even an issue in the first place). This exactly the kind of narrow mindedness I was referring to in my post from yesterday.

A little common sense would do a world of good.

Technorati tags: Keith Ellison Virgil Goode

Genographic Project

I had recently blogged about sending away for a Genographic Project kit. It arrived about a week ago. I'm quite curious to see the results. With the kit, there was a copy of the documentary on DVD that was recently on the National Geographic Channel. I just sent it off today, it's supposed to take a month or two for the results to post on their website.

Research to date suggests that every single human being on earth is a direct descendant of a tribe in Africa, the San separated by some 2,000 generations. With the recent publicity of David Duke's, former KKK Imperial Wizard, attendance at the Iran Holocaust Conference, I couldn't help but wonder what his opinion was on him being a direct decendant of this same tribe in Africa.

Technorati tags: Genographic Project KKK San Bushmen

The problem with secularism

A more accurate title addressing the issues of this article would be: "The problem with labels". In Eric Hoffer's book, The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements, he talks about unifying agents of mass movements: hatred, imitation (how well people can identify with one another), persuasion and coercion, leadership, action and finally, suspicion.

Hoffer writes.....

"The assertion that a mass movement cannot be stopped by force is not literally true. Force can stop and crush even the most vigorous movement. But to do so the force must be ruthless and persistent. And here is where faith enteres as an indispensable factor. For a persecution that is ruthless and persistent can come only from fanatical conviction. 'Any violence which does not spring from a firm spiritual base, will be wavering and uncertain. It lacks the stability which can only rest in a fanatical outlook.'...... '..... as soon as force wavers and alternates with forbearance, not only will the doctrine to be repressed recover again and again, but it will also be in a position to draw new benefit from every persecution."

There will always be leaders that will take up a cause. People will always congregate and tend to associate with others having similar interests and points of view. Attempts at eliminating the leadership to remove the threats of coercion will not work, there will always be some individual or individuals more than willing to step in and assume the leadership role of a mass movement.

What will eventually end the conflict is open dialogue and a willingness of both parties to engage, not merely at the leaderships level but at the level of the movements members. Open dialogue is the only way to dilute the ability of the mass movement to perpetuate hatred and suspicion of the other party.

Religion, in and of itself, will be as ineffective as war.

I can't recall where I heard this but it was a recent quote that went something like this: We've never had a war with any country we've had a dialogue with, war only occurred after the dialogue broke down.

Consequently, wars end when both parties are prepared to talk again.

Technorati tags: fanatacism secularism religion

Study: More Than 9 Out of 10 Americans — Even Grandparents — Had Premarital Sex

".....Janice Crouse of Concerned Women for America, a conservative group which strongly supports abstinence-only education, said she was skeptical of the findings."

I have a hard time believing it's that low, obviously she's never been in a university residence.


Technorati tags: pre-marital sex Concerned Women for America

Bye bye Belgium? (Canada)

Some of this sounds familiar. See any similarities?


Technorati tags: Belgium Quebec separation Canada

Rethinking the death penalty

There are, in my opinion, a few instances in which the death penalty is appropriate:

1) Pedophilia
2) Multiple or serial murder
3) War crimes and crimes against humanity

Technorati tags: death penalty

Inquiry into abuses ends with no U.S. civilian indictments

I have a feeling that the prisoner abuse cases will have to be handed over to the ICC to avoid this case being tried in the court of public opinion in Europe and the Arab World.


Technorati tags: ICC Abu Ghraib Iraq

Maher Arar

If the US Government wants to deny Maher Arar or anyone for that matter, entry to the US, then that's up to them. The issuance of an entry visa is solely at the discretion of the issuing country, it is not a right. If he wants to enter the US, he should apply to the appropriate authorities in the US to be removed from the watch list.

Technorati tags: Maher Arar

Birds in France being tested for H5N1

I had previously blogged about the most likely scenario in which H5N1 could spread in North America.

It has been reported that 4000 birds have died on a farm in France on Saturday and are being tested with results expected Tuesday. France is the 4th largest poultry exporter in the world behind the US, China and Brazil and the largest producer in Europe.

Technorati tags: H5N1 France

Indian Female Runner Who Won Silver at Asian Games Fails Gender Test

Shouldn't this story read ".... is likely to be stripped of his medal"?

Technorati tags: Asia Games

Wilkins urges Canadians to get passports

I fail to see what the big deal is about getting a Canadian passport for travel to the US. I used to travel to the US quite frequently and obtained one after 9/11, a passport it just a good thing to have. It would be prudent for both countries to have this requirement. The US can't control Canadian immigration any more than Canada can control US immigration, after all we are separate countries and have our own unique challenges and needs when it comes to immigration. We do however need to work together, after all we are both each others largest trading partners.

What's all the whining about, just suck it up and get a passport.

Technorati tags: David Wilkins Canada US Travel

Japan and nuclear weapons

In one of his last addresses as Secretary General, Kofi Annan will urge Japan not to pursue nuclear weapons.

This follows an announcement last week that Japan's Defence Ministry will be upgraded to a full ministry and educational reforms will require schools to "to cultivate an attitude that respects tradition and culture, that loves the nation and home country."

Japan's Constitution has been in place since 1947, and provides that a military for other than civil defence purposes will not be maintained

Technorati tags: Japan Nuclear proliferation

Iran reformist regains influence

The article in the BBC, suggests that Rafsanjani is either a "liberal" or a "moderate". Whether he is or not, his election to the Assembly of Experts and the overall results are generally seen as a reflection of declining support for Ahmadinejad.


Technorati tags: Iran Assembly of Experts

Georgia rules Potter can stay on school shelves

From CNN, Georgia rules Potter can stay on school shelves

Harry Potter books promotes witchcraft?! What a nut job.

Why not try:

1) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain
2) Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
3) Of Mice and Mean, John Steinbeck
4) Notre Dame de Paris or Les Miserables, Victor Hugo
5) The Last Temptation, Nikos Kazantzakis

To name a few.

A book worth banning is a book worth reading.


Technorati tags: Harry Potter Witchcraft Book Banning

Afghanistan - combat role or reconstruction role

Did anyone ever say we couldn't do both?

Rebuilding Afghanistan, one project at a time

Canada to play 'important role' in Afghan mission


Technorati tags: Afghanistan CBC Globe and Mail

Senate Reform - The Frasier Institute

I had previously posted on Bill c-43, the upcoming Senate Reform bill. I came across an interesting publication on Senate Reform from the Fraser Institute that some may find interesting.

The Fraser Institute is a libertarian think tank, meaning by it's very nature will be critical of government. Not that this is a bad thing, but one should read the publication keeping this in mind.

The publication contends that an elected Senate would concentrate power in Ottawa, at the expense of the provinces (it is doubtful whether provinces, particular Alberta and Quebec would accept this), as there would be two houses with elected representation. This model works in the US as there is a separation between the legislative and executive branches whereas in Canada, there is no separation. The function of the House of Commons is "not to govern but to hold to account those who do", for those unfamiliar, that would be the party the majority representation (I won't get into minority governments).

The Fraser Institute publications continues explaining that, a scenario similar to what is outlined in Bill c-43, although it would avoid opening the consitution initially, would ultimately lead to just that but it would do so by creating a constitutional crisis.

If we're going to reform the Senate, I don't understand we just don't it by opening the Constitution to debate. At the very least citizens and the various levels of government would fully understand the implications of Senate reform.

Technorati tags: Senate Reform Frasier Institute Bill C-43

Bakker, Brown: What the hell happened to Christianity? - CNN.com

Bakker, Brown: What the hell happened to Christianity? - CNN.com

Nothing happened to Christianity. What happened was that a political lobby group, the Moral Majority, gained significant influence through the 80's and 90's. Now we are in a position where US politicians and lobby groups provide the nations moral compass.

Technorati tags: Christianity Organized Religion Church and State

Senate control hinges on 'stroke'

What struck me about this article is that if Senator Johnson does step down, the Governor of South Dakota will appoint a replacement.

If an elected official resigned in Canada there would be a bi-election for a replacement.

Of all the countries in the world, I would have thought the United States would have a democratically elected representative serving in the Senate as a replacement. Is this story accurate?

Technorati tags: Senator Johnson South Dakota US Senate

Assisted Suicide Advocate Jack Kevorkian to Be Paroled in June

I oppose assisted suicide/euthanasia, not on any religious grounds, as I find the arguments to be weak.

I often wonder for whom euthansia makes things easier for, the one who is terminally ill, or the psychological well being for those that will ultimately be left behind.

My mother died of cancer when I was a child. Although I do not remember much, I do recall the excruciating pain she was in in the weeks leading up to her death. That part, I will never forget.

Death is a part of life, albeit an unpleasant part.

Click on the URL below for the rest of this story:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,236364,00.html


Technorati tags: Kevorkian

Senate Reform

Wow, am I ever disappointed with the proposed Senate reform bill. I haven't read the actual bill (Bill C-43) but I intend to.

I like the US model of an elected Senate. The current system of patronage appointments is a joke. I wouldn't go as far as Stephane Dion saying it's irresponsible but it certainly does seem pointless.

I'm not sure exactly how this will make "democracy finally come to the Senate". People vote for their "preference" and the Prime Minister decides whether or not to go with the choice?!

I guess the alternative would be to re-open the Constitution. Nothing like taking the easy way out. At least the Conservatives get to keep an election promise.

Technorati tags: Senate Reform Bill C-43 Constitution

Genographic Project

I've been reading about the Genographic Project for a while now and watched the documentary on the National Geographic Channel a while back. I finally broke down and ordered a kit.

The DNA study "suggests that all human beings descended from a group of African ancestors about 60,000 years ago."

I hope this will eventually get more publicity through the media. Although I doubt it that will, I also hope that it will dispell some of that Creationism BS.

Technorati tags: National Geographic Genographic Project Creationism

Stockwell Day

I try my best to block the fact that Stockwell Day continues to get elected to Parliament. Then, he either opens his mouth or communicates with other human beings in some way, shape or form and I go through the painful realization that he is an even bigger idiot than I thought he was.

Technorati tags: Stockwell Day Conservative

Afghanistan

Gilles Duceppe indicated that he will introduce a no-confidence motion in the House if the focus of our military doesn't change to one of rebuilding. I would think it's a little difficult to rebuild if you're getting shot at and bombed.

I find it truly mind boggling when people say that the Afghan war is wrong or unjust. Iraq yes, but Afghanistan?! Were you sleeping through September 2001? Give your head a shake.

Technorati tags: Afghanistan Gilles Duceppe

Students protest Ahmadinejad

Students protested Iranian President Ahmadinejad during a speech at a Tehran university today....

Admadinjad responded by calling the students an "oppressive minority". Whatever that means. Referring to the US by saying: "the worst type of dictatorship in the world is the American dictatorship which has been clothed in human rights"

There have been demonstrations in the past in Iran. It would be interesting to know, given Iran's track record in human rights, if Ahmadinejad will hold true to his words from the interview he did in September with CNN.....

"....We are against oppression and injustice. And we love the American people, as we love our own. We respect everyone. "

Technorati tags: Ahmadinejad Iran protests Iran

Mandatory retirement

The Ontario government is about abolish mandatory retirement.

Provinces that still have mandatory retirement include: Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Saskatchewan. I'm not surprised about Nova Scotia being on the list, the province is ass backwards on some issues. Not surprising the NDP in Ontario opposed the move in 2005. They either just want to take an opposing view for no other reason that to take an opposing view or are just fiscally completely out of touch with reality.

My freedom 35 plan didn't work out how I'd plan and it doesn't look like my freedom 45 will either (I do have lotto tickets for this Friday's Super 7 however so you never know).

Kind of depressing when you think that you may have to work way into your old age.


Technorati tags: Early retirement

Western Standard

Bob Wood, in his posting on the Western Standard blog, You cannot maintain equal rights for all while granting special rights to some.......

Bob, what you've described as undesireable is the exact definition of a liberal democracy, what you are suggesting that you prefer a more authoritarian form of representative democracy similar to that of emerging democracies of Eastern Europe. In an article for Foreign Affairs, Illiberal Illusions: Restoring Democracy's Good Name by Charles Kupchan

"Without the protection of individual rights and the constraints on centralized power that accompany constitutional liberalism, democracy is prone to abuses of power and, especially in diverse societies, ethnic rivalry and conflict."

Careful what you wish for Bobbo.

Technorati tags: Western Standard Democracy

Ban Ki-moon, to be new UN Secretary General

Ban Ki-moon will become the next UN Secretary General replacing Kofi Annan. The new SG will be making appointments to the Senior Management Group for which, I'm sure, there is much lobbying.

Over the past few years, there has been much call for UN reform required for the body to continue to be relevant. What reforming the UN actually means is dependant on who you're talking to.

International bodies will need to have increased powers for the to be relevant. That means the power to draft resolutions to impose sanctions on it's most powerful members, if need be, in the event they violate international law.

Of course there will have to be democratic elections.


Technorati tags: Kofi Annan UN Ban Ki-moon

Tericka Dye

From Fox News.....

Tericka Dye aka Rikki Andersin, the Kentucky high school teacher, who got fired for appearing in porn films in the late 1990's, wants her job back. All I can say is, give it back.

I know if she was my teacher back in high school, I would have paid much more attention in class.

Technorati tags: Tericka Dye

Jefferson wins Louisiana runoff

William Jefferson (D) will be returning to Congress for a 9th term. If you recall he is being investigated on charges of corruption for taking bribes and it was reported that the FBI found $90,000 in his freezer.

One person you voted for Jefferson is quoted as saying.....

"He started the job. Let him finish it," said Allen, who wouldn't give her age. "I know Karen Carter would be the first black woman, but I think she played it dirty, too dirty."

At this point he's only being investigated, there have been no charges laid; what's the big deal, I cleaned out my freezer 6 months ago and found 37 cents. Doesn't mean I'm taking bribes does it?

Could it be that the fine folks of Louisiana actually get the innocent until proven guilty thing or is it a race thing like the article suggests?

Nah, it's probably a race thing. But, I have to admit, I'm not sure I actually get how it's a race thing, taking into consideration that both candidates are black.

Technorati tags: William Jefferson Karen Carter Louisiana

North America and H5N1 bird flu

It's National Geographic day today! Studies indicate the most likely route for the spread of H5N1 to the America's is through infected poultry imported by Brazil, Canada or Mexico. The theory is that migratory birds in the Americas share few flyways with birds from Asia or Europe but that once infected birds are imported, migratory birds in the Americas will spread the virus.

















On Sept 11, 2006, Canada revised import measures on live birds. I wasn't able to find similar details for Mexico or Brazil. A UN official fears that countries imposing outright bans will force bird trade underground making it more difficult to detect the spread of the virus.

I guess it's damned if you do, damned if you don't. People are trying to mitigate the threat, to bad Dave Morgan from CITES didn't offer any alternatives.


Technorati tags: H5N1 Bird Flu Bird Imports

Family Walks on All Fours, May Offer Evolution Insight, Experts Say

From the National Geographic website, 5 members of a family of 19 walk on all fours, 3 of them have walked only on all fours there entire lives.

"Uner Tan is a neurophysiologist—a doctor specializing in the functions of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves—at Cukurova University in Adana, Turkey.
He believes the siblings, who range in age from 18 to 34, are evolutionary throwbacks—a "missing link" to our forebears."

The article indicates that the parents are closely related. I'm not sure why this is news worthy, the genetic effects of inbreeding are well known.















Technorati tags: National Geographic Evolution

Dion and dual citizenship

I fail to see what the issue is with Stephane Dion having dual Canadian/French citizenship. Turner was actually born in England, Dion was born here but got his French citizenship because his mother was born in France.

The US has a requirement that you cannot serve as President unless you are a "natural born citizen" of the US and traces it's origin all the way back to there constitution ratified in 1788. The requirement seems a little unusual for a nation of immigrants but I can understand it's inclusion at the time.

There is no such requirement in Canada. The only requirements are that they be voting age (18), there is no requirement that they even sit in Parliament, some have served from the Senate (John Abbot and Mackenzie Bowell)

Give the other parties something to bitch about, I guess.

Technorati tags: Stephane Dion

Salto Sobrius: Antikythera

Salto Sobrius: Antikythera

There was a very interesting story on CBC Radio's information morning about an ancient artifact found off the coast of Antikythera near Greece. It turns out that it was a mechanism designed to calculate astronomical positions and has been reconstructed using x-ray tomography. The object is thought to be from the 2nd century BC. It's truly facinating that this invention was created so long ago.

I recall a book I read some years ago concerning a theory about how some civilizations thrived while others either didn't progress as rapidly or died out: Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. Artifacts such as this should remind us that even though we have progressed so far and so fast over the millenia, that there are also many things that we have forgotten.

Technorati tags: Antikythera Ancient history

Possibility of water on Mars

In the news today, photos from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor suggest that water may have flowed on Mars as recently as a few years ago.

It's difficult to imagine with all of the billions of stars and planets that exist, that ours is the only one with intelligent life.

It certainly not out of the realm of possibility that if this is in fact water, that life could not exist on this or other planets in our solar system, given some of the inhospitable locations on Earth that have been recently found to support life.

Technorati tags: Mars

Tories to introduce gay marriage motion

A vote on whether to reopen the same sex marriage debate will be on the agenda again. Same sex marriage became law when bill C-38 was passed in 2005.

Arguments for and against range from religious to whether or not it's a rights issue. For those againt, the right to marry isn't specifically mentioned in the Charter but if you scroll down to articles 15, it does say.....

"15. (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.

(2) Subsection (1) does not preclude any law, program or activity that has as its object the amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups including those that are disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability."

I think the operative words here are "slam dunk".

Of course there's always the Notwithstanding Clause that could be used by provinces or the federal government for that matter which has been discussed in some provinces to protect religious rights and freedoms. With well drafted legislation, why couldn't we have both?

Reopening the debate, although it does fulfill an election promise, is a waste of time and resources.

Technorati tags: Same Sex Marriage Bill c-38

NB premier takes credit for lower auto insurance rates

From an article in the Halifax Chronicle Herald....

As someone who worked in the insurance industry at one point during there career (although no longer) I find this topic as a political issue incredibly irritating. This was an issue that reared it's ugly head several years back during a Nova Scotia election.

Through all the arguments that rate structures are discrimminatory to males under 25, younger drivers in general etc. etc. one thing that was not mentioned is that very few insurance general insurance companies make an underwriting profit. In fact most of there income comes from investment income. If you look at what was happening in the financial markets in 2001-2003 you will notice that it actually fell 20% in 2002 (see chart below), this leaves only one place for income to be generated, higher premiums.















First of all, with a population of roughly 750,000, the market is insignificant to an insurance company dealing with hundreds of billions of dollars in premium revenue to be strong armed, particularly if it's forced into a position where it cannot sustain profitability or damage it's capitalization. Second, the least profitable component of auto insurance is the liability, property damage and bodily injury insurance exactly what the province would be providing. Insurance companies would be selling "additional" coverages (collision, comprehensive and special endorsements) which is there bread and butter. How would you think the province would recover it's underwriting losses?

People get pissed off, but profitable insurance companies are a good thing. This isn't to say that government has no role in regulating the insurance industry, far from it, they must. But to be in the business of insurance or in any business, bad idea.

I think the premier of NB is suffering from dillusions of grandeur if he honestly believes the content of the Herald article. He had very little if nothing to do with premiums being lowered. Over the past 3 years the market is up 60%.


Technorati tags: insurance New Brunswick

Dennis Prager - Keith Ellison controversy

Dennis Prager stated in an article he wrote, saying Keith Ellision (D) should not serve in Congress if he won't take his oath on the Bible, as opposed to the Koran as he plans to.

Couple of observations:

1) Who really cares (other than Prager), the act of taking the oath on the Bible is symbolic.
2) Here's the Congressional Oath of Office......

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.

Nope, no mention of the Bible here. I guess it's more important that he upholds the Constitution than be a Christian.

3) Refer to my Common Sense posting, enough said?

Technorati tags: Dennis Prager Keith Ellison

First winter storm of the year

What a brutal drive home. What would normally take 25 minutes of highway driving, took three hours. As is typical of our Maritime climate, what was initially anticipated to be a few cm of snow turned out to be 10-15cm.

Naturally this started around 2PM so that by the time rush rolled around, traffic was a complete cluster f#&k. The plows didn't have the chance to do much in the way of clearing the snow so the traffice packed 4-6 inches of snow into an inch of ice.

Good times.

Technorati tags: weather winter halifax nova scotia

Imperial Roman artifact found

This is very cool. Maxentius was the Roman emporor from 306-312 AD who was overthrown by the Constantine I when his armies invaded Italy in 312. Constantine was the first Emperor to recognize Christianity. For more information read The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon.

Technorati tags: Roman Empire Ancient history Maxentius Constantine I

My political profile

Uh oh! I'm more conservative than liberal. I must be an anomoly, right CrunchGear?.....

"It’s no secret that those living in Canadia are a bunch of bleeding-heart lefties"

By the way, just so you know, it's Canada

Your Political Profile:

Overall: 60% Conservative, 40% Liberal

Social Issues: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Ethics: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?

Technorati Tags: Liberal Conservative CrunchGear

Psiphon set to launch

From a posting on CBC: An internet tool, Psiphon, that lets individuals, in countries that censor the internet, access material restricted by their government is set to launch on Friday, December 8. Most of the censored sites are pornographic, religious, political or propagate hate literature.

From Reporters Without Borders, here is a map of the countries that censor the WWW.
















Technorati tags: Psiphon Reports Without Borders censorship

Rumsfeld memo

In the spirit of my last post, here are photo's of Donald Rumsfeld from (in order appearance below) Al-Jazeera, BBC News and CNN (Fox didn't have one imbedded in there story, otherwise that would be here too). They are all from each respective broadcaster's story on Rumsfeld's memo regarding how the US strategy in Iraq is failing.

No shit Sherlock!

Now you know a picture is worth a thousand words so what are they trying to say?















Technorati tags: Donald Rumsfeld Iraq memo

Venezualan election: same story - three perspectives

Ahhh, what a wonderful place the internet is. Venezuala is set to vote in Presidential elections. CNN, Fox and Al-Jazeera obviously are all carrying the story each with a different perspective. It just goes to show you that:

1) You can't believe everything you hear, see or read;
2) The culture (country, religion, political bias, customs etc.) that a reporter or editor is immersed in determines largely the slant on the news;
3) Just like any other television show, the news programs will pander to there audience;
4) We have a responsibility to ourselves to seek out information from multiple sources and make our informed judgements - the alternative is letting someone else do it for you.

Technorati tags: Hugo Chavez Venezuala

Common Sense

I came across a line in book I am reading, Common Sense by Thomas Paine which is as true then as it is now......

“… a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.”


Technorati tags: Quotes US History

Stephen Hawking: Leave Earth to save the human race

Stephen Hawking, during a speech after having received the Copley Medal, warned that human beings should leave Earth to populate other planets to ensure our continued survival.

Colonization of other worlds may very well happen over the next several hundred years but I'm sceptical that survival will be the driving force behind exploration. As in everything nations do, the reasons will be economic or militaristic.

Hawking mentioned in his speech that his dream was to travel to space and apparently Richard Branson is interested.

Technorati tags: Stephen Hawking Richard Branson Virgin Galactic

Sorry Boing Boing, I think Fox is right!

Fox sent take down notices to Quicksilverscreen regarding links to another site that hosts free downloads of television programs from various networks. IF the site they're linking to didn't pay for the content, it kind of means it's stolen dude.

Sorry Boing Boing


Techorati tags: Boing Boing Fox News

$150 Laptop

From the New York Times about developing and providing inexpensive technology to children and families in third world countries. I recall reading a story somewhere in which an aid agency provided a computer to a community in a third world country but that community didn't have electricity.

Hmmm....

I wonder if they thought of that?

Technorati tags: $150 laptop New York Times

Iggy Nation

Here's an exerpt from an article in MacLean's about Liberal leadership candidate, Michael Ignatieff, that I found hilarious.....

"His unwillingness to deliver sound bites frustrated his camp early on, Peterson says. "I told him, I'm going to kick you in the nuts if you give a profound answer to 'How are you?' " he says. "The answer is 'Fine.' "

You know, if you want to spark interest in politics in this country, perhaps we could introduce nut kicking into acceptable codes of conduct in the House of Commons. I know I'd watch Question Period if they did.

Techorati tags: Ignatieff

Networks vs. Cable Companies: Time Shifting

In the Globe today, there's an article about how services provided by cable companies whereby viewers in Halifax can watch TV programs broadcasted by networks in Toronto or Vancouver. The issue centered around perceived lost advertising revenues from local businesses costing them millions.

Unfortunately my little pea brain isn't capable of taking an intelligent position for or against but, I'll admit, I am torn.....

On the one hand, consumers will lose choice on the other hand, I will never be forced by my better half to sit through another episode of Oprah in the evening broadcasted from Vancouver again if broadcasters win. Quite a predicament, don't you think?!

Say bye bye 9600 baud dial up

Great news in the Globe today!! Now when I go to the inlaws in CB (Cape Breton for all you non Nova Scotians), I won't have to suffer that brutally slow dial up connection. I would have thought there would have been higher priorities for the Province but who am I?