2013-09-16
Shooting Rampage In Washington
The American media are nut jobs which is why I prefer reading outside sources. Who was that chick on CNN (because journalists is just too strong a word) asking whether this was the only shooting at a military complex in recent memory. I know Ft. Hood was deemed a 'work place violence' incidence, but it's inexcusable she didn't seem aware.
Then there was the usual irresponsible and reckless reporting by NBC and CBS who singled out a possible suspect and published his name - Rollie Chance - before any evidence was collected. They willingly ruin lives without accountability for their actions. It's like the lesson of Atlanta never happened. Deranged derelicts they are.
Of course, then follows the predictable find a 'right-wing, tea bagger' angle and (irrational) calls for gun control.
Instead, it was a military man of African-American descent. No news if Obama feels his son would look like him.
Oh, the irony.
And there was a bizarre tweet from the First Lady (I believe after the incident) who said her husband (that being the First Man) was going to 'groove his thing' tonight at some gala.
Disarm the people. That's the ticket.
***
Mourn the dead.
Then there was the usual irresponsible and reckless reporting by NBC and CBS who singled out a possible suspect and published his name - Rollie Chance - before any evidence was collected. They willingly ruin lives without accountability for their actions. It's like the lesson of Atlanta never happened. Deranged derelicts they are.
Of course, then follows the predictable find a 'right-wing, tea bagger' angle and (irrational) calls for gun control.
Instead, it was a military man of African-American descent. No news if Obama feels his son would look like him.
Oh, the irony.
And there was a bizarre tweet from the First Lady (I believe after the incident) who said her husband (that being the First Man) was going to 'groove his thing' tonight at some gala.
Disarm the people. That's the ticket.
***
Mourn the dead.
State Sanctioned Discrimination In Quebec
Pauline Marois and her fellow sowers of discords in the Parti Quebecois have done much to corrode and divide Quebecers. Her villainous embrace of ignorance touches families in ways only parochial and myopic buffoons can't comprehend.
That Bill 14 and the Quebec Charter (neither of which can be pinned on the Anglo media as insane nationalists claim) may not become laws doesn't mean it ends there for Quebec. The very idea it came up; that politicians actually felt it necessary to even be raised is disturbing. Why anyone would encourage our most tribal instincts is hard for me to fathom.
The idea that "we welcome you but you must play by our rules because we're protecting ourselves form people like you" is intellectually deficient and morally reprehensible. Why encourage immigration when the rhetoric basically escorts them out? It's illogical.
It's shocking that Quebec actually went this route.
To me, there's more trouble up ahead and this is why many people are likely to leave.
I think we need to educate potential immigrants more about Quebec double-talk. When Marois laughably solicits American investment, perhaps Americans need to be a little more vigilant about what they're getting themselves into.
Quebec's under siege mentality is sinking it.
That Bill 14 and the Quebec Charter (neither of which can be pinned on the Anglo media as insane nationalists claim) may not become laws doesn't mean it ends there for Quebec. The very idea it came up; that politicians actually felt it necessary to even be raised is disturbing. Why anyone would encourage our most tribal instincts is hard for me to fathom.
The idea that "we welcome you but you must play by our rules because we're protecting ourselves form people like you" is intellectually deficient and morally reprehensible. Why encourage immigration when the rhetoric basically escorts them out? It's illogical.
It's shocking that Quebec actually went this route.
To me, there's more trouble up ahead and this is why many people are likely to leave.
I think we need to educate potential immigrants more about Quebec double-talk. When Marois laughably solicits American investment, perhaps Americans need to be a little more vigilant about what they're getting themselves into.
Quebec's under siege mentality is sinking it.
California Game Rigged - Making Criminals Of Workers Without Permits
Ah.
But being an illegal immigrant- that's something different!
/sarc.
Permits and licenses are scams vulnerable to abuses. It's more to protect vested interests and cronyism than workers or the consumer.
But being an illegal immigrant- that's something different!
/sarc.
Permits and licenses are scams vulnerable to abuses. It's more to protect vested interests and cronyism than workers or the consumer.
2013-09-15
Heroes!
Approaching cops fast becoming a social malaise with severe consequences.
It seems like the images of cops taking kittens down from trees is a thing of the past.
If anything, they're likely to shoot it down.
After all, they have to get home.
It seems like the images of cops taking kittens down from trees is a thing of the past.
If anything, they're likely to shoot it down.
After all, they have to get home.
Who Will Guard The Guardians? The Public That's Who
'Bout fricken time the left starts to question the police.
"...For example, there is the myth that policing is a dangerous occupation. In fact, it is one of the safest jobs in the country in terms of death and injury. It doesn't even make the Top Ten of dangerous jobs, falling well behind construction work, forestry, manufacturing, farming, mining, transportation and so on.
Another myth which seems to be breaking down is that our police forces are highly, expertly, trained in dealing with any and all situations, especially those with a high expectation of violence. Recent events have proven that wrong. In Toronto, more than 20 cops had no idea how to deal with a teenager trapped in a street car, brandishing a pen knife. He was shot and killed in a hail of police bullets. In a Toronto suburb, cops tazered an 80-year-old woman in obvious mental distress. There are other such incidents, including the notorious killing of Robert Dziekanski in the Vancouver airport by four Mounties in October, 2007...."
"...For example, there is the myth that policing is a dangerous occupation. In fact, it is one of the safest jobs in the country in terms of death and injury. It doesn't even make the Top Ten of dangerous jobs, falling well behind construction work, forestry, manufacturing, farming, mining, transportation and so on.
Another myth which seems to be breaking down is that our police forces are highly, expertly, trained in dealing with any and all situations, especially those with a high expectation of violence. Recent events have proven that wrong. In Toronto, more than 20 cops had no idea how to deal with a teenager trapped in a street car, brandishing a pen knife. He was shot and killed in a hail of police bullets. In a Toronto suburb, cops tazered an 80-year-old woman in obvious mental distress. There are other such incidents, including the notorious killing of Robert Dziekanski in the Vancouver airport by four Mounties in October, 2007...."
U.S. Debt Continues To Rise
Gross Federal Debt
FY 2014* $18.2 trillion
FY 2013* $17.2 trillion
FY 2012 $16.1 trillion
FY 2011 $14.8 trillion
FY 2010 $13.5 trillion
FY 2009 $11.9 trillion
FY 2014* $18.2 trillion
FY 2013* $17.2 trillion
FY 2012 $16.1 trillion
FY 2011 $14.8 trillion
FY 2010 $13.5 trillion
FY 2009 $11.9 trillion
Picture Of The Day
Obama's Syria Timeline
A comment from the internet:
2011: "Assad must go."
2012: "Okay, Assad doesn't have to go, but use of chemical weapons is a red line."
August 2013: "We think Assad has used chemical weapons and he must, must, must be punished!"
September 2013: "We'll leave Syria alone if they give Russia their chemical weapons."
2011: "Assad must go."
2012: "Okay, Assad doesn't have to go, but use of chemical weapons is a red line."
August 2013: "We think Assad has used chemical weapons and he must, must, must be punished!"
September 2013: "We'll leave Syria alone if they give Russia their chemical weapons."
2013-09-14
U.S Backs Off Threat Against Syria; Planned All Along
The question becomes what will be the consequences for Obama after Putin's coup d'etat.
Not intervening through force shouldn't damage American credibility but in this case, Obama's unwise 'red line' markings and tough talk may have some blow back. In other words, they bungled the Penske File just like they did Benghazi. The mere fact Obama is funding the rebels is outrageous on its own.
Obama had once said (correctly) Syria wasn't a threat. Alas, the use of chemical weapons on its own people changed his 'calculus' propelling him to change his mind and deem them a threat. Weak indeed.
To say this is not a particularly strong foreign policy team is self-evident at this point.
The key in power politics is to not let your opponent get the upper-hand. In this case, and in the larger context of global regional politics, Obama let Putin get the upper-hand. The irony couldn't be more stark. A rabid anti-democratic, authoritarian (allegedly linked to murders) leads the peace talks while a Constitutional lecturer with a law degree and war dove with a Nobel prize initiated a threat of violence.
***
Jesus these people have no shame.
"Secretary of State John Kerry said Saturday, after reaching a tentative agreement with Russia to disarm Syria of chemical weapons, that his earlier statement about the impossibility of such a plan was in fact “the language of diplomacy.”
“I purposefully made the statements,” Kerry said in Geneva, Switzerland, after reaching the framework of an agreement with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. “And I did indeed say it was impossible and [Syrian President Bashar al-Assad] won't do it, even as I hoped it would be possible and wanted him to do it. And the language of diplomacy sometimes requires that you put things to the test, and we did.”
So threatening is the 'language of diplomacy.' Nice. Er, subtle.
Who's their spin doctor because they are simply brilliant.
Of course, it would help if, you know, they actually have the chemical weapons. But I'm sure Kerry will spin that too. Magic!
Not intervening through force shouldn't damage American credibility but in this case, Obama's unwise 'red line' markings and tough talk may have some blow back. In other words, they bungled the Penske File just like they did Benghazi. The mere fact Obama is funding the rebels is outrageous on its own.
Obama had once said (correctly) Syria wasn't a threat. Alas, the use of chemical weapons on its own people changed his 'calculus' propelling him to change his mind and deem them a threat. Weak indeed.
To say this is not a particularly strong foreign policy team is self-evident at this point.
The key in power politics is to not let your opponent get the upper-hand. In this case, and in the larger context of global regional politics, Obama let Putin get the upper-hand. The irony couldn't be more stark. A rabid anti-democratic, authoritarian (allegedly linked to murders) leads the peace talks while a Constitutional lecturer with a law degree and war dove with a Nobel prize initiated a threat of violence.
***
Jesus these people have no shame.
"Secretary of State John Kerry said Saturday, after reaching a tentative agreement with Russia to disarm Syria of chemical weapons, that his earlier statement about the impossibility of such a plan was in fact “the language of diplomacy.”
“I purposefully made the statements,” Kerry said in Geneva, Switzerland, after reaching the framework of an agreement with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. “And I did indeed say it was impossible and [Syrian President Bashar al-Assad] won't do it, even as I hoped it would be possible and wanted him to do it. And the language of diplomacy sometimes requires that you put things to the test, and we did.”
So threatening is the 'language of diplomacy.' Nice. Er, subtle.
Who's their spin doctor because they are simply brilliant.
Of course, it would help if, you know, they actually have the chemical weapons. But I'm sure Kerry will spin that too. Magic!
Tommy Hilfiger = NSA
Nice try Bob Cesca with the strawman.
Here's the thing Jack. The Guardian or any corporation collecting data CAN'T RUIN PEOPLE'S LIVES. They do not have the power to prosecute with impunity like the government has. So in this way, yeah, I'm gonna be fearful of the state collecting data without consent.
The government can put your in jail - on a whim of need be. Brooks Brothers can't. See the difference?
Polo and Calvin Klein are not interested in my daily activities, they just want to send me their next sale event.
This thing that the 'profit motive' among progressives is automatically more evil than any state transgression is absurd and irrational.
A piece only Huffington is capable of posting. Alas...here's a comment:
"Since corporations seem to have undue influence on our government, with almost no moral compass and a prime directive of maximizing profits by any means possible, it should disturb you that they are spying on you, at least as much as you're disturbed by the government spying on you. Big corporations are every bit as dangerous."
/face palm.
especially given how corporations utterly lack the kind of government accountability
Of course they do. In the form of losing customers. That's the ultimate accountability equalizer. Can you opt-out of government abuses of a particular program?
Here's the thing Jack. The Guardian or any corporation collecting data CAN'T RUIN PEOPLE'S LIVES. They do not have the power to prosecute with impunity like the government has. So in this way, yeah, I'm gonna be fearful of the state collecting data without consent.
The government can put your in jail - on a whim of need be. Brooks Brothers can't. See the difference?
Polo and Calvin Klein are not interested in my daily activities, they just want to send me their next sale event.
This thing that the 'profit motive' among progressives is automatically more evil than any state transgression is absurd and irrational.
A piece only Huffington is capable of posting. Alas...here's a comment:
"Since corporations seem to have undue influence on our government, with almost no moral compass and a prime directive of maximizing profits by any means possible, it should disturb you that they are spying on you, at least as much as you're disturbed by the government spying on you. Big corporations are every bit as dangerous."
/face palm.
especially given how corporations utterly lack the kind of government accountability
Of course they do. In the form of losing customers. That's the ultimate accountability equalizer. Can you opt-out of government abuses of a particular program?
That Burger Better Have Tasted Good
Man, that's some line-up at the first McDonald's in Moscow in 1990.
"Whaddaya mean you don't have an Uncle burger? You mean to tell me I waited 29 hours for nothing? Isn't this A&W?"
I remember seeing this on the news.
I'll try to keep that in mind when I mutter to myself 'fuck this shit' when five people are in front of me somewhere.
"Whaddaya mean you don't have an Uncle burger? You mean to tell me I waited 29 hours for nothing? Isn't this A&W?"
I remember seeing this on the news.
I'll try to keep that in mind when I mutter to myself 'fuck this shit' when five people are in front of me somewhere.
Government Should Regulate Hot Water
Lisa Marchant. Winnipeg's finest:
"...There are currently no regulations governing the temperatures of hot beverages at restaurants — something the Marchants wants to see.
This person is everything I loathe in people. The constant reliance on government enters even the most absurd of realms - like brewing fucking tea which humans have been doing for God knows how long.
You can't regulate stupid.
While Lisa Marchant has not filed a lawsuit against Tim Hortons, she wants to see governments develop safe beverage temperature rules.
Even if there were bull shit government regulations the fact remains tea HAS to be soaked in scalding water. What is she babbling about?
What is 'safe temperature rules' anyway? Lukewarm? That's not tea and should be considered, well, uncivilized.
"We all have to be careful; that's common sense. But I think … it is too hot. It should be lowered. I couldn't imagine my burn on a baby's face," she said.
Says the person who spilled tea on her herself. "I'm injured therefore I think it's too hot and should be lowered." Who died and left her boss of people?
When asked what she thinks Tim Hortons should do, she said, "Come up to the plate and say, 'Our water is too hot and we need to look at this in a safety aspect.'"
Re. Tarded.
"Marchant, who is self-employed, filed a claim with Tim Hortons in the hopes it would assist her in covering the costs of her medical supplies.
A spokesperson for Tim Hortons told CBC News the company is "very sorry to hear" about Marchant's incident."
No shit.
Enough of this stupidity.
Time for Kramer.
"The coffee was too hot!"
"...There are currently no regulations governing the temperatures of hot beverages at restaurants — something the Marchants wants to see.
This person is everything I loathe in people. The constant reliance on government enters even the most absurd of realms - like brewing fucking tea which humans have been doing for God knows how long.
You can't regulate stupid.
While Lisa Marchant has not filed a lawsuit against Tim Hortons, she wants to see governments develop safe beverage temperature rules.
Even if there were bull shit government regulations the fact remains tea HAS to be soaked in scalding water. What is she babbling about?
What is 'safe temperature rules' anyway? Lukewarm? That's not tea and should be considered, well, uncivilized.
"We all have to be careful; that's common sense. But I think … it is too hot. It should be lowered. I couldn't imagine my burn on a baby's face," she said.
Says the person who spilled tea on her herself. "I'm injured therefore I think it's too hot and should be lowered." Who died and left her boss of people?
When asked what she thinks Tim Hortons should do, she said, "Come up to the plate and say, 'Our water is too hot and we need to look at this in a safety aspect.'"
Re. Tarded.
"Marchant, who is self-employed, filed a claim with Tim Hortons in the hopes it would assist her in covering the costs of her medical supplies.
But a letter from
ClaimsPro, the adjustor for the coffee chain, states: "Our investigation
has found no liability on our insured [Tim Hortons]. As such we are
respectfully denying your request for compensation."
A spokesperson for Tim Hortons told CBC News the company is "very sorry to hear" about Marchant's incident."
No shit.
Enough of this stupidity.
Time for Kramer.
"The coffee was too hot!"
Question For Bernie Landry And His Friends
Mr. Landry,
If you were in my home, would you speak to me in my language? My mother tongue is Italian but my principal language of communication is English.
Or does your world view preclude you from doing so?
It's an important question because my home is my castle. You speak of respect demanding it of others but will you return the respect?
No trouble. I'd speak to you in English. How's them apples? No syndicat-STM-grunge attitude will be tolerated in my house where the values I teach my daughter runs contrary to the PQ.
I know the rage among the PQ elites is to speak Spanish - a safe language for now but something tells me if Mexicans were a fast growing demographic, the PQ would be terrified of Spanish as they are English. The irony of course is while they like to showcase their Spanish skills the OLF goes around fining businesses for Italian (and other ethnic) words.
Anyway.
Bring back the Expos!
Regards,
T.C.
If you were in my home, would you speak to me in my language? My mother tongue is Italian but my principal language of communication is English.
Or does your world view preclude you from doing so?
It's an important question because my home is my castle. You speak of respect demanding it of others but will you return the respect?
No trouble. I'd speak to you in English. How's them apples? No syndicat-STM-grunge attitude will be tolerated in my house where the values I teach my daughter runs contrary to the PQ.
I know the rage among the PQ elites is to speak Spanish - a safe language for now but something tells me if Mexicans were a fast growing demographic, the PQ would be terrified of Spanish as they are English. The irony of course is while they like to showcase their Spanish skills the OLF goes around fining businesses for Italian (and other ethnic) words.
Anyway.
Bring back the Expos!
Regards,
T.C.
2013-09-13
Quote Of The Night
"A Magnificent Statement of Rationality and Far-Reaching Wisdom, by a Masterful Statesman and World Leader!"
I can't remember where I pulled this quote from after Obama's Syria speech.
Don't even go there. I did not fabricate this quote. Someone actually wrote that.
I can't remember where I pulled this quote from after Obama's Syria speech.
Don't even go there. I did not fabricate this quote. Someone actually wrote that.
Blackberry Struggles
Come on say it. You know you want to say it. Out with it.
We should bail out Blackberry should it ever go under, right? Or give it a subsidy to save jobs and a Canadian technological success story. Never mind it can't compete at the moment. The intent is what matters. Prop up those dead cats.
We do it for Bombardier, right?
We should bail out Blackberry should it ever go under, right? Or give it a subsidy to save jobs and a Canadian technological success story. Never mind it can't compete at the moment. The intent is what matters. Prop up those dead cats.
We do it for Bombardier, right?
Pedestrian Right Of Way A Suggestion In Quebec
Brigadier: Un Metier Dangereux
Only in Quebec (I'm guessing) you will see such a headline on TV. Translated: School Crosswalk Guard: A Dangerous Job.
I walk to my child to school every morning. I can attest to this as fact. Drivers are very aggressive. It's like they can't understand the concept of child safety.
The mentality here is one of rudeness when it comes to driving etiquette. In my experience this is more apparent in French sectors. English areas are more in line with the rest of North America. When I worked on the West Island which is predominantly English-oriented, driver's are calmer around crosswalks. To say nothing of civil greetings from strangers.
I remember back in 1995 when my buddies and I were putzing around North Vancouver. Every time we'd make a move to cross the street a car would stop immediately; here they speed up just like they speed up when they see a yield sign to merge onto traffic.
Anyway. We got a kick out of pretending to cross the street it was so novel to us. It was like waving a magic wand.
Brigadiers. Another example of Quebec's distinct society.
Only in Quebec (I'm guessing) you will see such a headline on TV. Translated: School Crosswalk Guard: A Dangerous Job.
I walk to my child to school every morning. I can attest to this as fact. Drivers are very aggressive. It's like they can't understand the concept of child safety.
The mentality here is one of rudeness when it comes to driving etiquette. In my experience this is more apparent in French sectors. English areas are more in line with the rest of North America. When I worked on the West Island which is predominantly English-oriented, driver's are calmer around crosswalks. To say nothing of civil greetings from strangers.
I remember back in 1995 when my buddies and I were putzing around North Vancouver. Every time we'd make a move to cross the street a car would stop immediately; here they speed up just like they speed up when they see a yield sign to merge onto traffic.
Anyway. We got a kick out of pretending to cross the street it was so novel to us. It was like waving a magic wand.
Brigadiers. Another example of Quebec's distinct society.
Sports Nicknames
Anyway it got me thinking about other pro sports teams and their names. Which ones would the PC Kops go after?
I pulled out the obvious ones:
Atlanta Braves - Beats cowards yes, but still.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Pirates were mean, murderous criminals.
Milwaukee Brewers - Hello. We can't have a team advertising alcohol. Won't anyone think of the children?
San Diego Padres - Kinda insulting to fathers and Jesuits.
Cleveland Indians - Too ambiguous and stereotypical. I suggest replacing the laughing Indian with Apu.
Chicago Blackhawks - Who's that face anyway?
Minnesota Vikings - Those raping pillagers?
Seattle Seahawks - What the fuck's a Seahawk anyway! Out!
New England Patriots - Oh, how so very racist. Why not just call them the Teabaggers.
Oakland Raiders - See Pirates.
Kansas City Chiefs - We feel 'Captains' would be more appropriate.
Boston Celtics - Does anyone think about the feelings of Italians?
Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Pugilistic, Catholic Irishmen. Perfect! But the last two deal with white people so it's ok.
Extravagance Greek Style
Opa!
This is not austerity.
This is resetting things back to normal.
Greece is not the only country to extol such extravagance upon its public employees I'm sure. We hear stories and snippets in the news (as well as through friends and contacts in the public domain) similar to Greece every other day. I still reel in anger that public daycare workers get six weeks vacation in Quebec. I grind my teeth whenever I hear that. Never mind it's damn near impossible to fire bad educators. But hey. $7 a day! We're lucky!
Bah.
"...BBC reporting that Greek civil servants will no longer get a hardship bonus for using a computer, after the country's government rescinded a special privilege they have enjoyed for more than two decades--six extra days of paid holidays each year. The bonus provided an extra day off every two months, for those whose job involved sitting in front of a computer for more than five hours a day--basically most of the staff working in ministries and public services. It was known as a "computer leave" day. Doing away with this bonus holiday represents "a small, yet symbolic, step in modernizing public administration," Mr. Mitsotakis said in a statement. They suggested that the privilege which was introduced in 1989 The working hours saved by scrapping the computer leave would be the equivalent of an extra 5,000 employees... Then again if they are still using computers from 1989 ... Other perks that have already been scrapped include a bonus for showing up to work and passing on a dead father's pension to his unmarried daughters..."
Right. It's the 'rich' bankrupting Western coffers.
This is not austerity.
This is resetting things back to normal.
Greece is not the only country to extol such extravagance upon its public employees I'm sure. We hear stories and snippets in the news (as well as through friends and contacts in the public domain) similar to Greece every other day. I still reel in anger that public daycare workers get six weeks vacation in Quebec. I grind my teeth whenever I hear that. Never mind it's damn near impossible to fire bad educators. But hey. $7 a day! We're lucky!
Bah.
"...BBC reporting that Greek civil servants will no longer get a hardship bonus for using a computer, after the country's government rescinded a special privilege they have enjoyed for more than two decades--six extra days of paid holidays each year. The bonus provided an extra day off every two months, for those whose job involved sitting in front of a computer for more than five hours a day--basically most of the staff working in ministries and public services. It was known as a "computer leave" day. Doing away with this bonus holiday represents "a small, yet symbolic, step in modernizing public administration," Mr. Mitsotakis said in a statement. They suggested that the privilege which was introduced in 1989 The working hours saved by scrapping the computer leave would be the equivalent of an extra 5,000 employees... Then again if they are still using computers from 1989 ... Other perks that have already been scrapped include a bonus for showing up to work and passing on a dead father's pension to his unmarried daughters..."
Right. It's the 'rich' bankrupting Western coffers.
Soccer: Costa Rica Under Investigation
I'm a soccer fan and recognize the sport has a problem with diving. Not as much as perceived but still, a tad too many players of quality engage in it.
We see it in all sports but soccer has the reputation for being the worst.
And this stunt pulled by Joel Campbell won't help matters.
This is despicable and I completely sympathize with Matt Besler. He was a victim of pure fraudulence by a rat. Ref's need to be a little more intelligent and clever when it comes to this kind of shit. If you see a player rolling around just ignore it or something.
While endemic on all continents, Latin and Central America is where theatrics were born and taken to masterful heights. Brazil and Argentina are soccer powers with high reputations for diving but to my mind, the small nations in CONCACAF take the cake. You just have to brace yourself for all the time wasting and theatrics.
Watch here.
We see it in all sports but soccer has the reputation for being the worst.
And this stunt pulled by Joel Campbell won't help matters.
This is despicable and I completely sympathize with Matt Besler. He was a victim of pure fraudulence by a rat. Ref's need to be a little more intelligent and clever when it comes to this kind of shit. If you see a player rolling around just ignore it or something.
While endemic on all continents, Latin and Central America is where theatrics were born and taken to masterful heights. Brazil and Argentina are soccer powers with high reputations for diving but to my mind, the small nations in CONCACAF take the cake. You just have to brace yourself for all the time wasting and theatrics.
Watch here.
Obamacare Watch: Trader Joe's Jumps
O....k.
There's spin and then there's spin and there's then spin.
I have no idea what to make of this piece about Obamacare on ThinkProgress.
It's seems pretty unconvincing and silly.
Maybe because it's Trader Joe's it's making people a little crazy.
There's spin and then there's spin and there's then spin.
I have no idea what to make of this piece about Obamacare on ThinkProgress.
It's seems pretty unconvincing and silly.
Maybe because it's Trader Joe's it's making people a little crazy.
Heroes! Vancouver Policeman Punches Cyclist
Dunno about you but don't you think it's a tad excessive to hand cuff someone for riding a bicycle through a red light without a helmet? Never mind warranting a punch from the cop.
See video here.
Yeah, let's wait for the investigation.
/sigh.
***
I'm a throwback cyclist who doesn't wear a helmet. I'm like Barry Beck and Harold Snepsts.
It's not that I'm against them or anything. It's just that I'm not use to it is all. I own a helmet but rarely take it out.
I'm bracing myself for the day when helmets will be mandatory. And with it, the odd aggressive cop out to make his bones by bitch slapping cyclists.
See video here.
Yeah, let's wait for the investigation.
/sigh.
***
I'm a throwback cyclist who doesn't wear a helmet. I'm like Barry Beck and Harold Snepsts.
It's not that I'm against them or anything. It's just that I'm not use to it is all. I own a helmet but rarely take it out.
I'm bracing myself for the day when helmets will be mandatory. And with it, the odd aggressive cop out to make his bones by bitch slapping cyclists.
2013-09-12
‘We don’t care what’s on your head’
This is what it's come to for Quebec and the current bunch of boobs running it.
I don't think I've ever witnessed such a brutal reaction. I'm glad.
A couple of weeks ago, the Mayor of Calgary invited Quebecers who felt mistreated to move there. Now, an Oshawa hospital is coming for our medical professionals.
Which brings up one basic human question: Would you care if a person wears a religion symbol if you needed help?
If you answer 'yes' seek help. You have other issues to work out.
The petulant, myopic defiance of nationalists is what humiliates Quebec. Not the rest of Canada, not Ottawa, not 'les autres' or 'maudits anglais' or money and ethnics.
Quebec Charter Fall Out: Ugly
No one should be surprised at the negative reaction to Quebec's charter.
It's ugly.
How ugly? Well, take a look.
It's funny, whenever I see a minority in the PQ or Bloc (like Mme. Mourani), I always think 'Token.'
I marvel at how any minority would ever consider running on a PQ platform. Their "values" as you now see in the flesh, runs contrary to ours. Simple as that.
They're miscreants who defend their own kind. End of story. They can never marriage, no matter how hard they try (and really, they should stop), their cheap talk about inclusiveness with fact they are a French-Quebec party first.
The 'Quebec nation' as the Bloc call it stops at the Federal pension cheques they get.
For Quebec, talk is cheap. They say all the right things but in practice...
How long before The Hobbit takes her clown car and heads back to New York with here reassurances that Quebec isn't all that bad? Quebec is playing sophistry with itself.
At some point people will notice and calculate it's not worth it.
Here in Quebec they don't believe there was an exodus in 1976 nor do they think the economy is bad.
They be delusional. Of course.
Now Quebec is gonna pull the usual "see, Quebec bashing is alive!" garbage when it was they who fired the first shot. It's a divisive proposal and the world will laugh - again.
It's also a loss-leader to the extent the government wants to detract people from the rising economic problems. Perhaps but my question is at what cost? Are they really willing to bet the credibility of an entire province in a cynical ploy to avoid dealing with a fast-sagging economy?
Looks they are.
It's ugly.
How ugly? Well, take a look.
It's funny, whenever I see a minority in the PQ or Bloc (like Mme. Mourani), I always think 'Token.'
I marvel at how any minority would ever consider running on a PQ platform. Their "values" as you now see in the flesh, runs contrary to ours. Simple as that.
They're miscreants who defend their own kind. End of story. They can never marriage, no matter how hard they try (and really, they should stop), their cheap talk about inclusiveness with fact they are a French-Quebec party first.
The 'Quebec nation' as the Bloc call it stops at the Federal pension cheques they get.
For Quebec, talk is cheap. They say all the right things but in practice...
How long before The Hobbit takes her clown car and heads back to New York with here reassurances that Quebec isn't all that bad? Quebec is playing sophistry with itself.
At some point people will notice and calculate it's not worth it.
Here in Quebec they don't believe there was an exodus in 1976 nor do they think the economy is bad.
They be delusional. Of course.
Now Quebec is gonna pull the usual "see, Quebec bashing is alive!" garbage when it was they who fired the first shot. It's a divisive proposal and the world will laugh - again.
It's also a loss-leader to the extent the government wants to detract people from the rising economic problems. Perhaps but my question is at what cost? Are they really willing to bet the credibility of an entire province in a cynical ploy to avoid dealing with a fast-sagging economy?
Looks they are.
Shock! Underground Dinner Parties!
CBS's interpretation of investigative journalism:
"That hostess, Naama Shafi, writes about food but is not a chef. Leitner found her through a website, which connects amateur foodies and professional chefs in 20 different countries with people who want unique dining experiences.
Clandestine dinner parties like the one Leitner attended have become more common in New York City. And insiders told Leitner they are completely unregulated."
Well, I never!
Before indulging ourselves, let's just make the point this is all about the government wanting its cut. M'kay?
Moving along, let's take a look at more sentences in the article from CBS-NY:
It may look like a dinner party, but it’s really an underground supper club.
This reminds me when the media was reacting with shock when raves were all the rage. I remember because raves were straight out of my youth and remember getting a chuckle from the reports. Or, if we want to stretch things, the steroids story in baseball. Sleeping at the switch and too busy getting distracted by their text messages and the McGwire-Sosa love fest, journalists missed the story unfolding despite all the access. It's one thing to miss it and quite another to react with self-righteous indignation. "I will not vote for Bonds! Pft!"
Beyond that, what about all those cigar parties when it was all the rage? Are we to crack down on wine and cheese gatherings now?
CBS 2’s undercover cameras captured one experience — eight people who didn’t know each other eating a meal in a stranger’s home.
As opposed to nine or 10. Funny how irrational free people can be, eh? The shock of eating in a stranger's home! How is this even relevant or even anyone's business what people do?
If New Yorkers hadn't become such pussies they wouldn't feel the need to act like rebellious teenagers. Underground fucking dinner parties. Jesus, me.
They could have just told public officials, you know, to fuck off New York style.
It definitely falls into a gray area,”
Yeah pal. Gray area. Many shades of them. That's human nature - vice v virtue. Trying to regulate it is a fool's game.
“Yes, they should be regulated by the same system that regulates every restaurant in New York City.”
As if 'on the books' restaurants are always clean, yeah, sure pal. The idea that a private house can't possibly be clean unless regulated is a retarded position to take.
It astounds me at how much the state loves making criminals of people merely acting in the self-interest as is their right.
The corruption and rackets that come with it is but a nuisance as long as - derp - it's regulated.
"The city does not allow meals to be served to members of the public in someone’s home.”
Honey, call your brother. He can't come over and have some pizza. It's against the law!
“You guys are breaking the law by serving people meals and charging.”
Nice loaded question by those said to be protecting our common interests.
And big shit.
***
I think the thread does a good job ripping this story to shreds.
"That hostess, Naama Shafi, writes about food but is not a chef. Leitner found her through a website, which connects amateur foodies and professional chefs in 20 different countries with people who want unique dining experiences.
Clandestine dinner parties like the one Leitner attended have become more common in New York City. And insiders told Leitner they are completely unregulated."
Well, I never!
Before indulging ourselves, let's just make the point this is all about the government wanting its cut. M'kay?
Moving along, let's take a look at more sentences in the article from CBS-NY:
It may look like a dinner party, but it’s really an underground supper club.
This reminds me when the media was reacting with shock when raves were all the rage. I remember because raves were straight out of my youth and remember getting a chuckle from the reports. Or, if we want to stretch things, the steroids story in baseball. Sleeping at the switch and too busy getting distracted by their text messages and the McGwire-Sosa love fest, journalists missed the story unfolding despite all the access. It's one thing to miss it and quite another to react with self-righteous indignation. "I will not vote for Bonds! Pft!"
Beyond that, what about all those cigar parties when it was all the rage? Are we to crack down on wine and cheese gatherings now?
CBS 2’s undercover cameras captured one experience — eight people who didn’t know each other eating a meal in a stranger’s home.
As opposed to nine or 10. Funny how irrational free people can be, eh? The shock of eating in a stranger's home! How is this even relevant or even anyone's business what people do?
If New Yorkers hadn't become such pussies they wouldn't feel the need to act like rebellious teenagers. Underground fucking dinner parties. Jesus, me.
They could have just told public officials, you know, to fuck off New York style.
It definitely falls into a gray area,”
Yeah pal. Gray area. Many shades of them. That's human nature - vice v virtue. Trying to regulate it is a fool's game.
“Yes, they should be regulated by the same system that regulates every restaurant in New York City.”
As if 'on the books' restaurants are always clean, yeah, sure pal. The idea that a private house can't possibly be clean unless regulated is a retarded position to take.
It astounds me at how much the state loves making criminals of people merely acting in the self-interest as is their right.
The corruption and rackets that come with it is but a nuisance as long as - derp - it's regulated.
"The city does not allow meals to be served to members of the public in someone’s home.”
Honey, call your brother. He can't come over and have some pizza. It's against the law!
“You guys are breaking the law by serving people meals and charging.”
Nice loaded question by those said to be protecting our common interests.
And big shit.
***
I think the thread does a good job ripping this story to shreds.
2013-09-11
Question
Did the President actually invoke American exceptionalism in last night's speech? It perked my ears datsfirshure.
The one word leftists have been beating down for, like, forever? Isn't the whole premise of Obama's foreign policy outlook rooted that America is one among many nations and not an exceptional one?
Exceptionalism is something conservatives tend to believe. All of sudden Obama is running with it?
Not only is his foreign policy messed up, he's now taken hypocrisy to new heights.
The one word leftists have been beating down for, like, forever? Isn't the whole premise of Obama's foreign policy outlook rooted that America is one among many nations and not an exceptional one?
Exceptionalism is something conservatives tend to believe. All of sudden Obama is running with it?
Not only is his foreign policy messed up, he's now taken hypocrisy to new heights.
Latest From California
Let's use eminent domain to buy mortgages!
I'm gonna go out on a limb and predict this won't end well.
Notice the comments supporting this. It's like economics and finance never happened. The reasoning is bizarre.
I'm gonna go out on a limb and predict this won't end well.
Notice the comments supporting this. It's like economics and finance never happened. The reasoning is bizarre.
Empty Titles
I didn't even know we had a Minister for Democratic Institutions.
Too funny.
Democracy is like an RRSP. It's nothing in of itself. It's what you invest in that will determine its success. Fill your RRSP with losers and the returns will be negative or below the market indices, fill you democratic institutions with flunkies and you, well, get things like the Quebec values charter.
Too funny.
Democracy is like an RRSP. It's nothing in of itself. It's what you invest in that will determine its success. Fill your RRSP with losers and the returns will be negative or below the market indices, fill you democratic institutions with flunkies and you, well, get things like the Quebec values charter.
Democracy! Quebec Style
Quebec is making the international rounds again.
Anglo media conspiracy!
66% of Quebecers (mostly in the hinterlands I hope. If not, people who simply have not thought this through enough) think Quebec is on the "right track" with this nonsense. And they say Americans are ignorant and parochial?
The majority say it's time to jump off the bridge! You know who else enjoyed the support of the people?
***
Wait. If you think STM workers were already rude to English-speakers, the PQ basically told society it's open season on religious symbols. Let's appeal to our most tribal thoughts and dumbasses in our civil discourse. Great idea.
/golf clap.
****
Wanna know how full of shit the PQ are?
Health Minister Rejean Hebert:
"We saw the same reaction in the debate leading up to Bill 101,” Hébert said. “And the anticipated exodus did not happen. So I am not worried.”
Yup. He said that. It's in the 'Pas vrai' bin of Quebec revisionism.
500 000 Anglos left Quebec with them followed major corporations. It was there Toronto once and for all became the permanent economic capital of Canada. Notice the subtle "fuck you because we say so you cry babies."
Now I know what it must have felt to be a liberal-thinking individual in the deep, segragated south in the 40s and 50s.
***
First up:
Huffington Post. Marois gets the award for 'Most. Punchable. Face.' Who argued her piece of crap would "unite" Quebecers. This is how delusional and flippant she and her party are.
Next up. New York Times.
The Economist is set to tackle the issue and I'm sure other countries will weigh in.
Cue the violin and charges of fear-mongering from the nationalists.
Anglo media conspiracy!
66% of Quebecers (mostly in the hinterlands I hope. If not, people who simply have not thought this through enough) think Quebec is on the "right track" with this nonsense. And they say Americans are ignorant and parochial?
The majority say it's time to jump off the bridge! You know who else enjoyed the support of the people?
***
Wait. If you think STM workers were already rude to English-speakers, the PQ basically told society it's open season on religious symbols. Let's appeal to our most tribal thoughts and dumbasses in our civil discourse. Great idea.
/golf clap.
****
Wanna know how full of shit the PQ are?
Health Minister Rejean Hebert:
"We saw the same reaction in the debate leading up to Bill 101,” Hébert said. “And the anticipated exodus did not happen. So I am not worried.”
Yup. He said that. It's in the 'Pas vrai' bin of Quebec revisionism.
500 000 Anglos left Quebec with them followed major corporations. It was there Toronto once and for all became the permanent economic capital of Canada. Notice the subtle "fuck you because we say so you cry babies."
Now I know what it must have felt to be a liberal-thinking individual in the deep, segragated south in the 40s and 50s.
***
First up:
Huffington Post. Marois gets the award for 'Most. Punchable. Face.' Who argued her piece of crap would "unite" Quebecers. This is how delusional and flippant she and her party are.
Next up. New York Times.
The Economist is set to tackle the issue and I'm sure other countries will weigh in.
Cue the violin and charges of fear-mongering from the nationalists.
Short Walk From Duluth To Irrationalism
“I wrote these ordinances and I pushed for them because I want to protect kids and I believe in supporting clean air,” Jennifer Julsrud of the Duluth City Council said during a debate over the issue."
Even if it's irrational and without base.
Of course. For the children.
Even if it's irrational and without base.
Of course. For the children.
Quebec Plays Dicey Game
Nationalists shouldn't be playing that "it's our land" game. When asked about why the Cross will still be permitted in the National Assembly they will answer "it's part of our heritage and culture." Perhaps, but also contrary to their "equality" assurances of attaining a secular society. Right off the bat they've lost both the rhetorical and logic game.
People aren't stupid. The 'it's our land' game doesn't end at Quebec because it says so. The fact is the Natives will always have a say and in this part of the debate, they won't concede it belongs to Quebec. Therein lay the opening for murmurs that if Quebec can secede from Canada, and Natives from Quebec than so too can Montreal.
Quebec hasn't even begun to acknowledge or even discuss the matter with Natives (the Montreal matter is met with rolling eyes...for now) should they ever achieve their wet dream.
People aren't stupid. The 'it's our land' game doesn't end at Quebec because it says so. The fact is the Natives will always have a say and in this part of the debate, they won't concede it belongs to Quebec. Therein lay the opening for murmurs that if Quebec can secede from Canada, and Natives from Quebec than so too can Montreal.
Quebec hasn't even begun to acknowledge or even discuss the matter with Natives (the Montreal matter is met with rolling eyes...for now) should they ever achieve their wet dream.
Syria Speech Sags; Obama Displays Dithering Diction
Yes, he’s still a community organizer. It’s just that now,
the community he is so effectively organizing is the
world.
Good God. Andrew Sullivan is capable of such saucy gibberish?
Quote from CNN comments:
"A Magnificent Statement of Rationality and Far-Reaching Wisdom, by a Masterful Statesman and World Leader!"
Good Lord.
All I saw was a limp, muddled collection of confusion posing as a President.
At one point, I had to sit my head was spinning by all the vapid clarity.
Back to Sullivan.
"That was one of the clearest, simplest and most moving presidential speeches to the nation I can imagine."
It was a dud.
Politico has an amusing take which is closer to the truth I reckon.
Finally, Rand Paul eviscerates Obama's plea here in response to the speech.
Rand was clear, concise, and lucid in conveying his message.
Good God. Andrew Sullivan is capable of such saucy gibberish?
Quote from CNN comments:
"A Magnificent Statement of Rationality and Far-Reaching Wisdom, by a Masterful Statesman and World Leader!"
Good Lord.
All I saw was a limp, muddled collection of confusion posing as a President.
At one point, I had to sit my head was spinning by all the vapid clarity.
Back to Sullivan.
"That was one of the clearest, simplest and most moving presidential speeches to the nation I can imagine."
It was a dud.
Politico has an amusing take which is closer to the truth I reckon.
Finally, Rand Paul eviscerates Obama's plea here in response to the speech.
Rand was clear, concise, and lucid in conveying his message.
2013-09-10
Renewable Rights
This is what happens when you abdicate your rights to a bureaucracy. They come after what you believe.
The values charter is out and as I suspected, it's not even worth wiping my ass with. I won't even bother linking because 70% of my readership is international and this is just plain too embarrassing to show the world.
This whole song and dance cost taxpayers $2 million dollars!
I'm glad Ottawa finally stepped in and said something. Looks like Quebec will be the only jurisdiction out to curb and control freedom of expression and religion. If these universal rights are cherished, then it behooves Canada to take a stand and put an end to this.
This has little to do with multicultural policy (which I oppose) and everything to do with the PQ pandering to their most tribal impulses. To Some, like Justin Trudeau, it's a ruse to distract from Quebec's economic woes - 40 000 jobs lost last month. A gargantuan figure to say the least. As usual, nothing enlightening. Nor is it directed at the Muslims because the OLF continues to fine businesses as much as $25 000 for daring to use INTERNATIONAL words like 'ristorante.'
This is not about assimilating (ironic given the British chose not to assimilate French-Canada way back when) or respect or reasonable accommodation. Nah. This is a cultural 'red line.'
It has a segregationist feel to it.
From a civil liberties perspective this is not our most shining moment.
Alas, Quebec has a 1951 Alabama fetish. "Get off my lawn you no-goodniggars ethnics!"
It's already begun - the slippery slope. In their gibberish pleas about "equality" the government has already shown it will be nothing of the sort.
Some institutions will be able to "opt-out" from whatever stupidity is in the Values charter thus ensuring what Quebec does better than any other place - create multi-tiered, categories and classes of people and institutions. So, say, an Anglo institution says no (because they're not insane) they will be given the 'honor' of doing so for five years at which point they will have to re-apply. Renew your universal rights!
We're Failures in the advancement of humanity.
Again. Either you have and protect rights AT ALL COST or you don't.
The values charter is out and as I suspected, it's not even worth wiping my ass with. I won't even bother linking because 70% of my readership is international and this is just plain too embarrassing to show the world.
This whole song and dance cost taxpayers $2 million dollars!
I'm glad Ottawa finally stepped in and said something. Looks like Quebec will be the only jurisdiction out to curb and control freedom of expression and religion. If these universal rights are cherished, then it behooves Canada to take a stand and put an end to this.
This has little to do with multicultural policy (which I oppose) and everything to do with the PQ pandering to their most tribal impulses. To Some, like Justin Trudeau, it's a ruse to distract from Quebec's economic woes - 40 000 jobs lost last month. A gargantuan figure to say the least. As usual, nothing enlightening. Nor is it directed at the Muslims because the OLF continues to fine businesses as much as $25 000 for daring to use INTERNATIONAL words like 'ristorante.'
This is not about assimilating (ironic given the British chose not to assimilate French-Canada way back when) or respect or reasonable accommodation. Nah. This is a cultural 'red line.'
It has a segregationist feel to it.
From a civil liberties perspective this is not our most shining moment.
Alas, Quebec has a 1951 Alabama fetish. "Get off my lawn you no-good
It's already begun - the slippery slope. In their gibberish pleas about "equality" the government has already shown it will be nothing of the sort.
Some institutions will be able to "opt-out" from whatever stupidity is in the Values charter thus ensuring what Quebec does better than any other place - create multi-tiered, categories and classes of people and institutions. So, say, an Anglo institution says no (because they're not insane) they will be given the 'honor' of doing so for five years at which point they will have to re-apply. Renew your universal rights!
We're Failures in the advancement of humanity.
Again. Either you have and protect rights AT ALL COST or you don't.
Junk Science Food
Garlic toxic? Quackery I say.
There's a lot of it out there and it's mostly pushed by alternative supporters.
I'm no genius but one thing I learned in science a long time ago was anything isolated has toxins. Mushrooms contain toxins but that doesn't deter me from cooking or BBQing portobello with some French shallots and pearl white onions. Hea-van!
Water, if you consume much of it, has toxins for the love of God.
Anything in moderation and as part of a culinary process is fine. Just make sure whenever you hear a claim that makes little sense to you that's because it probably is but if you're unsure, just Google it. Or, as I've done, just contact a chemist or scientist and they'll be glad to set you straight.
I'm not gonna go against the Chinese and Italians on this one.
There's a lot of it out there and it's mostly pushed by alternative supporters.
I'm no genius but one thing I learned in science a long time ago was anything isolated has toxins. Mushrooms contain toxins but that doesn't deter me from cooking or BBQing portobello with some French shallots and pearl white onions. Hea-van!
Water, if you consume much of it, has toxins for the love of God.
Anything in moderation and as part of a culinary process is fine. Just make sure whenever you hear a claim that makes little sense to you that's because it probably is but if you're unsure, just Google it. Or, as I've done, just contact a chemist or scientist and they'll be glad to set you straight.
I'm not gonna go against the Chinese and Italians on this one.
2013-09-09
Obama's Diplomacy Under Strain
That the British opted to not support the USA in Syria was quite striking. Made me wonder, "What the heck did Obama do to them?"
So I looked it up.
Turns out Anglo-American relations since his election have cooled.
So Obama distanced himself from Britain, Canada was a non-starter, while Russo-American relations remain strained to say the least; to say nothing of the White House non-existent relationship with Congress. I don't think he particularly enamored himself with Eastern Europe (the gutting of anti-missile defense made sure of that) or Germany either. His administration has failed to make in-roads with Japan despite a strong focus on the Pacific Rim. Now, to add, Mexico and Brazil are upset about NSA spying.
It's as if Obama sees politics only through the prism of power and not relationships.
He should not wonder why, then, Britain didn't fall in line. Heck, if anything, if Obama miscalculates over Syria there can be some serious ramifications in the region. For example, what happens if Israel faces the brunt of any retaliation?
So I looked it up.
Turns out Anglo-American relations since his election have cooled.
So Obama distanced himself from Britain, Canada was a non-starter, while Russo-American relations remain strained to say the least; to say nothing of the White House non-existent relationship with Congress. I don't think he particularly enamored himself with Eastern Europe (the gutting of anti-missile defense made sure of that) or Germany either. His administration has failed to make in-roads with Japan despite a strong focus on the Pacific Rim. Now, to add, Mexico and Brazil are upset about NSA spying.
It's as if Obama sees politics only through the prism of power and not relationships.
He should not wonder why, then, Britain didn't fall in line. Heck, if anything, if Obama miscalculates over Syria there can be some serious ramifications in the region. For example, what happens if Israel faces the brunt of any retaliation?
Heroes!
SWAT kills 107 year-old man.
No, you read right.
Big, bad SWAT kill a 107 year-old man. They looked for some dogs to shoot up but there were none so the old man had to do.
They had too. They wanted to get home for dinner.
It's sickening.
No, you read right.
Big, bad SWAT kill a 107 year-old man. They looked for some dogs to shoot up but there were none so the old man had to do.
They had too. They wanted to get home for dinner.
It's sickening.
Oh, Shut Up
"But Stephanie Cutter, another CNN contributor who was Obama's 2012
deputy campaign manager, said Congress's not passing the resolution
would be "a blow to the United States. Not a blow to the president, it's
a blow to the United States' authority all over the world. And
unprecedented."
Keeping it real: President's credibility in play here.
There's no real valid rationale to make this claim since Syria did not attack the United States.
Moreover, the 'credibility' angle, arguably, may have had some weight in the aftermath of 9/11 after an actual attack on American soil.
But not with Syria.
****
Putin is enjoying the Obama administration.
Seems like he has the upper-hand these days. If he succeed in getting Syria to hand over chemical weapons without firing a shot that will embarrass the Obama and his staff who were clamoring for military strikes. It won't humiliate the United States of America since its people were loud in clear in opposition to it. It will be Obama's mess and his alone. And with it American foreign policy in tatters.
Keeping it real: President's credibility in play here.
There's no real valid rationale to make this claim since Syria did not attack the United States.
Moreover, the 'credibility' angle, arguably, may have had some weight in the aftermath of 9/11 after an actual attack on American soil.
But not with Syria.
****
Putin is enjoying the Obama administration.
Seems like he has the upper-hand these days. If he succeed in getting Syria to hand over chemical weapons without firing a shot that will embarrass the Obama and his staff who were clamoring for military strikes. It won't humiliate the United States of America since its people were loud in clear in opposition to it. It will be Obama's mess and his alone. And with it American foreign policy in tatters.
Time's Passage Against Obama
The problem with the Obama administration is the memory of Bush and Iraq is still fresh in the minds of people. They can't get around or away from the fact that people remember what the leadership said back then or how they voted.
Pelosi, Kerry and Obama - all spoke as doves. So it's not surprising people - even the those not engaged - are saying, "hang on a sec. Weren't you guys shrill just 10 short years ago against war?"
That's why they're having a hard time selling air strikes against Syria. They may as well be sleazy second-hand car salesman.
And when that happens, principles are questioned.
Pelosi, Kerry and Obama - all spoke as doves. So it's not surprising people - even the those not engaged - are saying, "hang on a sec. Weren't you guys shrill just 10 short years ago against war?"
That's why they're having a hard time selling air strikes against Syria. They may as well be sleazy second-hand car salesman.
And when that happens, principles are questioned.
2013-09-08
Corprorate Vs. Social Welfare
Bottom line:
$92 billion for corporate welfare.
$59 for social welfare.
For more read here. Worth a look.
$92 billion for corporate welfare.
$59 for social welfare.
For more read here. Worth a look.
Quote Of The Day
"A lot of people don't want to feel anti-black by being opposed to Obama."
Ed Asner.
/soft golf clap.
They lack principles.
Simple as that.
They know how to holler rhetorical stuff that sound principled but in the end, they don't have any.
Ed Asner.
/soft golf clap.
They lack principles.
Simple as that.
They know how to holler rhetorical stuff that sound principled but in the end, they don't have any.
Now It's Cooler
At this point, the global warming debate is reminiscent of those old Miller Lite beer commercials where two sides would argue the beer offered "More taste" and "Less filling!"
More warming! Less cooling! Or is More cooling, less warming!
More warming! Less cooling! Or is More cooling, less warming!
Quote Of The Day
"If the natural tendencies of mankind are so bad that it is not safe to
permit people to be free, how is it that the tendencies of these
organizers are always good? Do not the legislators and their appointed
agents also belong to the human race? Or do they believe that they
themselves are made of a finer clay than the rest of mankind?”
Frederic Bastiat
permit people to be free, how is it that the tendencies of these
organizers are always good? Do not the legislators and their appointed
agents also belong to the human race? Or do they believe that they
themselves are made of a finer clay than the rest of mankind?”
Frederic Bastiat
Obama Loosened Restrictions On NSA; Bush Blamed
Obama.
At some point blaming racism and Bush will backfire.
Bah. What's the difference at this point? NSA is a made up problem and since Bush created it it's his fault Obama worsened its abuses.
At some point blaming racism and Bush will backfire.
Bah. What's the difference at this point? NSA is a made up problem and since Bush created it it's his fault Obama worsened its abuses.
Where The Government Stands On Syria
President Obama keeps referring to the UK as its closest ally.
Canadians have always taken it for granted that we were its closest ally - I mean, being neighbours and all but since the Bush administration when our behavior turned sourly anti-American, it's no surprise the Americans barely give us the time of day. While Harper's government is far more friendlier and sympathetic to American concerns, there's been a serious cooling in relations with the U.S..
This trend clearly began under the Chretien Liberals but the Conservatives haven't fared that much better in getting noticed.
In terms of Syria, Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird is repeating all the 'we must act' and 'Syria must face consequences' lines the UK and American leadership is using.
The people, on the other hand, are not biting.
As far as I'm concerned, any Canadian involvement should be debated in the House of Commons like the Brits did and just like the Americans are going to Congress as they ought to have done from the beginning.
So far it's been supported Canada politically and morally supports the United States but have not been asked to send military assistance.
Baird asked:
"What are people going to say next week if 5,000 people are gassed? What are people going to say next month if 25,000 people are gassed?" he said in an exclusive interview with host Evan Solomon on CBC Radio's The House, following a meeting with Sergei Lavrov, Baird's Russian counterpart. "This is a poor man's weapons of mass destruction and this guy cannot be allowed to get away with it."
Syria is run by murderous creeps. No question about it. Esoterically, it's awful to see children killed in this manner.
Syria has always been a nasty sort of place. But I still don't see how this justifies military foreign aggression in the name of humanitarianism.
Especially in Syria where strikes would actually help terrorists; that our own campaign would result in innocent deaths. Am I the only who sees something wrong with this picture? Not only that, bombing Syria is not like bombing Kosovo or Rwanda or Afghanistan. Syria actually has an air force that can inflict damage and cause death.
Canadians have always taken it for granted that we were its closest ally - I mean, being neighbours and all but since the Bush administration when our behavior turned sourly anti-American, it's no surprise the Americans barely give us the time of day. While Harper's government is far more friendlier and sympathetic to American concerns, there's been a serious cooling in relations with the U.S..
This trend clearly began under the Chretien Liberals but the Conservatives haven't fared that much better in getting noticed.
In terms of Syria, Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird is repeating all the 'we must act' and 'Syria must face consequences' lines the UK and American leadership is using.
The people, on the other hand, are not biting.
As far as I'm concerned, any Canadian involvement should be debated in the House of Commons like the Brits did and just like the Americans are going to Congress as they ought to have done from the beginning.
So far it's been supported Canada politically and morally supports the United States but have not been asked to send military assistance.
Baird asked:
"What are people going to say next week if 5,000 people are gassed? What are people going to say next month if 25,000 people are gassed?" he said in an exclusive interview with host Evan Solomon on CBC Radio's The House, following a meeting with Sergei Lavrov, Baird's Russian counterpart. "This is a poor man's weapons of mass destruction and this guy cannot be allowed to get away with it."
Syria is run by murderous creeps. No question about it. Esoterically, it's awful to see children killed in this manner.
Syria has always been a nasty sort of place. But I still don't see how this justifies military foreign aggression in the name of humanitarianism.
Especially in Syria where strikes would actually help terrorists; that our own campaign would result in innocent deaths. Am I the only who sees something wrong with this picture? Not only that, bombing Syria is not like bombing Kosovo or Rwanda or Afghanistan. Syria actually has an air force that can inflict damage and cause death.
Small Venues Get The Shaft
This senseless regulation put in place by Minister of Employment and Social Development (I can't believe I just typed that), I gather, to 'protect' local talent which is nonsense.
"In the article he quotes Spencer Brown, the longtime booker for downtown Calgary venue “The Palomino’ “They are targeting the little guy, they’re targeting small venues, they’re targeting small business,” he says. “So, me, as the promoter at The Palomino, which will hold 200 people at the best of times, is paying out $425 per band member whereas a guy from a huge promotions company putting on a 20,000-seater for Elton John in the stadium is tax free.”
Oh, you mean government regulation is unfair? I hadn't noticed.
I guess this is Jason Kinney's idea of 'employment and social development' is to bog people down with fees and regulations. Smart move.
All this protect the culture crap is pure BS in Canada.
I swear, between the interventionist parties of the PC, Liberals and NDP, it's getting thin as to who to support these days.
You can sign the petition at Change.org.
If you love music, then sign and support. Canadian music lovers and the small venues that bring in acts (which by the way are the best way to discover new musicians) shouldn't get shafted like this.
"In the article he quotes Spencer Brown, the longtime booker for downtown Calgary venue “The Palomino’ “They are targeting the little guy, they’re targeting small venues, they’re targeting small business,” he says. “So, me, as the promoter at The Palomino, which will hold 200 people at the best of times, is paying out $425 per band member whereas a guy from a huge promotions company putting on a 20,000-seater for Elton John in the stadium is tax free.”
Oh, you mean government regulation is unfair? I hadn't noticed.
I guess this is Jason Kinney's idea of 'employment and social development' is to bog people down with fees and regulations. Smart move.
All this protect the culture crap is pure BS in Canada.
I swear, between the interventionist parties of the PC, Liberals and NDP, it's getting thin as to who to support these days.
You can sign the petition at Change.org.
If you love music, then sign and support. Canadian music lovers and the small venues that bring in acts (which by the way are the best way to discover new musicians) shouldn't get shafted like this.
2013-09-07
An Impossible Task
I studied the Arctic North and the challenges of exerting Canadian presence up there especially in disputed areas where the USA, Russia, Norway and Denmark all make claims in various areas.
Generally, our policies tended to lean on the naive as we just assumed anything in the Arctic is Canadian sovereignty. Alas, thinking and saying it's ours is not enough. You need to maintain a physical presence. The public continues to take the North for granted clinging on to assumptions of little threat in the region.
The Arctic is massive and would pose a challenge for any country to patrol. In Canada it falls on Arctic Rangers - a force of 5000.
Generally, our policies tended to lean on the naive as we just assumed anything in the Arctic is Canadian sovereignty. Alas, thinking and saying it's ours is not enough. You need to maintain a physical presence. The public continues to take the North for granted clinging on to assumptions of little threat in the region.
The Arctic is massive and would pose a challenge for any country to patrol. In Canada it falls on Arctic Rangers - a force of 5000.
Blaming Jews: Tried And Tested Tradition Of The Christian West And Muslim East
"You know who is responsible for that...da Jews!" George Costanza as O'Brien.
Not surprising the left is singling out the Jewish lobby and Israel for "painting Obama into a hawkish corner."
How nice. Not only does Obama get to blame everything on everyone else, but poor guy gets pushed around to boot! But he's sooo sta-rong around Putin!
Anyway. It's an extremely weal argument with little merit (when considering the actions in Libya and Egypt) in the case of Syria. Sure Israel has a say or perhaps has some sway but from what I read, Turkey and Saudi Arabia can match Israel's influence.
You know what they say. Scratch a tolerant liberal/progressive, find an anti-semite.
The whole Jew thing feels over blown if not somewhat dated.
Comment:
"The so-called Jewish Lobby makes campaign donations and lobbies Congress.
The Saudis fund endowments, scholarships, think tanks, charities, "fact-finding missions", and cushy jobs for idiot sons and daughters.
But the JOOOSSS run American foreign policy.
Now pull the other leg."
Jews have been convenient scapegoats for both Christians and Muslims throughout history.
Yet, somehow, despite all the banishment, through the pogroms and genocide, slavery and racism, they make a go of things don't they?
Not surprising the left is singling out the Jewish lobby and Israel for "painting Obama into a hawkish corner."
How nice. Not only does Obama get to blame everything on everyone else, but poor guy gets pushed around to boot! But he's sooo sta-rong around Putin!
Anyway. It's an extremely weal argument with little merit (when considering the actions in Libya and Egypt) in the case of Syria. Sure Israel has a say or perhaps has some sway but from what I read, Turkey and Saudi Arabia can match Israel's influence.
You know what they say. Scratch a tolerant liberal/progressive, find an anti-semite.
The whole Jew thing feels over blown if not somewhat dated.
Comment:
"The so-called Jewish Lobby makes campaign donations and lobbies Congress.
The Saudis fund endowments, scholarships, think tanks, charities, "fact-finding missions", and cushy jobs for idiot sons and daughters.
But the JOOOSSS run American foreign policy.
Now pull the other leg."
Jews have been convenient scapegoats for both Christians and Muslims throughout history.
Yet, somehow, despite all the banishment, through the pogroms and genocide, slavery and racism, they make a go of things don't they?
Lesbian Bat-Woman
I don't get it.
Why does sexual orientation have to matter?
I prefer to leave it up to the imagination. Like how Bert and Ernie have gone into gay folklore. Why does it have to be explicitly announced anyway? Let her 'hang out' with chicks and work around that.
Nor do I think DC were motivated by homophobia. That's just the usual hysterical reaction from people.
Why does sexual orientation have to matter?
I prefer to leave it up to the imagination. Like how Bert and Ernie have gone into gay folklore. Why does it have to be explicitly announced anyway? Let her 'hang out' with chicks and work around that.
Nor do I think DC were motivated by homophobia. That's just the usual hysterical reaction from people.
Righting The Impossible: Life; Quotes Of The Day
"If everyone from Somalia got on a boat to Japan and everyone in
Japan got on a boat to Somalia, in a few years, Japan would look
like Somalia and Somalia would look like Japan."
"Redistributionists often make this kind of argument, that 'a child born in Somalia/Appalachia/Detroit/etc., just does not have the same chances as a child born in a better off place.'
Of course as a general matter that is true. And I see what they are getting at: 'why should a child be punished because of where he or she was born? Shouldn't they have the same chance as a child born elsewhere?' My answer is, of course that child should not be so punished, but my parents and I are not the ones that are punishing him so your point does not in the least warrant you taking coercive measures against us. What they really want is to punish the better off children for having the temerity to be born in a better off place!"
"...Taxes are too high when everyone cannot pay an equal share for the services provided. When the poor cannot afford to pay a flat fee for the services provided by the government, and their portion must be subsidized by stealing more from the wealthy, THEN taxes are too fucking high and the government is doing too fucking much."
I love the above map. It's from 1956. Blue is Republican. Red is Democrat (so-called New Deal Democrats). Notice where they thrived.
"Redistributionists often make this kind of argument, that 'a child born in Somalia/Appalachia/Detroit/etc., just does not have the same chances as a child born in a better off place.'
Of course as a general matter that is true. And I see what they are getting at: 'why should a child be punished because of where he or she was born? Shouldn't they have the same chance as a child born elsewhere?' My answer is, of course that child should not be so punished, but my parents and I are not the ones that are punishing him so your point does not in the least warrant you taking coercive measures against us. What they really want is to punish the better off children for having the temerity to be born in a better off place!"
"...Taxes are too high when everyone cannot pay an equal share for the services provided. When the poor cannot afford to pay a flat fee for the services provided by the government, and their portion must be subsidized by stealing more from the wealthy, THEN taxes are too fucking high and the government is doing too fucking much."
I love the above map. It's from 1956. Blue is Republican. Red is Democrat (so-called New Deal Democrats). Notice where they thrived.
L.A. Times Will Pay For Damages
Jesus.
Christ.
I'm gonna send the L.A. Times the bill after I hurl my computer at the wall for publishing such op-ed tripe. Fucking just fuck me.
There's been quite a few horrid hit pieces lately.
Not surprising seeing the, you know, fall of the West and all that.
Christ.
I'm gonna send the L.A. Times the bill after I hurl my computer at the wall for publishing such op-ed tripe. Fucking just fuck me.
There's been quite a few horrid hit pieces lately.
Not surprising seeing the, you know, fall of the West and all that.
In My Day
"When I was a kid (in the 60s) if the teacher punished you for misbehavior you got worse when you got home."
I love this quote in relation to this (poorly written) article. Yeah, it's got a certain 'bag in my day, shake fist' feel to it but I'm guessing it's probably true.
Parents today can't accept the fact they may have assholes for children. It's almost as if they've abandoned parenting but refuse to let once respect authority figures discipline their jerk off kids.
They also over rate their kids and are all shocked when they look no better than anybody else in the real world.
I'm still peeved about an incident that happened at my place involving a 10 year old. I feel the parents did not deal with it properly. If it were me, a completely different approach.
It really pissed me off that they chose to ask questions and then accept the answer without disciplining the child and replacing the damaged items in question. It's outrageous really. Regardless of the answer, there was damage and there should be consequences.
Bah.
I love this quote in relation to this (poorly written) article. Yeah, it's got a certain 'bag in my day, shake fist' feel to it but I'm guessing it's probably true.
Parents today can't accept the fact they may have assholes for children. It's almost as if they've abandoned parenting but refuse to let once respect authority figures discipline their jerk off kids.
They also over rate their kids and are all shocked when they look no better than anybody else in the real world.
I'm still peeved about an incident that happened at my place involving a 10 year old. I feel the parents did not deal with it properly. If it were me, a completely different approach.
It really pissed me off that they chose to ask questions and then accept the answer without disciplining the child and replacing the damaged items in question. It's outrageous really. Regardless of the answer, there was damage and there should be consequences.
Bah.
Question
If Obama bombs Syria then it is argued the rebels benefit. The rebels have Al-Queda elements. If so, is this an act of treason no one is realizing?
Quote Of The Day
"More and more I find that those people are the real enemy
intellectually. There’s no dishonesty like liberal dishonesty, just like
there’s no intolerance like liberal intolerance. There’s nothing they
won’t excuse and no excuse they won’t deploy. Their piety is a big
aspect of that. Brilliantly exploited by Bill Clinton. Currently being
exploited by Barack Obama and by Sen. Hilary Clinton. Cheap mediocre piety and sanctimony is their stock in trade. "
Christopher Hitchens.
Christopher Hitchens.
Celebrities Duped By Obama
Yawn.
Should anyone be surprised about the naked hypocrisy of left-wing liberal celebrities?
I mean, have you read some of the crap they spewed during the Bush years?
Come on. Let's get real.
I am extremely disappointed in Bruce Springsteen though.
Should anyone be surprised about the naked hypocrisy of left-wing liberal celebrities?
I mean, have you read some of the crap they spewed during the Bush years?
Come on. Let's get real.
I am extremely disappointed in Bruce Springsteen though.
2013-09-06
Global Cooling Quebec Style
"Somewhere under the forests, soil and bedrock of southern Quebec lie the
ancient, undiscovered traces of an enormous meteor strike so catastrophic that it helped change the Earth's climate and alter human history..."
Mr. President Wants War
Heard the President pull this out for ABC:
'It's conceivable that, at the end of the day, I don't persuade a majority of the American people that it's the right thing to do,"
Oh me, oh my. The defiance!
Obamacare wasn't popular among Americans but that didn't stop him from forcing it upon the people.
So what's the big deal if he gets his war regardless of what the people think?
Red. Line.
Another piece of nonsense being pimped by the administration is comparing Assad to Hitler and that somehow the 'lessons of WWII" must be heeded.
Poppycock cockpoppy for poopycocksuckers.
There's no analogy to be made between WWII and Syria. First among them, is Syria hasn't invaded anyone thus making American national security concerns all the more questionable. It devolves from that point on.
'It's conceivable that, at the end of the day, I don't persuade a majority of the American people that it's the right thing to do,"
Oh me, oh my. The defiance!
Obamacare wasn't popular among Americans but that didn't stop him from forcing it upon the people.
So what's the big deal if he gets his war regardless of what the people think?
Red. Line.
Another piece of nonsense being pimped by the administration is comparing Assad to Hitler and that somehow the 'lessons of WWII" must be heeded.
Poppycock cockpoppy for poopycocksuckers.
There's no analogy to be made between WWII and Syria. First among them, is Syria hasn't invaded anyone thus making American national security concerns all the more questionable. It devolves from that point on.
We're All Communists Now
The clear misunderstanding of libertarianism (probably the easiest of all manners of thinking to grasp) always baffles.
These dudes. Well, read it for yourself.
I guess, libertarianism is gaining ground if this is the sort of hit pieces that come up regarding it.
Never seen an article get shredded in the threads like this one.
These dudes. Well, read it for yourself.
I guess, libertarianism is gaining ground if this is the sort of hit pieces that come up regarding it.
Never seen an article get shredded in the threads like this one.
Chest Thumping Continues From The Left
Wow.
Just wow.
Now the left is angling for blood because, you know, humanitarianism! When that was used by bush for Iraq, they laughed. Now, with FAR LESS support from, like, EVERYONE from military experts, to allies to anyone with half a brain including the people, apparently it's righteous to attack Syria?
Stay Strong America? Is this guy shitting me?
Fuck. Me.
But again, credit to The Daily Beast threads, they're having none of it.
In fact, I have not seen such a unified force against action from all sides - liberal, conservative, libertarian.
Just wow.
Now the left is angling for blood because, you know, humanitarianism! When that was used by bush for Iraq, they laughed. Now, with FAR LESS support from, like, EVERYONE from military experts, to allies to anyone with half a brain including the people, apparently it's righteous to attack Syria?
Stay Strong America? Is this guy shitting me?
Fuck. Me.
But again, credit to The Daily Beast threads, they're having none of it.
In fact, I have not seen such a unified force against action from all sides - liberal, conservative, libertarian.
Unfit For Duty
Police scumbaggery at its finest.
What I find disheartening, if this is reported accurately, is the kid loses his job while the cop gets to keep his after acting like a complete buffoon. I feel bad for that mother and kid who had to face this cop.
One could only wish companies like CVS would stand by their employees like cops do with their own. It seems like corporations are ready to cut their staff loose too easily, while the blue bloods are ready to break the law and engage in cover ups in protecting one of their own.
Two extremes.
Serve Punish and Protect (the brotherhood).
***
Unions.
They don't serve the public. Ever. The quicker the public understands this, the quicker we can rid of the rot in society and lay off the hero worship.
What I find disheartening, if this is reported accurately, is the kid loses his job while the cop gets to keep his after acting like a complete buffoon. I feel bad for that mother and kid who had to face this cop.
One could only wish companies like CVS would stand by their employees like cops do with their own. It seems like corporations are ready to cut their staff loose too easily, while the blue bloods are ready to break the law and engage in cover ups in protecting one of their own.
Two extremes.
***
Unions.
They don't serve the public. Ever. The quicker the public understands this, the quicker we can rid of the rot in society and lay off the hero worship.
Dreaming In Beaver Colours
Some Canadian sports fans still dream of an NFL team landing in Toronto.
I admit, for an ever so brief time, I even hoped but then I woke up.
Just too many factors running against this ever happening.
Let me get the good out of the way first. Toronto is a first class city with a lot of money and critical mass - around 4.5 million people live in the GTA. It rests in the part of the Ontario economic belt which is among the wealthiest regions in North America. It also already has a sports infrastructure in place so that could help a start up I suppose in the short term but what about that scary phrase "long-term viability?"
Here the story gets murkier.
I see life in increments. Show me you can do the little things and maybe we can talk about something bigger. Do well with that bigger thing and we can move on. You know the game. I apply the same philosophy when listening to hopeless romantic Quebec nationalists yap on about independence. Improve the unemployment rate, social services like health and education, energize your entrepreneurial class, lower taxes (which means reduce the reliance on the welfare state), mature in regards to minority rights, show a plan for how you will create a currency and system of passports (critical to any serious nation) and pay down the debt and then let's talk about going out into the cold, dark world on your own.
Simple. Show me the money. Oh, wait. You can't because we don't have any.
The first lesson in reality. Toronto already has a professional football team. They're called the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL. It has history and tradition. It even had Doug Flutie for a time. It is said that the CFL could not survive without Canada's largest city represented. Sorta like no New York teams in other sports. I tend to concur with this.
The Argos have trouble drawing. Averaging 21 300 to be exact. Mediocre and not good enough if you want to survive in the cut throat American enterprise known as the NFL. The NFL has no time for small-timers. If you can't be bothered to show up for an institution like the Argos in a league Canadians love to brag about, what makes anyone thinking of investing think it would change with an NFL franchise where the cost per ticket would, I imagine, rise substantially given you now have to compete with NFL standard salaries among other costs.
In the NFL pre season games for the Buffalo Bills (the team everyone assumes would move to the 416 area code) hosted by Toronto, the attendance was solid but not spectacular with the last game attracting only 40 000 people. See the history of the NFL in Toronto including head to head games here.
If I were to invest, I'd want Toronto to 'show me the seats.'
Then there's the whole Canadian vs. U.S. dollar thing. The currency exchange throughout our history has been usually in favor of the USA - naturally. We've had our proud moments where our dollar was stronger but that was more of a short-term reality less to do with the prowess of our economy and more to do with whatever afflicts the powerful America economy at the time. Over the long-term, you have to assume the Canadian dollar is anywhere between .73 and .85 per cent of $1 USD.
Starting in the hole that way is not the best scnerio. Doable, as we see with the Blue Jays in MLB, but not great either. Then there's the whole tax problem. But let's stop there.
I've merely touched on a couple factors working against Toronto getting an NFL team. But even on just a superficial level, one can surmise rather confidently that it's not a fit.
More realistically, a second NHL team may work because Toronto is absolutely hockey mad - more so than Montreal. It supports several more junior and professional teams than Montreal does.
More importantly, focus on ensuring Toronto's success in the CFL. That means having Torontonians buy into the pride of the CFL.
Leave the NFL to the big boys for now.
I admit, for an ever so brief time, I even hoped but then I woke up.
Just too many factors running against this ever happening.
Let me get the good out of the way first. Toronto is a first class city with a lot of money and critical mass - around 4.5 million people live in the GTA. It rests in the part of the Ontario economic belt which is among the wealthiest regions in North America. It also already has a sports infrastructure in place so that could help a start up I suppose in the short term but what about that scary phrase "long-term viability?"
Here the story gets murkier.
I see life in increments. Show me you can do the little things and maybe we can talk about something bigger. Do well with that bigger thing and we can move on. You know the game. I apply the same philosophy when listening to hopeless romantic Quebec nationalists yap on about independence. Improve the unemployment rate, social services like health and education, energize your entrepreneurial class, lower taxes (which means reduce the reliance on the welfare state), mature in regards to minority rights, show a plan for how you will create a currency and system of passports (critical to any serious nation) and pay down the debt and then let's talk about going out into the cold, dark world on your own.
Simple. Show me the money. Oh, wait. You can't because we don't have any.
The first lesson in reality. Toronto already has a professional football team. They're called the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL. It has history and tradition. It even had Doug Flutie for a time. It is said that the CFL could not survive without Canada's largest city represented. Sorta like no New York teams in other sports. I tend to concur with this.
The Argos have trouble drawing. Averaging 21 300 to be exact. Mediocre and not good enough if you want to survive in the cut throat American enterprise known as the NFL. The NFL has no time for small-timers. If you can't be bothered to show up for an institution like the Argos in a league Canadians love to brag about, what makes anyone thinking of investing think it would change with an NFL franchise where the cost per ticket would, I imagine, rise substantially given you now have to compete with NFL standard salaries among other costs.
In the NFL pre season games for the Buffalo Bills (the team everyone assumes would move to the 416 area code) hosted by Toronto, the attendance was solid but not spectacular with the last game attracting only 40 000 people. See the history of the NFL in Toronto including head to head games here.
If I were to invest, I'd want Toronto to 'show me the seats.'
Then there's the whole Canadian vs. U.S. dollar thing. The currency exchange throughout our history has been usually in favor of the USA - naturally. We've had our proud moments where our dollar was stronger but that was more of a short-term reality less to do with the prowess of our economy and more to do with whatever afflicts the powerful America economy at the time. Over the long-term, you have to assume the Canadian dollar is anywhere between .73 and .85 per cent of $1 USD.
Starting in the hole that way is not the best scnerio. Doable, as we see with the Blue Jays in MLB, but not great either. Then there's the whole tax problem. But let's stop there.
I've merely touched on a couple factors working against Toronto getting an NFL team. But even on just a superficial level, one can surmise rather confidently that it's not a fit.
More realistically, a second NHL team may work because Toronto is absolutely hockey mad - more so than Montreal. It supports several more junior and professional teams than Montreal does.
More importantly, focus on ensuring Toronto's success in the CFL. That means having Torontonians buy into the pride of the CFL.
Leave the NFL to the big boys for now.
2013-09-05
Americans Should Stay Out Of Syria
Forget Bush.
Obama alone controls his Presidency.
The Syria thing is utterly ridiculous. All this nonsense about American credibility on the line. Yeah, going in without a clear objective will be sure to enhance American credibility. And the video where psycho rebels (that the strike would aid) executed opponents isn't gonna help. There is no "good guy" in Syria.
The President making a fool of himself for doing what he does best: Blame others for his own words. "I didn't draw the red line, the world did." Classic. Priceless.
Notice the pure anger on the threads. And in this case, the people are right.
Obama alone controls his Presidency.
The Syria thing is utterly ridiculous. All this nonsense about American credibility on the line. Yeah, going in without a clear objective will be sure to enhance American credibility. And the video where psycho rebels (that the strike would aid) executed opponents isn't gonna help. There is no "good guy" in Syria.
The President making a fool of himself for doing what he does best: Blame others for his own words. "I didn't draw the red line, the world did." Classic. Priceless.
Notice the pure anger on the threads. And in this case, the people are right.
This Is Not Your Mother's Enlightenment
I howl in laughter and yelp in madness whenever I hear progressives claim to be part of The Enlightenment tradition.
There's nothing in their beliefs that would fit the world views of Enlightenment philosophers.
Hume, Smith, Bastiat, Galliani and later on Madison - name them - would look on in disgust at the progressive movement.
Progressive like coercion, freedom on their terms and socialist policies.
***
Here in Quebec, we've lost any connection to our common Western link to The Enlightenment.
We've fallen off the deep end on minority rights in particular. Minority rights is one of the greatest innovations bestowed upon us through Enlightenment thought. You can't negotiate away a person's right to freedom of expression (which includes language), religion (worship), association, choice, right up to property rights.
In other words, you can't touch that shit let alone legislate against it through punitive measures. You touch it, you touch people directly and if you touch them negatively, you will reap the corrosive society you have sewn.
It's an affront to our classical liberal heritage witnessing what the Parti Quebecois does.
Here, any notion of guarding against tyranny of the majority is notional. A suggestion. Our common discourse on the matter follows suit.
And it's a travesty.
There's nothing in their beliefs that would fit the world views of Enlightenment philosophers.
Hume, Smith, Bastiat, Galliani and later on Madison - name them - would look on in disgust at the progressive movement.
Progressive like coercion, freedom on their terms and socialist policies.
***
Here in Quebec, we've lost any connection to our common Western link to The Enlightenment.
We've fallen off the deep end on minority rights in particular. Minority rights is one of the greatest innovations bestowed upon us through Enlightenment thought. You can't negotiate away a person's right to freedom of expression (which includes language), religion (worship), association, choice, right up to property rights.
In other words, you can't touch that shit let alone legislate against it through punitive measures. You touch it, you touch people directly and if you touch them negatively, you will reap the corrosive society you have sewn.
It's an affront to our classical liberal heritage witnessing what the Parti Quebecois does.
Here, any notion of guarding against tyranny of the majority is notional. A suggestion. Our common discourse on the matter follows suit.
And it's a travesty.
New Business For T.C.
I've been thinking of starting a street business.
I think there's money to be made. Especially if I can get a subsidy.
I think there's money to be made. Especially if I can get a subsidy.
What About The International Community?
Views on America and Syria from Iraq and China.
"America’s intrusion into world affairs and its absence of rivals has become a source of instability and all kinds of chaos. Wherever America goes, ruin and destruction follow. This isn’t limited to the country’s military interventions; rather, ruin and destruction accompany its political and economic intrusions, too."
"..The chaos in Afghanistan and Iraq was repeated in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria, and the fate of these countries in terms of security and political and economic stability remains unknown."
"...America’s politicians and military leaders take delight in killing and mutilating people, as happened in Haditha, the Iraqi city, and in Afghanistan. Sham trials of those monsters were conducted and then they were set free on claims of mental illness. Some strategists and political analysts say that American policy is programmed for this purpose, but they haven’t explained the benefits of this programming for America or discussed the alternatives."
"...The statements of former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice about how the blueprint of the Greater Middle East is almost finished are evidence of what I have discussed; they were deluded and arrogant when she should have felt embarrassed by failure. Rice is a good example of the destructive American personality, which conceives the ruin pervading the Middle East as a clear victory for the country’s reckless policies, overlooking the human and material losses. She rejoices at news of people being killed and evicted because they aren’t Americans and because she and Obama have forgotten or tried to forget how white man subjugated their generations and their ancestors.
The only solution for confronting the danger America poses is the return of Russia and China as military powers and, in this manner, the return of the Cold War."
And this is an Iraqi paper!
***
"China — along with all the nations of the world — emphatically opposes the use of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons. Our country once deeply suffered the calamities of biological weapons employed by the Japanese. It is extremely loathsome that 16 years after the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Treaty went into effect, a serious chemical weapons incident injuring blameless civilians may have occurred within Syria’s borders. But problem-solving strategies should go beyond indignant outbursts; it’s more important to carry out earnest investigations within the framework of the U.N. Security Council, to impose strict sanctions upon behaviors made to hinder investigation. In this aspect, the five permanent members of the Security Council not only have no reason for divergence, but also should put in a concerted effort to cooperate, requiring Assad’s regime to provide assistance. At present, the Syrian government believes it has not engaged in the purported chemical warfare within its own borders; it also is willing to provide the U.N. chemical weapons team with a more comfortable environment for investigation. These points are worthy of acknowledgement in the international community. Regardless of the investigation’s results, the investigation itself requires time. If the U.S. and other nations lack patience and are unwilling to investigate in earnest, unwilling to convince the Security Council through reasoning, speak without evidence, do not obtain lawful authorization and furthermore persist in their old ways, the result will not only impair the authority symbolized by the United Nations Charter, it could also cast America into yet another unpredictable disaster."
"...The more America’s counterterrorism “counters,” the more chaos it creates; I fear its impact on the strategic balance of influence — toward America in the Middle East as well as globally — will also be a great revelation for Washington."
Well, it has created chaos domestically through the NSA.
The other thing is the same people - notably Kerry and Clinton - calling for attacks now said Assad was a reformer.
"America’s intrusion into world affairs and its absence of rivals has become a source of instability and all kinds of chaos. Wherever America goes, ruin and destruction follow. This isn’t limited to the country’s military interventions; rather, ruin and destruction accompany its political and economic intrusions, too."
"..The chaos in Afghanistan and Iraq was repeated in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria, and the fate of these countries in terms of security and political and economic stability remains unknown."
"...America’s politicians and military leaders take delight in killing and mutilating people, as happened in Haditha, the Iraqi city, and in Afghanistan. Sham trials of those monsters were conducted and then they were set free on claims of mental illness. Some strategists and political analysts say that American policy is programmed for this purpose, but they haven’t explained the benefits of this programming for America or discussed the alternatives."
"...The statements of former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice about how the blueprint of the Greater Middle East is almost finished are evidence of what I have discussed; they were deluded and arrogant when she should have felt embarrassed by failure. Rice is a good example of the destructive American personality, which conceives the ruin pervading the Middle East as a clear victory for the country’s reckless policies, overlooking the human and material losses. She rejoices at news of people being killed and evicted because they aren’t Americans and because she and Obama have forgotten or tried to forget how white man subjugated their generations and their ancestors.
The only solution for confronting the danger America poses is the return of Russia and China as military powers and, in this manner, the return of the Cold War."
And this is an Iraqi paper!
***
"China — along with all the nations of the world — emphatically opposes the use of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons. Our country once deeply suffered the calamities of biological weapons employed by the Japanese. It is extremely loathsome that 16 years after the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Treaty went into effect, a serious chemical weapons incident injuring blameless civilians may have occurred within Syria’s borders. But problem-solving strategies should go beyond indignant outbursts; it’s more important to carry out earnest investigations within the framework of the U.N. Security Council, to impose strict sanctions upon behaviors made to hinder investigation. In this aspect, the five permanent members of the Security Council not only have no reason for divergence, but also should put in a concerted effort to cooperate, requiring Assad’s regime to provide assistance. At present, the Syrian government believes it has not engaged in the purported chemical warfare within its own borders; it also is willing to provide the U.N. chemical weapons team with a more comfortable environment for investigation. These points are worthy of acknowledgement in the international community. Regardless of the investigation’s results, the investigation itself requires time. If the U.S. and other nations lack patience and are unwilling to investigate in earnest, unwilling to convince the Security Council through reasoning, speak without evidence, do not obtain lawful authorization and furthermore persist in their old ways, the result will not only impair the authority symbolized by the United Nations Charter, it could also cast America into yet another unpredictable disaster."
"...The more America’s counterterrorism “counters,” the more chaos it creates; I fear its impact on the strategic balance of influence — toward America in the Middle East as well as globally — will also be a great revelation for Washington."
Well, it has created chaos domestically through the NSA.
The other thing is the same people - notably Kerry and Clinton - calling for attacks now said Assad was a reformer.
Progress!
In the minds of a progressive perhaps, but to me this is utterly depressing.
People need to visually see and have it itemized to understand how much personal freedoms we've lost.
Bah. It's for the better.
Slaves to good intentions we are.
Humans sure love self-imposed or coerced bondage.
***
In fairness, I take this with a grain of salt because things have improved but my point is in areas of personal freedoms, we have not.
People need to visually see and have it itemized to understand how much personal freedoms we've lost.
Bah. It's for the better.
Slaves to good intentions we are.
Humans sure love self-imposed or coerced bondage.
***
In fairness, I take this with a grain of salt because things have improved but my point is in areas of personal freedoms, we have not.
2013-09-04
Verizon Not Coming To Canada; Consumers Screwed
Canada likes its monopolies just fine thank you very much. We like to carve up our industries amongst a few crony players and claim to be customer oriented and cutting edge.
Fucking bull shit.
The propaganda machine went into over drive when they hear real competition was coming to Canada. People panicked. People cried. And that it was an American company, well, that was insulting!
Consumers will continue to be gouged and the three players - Bell, Telus and Rogers - will continue to manipulate prices.
Canada.
Where competition comes to die.
What a parochial joke this country is.
Fucking bull shit.
The propaganda machine went into over drive when they hear real competition was coming to Canada. People panicked. People cried. And that it was an American company, well, that was insulting!
Consumers will continue to be gouged and the three players - Bell, Telus and Rogers - will continue to manipulate prices.
Canada.
Where competition comes to die.
What a parochial joke this country is.
Bloomberg's Disturbing Persistence
Bloomberg really doesn't like when he doesn't get his way it seems.
At what point is it safe to say he's a sociopath?
At what point is it safe to say he's a sociopath?
Heroes!
Cops are coward when they want to be. Some of them are sociopaths with badges.
Look at the slide show of dogs killed by the police - who usually are cleared of wrongdoing.
They kill members of a family, show no remorse and get back on duty likely to repeat their heinous behavior.
And these are the people said to "protect" citizens? And we're to believe citizens with guns are "less" responsible than officers?
Never, ever call the cops for help. They are NOT social workers. Work it out among yourselves.
It's the best advice you'll ever get.
Look at the slide show of dogs killed by the police - who usually are cleared of wrongdoing.
They kill members of a family, show no remorse and get back on duty likely to repeat their heinous behavior.
And these are the people said to "protect" citizens? And we're to believe citizens with guns are "less" responsible than officers?
Never, ever call the cops for help. They are NOT social workers. Work it out among yourselves.
It's the best advice you'll ever get.
Welcome To The Hotel Obama
Man, his Presidency is getting weirder and weirder.
So now 'I didn't do it' President says the world set the red line; not him. Ergo his credibility is not the on line; the world's credibility is. But, if he must, he will reluctantly preserve the world's integrity.
Pish, posh!
So countries like UK, Germany, Australia and Canada who have said no, have lost credibility?
Always remember kids.
You didn't build that...red line. The gumbermint did.
So now 'I didn't do it' President says the world set the red line; not him. Ergo his credibility is not the on line; the world's credibility is. But, if he must, he will reluctantly preserve the world's integrity.
Pish, posh!
So countries like UK, Germany, Australia and Canada who have said no, have lost credibility?
Always remember kids.
You didn't build that...red line. The gumbermint did.
What About Libya?
Bah.
/shrugs shoulders.
Obama said it's just a bump on the way to democracy. Or was that Egypt? They all seem alike now: Chaotic.
/shrugs shoulders.
Obama said it's just a bump on the way to democracy. Or was that Egypt? They all seem alike now: Chaotic.
Quote Of The Day
"Humanitarian Intervention = we have to bomb the children to save
them."
Or.
Sex to save the friendship.
Or.
Sex to save the friendship.
John Kerry's Pitiful Display
Honestly, this is bad.
I brought up his "not a war in a classic sense" nonsensical gibberish in a previous post.
I brought up his "not a war in a classic sense" nonsensical gibberish in a previous post.
2013-09-03
Public Sector Sick Days Abuse
In my domain, unionized day care workers on the subsidized side get six weeks vacation. Teachers get eight. Something is definitely wrong with this picture.
It's no surprise to me sick days are elevated in the public sector. Then again, I'm just an extremist.
Naturally, public sector unions are not happy and contest the Taxpayers Federation's finding but I think it's closer to the truth than we care to admit - across the continent. Notice Quebec heads the list.
Sick/Disability Days Per Year (2012)
It's no surprise to me sick days are elevated in the public sector. Then again, I'm just an extremist.
Naturally, public sector unions are not happy and contest the Taxpayers Federation's finding but I think it's closer to the truth than we care to admit - across the continent. Notice Quebec heads the list.
Sick/Disability Days Per Year (2012)
| Jursidiction | Government | Non-Government |
| QC | 12.2 | 8.5 |
| MB | 12.1 | 7.1 |
| BC | 12 | 7.4 |
| NS | 12 | 8.4 |
| PEI | 11.3 | 6.3 |
| SK | 11 | 6.9 |
| NB | 10.7 | 7.1 |
| NL | 10.7 | 7.9 |
| AB | 9.1 | 5.6 |
| ON | 8.8 | 5.8 |
| Fed | 17.9 | 6.7 |
Prediction On Syria
They'll vote in favor of bombing.
Let the interventionist-humanitarians have their kick at the can. Hopefully, with the rise of Paul and Cruz, the libertarian wing will continue to rise further alienating them.
It's funny. 80% of the American people are against it. Yet, the politicians said to represent them, will ignore them.
And honestly, what in the world is Kerry talking about this is not a "war in a classic sense?"
Attacking a country is war even under a humanitarian premise.
Rand Paul holds the higher logical ground here.
Let the interventionist-humanitarians have their kick at the can. Hopefully, with the rise of Paul and Cruz, the libertarian wing will continue to rise further alienating them.
It's funny. 80% of the American people are against it. Yet, the politicians said to represent them, will ignore them.
And honestly, what in the world is Kerry talking about this is not a "war in a classic sense?"
Attacking a country is war even under a humanitarian premise.
Rand Paul holds the higher logical ground here.
Pic Of The Day
Awe of elephant in womb. I wonder how they would react if the fetus would be, you know, aborted.
What if the elephant was promiscuous and didn't want to bring in another life into the herd?
What if the elephant was promiscuous and didn't want to bring in another life into the herd?
The Reluctant President
Media calling Obama a 'reluctant warrior.'
Hilarious.
More like 'reluctant president.'
Hilarious.
More like 'reluctant president.'
Speaker Of The House Uses Logic For Syria
Democrats just love using kids for emotional appeal, no?
Nancy Pelosi's next book: Me, my five year old grandson, Syria and common sense. A journey."
Nancy Pelosi's next book: Me, my five year old grandson, Syria and common sense. A journey."
Quote Of The Day
From Calvin Coolidge:
"About the Declaration there is a finality that is exceedingly restful. It is often asserted that the world has made a great deal of progress since 1776, that we have had new thoughts and new experiences which have given us a great advance over the people of that day, and that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern. But that reasoning can not be applied to this great charter. If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward toward the time when there was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people. Those who wish to proceed in that direction can not lay claim to progress. They are reactionary. Their ideas are not more modern, but more ancient, than those of the Revolutionary fathers."
Understand?
Progressive: Wo, wo, wo. You're defending dead white people with another dead white guy's opinion? Oh, that's rich."
***
I always love listening people defend a position on the grounds times have changed and are therefore more complex than another period. Bunch of crap.
I hear that from Quebecois nationalists all the time try to sell their snake oil - Quebec's society is complex. No it isn't. Read Homer and then try and tell me we're more "complex."
Complex to them, simpletons to me.
"About the Declaration there is a finality that is exceedingly restful. It is often asserted that the world has made a great deal of progress since 1776, that we have had new thoughts and new experiences which have given us a great advance over the people of that day, and that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern. But that reasoning can not be applied to this great charter. If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward toward the time when there was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people. Those who wish to proceed in that direction can not lay claim to progress. They are reactionary. Their ideas are not more modern, but more ancient, than those of the Revolutionary fathers."
Understand?
Progressive: Wo, wo, wo. You're defending dead white people with another dead white guy's opinion? Oh, that's rich."
***
I always love listening people defend a position on the grounds times have changed and are therefore more complex than another period. Bunch of crap.
I hear that from Quebecois nationalists all the time try to sell their snake oil - Quebec's society is complex. No it isn't. Read Homer and then try and tell me we're more "complex."
Complex to them, simpletons to me.
What The Constitution Means
What the Constitution means to Ezra Klein.
Like, it's so, um, common sense.
"What does the Constimitution means to me? Um...."
Like, it's so, um, common sense.
"What does the Constimitution means to me? Um...."
Why We Shouldn't Consent To The PQ Values Charter
This is why.
Isolated? Perhaps. But it happens from time to time in Quebec and it must be condemned by all the force of our common decency permits. Funny, I could have sworn nationalists squawk about how "tolerant" they are and that it's all the fault of the "anglo media" and that...aw, forget it. They say a lot of silly things.
It doesn't take a genius these clowns take their cues from what their masters in the PQ spew.
You can't square the yokel myopic rhetoric of the PQ with liberty.
All they do is encourage the "go home" crowd. All they do is create a toxic atmosphere of "us and them." Nothing is accomplished.
All they do is destroy civil liberties.
Above all, it's wrong.
Wake up.
Isolated? Perhaps. But it happens from time to time in Quebec and it must be condemned by all the force of our common decency permits. Funny, I could have sworn nationalists squawk about how "tolerant" they are and that it's all the fault of the "anglo media" and that...aw, forget it. They say a lot of silly things.
It doesn't take a genius these clowns take their cues from what their masters in the PQ spew.
You can't square the yokel myopic rhetoric of the PQ with liberty.
All they do is encourage the "go home" crowd. All they do is create a toxic atmosphere of "us and them." Nothing is accomplished.
All they do is destroy civil liberties.
Above all, it's wrong.
Wake up.
Quebec And Cirque Du Soleil
Quebec has every right to be proud of Cirque. It's a smashing artistic success story in a province that lauds the arts. Cirque is an international phenomena that not only Quebec can cherish, but Canada as well.
Alas, at some point, entities like Cirque (and Celine Dion) eventually cease to belong to anything but mankind.
It's Quebec's gift and contribution if you will.
However, I'd caution against using it as a shining example as to why Quebec is capable of seceding from Canada.
It's gonna take a helluva lot more than Cirque to keep an economy going.
Whereas the Americans produce schools like the Khan Academy, Amazon, eBay, Twitter and Google (and the list goes on and on and on and on....and on) that shake and change the foundation of how we teach and interact in a global world, Quebec shouldn't content itself with one cultural example.
Technology and innovation is the key. Knowledge and assets are monumental.
In this way, Quebec does little or offers little. In fact, it damages itself for reasons we chose not to get into here.
Can Canada produce Google?
And then there's the whole issue of service. Service in Canada and in Quebec is a suggested part of running a business.
I can't tell how many times I have initiated a "hello" at a grocery store, or get treated as if workers are doing me a favor or have to defend myself for speaking a lousy language.
On that level, the Americans are The Enlightenment while we're stuck in the Dark Ages. I use the Americans because they're a legitimate comparison. We should strive for that sort of excellence in service.
Pick any industry and I'm confident we lag. Airline? Air Canada wallows in a cryptic, antiquated nether- region trapped between its haunting Crown Corporation days and a private enterprise. It has not seemed to figure out how to run its operation. Its workers are reminiscent of bitter union railroad workers scant a happy face we see while its executives acts as if they haven't gotten the memo from the 1980s that a business survival rests on SERVICE. As in, bending over backwards keeping clients happy.
It's a tad unfair selecting the airline industry given it's a tough go to turn a profit but Air Canada is not an elite airline.
Spend a day taking a ride on the STM. Speak some English and see what happens.
I walk into a grocery store with $200 in groceries and the young cashier is either looking past you talking to someone about their lunch or doesn't bother to look up at all.
Wal-Mart? The best workers at Wal-Mart are the elderly - and left-wingers want them out of that racket because they don't earn a living wage according to their standards.
You can literally walk by four workers congregated setting up a shelf at Canadian Tire and Wal-Mart and no one will bother to say "hello, are you ok?" And heaven forbid you pull them off their task of cutting carboard boxes to ask them where the kleenex are.
That is not to dismiss the outstanding workers I have encountered but they're too far and few between. One kid at Canadian Tire was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his job I literally was impressed. Each time I walked in I would try and find where he is in the store in case I needed him.
Never saw him again.
My point is on matters of business, Quebec's model and philosophy lags other regions on the continent.
Bah.
Alas, at some point, entities like Cirque (and Celine Dion) eventually cease to belong to anything but mankind.
It's Quebec's gift and contribution if you will.
However, I'd caution against using it as a shining example as to why Quebec is capable of seceding from Canada.
It's gonna take a helluva lot more than Cirque to keep an economy going.
Whereas the Americans produce schools like the Khan Academy, Amazon, eBay, Twitter and Google (and the list goes on and on and on and on....and on) that shake and change the foundation of how we teach and interact in a global world, Quebec shouldn't content itself with one cultural example.
Technology and innovation is the key. Knowledge and assets are monumental.
In this way, Quebec does little or offers little. In fact, it damages itself for reasons we chose not to get into here.
Can Canada produce Google?
And then there's the whole issue of service. Service in Canada and in Quebec is a suggested part of running a business.
I can't tell how many times I have initiated a "hello" at a grocery store, or get treated as if workers are doing me a favor or have to defend myself for speaking a lousy language.
On that level, the Americans are The Enlightenment while we're stuck in the Dark Ages. I use the Americans because they're a legitimate comparison. We should strive for that sort of excellence in service.
Pick any industry and I'm confident we lag. Airline? Air Canada wallows in a cryptic, antiquated nether- region trapped between its haunting Crown Corporation days and a private enterprise. It has not seemed to figure out how to run its operation. Its workers are reminiscent of bitter union railroad workers scant a happy face we see while its executives acts as if they haven't gotten the memo from the 1980s that a business survival rests on SERVICE. As in, bending over backwards keeping clients happy.
It's a tad unfair selecting the airline industry given it's a tough go to turn a profit but Air Canada is not an elite airline.
Spend a day taking a ride on the STM. Speak some English and see what happens.
I walk into a grocery store with $200 in groceries and the young cashier is either looking past you talking to someone about their lunch or doesn't bother to look up at all.
Wal-Mart? The best workers at Wal-Mart are the elderly - and left-wingers want them out of that racket because they don't earn a living wage according to their standards.
You can literally walk by four workers congregated setting up a shelf at Canadian Tire and Wal-Mart and no one will bother to say "hello, are you ok?" And heaven forbid you pull them off their task of cutting carboard boxes to ask them where the kleenex are.
That is not to dismiss the outstanding workers I have encountered but they're too far and few between. One kid at Canadian Tire was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his job I literally was impressed. Each time I walked in I would try and find where he is in the store in case I needed him.
Never saw him again.
My point is on matters of business, Quebec's model and philosophy lags other regions on the continent.
Bah.
When Bureaucrats Rule
The local bike shop in the town where my business is split for the city where I live 10 minutes across the river.
His shop is on the main road I use everyday. I noticed his bikes were set up nicely outside. Something he wasn't allowed to do previously because of a frivolous bylaw.
The municipality hounded him until he had enough and left.
Rosemere's loss is Laval's gain.
It's such a terrible way to run a town. Bureaucrats shouldn't prevail above a small-business especially when the decisions they undertake affect the business.
Vote the party out you say? Here's the rub. It's a small, sleepy town. Residential voters don't care. They don't care because they are unaware of the havoc such laws wreak on a local economy.
Rather than just let a man earn a living, employ and pay his taxes in peace, chosen is a route that benefits no one in the end including the owner of the property that now has to rent out the place.
His shop is on the main road I use everyday. I noticed his bikes were set up nicely outside. Something he wasn't allowed to do previously because of a frivolous bylaw.
The municipality hounded him until he had enough and left.
Rosemere's loss is Laval's gain.
It's such a terrible way to run a town. Bureaucrats shouldn't prevail above a small-business especially when the decisions they undertake affect the business.
Vote the party out you say? Here's the rub. It's a small, sleepy town. Residential voters don't care. They don't care because they are unaware of the havoc such laws wreak on a local economy.
Rather than just let a man earn a living, employ and pay his taxes in peace, chosen is a route that benefits no one in the end including the owner of the property that now has to rent out the place.
To Understand Obama Think Like Machiavelli
Obama didn't go to Congress because he respects it or that it's the Constitutionally right thing to do (Congress legally ceded to the Commander-In-Chief the right to go to war decades ago).
Nah.
It fits right into his "blame others" way of governing. He basically left the decision to Congress - specifically the GOP in a "I tried but it's the obstructionist GOP who have Syrian on their hands" bind. He does that to perfection with the economy.
Never mind he seems to have no real plan or objective with his "limited" war and that he unwisely set a 'red line' against a dictator.
Obama has set it up so that he can't be touched.
He doesn't care about Syrians. What he cares about is politics and the politics of power.
And he's good at it.
But. He's no leader.
Nah.
It fits right into his "blame others" way of governing. He basically left the decision to Congress - specifically the GOP in a "I tried but it's the obstructionist GOP who have Syrian on their hands" bind. He does that to perfection with the economy.
Never mind he seems to have no real plan or objective with his "limited" war and that he unwisely set a 'red line' against a dictator.
Obama has set it up so that he can't be touched.
He doesn't care about Syrians. What he cares about is politics and the politics of power.
And he's good at it.
But. He's no leader.
Kneel Before Your Masters For Your...Saftey
In the 'what the fuck' file...
School officials wanted kids to kneel before them?
***
You know, this serves as a creative metaphor for Quebec.
The idea of 'kneeling' before a person or community.
Quebec hasn't come up with any laws that explicitly says you must speak French to a citizen but relax, with Bill 14 and the Values Charter, that's the next logical leap for the nationalists. Nothing says love ofcountry province like a good piece of coercive policy at the expense of everyone else.
Yes, I'm 'crazy.' I guess I am when I read stuff in the French papers (not Anglo, French) where columnists argue to not permit business signs with English names. So if you happen to be 'Davis' and would like to sell cupcakes that idiot she-devil columnist argued 'Davis Cupcakes' should be outlawed.
Quebec is headed in the wrong direction and it will get worse before it gets (if ever) better.
The situation under the PQ is becoming so absurd they have debates on if two people from two languages meet which language prevails? I know, sad. Never mind the answer should be fucking COMMON DECENCY, no, the nationalists in their 'kneel before OUR language' routine, feel it should be French.
Tell you what, just like I or my child would NEVER kneel before anyone, I would not yield and give up my freedom of speech or my rights to jackoffs like, say, Bernie Landry or anyone that thinks like him.
I'd put my best terrible British accent in a locked jaw just to piss him off.
Speaking of the charter. I'm sad to see people across the country deluding themselves with the "it's about time someone stands up to those damn imm'grints!" attitude. Bunch of pathetic miscreants who trample on civil liberties.
Only in Canada do we have the arrogance to believe we can achieve "balance." Freedom of speech can't be 'balanced.' It's an all or none kinda deal. Best people understand this.
School officials wanted kids to kneel before them?
***
You know, this serves as a creative metaphor for Quebec.
The idea of 'kneeling' before a person or community.
Quebec hasn't come up with any laws that explicitly says you must speak French to a citizen but relax, with Bill 14 and the Values Charter, that's the next logical leap for the nationalists. Nothing says love of
Yes, I'm 'crazy.' I guess I am when I read stuff in the French papers (not Anglo, French) where columnists argue to not permit business signs with English names. So if you happen to be 'Davis' and would like to sell cupcakes that idiot she-devil columnist argued 'Davis Cupcakes' should be outlawed.
Quebec is headed in the wrong direction and it will get worse before it gets (if ever) better.
The situation under the PQ is becoming so absurd they have debates on if two people from two languages meet which language prevails? I know, sad. Never mind the answer should be fucking COMMON DECENCY, no, the nationalists in their 'kneel before OUR language' routine, feel it should be French.
Tell you what, just like I or my child would NEVER kneel before anyone, I would not yield and give up my freedom of speech or my rights to jackoffs like, say, Bernie Landry or anyone that thinks like him.
I'd put my best terrible British accent in a locked jaw just to piss him off.
Speaking of the charter. I'm sad to see people across the country deluding themselves with the "it's about time someone stands up to those damn imm'grints!" attitude. Bunch of pathetic miscreants who trample on civil liberties.
Only in Canada do we have the arrogance to believe we can achieve "balance." Freedom of speech can't be 'balanced.' It's an all or none kinda deal. Best people understand this.
2013-09-02
When Obama Lost Hearts And Minds
Obama lost the plot when he armed rebels that included Al-Queda.
Still. Soldiers serve their President. I can understand people not agreeing - even if the sentiment makes sense- with this.
***
President Obama is sensitive about what people think of him. He encourages snitches. He invades privacy. He pretends to be transparent. He blames others.
But in the end. The people and freedom always prevails.
Or else. He'll have to censor the internet.
***
Obama legacy.
I miss all those righteous, moral emails, antiwar mobilizations, links etc. during the Bush administration. Suddenly, some of those people don't even want to discuss politics anymore.
I don't get any emails about anything. Of course, it's all a myth, facade and fake. A vast right-wing conspiracy all paid for by the Koch brothers.
Naturally.
2013-09-01
Wages Can't Just Be Magically Raised
Ugh. I can't tell you how many times I've had to deal with such stupid people who argue for a "fair wage."
I stare in marvel at their cluelessness.
I stare in marvel at their cluelessness.
Obama's Sons
Read and weep for civilization.
This is why Obama and Holder failed as leaders of a nation and let down an entire people regardless of race or creed.
This is why Obama and Holder failed as leaders of a nation and let down an entire people regardless of race or creed.
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