Monday, June 04, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Mexico Subway Flu Ice
Just testing a theory.
Yahoo! News, Don’t say ‘flu’ or ‘subway’ online if you want to avoid Homeland Security
Yahoo! News, Don’t say ‘flu’ or ‘subway’ online if you want to avoid Homeland Security
The list of words used by [Homeland Security] to monitor online activity for signs of terrorism or threats against the U.S. has been made publicly available. There are plenty of words on the list that you would expect to see there, like "Al Qaida" and "dirty bomb," but it's the inclusion of seemingly mundane terms like "bacteria" and "Mexico" that has piqued the interest of some.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Restaurants Should List Allergens
All restaurants (chain, small, fancy and otherwise) should be required to list the complete nutritional information for their items readily. That's reasonable.
Equally important to publishing the nutritional ingredients, food allergens used in the creation of the menu item should be also included on the menu. Food allergies are not fads nor infringement on the rights of others to consume products. Food allergies can be life threatening.
In Canada, prepackaged food (with the exception of beer - grrrrr) is required to list off their ingredients, which help consumers to identify the presence of an allergen. Labeling of allergens on prepackaged foods (again, with the exception of beer - grrrrr) will be more strict in August.
The Center for Disease Control lists eight types of food that are the causes of 90% of food-allergy reactions: cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, and macadamia nuts), fish, shellfish, soybeans, and wheat. At minimum, use of these ingredients could be easily identified.
Waitstaff in restaurants are often at a loss as to what ingredients constitute a particular menu item. Chefs may be reluctant to report ingredients fearing infringement on proprietary recipes. Never mind the fact that the restaurant may be unaware that it is not advertising and producing allergy-free products in a contaminated environment.
Support this initiative, but broaden it's scope. It must be mandatory.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Whip the Vote, Mr. Rae (#lpc #prochoice)
Citation: R. v. Morgentaler, [1988] 1 S.C.R. 30
Date: January 28, 1988
State interference with bodily integrity and serious state-imposed psychological stress, at least in the criminal law context, constitutes a breach of security of the person.
...
Liberty in a free and democratic society does not require the state to approve such decisions but it does require the state to respect them.
...
The decision whether or not to terminate a pregnancy is essentially a moral decision and in a free and democratic society, the conscience of the individual must be paramount to that of the state.
...
The state here is endorsing one conscientiously-held view at the expense of another. It is denying freedom of conscience to some, treating them as means to an end, depriving them of their "essential humanity".Whip the vote, Mr. Rae.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Manning Centre is Still a Registered Charity
Ethical Oil has written a letter to the Canada Revenue Agency to review the David Suzuki Foundation's charitable status because, they allege, the Suzuki Foundation is a partisan political organization. I won't link to it because I don't want to. The National Post and the Toronto Sun are also carrying stories - I won't link to them either, because I don't want to.
I will point out, whatever you think of the David Suzuki Foundation, if you support this move to remove their charitable status, you should at least be arguing the same for the Manning Centre. To do otherwise, is to attain unheard of hypocritical heights.
What is the Manning Centre's mission statement? Building Canada's conservative movement.
What do they do? The Manning Centre’s role is to equip future political leaders with the ideas, skills and networks necessary to make a principled and effective contribution to Canadian politics.
Somehow, I don't think the National Post nor the Toronto Sun will run stories calling for the Manning Centre to be de-registered.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Ontario Budget Consensus : Ontario Wins, Ontario's Conservatives Lose
If you're from Ontario, you have to agree that all the political discussions taking place to prevent an election are a welcome relief. The deal of course reached between the Ontario Liberals and New Democrats is to include a surtax on those in Ontario earning more than $500,000 per year. If you're an Ontario Liberal or an Ontario New Democrat, you're clearly on the side of Ontarians.
Steve Paikan, TVO
How exactly do you campaign that those earning more than $500,000 shouldn't be charged a surtax and that Ontario needs to be plunged into another election for no reason whatsoever?
Rant on Tories!
Sources close to the talks said Mr. McGuinty and Finance Minister Dwight Duncan had vigorously opposed the new tax. But they were clearly in the minority. The sources said a many Liberal caucus members support the tax, including a majority of cabinet members. As well, opinion polls show that the tax also enjoys widespread support from the public.
As an aside, polling those earning more than $500,000 will likely show they're not opposed to the surtax.
However, count on the Ontario Conservatives to be on the wrong side of opinion.
Adding insult to injury, Ontario's Conservatives find themselves on the wrong editorial side as well.
Fully 64 per cent, including a majority of Conservatives and wealthy people, say they are willing to shell out a bit more in taxes to protect social programs such as health care, pensions and access to higher education, all of which help reduce income inequality. Less surprisingly, there’s even more support — 83 per cent — for raising taxes on the wealthiest.[H/T, Scott's DiaTribes]
However, count on the Ontario Conservatives to be on the wrong side of opinion.
Adding insult to injury, Ontario's Conservatives find themselves on the wrong editorial side as well.
Steve Paikan, TVO
The Progressive Conservatives, in the short run, seem to have taken one on the chin. By announcing on budget day that his entire caucus would vote against the budget, PC leader Tim Hudak essentially removed himself from the conversation. That immediate "nay" vote may have pleased his base which hates any accommodation with McGuinty, but it allowed the spotlight to shift to Hudak's NDP opponent as "a player" at the legislature.Torontoist
The Tories, by contrast, have been nowhere in evidence. Tim Hudak came out the day the budget was presented and said his party would be opposing it; in so doing, he put himself on the sidelines. (Whether the Progressive Conservatives reward the principle or condemn the politics of that move is yet to be seen.)Toronto Star
The downside for McGuinty is that he is now exposed to attack by Tim Hudak’s Conservatives for raising taxes, yet again, after vowing not to do so. That’s a price the premier is prepared to pay. He’s probably also banking on Hudak coming across as a one-trick tax-cutting pony, while others are trying to make the legislature work.That said, if you're an Ontario Tory - you're probably breathing a sigh of relief.
How exactly do you campaign that those earning more than $500,000 shouldn't be charged a surtax and that Ontario needs to be plunged into another election for no reason whatsoever?
Rant on Tories!
Will the Real Rob Ford Please Stand Up?
Rob Ford's former press secretary, Adrienne Batra, addresses the hullabaloo regarding the mayor's pending absence from Pride events:
If it walks like a weasel, it's a weasel.
[H/T, Torontoist]
I know Rob Ford. He is a far more tolerant individual than many of the people attacking him. Ford's problem isn't homophobia, nor does he have a hidden agenda to take away gay rights. His concern is that his participation in a Pride event, particularly the parade, will tick off his political base. But Ford needs to remember his base consists of a lot more people than social conservatives.Where is this individual? I thought conservatives were all about standing up for their principles? Or, perhaps he's more concerned about maintaining the politics of division.
If it walks like a weasel, it's a weasel.
[H/T, Torontoist]
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Larry O'Brien Loves Glenn Beck
In any event, Larry de-friended me on Facebook. I suspect it was when I commented on a blog post he wrote and subsequently shared to his Facebook profile.
Luckily, I too have a blog and I can address his post with my own.
Glenn Beck, the Leader
I contend that Glenn Beck will be seen as one of the great credible leaders of our times when they write the story of the twenty-first Century. I for one will be following him.Again, I do not know Larry very well, but I do know Glenn Beck. I think everyone does.
"The only [Katrina victims] we're seeing on television are the scumbags."
"So here you have Barack Obama going in and spending the money on embryonic stem cell research. ... Eugenics. In case you don't know what Eugenics led us to: the Final Solution. A master race! A perfect person. ... The stuff that we are facing is absolutely frightening."
"I'm thinking about killing Michael Moore, and I'm wondering if I could kill him myself, or if I would need to hire somebody to do it. ... No, I think I could. I think he could be looking me in the eye, you know, and I could just be choking the life out. Is this wrong?"
"I went to the movie this weekend with a gun. And surprise, surprise, I didn't kill anybody!"
"You got to have an enemy to fight. And when you have an enemy to fight, then you can unite the entire world behind you, and you seize power. That was Hitler's plan. His enemy: the Jew. Al Gore's enemy, the U.N.'s enemy: global warming. Then you get the scientists — eugenics. You get the scientists — global warming. Then you have to discredit the scientists who say, 'That's not right.' And you must silence all dissenting voices. That's what Hitler did."More? Hit the Craziest Glenn Beck quotes generator.
The money shot?
"I say on the air all time, "if you take what I say as gospel, you're an idiot.""I still hold out hope Rob Ford really is our Larry O'Brien.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Pope is Still Catholic
In all likelihood, Toronto mayor Rob Ford will not attend this year's Pride parade. That's not news. What should be news is the fact that, once again, he refuses to say why.
He is unable, or more likely unwilling, to honestly tell the people of Toronto why he will not attend an event that will significantly increase tourism and boost the Toronto economy.
There are lots of opinions, lots of colourful metaphors describing the Mayor and his reasons for not attending - but, none forthcoming from the mayor. Sure, he's going to the cottage - that's what a weasel would say when wanting to avoid the spotlight.
He's not required to the attend the parade nor is he required to attend any of the preamble activities.
He is, however, a politician and sometimes that means explaining the rationale for his decision, especially when he is invited and especially when one of the events happens at City Hall. He is making a pointed effort to avoid the event without a simple statement why.
It speaks to his character as a so-called man of conviction that he is unable to do so.
He is unable, or more likely unwilling, to honestly tell the people of Toronto why he will not attend an event that will significantly increase tourism and boost the Toronto economy.
There are lots of opinions, lots of colourful metaphors describing the Mayor and his reasons for not attending - but, none forthcoming from the mayor. Sure, he's going to the cottage - that's what a weasel would say when wanting to avoid the spotlight.
He's not required to the attend the parade nor is he required to attend any of the preamble activities.
He is, however, a politician and sometimes that means explaining the rationale for his decision, especially when he is invited and especially when one of the events happens at City Hall. He is making a pointed effort to avoid the event without a simple statement why.
It speaks to his character as a so-called man of conviction that he is unable to do so.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Critiquing Boutiquing
Conservatives mocking Liberal Boutique would like to remind you that the Stephen Harper bobble-head doll is $19.99 at their online store.
Monday, April 09, 2012
I'm a Progressive Bloggers Moderator
That's it.
I'm outted.
I have an email, a picture, and I'm physically able to attend your events.
I'm outted.
I have an email, a picture, and I'm physically able to attend your events.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
NDP Convention Photos Streaming at ProgressiveBloggers.ca (#ndpldr)
Photos I've taken are now streaming at ProgressiveBloggers.ca and here on this site.
Go check them out!
Go check them out!
Uniting Progressives? (#ndpldr)
I caught this sign being used by Thomas Mulcair supporters. It's an interesting one because it fits with the narrative that Mulcair is attempting to broaden the NDP "big tent".
Live from Toronto, it's the NDP Convention! (#ndpldr)
I'm hunkered down at the blog command centre on the main convention floor. I'm sitting next to Jeff Jedras (http://bcinto.blogspot.com) and we're watching as the convention delegates pour in.
Look for pictures from the convention on the Progressive Bloggers main site (http://progressivebloggers.ca) as I upload them.
Live blogging / tweeting to commence when the convention officially opens in about an hour or so.
 |
| NDP Leadership supporters welcome delegates |
Look for pictures from the convention on the Progressive Bloggers main site (http://progressivebloggers.ca) as I upload them.
Live blogging / tweeting to commence when the convention officially opens in about an hour or so.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Crime and Conservatives
I know correlation is not causation, but it's hard not to notice that in jurisdictions with a strong Conservative political tradition, they tend to have higher crime rates.
Awwwwkward ...
Awwwwkward ...
Initial Thoughts on NDP Leadership Convention (#ndpldr)
So, what do I think is going to happen at this weekend's NDP leadership convention?
I've been paying attention to the media articles, the debates, and the Twitter feed. It's clear by all the folks talking about it - it's Thomas Mulcair vs the other candidates. The underlying belief is that Mulcair is not a true NDPer and his desire to make the NDP a "big tent" party is dangerous.
(I should mention that Nathan Cullen is talking "cooperation" with other parties to defeat the Conservatives ... but that's not really the same as expanding the tent.)
First off, the NDP is already a big tent coalition. There's a reason why the NDP go toe-to-toe against the Conservatives in certain ridings and against the Liberals in others.
In rural ridings or ridings with a heavy labour constituency, like Oshawa and Windsor, you have a strange mix of the social cooperative with the social conservative. Liberals do break out here once and a while - it's rare.
In urban ridings, the socially conscious but fiscally liberal New Democrat fights with the socially conscious but fiscally conservative Liberal. Conservatives break out here once and a while - again, it's rare.
Thomas Mulcair represents a change, perhaps, in a direction to expand that tent - to make the NDP competitive where the Liberals and Conservatives typically go toe-to-toe - Quebec and the suburbs.
Does that means a shift to the pragmatic "mushy" middle?
In attempting to keep Quebec and the suburbs with a shift, will the NDP lose their other core constituencies on which they've built the foundation for their current political success?
The line up to endorse Mulcair is long from a lot of those "foundational constituencies".
It appears to me, at least, that Mulcair is appealing to those folks who vote or would like to vote NDP - instead of those who are partisan New Democrats. Has he translated that support into convention ballots?
I don't think he'll win on the first ballot, but I'd be shocked if he didn't win.
I've been paying attention to the media articles, the debates, and the Twitter feed. It's clear by all the folks talking about it - it's Thomas Mulcair vs the other candidates. The underlying belief is that Mulcair is not a true NDPer and his desire to make the NDP a "big tent" party is dangerous.
(I should mention that Nathan Cullen is talking "cooperation" with other parties to defeat the Conservatives ... but that's not really the same as expanding the tent.)
First off, the NDP is already a big tent coalition. There's a reason why the NDP go toe-to-toe against the Conservatives in certain ridings and against the Liberals in others.
In rural ridings or ridings with a heavy labour constituency, like Oshawa and Windsor, you have a strange mix of the social cooperative with the social conservative. Liberals do break out here once and a while - it's rare.
In urban ridings, the socially conscious but fiscally liberal New Democrat fights with the socially conscious but fiscally conservative Liberal. Conservatives break out here once and a while - again, it's rare.
Thomas Mulcair represents a change, perhaps, in a direction to expand that tent - to make the NDP competitive where the Liberals and Conservatives typically go toe-to-toe - Quebec and the suburbs.
Does that means a shift to the pragmatic "mushy" middle?
In attempting to keep Quebec and the suburbs with a shift, will the NDP lose their other core constituencies on which they've built the foundation for their current political success?
The line up to endorse Mulcair is long from a lot of those "foundational constituencies".
It appears to me, at least, that Mulcair is appealing to those folks who vote or would like to vote NDP - instead of those who are partisan New Democrats. Has he translated that support into convention ballots?
I don't think he'll win on the first ballot, but I'd be shocked if he didn't win.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
NDP Leadership Convention 2012 (#ndpldr)
I will be attending the NDP leadership convention as an accredited blogger in my capacity as a moderator for Progressive Bloggers. You can follow my coverage here, on Twitter (@progright), and on Google+.
I'd like to thank the NDP for accrediting bloggers to their convention. It's a sign that they recognize and understand the importance of personal social media in this century. I hope the Liberal Party reviews it's prohibitive stance with the next convention.
I'd like to thank the NDP for accrediting bloggers to their convention. It's a sign that they recognize and understand the importance of personal social media in this century. I hope the Liberal Party reviews it's prohibitive stance with the next convention.
That said, this will be my first NDP convention. I've been to Liberal and Conservative conventions as a delegate, but never an NDP convention. I'll be there bright and early on the Friday morning right through to completion Saturday evening.
Growing up in an NDP-supporting household where Trudeaumania wasn't a thing - it was Broadbent Fever all the way - going to this convention sparked some excitement for my folks. My father thinks this convention will help to broaden my horizons.
We'll see. ;)
Look for a "preamble to the convention" piece up in the coming days ...
Growing up in an NDP-supporting household where Trudeaumania wasn't a thing - it was Broadbent Fever all the way - going to this convention sparked some excitement for my folks. My father thinks this convention will help to broaden my horizons.
We'll see. ;)
Look for a "preamble to the convention" piece up in the coming days ...
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Disturbing Conservative Viewpoints on Education
Interesting how social conservatives in both Canada and the United States are blaming universities for their being "too much edumacation".
On his Facebook profile, former Liberal MP Omar Alghabra, found and posted this letter to the editor on Mississauga.com that highlighted one of Canada's problem to those of the so-called common sense thinking variety - there are too many students studying things that aren't practical. Further, universities should be "elitist" institutions for the few who can afford it.
Now, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum suggests "the left uses colleges for indoctrination". Also, suggesting, fewer people should go to universities - going even further to suggest that simply attending university is undermining the United States.
The social conservative elite, and Santorum is one, feel that university is an obstruction to their agenda. It's okay for them to attend university so they can preach from on high, but not their flock. That's the only conclusion I can draw.
If I were an intelligent conservative, I'd be appalled by these remarks.
If I were a member of a student partisan conservative association (as I once was), I'd be even more appalled.
On his Facebook profile, former Liberal MP Omar Alghabra, found and posted this letter to the editor on Mississauga.com that highlighted one of Canada's problem to those of the so-called common sense thinking variety - there are too many students studying things that aren't practical. Further, universities should be "elitist" institutions for the few who can afford it.
Now, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum suggests "the left uses colleges for indoctrination". Also, suggesting, fewer people should go to universities - going even further to suggest that simply attending university is undermining the United States.
The social conservative elite, and Santorum is one, feel that university is an obstruction to their agenda. It's okay for them to attend university so they can preach from on high, but not their flock. That's the only conclusion I can draw.
If I were an intelligent conservative, I'd be appalled by these remarks.
If I were a member of a student partisan conservative association (as I once was), I'd be even more appalled.
Monday, January 23, 2012
NDP to Accredit Bloggers at Convention?!
It could be me, but I could find no information on whether bloggers (or the media for the matter) will be accredited at the NDP leadership convention in March.
Since the convention is being held in Toronto, I could partake in the event with little cost to me. However, I cannot fork over the $1,000 observer fee.
I've tweeted about it and I've sent an email to the NDP to find out.
Will keep you posted.
Updated. According to Far and Wide and the Pundit's Guide, yes, bloggers will be accredited at the convention. Details to come. Thanks!
Updated. Yes!
Since the convention is being held in Toronto, I could partake in the event with little cost to me. However, I cannot fork over the $1,000 observer fee.
I've tweeted about it and I've sent an email to the NDP to find out.
Will keep you posted.
Updated. According to Far and Wide and the Pundit's Guide, yes, bloggers will be accredited at the convention. Details to come. Thanks!
Updated. Yes!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
No Excuses, Liberal Supporters
Now, the Liberal Party has made it possible for Liberal supporters to engage directly with the party and vote to select the next leader. No risk and no fuss.
I admit - I voted against this resolution at the convention. I supported the idea of recognizing Liberal supporters within the party wholeheartedly, but could not support the notion they should be able to participate in leadership contests.
Well, I was in the minority.
We've entrusted you to join with us to help shape the party - shape the direction of the leadership.
So, no more excuses.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Rebuilding
Trying out the Blogger app for my phone.
A picture from the registration floor highlighting the theme.
A picture from the registration floor highlighting the theme.
Live from Ottawa, it's the Liberal Party Convention (#Ott12)
I'm blogging to you from Ottawa, Ontario - site of the 2012 Liberal Party convention. It's a blistery -5 degrees outside and there's a gentle breeze coming down from the north at about a thousand miles per hour*.
I'm about to go register and begin the delegate's tour of the unofficial first night of the convention.
In all likelihood, I won't be live blogging much - I'll be using Twitter more (follow me @progright). I did install the Blogger app for my iPhone so you may get some post-suite commentary up on the site. Or, maybe I'll get all fired up and start blogging up a firestorm.
Stay tuned.
* You're too old if you get the reference.
I'm about to go register and begin the delegate's tour of the unofficial first night of the convention.
In all likelihood, I won't be live blogging much - I'll be using Twitter more (follow me @progright). I did install the Blogger app for my iPhone so you may get some post-suite commentary up on the site. Or, maybe I'll get all fired up and start blogging up a firestorm.
Stay tuned.
* You're too old if you get the reference.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
James Morton for Vice President (English), Liberal Party of Canada
I have been attracted to the candidacies of those individuals that seek to lift the roof off the party, and attract new members, new advocates, new activists and new participants. I think in order to do this, the party must stop doing what it's done in the past because the times have changed and our political opponents have changed.
We're not going to affect change by entrenching what has been done in the past. That's not to say that change must be enacted for the sake of change, but change must occur. Bold ideas need to be raised and debated about increasing the openness of the party, and I think James represents that best.
I will be supporting James Morton for Liberal Party vice president (English) at the Ottawa 2012 Convention.
Monday, January 02, 2012
Mike Crawley for President, Liberal Party of Canada
I won't bore you with the details of what ultimately led me to this decision, but I will let you know that I believe Mike is the candidate most likely to create the most change in the party to attract more members and create a better run political party. Under Mike, I believe the Liberal Party will be stronger for all Canadians.
As I said to Mike, I'm a former Conservative and, relatively speaking, a new Liberal. If you want to bring more folks like me to the Liberal ranks, enshrining the party with life-long Liberals with what might appear to be old-style Liberal thinking is not going to work. You need to create a party that embraces openness and embraces engagement with both Liberals and non-Liberals alike. I felt, after talking with Mike, that he embraced those same ideals.
I will be supporting Mike Crawley for Liberal Party president at the Ottawa 2012 Convention.
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