links, random thoughts, various opinions
Harper Calls Canada An Emerging Energy Superpower
“As evidence, Mr. Harper said Canada is the world’s third largest producer of gas, seventh in oil production, the biggest hydro-electric generator and the biggest supplier of uranium. Alberta’s tar sands are second only to Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest oil reserve.”
Several years ago a friend of mine pointed me to the work of Jane Jacobs. Since then I’ve had the chance to read most of her books and hear her speak. I have been moved to a way of thinking about life and living in cities that underlies a lot of how I view […]
GM took quite a hard wrap this week for a contest that let web users create their own ads about the Chevy Tahoe. Anyways some of the ads got pretty aggressive on GM’s record on climate change. To their credit GM recognized this might happen and even responded on their blog… with some […]
The Case For Mocking Religion
“The same point holds for international relations: There can be no negotiation under duress or under the threat of blackmail and assassination. And civil society means that free expression trumps the emotions of anyone to whom free expression might be inconvenient. It is depressing to have to restate these obvious precepts, […]
The French Eat Their Young
“The French riots should be a wake-up call, but not for pouring billions of euros into the banlieues, as measures announced today by Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin would do. A visionary leader would seize the chance to dismantle an economic system that is eating its young.”
The Inalienable Right To Screw Up Your Country
“It was quite amazing to meet President Jalal Talabani, the country’s first elected president, last week. His patience and good humor are extraordinary. What he likes about the new constitution, for example, is that nobody very much likes it—proof that no faction or section, including his own native […]
A Rocket To Nowhere
“The people who work at and run NASA are not cynical, but the charade of manned space flight is turning NASA into a cynical organization. For all the talk of building a culture of safety, no one has pointed out the inherent contradiction in requiring that a program justified on irrational grounds […]
Africa’s a continent. Not a crisis.
I’ve had mixed feelings watching the build up the Live 8 concert today. I think it’s great to bring people together to care but I also feel strongly that solution that isn’t being talked about enough is good government prodded (and demanded by) a growing and thriving business sector. […]
The End Of The Rainbow
“Here’s something you probably didn’t know: Ireland today is the richest country in the European Union after Luxembourg.”
Lies, Guts & Deep Throat
“The kid reporters had impeccable sources. They were digging and piecing facts together and pulling fragments from some people who were themselves very close to power. Those insiders were revolted by what they saw inside the Nixon Administration–and frightened. So they did the right thing. Then Bob and Carl had the […]
Home after four days away. Jet lag kicks in now no matter how short he trip (it’s 4 AM right now). Kelly took some photos which can be found here.
For political commentary about what happened in Ottawa this week check out both sides, from Ryan and Derek. I tend to lean towards […]
I voted YES in BC’s referendum on changing our electoral system. The Single Transferable Vote system seems complicated, but it is a fair and sophisticated way to better ensure a broader range of representation in our elected parliaments. I also voted yes to support the basic principle of change and improvement in our […]
Bullshit
“Please note that the Czech republic has been developing nuclear weapons. They should be immediately invaded. The focus should be on hockey arenas where no doubt all the development is taking place.”
I live in a very busy part of Vancouver, and I’m glad to be there. There are restaurants, shops, street cafe’s and people all over. I am however discovering that with vibrancy comes a trade off in noise and quality of life. Across the street from me is the (wonderful) Coast Restaurant. […]
Participatory Culture Foundation
“Announcing a new platform for internet television and video. Anyone can broadcast full-screen video to thousands of people at virtually no cost, using BitTorrent technology. Viewers get intuitive, elegant software to subscribe to channels, watch video, and organize their video library. The project is non-profit, open source, and built on open standards. Today […]
Liberators and Survivors Recall the Auschwitz That Was
“Of all Thursday’s speakers, the most impassioned was Merka Shevach, an elderly woman from Bialystok, Poland, who now lives in Israel. She took the microphone to give an unscheduled, impromptu speech as dusk fell.
“I was here naked as a young girl, I was 16,” Ms. Shevach shouted to […]
Canadian Border Security
“Canadian border farmers say it’s not uncommon to see dozens of sociology professors, animal-rights activists and Unitarians crossing their fields at night. “I went out to milk the cows the other day, and there was a Hollywood producer huddled in the barn,” said Manitoba farmer Red Greenfield, whose acreage borders North Dakota. The […]
Granville Island was named North America’s best neighbourhood by the ‘Project For Public Spaces’. Cool, I get my Sunday coffee and donut there.
Link from [WorldChanging]
Come Together, Right Now: The Internet’s Unlit Fuse
“But basically, in the political evolution of the Internet, we have barely touched the surface of its potential to shift the locus of real political power. Never before in history have we had a tool that enables–with so little work–local groups to act in coordination with other […]
Echo Chambers Redux
“Nevertheless, living on the Net brings you more divergence of thought than if you live only in your daily newspaper or favorite network news shows. The mainstream media are the real echo chambers.”