Levy: More gravy at City Hall
Read my lips councillors and bureaucrats
...an area of funding that puts the Tiny Tim/Scrooge enigma to he test.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Rhetoric...
Keith Beardsley: NDP filibuster gains little at considerable cost
There are two basic types of political discipline — internal party discipline and the party’s ability to restrain itself from foolish endeavours.
The recent NDP filibuster over the Canada Post back to work legislation puts both types of discipline on display.
The party did well in managing its rookie MPs, getting everyone into the House when needed, and more importantly had them stick to the same speech script. All of their MPs were suitably outraged at those dastardly Conservatives; they proudly announced their solidarity with their union brothers and sisters and told everyone who would listen that they weren’t going to be pushed around by Harper and his Conservatives. Read More »
Jack Layton failed Canada's posties
If Union Jack Layton accomplished anything for leading the record-breaking 58-hour filibuster over the Canada Post lockout, it was in proving to all that he puts organized labour above the Canadian people. Full story
The Outcome...
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Keith Beardsley: NDP filibuster gains little at considerable cost
There are two basic types of political discipline — internal party discipline and the party’s ability to restrain itself from foolish endeavours.
The recent NDP filibuster over the Canada Post back to work legislation puts both types of discipline on display.
The party did well in managing its rookie MPs, getting everyone into the House when needed, and more importantly had them stick to the same speech script. All of their MPs were suitably outraged at those dastardly Conservatives; they proudly announced their solidarity with their union brothers and sisters and told everyone who would listen that they weren’t going to be pushed around by Harper and his Conservatives. Read More »
Jack Layton failed Canada's posties
If Union Jack Layton accomplished anything for leading the record-breaking 58-hour filibuster over the Canada Post lockout, it was in proving to all that he puts organized labour above the Canadian people. Full story
The Outcome...
Two Points Of View...
...personally if I was a member of the gay cabal and whether Ford marches or not is such a big deal I would move the parade to another city possibly Hamilton or Barrie. Close enough to Toronto so that tourists coming to the city, specifically for the parade. would still pump up the Toronto economy.
Opinion
Agar: Why Rob Ford should avoid Gay Pride Parade
News
Levy: Rob Ford deserves this spanking
Opinion
Agar: Why Rob Ford should avoid Gay Pride Parade
News
Levy: Rob Ford deserves this spanking
Monday, June 27, 2011
It Is 3 AM, You Hear A Noise In Your Home...
... who do you call for help? Sid Ryan, Judy Rebbik, Civil Liberties Union, your neighborhoold social in-activist? NOT BLOODY LIKELY! YOU WILL CALL 9-1-1 AND AND PLEAD FOR HELP! To Serve and Protect...not go to war with social in-activists, anarchists, et al.
Globe Editorial
Little trust is restored by the Toronto police G20 report
The Toronto Police Service's report into G20 policing fails to restore the public's trust
Globe Editorial
Little trust is restored by the Toronto police G20 report
The Toronto Police Service's report into G20 policing fails to restore the public's trust
How Long Before BIXI Asks Toronto City Council For $$$
Let's Not Forget...
...the leader of our loyal opposition party advocates talking to the Taliban.
The Taliban has no tolerance for tolerance
Robert Fulford: When they blew to pieces the gigantic Buddhas of the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan, much of the world learned for the first time about the darkness at the heart of the Taliban
The Taliban has no tolerance for tolerance
Robert Fulford: When they blew to pieces the gigantic Buddhas of the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan, much of the world learned for the first time about the darkness at the heart of the Taliban
As A Diehard Conservative...
...I am waiting for Hudak to come out with a kick ass platform that will deal with employment, debt, health care for seniors etc. Right now IMHO polls are showing disdain for McGoonty not championing Hudak.
Hudak headed for majority in Ontario: poll
The Forum Research poll of 3,198 people suggests that 41% of Ontario voters will vote for the PCs, 26% support the reigning Liberal Party, 22% want the NDP to win, and 8% back the Green Party
Hudak headed for majority in Ontario: poll
The Forum Research poll of 3,198 people suggests that 41% of Ontario voters will vote for the PCs, 26% support the reigning Liberal Party, 22% want the NDP to win, and 8% back the Green Party
Prince William Understands The Meaning Of Tradition...
Editorial: Will and Kate show their royal jelly
One of our favourite images of the Calgary Stampede is a massive, balls-as-big-as-brass Angus bull proudly strutting his stuff around his corral while wearing a blanket that reads "Eat Beef!"
Full story
One of our favourite images of the Calgary Stampede is a massive, balls-as-big-as-brass Angus bull proudly strutting his stuff around his corral while wearing a blanket that reads "Eat Beef!"
Full story
If I Have To Go Searching For A Parking Spot...
...will I patronize the businesses along areas where there are designated bike lanes? This is a NO brainer!
Bike lane parking fight
Peter Kuitenbrouwer: Denzil Minnan-Wong, please don’t take away the lanes we have and ask us to be excited about what’s coming up in the future
As Pointed Out In The Comments Let's Direct Our Disgust...
The shame of St. Clair
...where it belongs: "In addition one of Dave Miller's Lap-Dogs Mr. Joe Mihevc has been assigned as the MAIN Project Manager (Commissar) of St. Clair Project. The rails like snake-tracks all the way!
Joe Mihevc's Project Execution caused hundreds unemployed residence of St.Clair and several small business closures. To make everything worst all those welthy and well to do Liberal Leftist Brain-Dead Pinkos RE-ELECTED Mr. Joe Mihevc of St.Clair for other 4 years."
And how about his manipulation and failure with the Wychwood Barns artsy/fartsy fiasco. '\
...where it belongs: "In addition one of Dave Miller's Lap-Dogs Mr. Joe Mihevc has been assigned as the MAIN Project Manager (Commissar) of St. Clair Project. The rails like snake-tracks all the way!
Joe Mihevc's Project Execution caused hundreds unemployed residence of St.Clair and several small business closures. To make everything worst all those welthy and well to do Liberal Leftist Brain-Dead Pinkos RE-ELECTED Mr. Joe Mihevc of St.Clair for other 4 years."
And how about his manipulation and failure with the Wychwood Barns artsy/fartsy fiasco. '\
Sunday, June 26, 2011
R.I.P.
Goodbye, Columbo: Peter Falk dead at 83
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Film and stage star forever immortalized as TV’s most dishevelled detective...
Film and stage star forever immortalized as TV’s most dishevelled detective...
Hume Versus McParland..
...waterfront dreamer versus waterfront realist.
Kelly McParland: Toronto’s $900 million waterfront waste
![]()
Artist's impression of possible Queen's Quay renovation. That was five years ago, but the reality is still a mess
There’s a spot on the Toronto waterfront, near the east end of Queens Quay, where a trail for joggers, bikers, roller-bladers and other enthusiasts suddenly divides. While the rest of the route — which runs for more than 50 km — generally accommodates everyone on the same path, at this one spot the togetherness inexplicably ends.
Painted on the pavement is a warning: pedestrians only. Bicycles are instructed to get lost. Given that there’s usually very little traffic — it’s probably one of the least busy areas on the whole trail — a lot of people ignore the warning and keep biking for the 100 metres or so until the section ends. Every single time I’ve done so — every time — some upset runner has made a show of pointing at the pavement and barking something like, “Can’t you read?”
Read More »
Kelly McParland: Toronto’s $900 million waterfront waste
There’s a spot on the Toronto waterfront, near the east end of Queens Quay, where a trail for joggers, bikers, roller-bladers and other enthusiasts suddenly divides. While the rest of the route — which runs for more than 50 km — generally accommodates everyone on the same path, at this one spot the togetherness inexplicably ends.
Painted on the pavement is a warning: pedestrians only. Bicycles are instructed to get lost. Given that there’s usually very little traffic — it’s probably one of the least busy areas on the whole trail — a lot of people ignore the warning and keep biking for the 100 metres or so until the section ends. Every single time I’ve done so — every time — some upset runner has made a show of pointing at the pavement and barking something like, “Can’t you read?”
Read More »
The Political Correctness Strangle Hold...
...personally I don't think the majority of "gays" could care one way or the other whether Ford marches in the parade. IMHO all this hysteria is being fed by the media and by those in the gay community who benefit thrive on the "publicity."
Kinsella: Not everyone loves a parade
In 1971, a Canadian politician could probably get away with snubbing the gay community.
Kinsella: Not everyone loves a parade
In 1971, a Canadian politician could probably get away with snubbing the gay community.
Social In-Activists Correctly Labeled And Ordered To Pay...
Judge slaps 'busybodies'
Howard Galganov and Jean-Serge Brisson are political activists. A judge called them “busybodies and interlopers.”
Howard Galganov and Jean-Serge Brisson are political activists. A judge called them “busybodies and interlopers.”
Some Thoughts On Other Things To Consider...
* Licencing
* Insurance
* Education ...just yesterday I was driving along Castlefield Avenue and there is a stretch just before you get to Keele Street where there are 4-way Stops. A cyclist completely ignored these Stop Signs and didn't even slow down and when I mentioned that STOP means STOP she mouthed an obcenity that would put a trucker to shame and continued to break the HTA
* HTA enforcement
Finally — a bike plan that helps cyclists
One-time police services board chairman, lawyer and self-described avid cyclist Alan Heisey came to the public works committee Thursday to urge councillors to consider separated bike lanes on key downtown streets.
* Insurance
* Education ...just yesterday I was driving along Castlefield Avenue and there is a stretch just before you get to Keele Street where there are 4-way Stops. A cyclist completely ignored these Stop Signs and didn't even slow down and when I mentioned that STOP means STOP she mouthed an obcenity that would put a trucker to shame and continued to break the HTA
* HTA enforcement
Finally — a bike plan that helps cyclists
One-time police services board chairman, lawyer and self-described avid cyclist Alan Heisey came to the public works committee Thursday to urge councillors to consider separated bike lanes on key downtown streets.
The Loyal Opposition...
...have had their 15 minutes in the spotlight and can now go sit on the bench for the next four years.
Rob Ford Not Only One NOT Attending Parade...
Will you attend this year's Pride parade?
Yes 5% 31 votes
No 94% 541 votes
Yes 5% 31 votes
No 94% 541 votes
When Will Sid Ryan, John Clarke, Judy Rebick, Et Al...
...take responsibility for not vetting the "protestors" and weeding out the "anarchists?"Judy Rebick has admitted she knew the tactics that would be used to create mayhem and is critical of police for not taking appropriate action...THE BIG QUESTION IS WHY DIDN'T SHE TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION?
Hundreds rally and march to mark first anniversary of G20
Hundreds rally and march to mark first anniversary of G20
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Hmmm!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Sad Truth...
06/22/2011 06:47 PM ET - War On Terror: Opposing our military brass once again, the president announces the pullout of 30,000 troops from Afghanistan. With complete withdrawal expected by 2014, the Taliban ... More »
And Suzuki Is Keeping Hime Company...
Earth to Al Gore!
Goldstein: Rolling Stone rant out of this world. Judging from his latest 7,000-word rant in Rolling Stone titled, "Climate of Denial: Can science and the truth withstand the merchants of poison?" Al Gore lives on another planet.
MORE...
Jack Layton's Next Star Candidate
He better hurry up though, or the David Suzuki Foundation is sure to hire her.
Posted by Robert at 4:21 PM
Comments (43)
Goldstein: Rolling Stone rant out of this world. Judging from his latest 7,000-word rant in Rolling Stone titled, "Climate of Denial: Can science and the truth withstand the merchants of poison?" Al Gore lives on another planet.
MORE...
Jack Layton's Next Star Candidate
He better hurry up though, or the David Suzuki Foundation is sure to hire her.
Posted by Robert at 4:21 PM
Comments (43)
Personally I Would...
Ford wants to get tough on handicapped parking violators
City staff says lowering fine from $450 to $300 puts Toronto in line with the rest of Ontario and maintains deterrent to illegal parking in...
* Make it an automatic tow away.
* Publish pictures of offenders.
* Fine shopping mall owners who don't take appropriate action.
![]()
City staff says lowering fine from $450 to $300 puts Toronto in line with the rest of Ontario and maintains deterrent to illegal parking in...
* Make it an automatic tow away.
* Publish pictures of offenders.
* Fine shopping mall owners who don't take appropriate action.
Send A Message Of Support To Our Soldiers...
Trust Canada’s troops before its politicians
Christie Blatchford: Canadian soldiers are better, more reliable and infinitely more trustworthy bearers of what is good in this country, and of the public trust, than Canadian political leaders
...by immediately deporting the USA deserters (cowards).
Christie Blatchford: Canadian soldiers are better, more reliable and infinitely more trustworthy bearers of what is good in this country, and of the public trust, than Canadian political leaders
...by immediately deporting the USA deserters (cowards).
The Major Plank In NDP Committment...
...do whatever is necessary to keep their place at the trough!
Restricted Use...
...the debit and credit cards are maxed out but leftwing politicians, beauracrats and union members are still lining up.
Is Anyone Surprised?
Ford to be a no-show at Pride
...if nothing else you have to give him credit for not kow towing to the gay community and trying to solicit their votes.
Should Mayor Rob Ford change his plans and attend the Pride Parade on July 3?
View Results
16% Yes 105 votes
84% No 553 votes
...the voters have spoken.
James: Ford turns back on gay community by shunning Pride
...akin to dropping your towel in a Greek bath house?
Marcus Gee Mayor misses out on opportunity to celebrate diversity
Should Mayor Rob Ford change his plans and attend the Pride Parade on July 3?
View Results
16% Yes 105 votes
84% No 553 votes
...the voters have spoken.
James: Ford turns back on gay community by shunning Pride
...akin to dropping your towel in a Greek bath house?
Marcus Gee Mayor misses out on opportunity to celebrate diversity
Hookers are part of our diverse community BUT politicians are crucified if there is even a hint they are taking advantage of the "Opportunity!"
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Minor Inconvience? Matter Of Personal Circumstances...
...I am a senior on fixed budget and do 95% of my financial business on line but an emergency arose which was greater than the resources in my emergency/rainy day fund and I cannot make a claim because hardcopy documents have to be presented and the company I am dealing with is not located in Toronto. Minor inconvience? But it raises the question of what do I, and probably many other seniors, do without until we can make our claim.
Lorne Gunter: Tories choose the path of least resistance in postal strike
The government's missing a good opportunity to allow more private competition in mail delivery.
For the life of me, I can’t understand why the Conservative government wants to involve itself in the Canada Post lockout. There are far more benefits from not getting mixed up in the dispute between the dying Crown monopoly and its overpaid workers.
Almost no one cares that the mail is not being delivered. So there is little to be gained politically from passing back-to-work legislation, unless the government is looking to defuse an ugly situation before it becomes ugly (although there was no indication the postal lockout would ever have become ugly).
No doubt there are small businessmen and women (and some large businesses, too) whose invoices and payments have been disrupted. I also know a woman who is impatiently waiting for word from an exclusive pre-school about whether her progeny has been accepted. And our kids are waiting for tickets to an event that may already have occurred by the time the tickets arrive.
Read More »
Lorne Gunter: Tories choose the path of least resistance in postal strike
The government's missing a good opportunity to allow more private competition in mail delivery.
For the life of me, I can’t understand why the Conservative government wants to involve itself in the Canada Post lockout. There are far more benefits from not getting mixed up in the dispute between the dying Crown monopoly and its overpaid workers.
Almost no one cares that the mail is not being delivered. So there is little to be gained politically from passing back-to-work legislation, unless the government is looking to defuse an ugly situation before it becomes ugly (although there was no indication the postal lockout would ever have become ugly).
No doubt there are small businessmen and women (and some large businesses, too) whose invoices and payments have been disrupted. I also know a woman who is impatiently waiting for word from an exclusive pre-school about whether her progeny has been accepted. And our kids are waiting for tickets to an event that may already have occurred by the time the tickets arrive.
Read More »
Start with the Police Stations Then...
...Silly Hall and other municipal buildings.
Union refuses to be taken to the cleaners 46
Won't give up cleaning police stations without a fight
Union refuses to be taken to the cleaners 46
Won't give up cleaning police stations without a fight
Comedy Channel Changing Format To A News Channel...
City eyes parking ticket court charge
"Illegal" parking a more serious offence than...Activist sentenced for urging G20 fence destruction
Al Queda members demand change of venue to Canada for trial and sentencing.
Police arrest suspect in Jane Street shooting death
Gawd forbid the investigating officers didn't, even subconsciously, inclde racial profiling in their decision making.
NDP says back-to-work bill unfair to postal workers
BIG SURPRISE!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Superman Has Problems On His Home Planet...
The Problem Starts In The Home...
HMMM...
Chris Selley’s Full Pundit: Take back the night, Vancouver!
WEEKEND ROUNDUP
The big decisions
Three days of punditry on remaking the NDP, resisting the goons of Vancouver, the future of Canada Post and the CBC, and, uh, a potentially deadly industry that employs all of 200 people part-time.
The Toronto Star‘s Chantal Hébert post-mortems a weekend of touchy debates at the NDP convention in Vancouver over topics like ruling out cooperation with the Liberals (defeated) and eliminating the word “socialism” from the party constitution’s preamble (also defeated). The Dippers don’t need to figure all this out immediately, says Hébert. But keeping Quebec on board is going to be a full-time job. “Should the NDP turn out to not to have the stomach to go the extra miles to recast itself as a competitive contender for federal power,” she warns, “it will quickly lose the allegiance of its more recent fellow travellers.” After all, as Hébert notes, there were more Quebec delegates at the recent Conservative convention than there were at the New Democrats’.
Mark Milke, writing in the Calgary Herald, doesn’t see how the NDP can continue to appease Quebec nationalists — on language laws, on the Clarity Act, on the province’s over-representation in the House of Commons — without greatly offending supporters and potential supporters in other provinces. “It would be amusing to watch the NDP leader defend his call for more Quebec seats to voters in under-represented British Columbia or in southern Ontario,” he suggests. (Well, people in southern Ontario don’t care about such things. But B.C., we agree, would be highly amusing to watch.)
Read More »
WEEKEND ROUNDUP
The big decisions
Three days of punditry on remaking the NDP, resisting the goons of Vancouver, the future of Canada Post and the CBC, and, uh, a potentially deadly industry that employs all of 200 people part-time.
The Toronto Star‘s Chantal Hébert post-mortems a weekend of touchy debates at the NDP convention in Vancouver over topics like ruling out cooperation with the Liberals (defeated) and eliminating the word “socialism” from the party constitution’s preamble (also defeated). The Dippers don’t need to figure all this out immediately, says Hébert. But keeping Quebec on board is going to be a full-time job. “Should the NDP turn out to not to have the stomach to go the extra miles to recast itself as a competitive contender for federal power,” she warns, “it will quickly lose the allegiance of its more recent fellow travellers.” After all, as Hébert notes, there were more Quebec delegates at the recent Conservative convention than there were at the New Democrats’.
Mark Milke, writing in the Calgary Herald, doesn’t see how the NDP can continue to appease Quebec nationalists — on language laws, on the Clarity Act, on the province’s over-representation in the House of Commons — without greatly offending supporters and potential supporters in other provinces. “It would be amusing to watch the NDP leader defend his call for more Quebec seats to voters in under-represented British Columbia or in southern Ontario,” he suggests. (Well, people in southern Ontario don’t care about such things. But B.C., we agree, would be highly amusing to watch.)
Read More »
Hey Jack! Don't Forget Who The Big Winner Was...
...Harper and the Conservatives so get used to the politics of sitting on the bench. And while you are at it it might be a good idea to educate your "supporters" who is in charge of managing a losing team.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Toronto City Council Approves New Street Eats Vendor...
Forget Bieber, Gaga, Et Al...
Yosh And Stan will still be remembered when Bieber and Gaga are doing Target Store Openings...
Perhaps not as famous as the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, Yosh & Stan Shmenge could still delight a crowd whenever they played. Here they are being interviewed.
Your fabulous & interesting Reader Tips are most welcome in the comments.
Posted by Robert at 12:01 AM
Comments (17)
Perhaps not as famous as the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, Yosh & Stan Shmenge could still delight a crowd whenever they played. Here they are being interviewed.
Your fabulous & interesting Reader Tips are most welcome in the comments.
Posted by Robert at 12:01 AM
Comments (17)
Middle East Cruise Season Begins...
Miller & Klavan on Israel
“If the Arabs lay down their arms there will be no more war, but if Israel lays down its weapons there would be no more Israel.” -- Benjamin Netanyahu
Dennis Miller defends Israel's Right to Keep its Existing Borders.
Andrew Klavan provides an alternative idea for Israel that you wouldn't typically hear around the water coolers at the UN.
Posted by Robert at 6:37 PM
Comments (7)
“If the Arabs lay down their arms there will be no more war, but if Israel lays down its weapons there would be no more Israel.” -- Benjamin Netanyahu
Dennis Miller defends Israel's Right to Keep its Existing Borders.
Andrew Klavan provides an alternative idea for Israel that you wouldn't typically hear around the water coolers at the UN.
Posted by Robert at 6:37 PM
Comments (7)
The Human Reality...
...and like any party you will get uninvited guests and they are the social in-activists, looters, anarchists, etc.
Forget Freud, Forget Marx. Rioting, above all, is fun.
by Andrew Potter on Friday, June 17, 2011 12:45pm - 60 Comments
Getting into the shallower ends of the thought pool, the Vancouver police officially blamed “anarchists” for starting the riot, and drunken youth for making it worse. And in a column that has been widely circulated and praised as the best thing written on the riots, National Post sportswriter Bruce Arthur took the most direct route, daring to suggest that of course the rioters were hockey fans, largely those possessed of an overload of “machismo and rage and nihilism.”
Arthur is closest to getting it right, but even he feels the urge to take it further, wondering what it is about the Lower Mainland, why “this strain of poison leaches from a city that, while it has a bright line between rich and poor that grows brighter every day, is generally a good place.”
Everyone, Arthur included, is over-thinking this way too much: Any proper discussion of the riot and why it occurred has to start with the recognition that rioting, especially for young men, is a huge amount of fun. The only reason there isn’t more of it is that if you do it by yourself or in a small group, you’ll almost certainly get caught. It’s like the old joke about owing the bank money: If you do five million dollars damage to downtown, you’re in big trouble. If a hundred thousand people do five million dollars to downtown, the city is in big trouble.
The point is that if you can get enough people to riot, then you all get away with it. The trick, then, is getting enough people willing to do it, in the same place and at the same time, to create a tipping point effect. And so when it comes to starting a riot, what the participants are faced with is essentially a coordination problem.
A coordination problem is a situation where all the relevant actors have a common goal, but there is imperfect information. We are collectively trying to achieve the same general outcome, but don’t know how each person is going to act to get to it. In the 1950s, the economist Thomas Schelling described a situation in which two people wish to meet in New York City on a given day, but cannot communicate the time or place at which they should meet. How should they act? He suggested that beneath the clock at Grand Central Station at noon would be an ideal time and place– this is what he called a “focal point” for coordination. (He no longer believes this to be the case, though; it is interesting to think of where the focal point would be in New York City today, or in a given city of your choice.)
Back to the riot: Particular events, like Stanley Cup Game Sevens, become natural social focal points for “reliable riots” — or reliable opportunities to riot. This is especially so once a city has an established reputation for hosting (and to some extent tolerating) riots: this is what is going on in both Montreal and Vancouver, in contrast with Edmonton and Calgary, for example.
Once a city becomes a known focal point for rioting, then a bunch of people show up to just to riot (indeed, they will even travel great distances to do so), precisely because they know that a bunch of other people are also going to be showing up to riot. This is exactly what happened with the G20 in Toronto (and the antiglobalization stuff in general) and what happens now with the Stanley Cup final.
In principle, social media have the capacity to increase the amount of rioting, since “flash mob” technology can be used to solve the coordination problem – there is probably some of this at work in the Arab spring protests. On the other hand, technology also tends to work against the rioters, by reducing the impunity that comes with the anonymity of crowds. The most important thing the Toronto police did, with the G20 riots, was not all the head-cracking and detentions, but going after people who were photographed committing crimes. The Vancouver police are currently gathering videos and images of the rioters and crowdsourcing their identities. They won’t catch everyone, but they will probably identify enough people that it will serve as a huge deterrent to future riots.
In the meantime, the chief lesson is to keep in mind that there is no reason to delve into the depths of class warfare, or to psychoanalyze the culture or the city, when there is a far simpler explanation for what is going on. As a rule of thumb, never invoke Freud or Marx when Hobbes is at hand.
Forget Freud, Forget Marx. Rioting, above all, is fun.
by Andrew Potter on Friday, June 17, 2011 12:45pm - 60 Comments
White riot – I wanna riot
White riot – a riot of my own
White riot – a riot of my own
White riot – I wanna riot
White riot – a riot of my own
– The Clash, “White Riot”
There is nothing better than a good old-fashioned downtown hockey riot to get everyone’s ideology pumps working overtime. Probably the most predictable analysis came from Adrian Mack and Miranda Nelson over at the Georgia Straight, who took a bus in from 1969 and blamed the alienating character of capitalism. In trashing the downtown of their own city, the rioters were simply rehearsing the violence that is inherent in the system: “The market practices institutional violence on every single one of us, every day, just by virtue of existing,” they write. Meanwhile, demonstrating the law of conservation of rhetoric that holds that for every idiocy there is an equal and opposite idiot, Don Cherry apparently claimed that the Vancouver rioters were left-wing pinkos (which, come to think of it, is not necessarily at odds with the Mack/Nelson view of things.)Getting into the shallower ends of the thought pool, the Vancouver police officially blamed “anarchists” for starting the riot, and drunken youth for making it worse. And in a column that has been widely circulated and praised as the best thing written on the riots, National Post sportswriter Bruce Arthur took the most direct route, daring to suggest that of course the rioters were hockey fans, largely those possessed of an overload of “machismo and rage and nihilism.”
Arthur is closest to getting it right, but even he feels the urge to take it further, wondering what it is about the Lower Mainland, why “this strain of poison leaches from a city that, while it has a bright line between rich and poor that grows brighter every day, is generally a good place.”
Everyone, Arthur included, is over-thinking this way too much: Any proper discussion of the riot and why it occurred has to start with the recognition that rioting, especially for young men, is a huge amount of fun. The only reason there isn’t more of it is that if you do it by yourself or in a small group, you’ll almost certainly get caught. It’s like the old joke about owing the bank money: If you do five million dollars damage to downtown, you’re in big trouble. If a hundred thousand people do five million dollars to downtown, the city is in big trouble.
The point is that if you can get enough people to riot, then you all get away with it. The trick, then, is getting enough people willing to do it, in the same place and at the same time, to create a tipping point effect. And so when it comes to starting a riot, what the participants are faced with is essentially a coordination problem.
A coordination problem is a situation where all the relevant actors have a common goal, but there is imperfect information. We are collectively trying to achieve the same general outcome, but don’t know how each person is going to act to get to it. In the 1950s, the economist Thomas Schelling described a situation in which two people wish to meet in New York City on a given day, but cannot communicate the time or place at which they should meet. How should they act? He suggested that beneath the clock at Grand Central Station at noon would be an ideal time and place– this is what he called a “focal point” for coordination. (He no longer believes this to be the case, though; it is interesting to think of where the focal point would be in New York City today, or in a given city of your choice.)
Back to the riot: Particular events, like Stanley Cup Game Sevens, become natural social focal points for “reliable riots” — or reliable opportunities to riot. This is especially so once a city has an established reputation for hosting (and to some extent tolerating) riots: this is what is going on in both Montreal and Vancouver, in contrast with Edmonton and Calgary, for example.
Once a city becomes a known focal point for rioting, then a bunch of people show up to just to riot (indeed, they will even travel great distances to do so), precisely because they know that a bunch of other people are also going to be showing up to riot. This is exactly what happened with the G20 in Toronto (and the antiglobalization stuff in general) and what happens now with the Stanley Cup final.
In principle, social media have the capacity to increase the amount of rioting, since “flash mob” technology can be used to solve the coordination problem – there is probably some of this at work in the Arab spring protests. On the other hand, technology also tends to work against the rioters, by reducing the impunity that comes with the anonymity of crowds. The most important thing the Toronto police did, with the G20 riots, was not all the head-cracking and detentions, but going after people who were photographed committing crimes. The Vancouver police are currently gathering videos and images of the rioters and crowdsourcing their identities. They won’t catch everyone, but they will probably identify enough people that it will serve as a huge deterrent to future riots.
In the meantime, the chief lesson is to keep in mind that there is no reason to delve into the depths of class warfare, or to psychoanalyze the culture or the city, when there is a far simpler explanation for what is going on. As a rule of thumb, never invoke Freud or Marx when Hobbes is at hand.
Canadian Law Only Seems To Be Recognized When It Is To Their Advantage...
Globe Editorial
Aboriginal Canadians get a fuller share of rights
The extension of the Canadian Human Rights Act to cover complaints under the Indian Act is a welcome and overdue move Jun 19, 2011 11:37PM EDT 5
Aboriginal Canadians get a fuller share of rights
The extension of the Canadian Human Rights Act to cover complaints under the Indian Act is a welcome and overdue move Jun 19, 2011 11:37PM EDT 5
Dewar Says It All...
...delegates will return and continue their "verbal battle" at their local Timmies.
David Akin June 19, 2011
Still socialists, NDP guns for government
Canada's New Democrats wrapped up their 50th anniversary party here Sunday with their leader Jack Layton declaring they were united in their determination to form the next government but accused by opponents of being split over party identity and some key policies. 10
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Powers: Organized labour's losing battle
Leaked! Latest memo from Jack!
On the convention!
David Akin June 19, 2011
Still socialists, NDP guns for government
Canada's New Democrats wrapped up their 50th anniversary party here Sunday with their leader Jack Layton declaring they were united in their determination to form the next government but accused by opponents of being split over party identity and some key policies. 10
Powers: Organized labour's losing battle
Leaked! Latest memo from Jack!
On the convention!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Torontonians Owe Toronto Maple Leafs BIG...
NO RIOTS BY SPORT FANS ON CITY STREETS...they leave this to the social in-activists, anarchists, OCRAP, OFL, trough feeders, et al.
Layton Follies...
Mark Bonokoski
Ridiculous, in both official languages
Now that NDP Leader Jack Layton-Bouchard has drank the “Nous sommes Quebecois” Kool-Aid so loved by the separatists in his caucus — and, please, let’s not call them Quebec “nationalists” — it will not be long before an ugly bill revisits the House of Commons.
Ridiculous, in both official languages
Now that NDP Leader Jack Layton-Bouchard has drank the “Nous sommes Quebecois” Kool-Aid so loved by the separatists in his caucus — and, please, let’s not call them Quebec “nationalists” — it will not be long before an ugly bill revisits the House of Commons.
Friendship Is Not A Bargain Basement Commodity...
...it is a do or die committment in good times and bad times.
Globe and Mail: At party convention, some New Democrats push anti-Israel line...
George Jonas: Siding against Israel is logical, but wrong
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Siding with the Arabs is easy, they've got the numbers and the oil. All Israel can offer is a stable democratic ally.
“There is no likelihood that the U.S. will do the logical thing and vote for Palestinian statehood in the UN this fall,” lamented Andrew Sullivan recently. I’m not optimistic enough to share the noted pundit’s pessimism. I think there’s a good chance that the U.S. will do the logical rather than the right thing this fall.
Would it be logical for America — or Canada, for that matter — to line up with the Arab/Muslim side against Israel in the Middle East? Yes. It’s perfectly logical to line up with the many against the few; the resource-rich against the resource-poor; the militant against the non-threatening, and the adamant against the accommodating. People have done it since time immemorial. It may not be right, but it’s logical.
Read More »
Fairweather Friends?
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Globe and Mail: At party convention, some New Democrats push anti-Israel line...
George Jonas: Siding against Israel is logical, but wrong
Siding with the Arabs is easy, they've got the numbers and the oil. All Israel can offer is a stable democratic ally.
“There is no likelihood that the U.S. will do the logical thing and vote for Palestinian statehood in the UN this fall,” lamented Andrew Sullivan recently. I’m not optimistic enough to share the noted pundit’s pessimism. I think there’s a good chance that the U.S. will do the logical rather than the right thing this fall.
Would it be logical for America — or Canada, for that matter — to line up with the Arab/Muslim side against Israel in the Middle East? Yes. It’s perfectly logical to line up with the many against the few; the resource-rich against the resource-poor; the militant against the non-threatening, and the adamant against the accommodating. People have done it since time immemorial. It may not be right, but it’s logical.
Read More »
Fairweather Friends?
Champagne Image With A Kool Aid Mentality...
...it is human nature when you get invited to a party at the house on the hill to go out and rent a tuxedo and mingle with winners sipping cocktails and chatting but the reality is that you have to return the tuxedo the next morning and go to work wearing your Goodwill suit and Walmart underwear. Champagne tastes but KoolAid budget.
Jack Layton goes too far
We all know the New Democrats are pleased with their new status as Official Opposition, and Jack Layton is feeling his oats after vanquishing the Liberal party and moving into Stornoway.
But doing the Saturday Night Fever dance in front of the whole party is really pushing things a bit too far. What next: Jack eats two slices of pizza, one on top of the other?
Jack Layton goes too far
We all know the New Democrats are pleased with their new status as Official Opposition, and Jack Layton is feeling his oats after vanquishing the Liberal party and moving into Stornoway.
But doing the Saturday Night Fever dance in front of the whole party is really pushing things a bit too far. What next: Jack eats two slices of pizza, one on top of the other?
Chicken Or Egg...
...are individuals obese because of pre-existing medical problems or are the medical problems due to their obesity? If the latter then I don't see why we are spending $$$$ on surgical procedutes when those $$$$ could be diverted to improving the sdtandard of living for a single mom, providing assistance to seniors living on their own, etc. etc.
We are fat. So, what’s Ontario doing about it? (113)
Falling short in the obesity fight
We are lacking a comprehensive government approach to combat this growing health crisis.
...what we are lacking is personal and parental responsibility and societies acceptance of technology instead of talking, writing, walking, etc. and IMHO the only action the government should take is to apply exorbitant taxes on iPods, video games, tablets, etc.
We are fat. So, what’s Ontario doing about it? (113)
Falling short in the obesity fight
We are lacking a comprehensive government approach to combat this growing health crisis.
...what we are lacking is personal and parental responsibility and societies acceptance of technology instead of talking, writing, walking, etc. and IMHO the only action the government should take is to apply exorbitant taxes on iPods, video games, tablets, etc.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Vancouver WILL Survive...
The hockey game was just a distraction
Christie Blatchford: As a friend remarked this week about another matter entirely, and he was quoting Figaro from The Barber of Seville, “I quickly laugh at everything for fear of having to cry.”
Rex Murphy: Punish those who tore the heart out of Vancouver
Photos: Rioters destroy downtown Vancouver
Vancouver police chief admits mistakes made in riot
Christie Blatchford: As a friend remarked this week about another matter entirely, and he was quoting Figaro from The Barber of Seville, “I quickly laugh at everything for fear of having to cry.”
Rex Murphy: Punish those who tore the heart out of Vancouver
Photos: Rioters destroy downtown Vancouver
Vancouver police chief admits mistakes made in riot
Vancouver, Unlike Toronto, Has It's Priority Straight...
...arrest, charge and punish lawbreakers.
As Vancouver recovers, focus shifts to laying charges
Vancouver police are preparing to lay their first charges in connection with the riot that damaged an estimated 50 downtown buildings after the Stanley Cup final.
As Vancouver recovers, focus shifts to laying charges
Vancouver police are preparing to lay their first charges in connection with the riot that damaged an estimated 50 downtown buildings after the Stanley Cup final.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wishful Thinking But Possibly A Message To Anarchists...
It’s 2018. The G20 is back in Toronto. A bomb explodes. Protesters are detained en masse. And Mayor Rob Ford throws an anarchist out the window of a fourth-floor interrogation room and kills him
Sportsmanship! A Poor Tribute For The Canucks...
Brian Hutchinson: Blood on the streets after Vancouver loss
VANCOUVER — The season ends, and the worst does come to pass. Vancouver, you have lost. Twice. But the game hardly matters now, does it? The score? Who cares? As I write this, my eyes are stinging, my is throat sore, having breathed in some sort of dispersal chemical that police deployed — in desperation, and perhaps too late. There could be some residual effect from having inhaled acrid, toxic smoke from burning cars, exploding cars, destroyed by lunatics still running crazy on the city’s downtown streets.
Blood in our streets. I saw people on the ground, bleeding. Shattered glass everywhere. Police cars set alight. Major bridges are now closed, preventing public access into the downtown core. Transit is plugged up, there’s no way out. More police and fire crews are arriving, from the suburbs, but again, it seems too late.
And as I write this, the sun has just set. Vancouver, what a disgrace.
Read More »
VANCOUVER — The season ends, and the worst does come to pass. Vancouver, you have lost. Twice. But the game hardly matters now, does it? The score? Who cares? As I write this, my eyes are stinging, my is throat sore, having breathed in some sort of dispersal chemical that police deployed — in desperation, and perhaps too late. There could be some residual effect from having inhaled acrid, toxic smoke from burning cars, exploding cars, destroyed by lunatics still running crazy on the city’s downtown streets.
Blood in our streets. I saw people on the ground, bleeding. Shattered glass everywhere. Police cars set alight. Major bridges are now closed, preventing public access into the downtown core. Transit is plugged up, there’s no way out. More police and fire crews are arriving, from the suburbs, but again, it seems too late.
And as I write this, the sun has just set. Vancouver, what a disgrace.
Read More »
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Thanks SDA...
"Positive Rights" Sound So Darn Good, Don't They?
In last night's Reader Tips SDA regular 'nv53' had a very interesting analysis of the Alfred Apps editorial published yesterday in the National Post.
As the President of the Liberal Party of Canada, he sure has a lot to promise to a whole lot of different groups! But are the majority of Canadians buying the Liberal message anymore? Here's what Charles Adler had to say.
In last night's Reader Tips SDA regular 'nv53' had a very interesting analysis of the Alfred Apps editorial published yesterday in the National Post.
As the President of the Liberal Party of Canada, he sure has a lot to promise to a whole lot of different groups! But are the majority of Canadians buying the Liberal message anymore? Here's what Charles Adler had to say.
NDP leaving ‘socialism' behind —in constitution, policy manual
New Democrats are preparing to cast off the shackles of the socialist label by eliminating the word from the federal party constitution at a policy convention this weekend.
...you can put on a new suit but if you don't change your underwear the smell will surface fairly quickly. Layton is "famous" for having a costume for every occasion.
Not much for the NDP to celebrate
Gunter: This coming weekend, the New Democratic Party will gather in Vancouver to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1961. No doubt, too, delegates will be celebrating the party's "historic" results in the May 2 election. MORE...
New Democrats are preparing to cast off the shackles of the socialist label by eliminating the word from the federal party constitution at a policy convention this weekend.
...you can put on a new suit but if you don't change your underwear the smell will surface fairly quickly. Layton is "famous" for having a costume for every occasion.
Not much for the NDP to celebrate
Gunter: This coming weekend, the New Democratic Party will gather in Vancouver to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1961. No doubt, too, delegates will be celebrating the party's "historic" results in the May 2 election. MORE...
Hmmm...
Sunnybrook in merger talks with rehab centre
Sunnybrook and St. John's Rehab are both great facilities, I have been a patient at Sunnybrook and have worked at both places. and I wonder whether the fact that St, John's sits on 35 acres of prime real estate is a factor in this merger.
Sunnybrook and St. John's Rehab are both great facilities, I have been a patient at Sunnybrook and have worked at both places. and I wonder whether the fact that St, John's sits on 35 acres of prime real estate is a factor in this merger.
I Don't Know About Your Home Town BUT...
Later, we'll make postcards with macaroni and construction paper
...in "HogTown" it would be impossible to wake up to a day where you couldn't find something different to do and do it for very little $$$. For those in smaller "towns" how about taking a senior on a picnic, grab a paint brush and spruce up Main Street, a pickup baseball game, etc. etc.
Don't Include Me In Your Apology...
An apology on behalf of my gender
Is it just me or do other guys feel compelled to apologize for Anthony Weiner the wiener?
...save your efforts for yourself and the rest of the closet masturebaters!
Is it just me or do other guys feel compelled to apologize for Anthony Weiner the wiener?
...save your efforts for yourself and the rest of the closet masturebaters!
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About Me
- Unhypentated Canadian
- I lean to the right but I still have a heart and if I have a mission it is to respond to attacks on people not available to protect themselves and to point out the hypocrisy of the left at every opportunity.MY MAJOR GOAL IS HIGHLIGHT THE HYPOCRISY AND STUPIDITY OF THE LEFTISTS ON TORONTO CITY COUNCIL. Last word: In the final analysis this blog is a relief valve for my rants/raves.