...one you piss in
...one you piss on!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Air Farce Dealt With The Issue With Their Definition Of Arts/Crafts...
...one you piss in
...one you piss on!
The People Finally Getting A Voice In Mainstream Media...
...first we got the Sun Media Channel and now
Chris Selley: The Onion takes root in Canada
18 Comments Email Twitter inShare2Chris Selley Sep 29, 2011 – 3:41 PM ET
Last Updated: Sep 29, 2011 3:53 PM ET
The Onion launched its first Canadian edition this week — which might sound odd to its legions of Canadian fans, for whom the satirical news outlet has always been an online experience. The inaugural Toronto edition is the first paper version I’ve seen in ages. (Cover story: “Congress takes group of schoolchildren hostage,” holds out for $12-trillion in ransom. “We’re going to shoot one kid an hour, starting with little Dillon here,” Speaker John Boehner warns. “Tick tock.”) The only local content consists of the same sort of entertainment reviews, listings and interviews you’ll find in any alt-weekly. The most obvious difference from the now-paywalled online version, ironically enough, is that it’s free.
The prospect of more Canadian-themed satirical content hasn’t gotten much play. But that’s coming soon, Onion features editor Joe Garden told me in an interview on Wednesday at Toronto’s hipster-appropriate Drake Hotel. In a country where satire often comes labelled as such, that boasts of its ability to laugh at itself far more often than it laughs at itself, this is a delicious — and delicate — proposition. Read More »
Chris Selley: The Onion takes root in Canada
The front page of the satirical newspaper The Onion from September 2001.
18 Comments Email Twitter inShare2Chris Selley Sep 29, 2011 – 3:41 PM ET
Last Updated: Sep 29, 2011 3:53 PM ET
The Onion launched its first Canadian edition this week — which might sound odd to its legions of Canadian fans, for whom the satirical news outlet has always been an online experience. The inaugural Toronto edition is the first paper version I’ve seen in ages. (Cover story: “Congress takes group of schoolchildren hostage,” holds out for $12-trillion in ransom. “We’re going to shoot one kid an hour, starting with little Dillon here,” Speaker John Boehner warns. “Tick tock.”) The only local content consists of the same sort of entertainment reviews, listings and interviews you’ll find in any alt-weekly. The most obvious difference from the now-paywalled online version, ironically enough, is that it’s free.
The prospect of more Canadian-themed satirical content hasn’t gotten much play. But that’s coming soon, Onion features editor Joe Garden told me in an interview on Wednesday at Toronto’s hipster-appropriate Drake Hotel. In a country where satire often comes labelled as such, that boasts of its ability to laugh at itself far more often than it laughs at itself, this is a delicious — and delicate — proposition. Read More »
McGuinty Raises NEW Ontario Flag...
FOR SALE
Christie Blatchford: An issue which for years obsessed Ontario’s Liberal government and to some degree also its Conservative Opposition — and which remains unresolved — has utterly dropped off the political and public radar
Man convicted of attacking builder during Caledonia land dispute
National Post editorial board: The shame of Caledonia continues
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Only In Canada U Say? What A Pity! (sippin' tea)
Morning Update September 29th, 2011 (10)
Posted on September 29, 2011 by Jack
CANADA
#1 — CNews
Most wanted fugitive set for deportation – again
TORONTO – An accused pimp with 76 convictions who was among Canada’s most wanted criminals has been placed on an immigration hold as officials try to quickly deport him for a second time.
[...]
Posted on September 29, 2011 by Jack
CANADA
#1 — CNews
Most wanted fugitive set for deportation – again
TORONTO – An accused pimp with 76 convictions who was among Canada’s most wanted criminals has been placed on an immigration hold as officials try to quickly deport him for a second time.
[...]
Not On The Streets Of A City In The Middle East But...
...in your/our own backyard!
Those Moderate Muslims!
Posted by Kate at 10:24 AM
Comments (15)
Those Moderate Muslims!
Posted by Kate at 10:24 AM
Comments (15)
Pleasing your enemies does not turn them into friends.
Friday, September 23, 2011
In Support of Haroon Siddiqui's Position...
The clever tactics of Islamophobes
Baby Boomers
Those moderate Muslims!
An Islamist insurgent-run radio station in Somalia says it is awarding guns, bombs and books to three children in a Koran recital contest.
Andulus radio station is run by the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab militia.
The station announced Monday that the first prize winner in the contest received a rifle and $700, the second prize winner got a rifle and $500, and the third prize winner received two bombs.
All three children also received religious books.
h/t Bemused
Posted by Kate at 12:31 PM
Comments (46)
1. If you refine heroin for a living,
but you have a moral objection to liquor.
You may be a Muslim
2. If you own a $3,000 machine gun and $5,000 rocket launcher,
but you can't afford shoes.
You may be a Muslim
3. If you have more wives than teeth.
You may be a Muslim
4. If you wipe your butt with your bare hand,
but consider bacon unclean.
You may be a Muslim
5. If you think vests come in two styles:
Bullet-proof and suicide.
You may be a Muslim
6. If you can't think of anyone
you haven't declared Jihad against.
You may be a Muslim
7. If you consider television dangerous,
but routinely carry explosives in your clothing.
You may be a Muslim
8. If you were amazed to discover that cell phones
have uses other than setting off roadside bombs.
You may be a Muslim
9. If you have nothing against women
and think every man should own at least four.
You may be a Muslim
10. If you find this offensive or racist
and don't forward it.
You may be a Muslim
Baby Boomers
Those moderate Muslims!
An Islamist insurgent-run radio station in Somalia says it is awarding guns, bombs and books to three children in a Koran recital contest.
Andulus radio station is run by the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab militia.
The station announced Monday that the first prize winner in the contest received a rifle and $700, the second prize winner got a rifle and $500, and the third prize winner received two bombs.
All three children also received religious books.
h/t Bemused
Posted by Kate at 12:31 PM
Comments (46)
but you have a moral objection to liquor.
You may be a Muslim
2. If you own a $3,000 machine gun and $5,000 rocket launcher,
but you can't afford shoes.
You may be a Muslim
3. If you have more wives than teeth.
You may be a Muslim
4. If you wipe your butt with your bare hand,
but consider bacon unclean.
You may be a Muslim
5. If you think vests come in two styles:
Bullet-proof and suicide.
You may be a Muslim
6. If you can't think of anyone
you haven't declared Jihad against.
You may be a Muslim
7. If you consider television dangerous,
but routinely carry explosives in your clothing.
You may be a Muslim
8. If you were amazed to discover that cell phones
have uses other than setting off roadside bombs.
You may be a Muslim
9. If you have nothing against women
and think every man should own at least four.
You may be a Muslim
10. If you find this offensive or racist
and don't forward it.
You may be a Muslim
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Chapter 2 Page3 Mao Zedong's Red Book
Have You Apologized to Muslims Yet?
If you're an American, don't worry, Congressman Mike Quigley has already apologized on your behalf. Perhaps you'd like to send him a thank you note? :-)
In case it isn't crystal clear, Quigley isn't actually apologizing on behalf of himself. His "apology" is a "too clever by half" condemnation of conservative Americans. His "apology" is as insincere and phoney as he is.
Never forget, one of the beautiful things about being on the Left is never having to apologize for one's own words & actions. After all, if you're a member of the Cult of Leftism then you can do no wrong. if anyone ever is inadvertently offended then there clearly must have been a "misunderstanding".
Posted by Robert at 9:08 AM
Comments (19)
If you're an American, don't worry, Congressman Mike Quigley has already apologized on your behalf. Perhaps you'd like to send him a thank you note? :-)
In case it isn't crystal clear, Quigley isn't actually apologizing on behalf of himself. His "apology" is a "too clever by half" condemnation of conservative Americans. His "apology" is as insincere and phoney as he is.
Never forget, one of the beautiful things about being on the Left is never having to apologize for one's own words & actions. After all, if you're a member of the Cult of Leftism then you can do no wrong. if anyone ever is inadvertently offended then there clearly must have been a "misunderstanding".
Posted by Robert at 9:08 AM
Comments (19)
A Picture Is Worth...
Drawn: illustrating the news
Browse recent drawings from Page 2 of the Focus section, by John Martz and Graham Roumieu
Browse recent drawings from Page 2 of the Focus section, by John Martz and Graham Roumieu
The Victims Speak Out...how about you?
National Post editorial board: Islamism’s war on women
On Monday, three Muslim women spoke at the Heliconian Hall in downtown Toronto at an event titled “Islamism’s war against women.” Journalist and activist Raheel Raza argued that the legal code known as Shariah has no basis in religion — but rather is a political artifice created as a means to leverage the Islamic faith into a tool for totalitarians and misogynists. Marina Nemat, an Iranian-Canadian woman who was tortured at Tehran’s Evin prison as a teenager, described how Iran’s revolutionaries exploited Islamist fervor to transform her pluralistic, cosmopolitan nation into a medieval prison state. Finally, broadcaster/activist Natasha Fatah lamented that even now, and even in Canada, we often are blind to Islamism’s true face: In the name of “tolerance,” we permit the sort of degradation of Muslim girls women that would be completely unacceptable if perpetrated against whites.
The crowd at the Heliconian Hall, consisting of people of many different faiths, plainly was inspired by what they heard. And many had a simple question: What can ordinary Canadians do to help ensure that Islamist values do not take root in Canada?
The answer: Voters should tell politicians — the ones knocking on doors in the lead-up to the Oct. 6 Ontario election, for example — that this is an issue they will vote on.
What are the issues facing young Muslims in Canada?
Researcher Rizwan Mohammad and student Aisha Raja take your questions about some of the issues involving young Muslims in Canada, and their relationships with each other, with their families, and with non-Muslims.
On Monday, three Muslim women spoke at the Heliconian Hall in downtown Toronto at an event titled “Islamism’s war against women.” Journalist and activist Raheel Raza argued that the legal code known as Shariah has no basis in religion — but rather is a political artifice created as a means to leverage the Islamic faith into a tool for totalitarians and misogynists. Marina Nemat, an Iranian-Canadian woman who was tortured at Tehran’s Evin prison as a teenager, described how Iran’s revolutionaries exploited Islamist fervor to transform her pluralistic, cosmopolitan nation into a medieval prison state. Finally, broadcaster/activist Natasha Fatah lamented that even now, and even in Canada, we often are blind to Islamism’s true face: In the name of “tolerance,” we permit the sort of degradation of Muslim girls women that would be completely unacceptable if perpetrated against whites.
The crowd at the Heliconian Hall, consisting of people of many different faiths, plainly was inspired by what they heard. And many had a simple question: What can ordinary Canadians do to help ensure that Islamist values do not take root in Canada?
The answer: Voters should tell politicians — the ones knocking on doors in the lead-up to the Oct. 6 Ontario election, for example — that this is an issue they will vote on.
What are the issues facing young Muslims in Canada?
Researcher Rizwan Mohammad and student Aisha Raja take your questions about some of the issues involving young Muslims in Canada, and their relationships with each other, with their families, and with non-Muslims.
Inaminate Ethics...
Bid to kill ads a sign oil sands are getting under Saudi regime’s skin
Claudia Cattaneo: Is Saudi Arabia losing its cool over Canada’s growing oil sands? It certainly seems that way, based on its bizarre over-reaction to television commercials that promote 'ethical oil'
...and then we hear
Tim Hortons 'mobbed' by crowds in Dubai
The first Tim Hortons to open in Dubai has seen scores of customers in its first few days of business, according to local reports
Claudia Cattaneo: Is Saudi Arabia losing its cool over Canada’s growing oil sands? It certainly seems that way, based on its bizarre over-reaction to television commercials that promote 'ethical oil'
...and then we hear
Tim Hortons 'mobbed' by crowds in Dubai
The first Tim Hortons to open in Dubai has seen scores of customers in its first few days of business, according to local reports
Gore, Suzuki And ...
Dalton leads the Stupid Green Men
With apologies to Michael Moore, there’s only way to describe Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Liberals when it comes to their absurd claims about the job- creation potential of renewable energy.
27 Full story
With apologies to Michael Moore, there’s only way to describe Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Liberals when it comes to their absurd claims about the job- creation potential of renewable energy.
27 Full story
Monday, September 19, 2011
Islamphobia Versus Islamphilic..
...who is championing the middle ground and maybe they can rationalize suicide bombers who act in the name of Allah, persecution of other religions, acceptance of the benefits of western democracy but only when it doesn't conflict with sharia law, interpretation of the quoran and passing these as the word of allah/mohammed, etc.
The clever tactics of Islamophobes
Sun Sep 18 2011
Haroon Siddiqui
What is said and tolerated about Muslims and Islam is not about other people and their religions.
Bin Laden's Theology a Radical Break With Traditional Islam May 4, 2011, CNN
U.S. Muslims Hope for Better Days After Bin Laden May 2, 2011, Reuters
The Death of Osama Bin Laden: End or Turning Point? May 2, 2011, The Washington Post
Arab Youth Want Democracy, Not Theocracy February 28, 2011, CNN
Debunking the myth of a 'Eurabia' February 6, 2011, San Francisco Chronicle
Time to Move On September 13, 2010, The Huffington Post
Why So Many Americans are Hostile Toward Islam August 29, 2010, The Kansas City Star
Professor Defends Muslim Center July 30, 2010, America Magazine
Islamophobia and the Muslim Center at Ground Zero July 19, 2010, CNN
Can the U.S. Broker a Breakthrough? March 29, 2010, Al Jazeera English
The International Community Concerns and Netanyahu: Falling on Deaf Ears? March 19, 2010, The Huffington Post
Abdulmutallab's Lonely Life a Study in Privilege and Piety January 8, 2010, The Detroit News
Muslims Part of U.S. Social Fabric December 23, 2009, Al Jazeera
What Goes First for American Muslims? August 10, 2009, altmuslim
What Goes First for American Muslims June 29, 2009, Islam Online
Obama Speech Makes Use of Islamic References June 5, 2009, San Francisco Chronicle
The clever tactics of Islamophobes
Sun Sep 18 2011
Haroon Siddiqui
What is said and tolerated about Muslims and Islam is not about other people and their religions.
Bin Laden's Theology a Radical Break With Traditional Islam May 4, 2011, CNN
U.S. Muslims Hope for Better Days After Bin Laden May 2, 2011, Reuters
The Death of Osama Bin Laden: End or Turning Point? May 2, 2011, The Washington Post
Arab Youth Want Democracy, Not Theocracy February 28, 2011, CNN
Debunking the myth of a 'Eurabia' February 6, 2011, San Francisco Chronicle
Time to Move On September 13, 2010, The Huffington Post
Why So Many Americans are Hostile Toward Islam August 29, 2010, The Kansas City Star
Professor Defends Muslim Center July 30, 2010, America Magazine
Islamophobia and the Muslim Center at Ground Zero July 19, 2010, CNN
Can the U.S. Broker a Breakthrough? March 29, 2010, Al Jazeera English
The International Community Concerns and Netanyahu: Falling on Deaf Ears? March 19, 2010, The Huffington Post
Abdulmutallab's Lonely Life a Study in Privilege and Piety January 8, 2010, The Detroit News
Muslims Part of U.S. Social Fabric December 23, 2009, Al Jazeera
What Goes First for American Muslims? August 10, 2009, altmuslim
What Goes First for American Muslims June 29, 2009, Islam Online
Obama Speech Makes Use of Islamic References June 5, 2009, San Francisco Chronicle
Twits Will Tweet...
Think twice before posting
Canada’s privacy commissioner is urging teenagers to think harder about privacy on the Internet. Continue reading
In Toronto They Stay Up All Night BEGGING...
...but in Madison, Wis.
The little library that could. . .
Comments (6)
Leslie Scrivener Feature Writer
On Felton Place, a residential street in Madison, Wis., there is a very small library holding about 20 books. Not much bigger than a bird house, the little library is of rustic construction. A door adds to the charm and to the notion that the books are to be valued and protected.
It belongs to retired professor Marshall Cook and his wife Ellen. Within three kilometres of their house, there are a dozen more little libraries, each with an ever-changing assortment of books.
Look at the titles. There’s something for everyone. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, I’m a Stranger Here Myself by Bill Bryson, Pippi in the South Seas by Astrid Lindgren and even Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul IV.
It’s based on the pay it forward principle. Take a book, leave a book.
The Cook’s library is part of the Little Free Library project to spread tiny libraries and the love of reading around the United States and beyond. The project started in 2009, the idea of Wisconsin men Rick Brooks and Todd Bol, two recession-era Andrew Carnegies.
“A book shelf where you share books is a great idea,” says Brooks, 55, “but these little houses for books appeal to people’s emotional needs for friends and neighbours, a sense of community and feeling that we are all in this together.”
He adds: “Go to a bookstore, there are so many books it’s overwhelming.”
Still, the turnover in a little library can be impressive. At a Little Free Library outside the Indie Coffee shop in Madison, more than 1,000 books have changed hands since November. Most little libraries are in public areas, though some are also in front yards.
Little libraries are not a dustbin for a reader’s discards. “Don’t think of this as a way to get rid of your books,” says Brooks, “but to share your favourite books or those that may have changed your life.”
Bol, a 63-year old who travels around Wisconsin with a trailer full of little libraries, says people are often reluctant to sell their books. “But when they share books they are sharing something of themselves.”
The little libraries cost about $350. They can be ordered or built do-it-yourself from architectural plans. The men have built about 100, most in the Madison area, but they have had 42,000 inquiries, including some from Canada.
Here in Toronto, where threats of closures and reduced services threaten one of the most successful library systems in the world, little libraries may be just the thing. We could see them strung like little hobbit houses along the bike paths or in parks or outside the houses of public-spirited citizens and officials.
The mayor might even want a no-frills little library stocked with belt-tightening titles for everyone’s edification: Profit Building: Cutting Costs Without Cutting People; The Budget Kit: The Common Cents Money Management Workbook; Rethink: A Business Manifesto for Cutting Costs and Boosting Innovation and, of course, Small is Beautiful.
For more information, visit littlefreelibrary.org
The little library that could. . .
Comments (6)
Leslie Scrivener Feature Writer
On Felton Place, a residential street in Madison, Wis., there is a very small library holding about 20 books. Not much bigger than a bird house, the little library is of rustic construction. A door adds to the charm and to the notion that the books are to be valued and protected.
It belongs to retired professor Marshall Cook and his wife Ellen. Within three kilometres of their house, there are a dozen more little libraries, each with an ever-changing assortment of books.
Look at the titles. There’s something for everyone. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, I’m a Stranger Here Myself by Bill Bryson, Pippi in the South Seas by Astrid Lindgren and even Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul IV.
It’s based on the pay it forward principle. Take a book, leave a book.
The Cook’s library is part of the Little Free Library project to spread tiny libraries and the love of reading around the United States and beyond. The project started in 2009, the idea of Wisconsin men Rick Brooks and Todd Bol, two recession-era Andrew Carnegies.
“A book shelf where you share books is a great idea,” says Brooks, 55, “but these little houses for books appeal to people’s emotional needs for friends and neighbours, a sense of community and feeling that we are all in this together.”
He adds: “Go to a bookstore, there are so many books it’s overwhelming.”
Still, the turnover in a little library can be impressive. At a Little Free Library outside the Indie Coffee shop in Madison, more than 1,000 books have changed hands since November. Most little libraries are in public areas, though some are also in front yards.
Little libraries are not a dustbin for a reader’s discards. “Don’t think of this as a way to get rid of your books,” says Brooks, “but to share your favourite books or those that may have changed your life.”
Bol, a 63-year old who travels around Wisconsin with a trailer full of little libraries, says people are often reluctant to sell their books. “But when they share books they are sharing something of themselves.”
The little libraries cost about $350. They can be ordered or built do-it-yourself from architectural plans. The men have built about 100, most in the Madison area, but they have had 42,000 inquiries, including some from Canada.
Here in Toronto, where threats of closures and reduced services threaten one of the most successful library systems in the world, little libraries may be just the thing. We could see them strung like little hobbit houses along the bike paths or in parks or outside the houses of public-spirited citizens and officials.
The mayor might even want a no-frills little library stocked with belt-tightening titles for everyone’s edification: Profit Building: Cutting Costs Without Cutting People; The Budget Kit: The Common Cents Money Management Workbook; Rethink: A Business Manifesto for Cutting Costs and Boosting Innovation and, of course, Small is Beautiful.
For more information, visit littlefreelibrary.org
SEX OFFENDERS!
...we hear the word and our preconceived opinion kicks in but Christie Blatchford just might make you deal with the individual situation.
Not all sex offenders offend me
Christie Blatchford Sep 17, 2011 – 10:26 AM ET
Tough on crime, soft on criminals: This is I think the best description of where I stand on such matters, and even I’m not sure it makes any sense or has any internal logic.
Read More »
Not all sex offenders offend me
Christie Blatchford Sep 17, 2011 – 10:26 AM ET
Tough on crime, soft on criminals: This is I think the best description of where I stand on such matters, and even I’m not sure it makes any sense or has any internal logic.
Read More »
Thursday, September 08, 2011
If You Voted For Change Last Time...
...you didn't get it so why would you think anything has changed.
A Real Day Of Mourning...
Christie Blatchford: For some, the story of 9/11 never got old, and is not now dug up as an artifact from the recesses of memory just in time for the 10th anniversary of the terror attacks
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Putting Away The Chalk And Facing Reality...
Grief unites us, but only for a short time.
...and the length of time is directly related to the amount of time the television cameras are focused on the event!
TV cameras depart but drought and famine worsen...
Hopefully Next Year...
...the city unions will have fewer people marching and more watching from the sidelines.
David Frum: Toronto’s library gambit
David Frum Sep 3, 2011 – 9:00 AM ET
To: Toronto Municipal Employees
From: Your Media Consultants
Re: Your Pay
Guys, as far as we are concerned, you are worth every dime. If anything, you’re underpaid! Like it or not, though, we face a challenging perception environment. A lot of people out there think you are overpaid and over-indulged.
We know! Ignorant! Ungrateful! Read More »
David Frum: Toronto’s library gambit
David Frum Sep 3, 2011 – 9:00 AM ET
To: Toronto Municipal Employees
From: Your Media Consultants
Re: Your Pay
Guys, as far as we are concerned, you are worth every dime. If anything, you’re underpaid! Like it or not, though, we face a challenging perception environment. A lot of people out there think you are overpaid and over-indulged.
We know! Ignorant! Ungrateful! Read More »
The Majority Were Preventable..
Graphic: Suicide in Canada
The sudden deaths of hockey player Wade Belak and five young people on a First Nations reserve in northwestern Ontario have once again put suicide back in the spotlight
The sudden deaths of hockey player Wade Belak and five young people on a First Nations reserve in northwestern Ontario have once again put suicide back in the spotlight
Will Vaseline Vassals Send This Incompotent Back To Queens Park?
Remember The Promises He Made But Never Kept And Remember Some Highlights...
* no new taxes ($2.4B health tax out of your pocket)
* eHealth
* Smart Meter
* Green Shit
* $10B in additional debt interest charges
Goldstein: Teflon McFibber has an advantage
News
McGuinty pandering to immigrants: Blizzard
John Ivison: Don’t count Dalton McGuinty out yet
...
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Read The CBC Debunking Of Similar Claims By Hannah...
Naomi Klein, natives arrested at White House
WASHINGTON - A Canadian native protester and social activist Naomi Klein were among dozens arrested Friday outside the White House near the end of a two-week civil disobedience campaign aimed at pressuring U.S. President Barack Obama to block TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL pipeline. 2 September
...is it possible the natives in attendance are not getting any of $$$.
WASHINGTON - A Canadian native protester and social activist Naomi Klein were among dozens arrested Friday outside the White House near the end of a two-week civil disobedience campaign aimed at pressuring U.S. President Barack Obama to block TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL pipeline. 2 September
...is it possible the natives in attendance are not getting any of $$$.
Another Expert From Gore/Suzuki University Debunked...
Examining 5 oilsands claims by Daryl Hannah
02/09/2011 2:46:27 PM
CBC News
Actress and activist Darryl Hannah was arrested this week in Washington D.C during a protest against TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline. CBC News investigates some of the actress's claims about Canada's oilsands.
On Wednesday, Hannah appeared on CBC's Power & Politics to debate Alykhan Velshi, founder of Ethicaloil.org, a website devoted to defending Canada's oil industry.
Velshi said it wasn't fair to compare the first Keystone pipeline, which had a number of high-profile leaks, with Keystone XL. He said that was like using the bad engineering of the Ford Pinto (a car produced in the '70s) to say Fords shouldn't be built today. (Though Hannah quickly pointed out that the first pipeline was only a year old).
For the most part, Velshi stuck to his main argument - that the U.S. will continue to need oil and should be supplied from "friendly" countries like Canada, instead of "conflict regimes" like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
But Hannah made a number of claims about the oilsands, some of which CBC News investigated:
Claim 1.: "It's well-documented that the tar sands itself is one of the world's largest ecological atrocities and disasters."
The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) released a 414-page report last year entitled Environmental and Health Impacts of Canada's Oil Sands Industry. It was written by scientists and academics and targeted oil companies, the federal and provincial government and environmentalists.
While the report does not examine whether the oilsands is one of the worst ecological disasters, it does address the question of whether it is "the most environmentally destructive project on earth."
The report compares the oilsands to a number of other industries. In terms of toxic emissions, for example, it says the oilsands industry ranks fifth for mercury, sixth for cadmium, eighth for lead and eighth for four carcinogenic pollutants.
The industry would have to increase its emissions by five-fold to become the first ranked industrial emitter of air pollutants and toxic emissions, the RSC said, something "no foreseeable oilsands growth scenario" would lead to.
The academic group also found that no evidence had been demonstrated that the industry is a major polluter of surface waters, although groundwater is less certain.
They did note the substantial impact of open pit surface mining and a need for more rapid reclamation of disturbed areas. But they said "the claim by some critics of the oil sands industry that it is the most environmentally destructive project on earth is not supported by the evidence."
Claim 2.: "The contribution to the carbon in the atmosphere is unprecedented."
The report acknowledges reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the oil sands poses a challenge to Canada and that the industry is the country's fastest growing source.
But it said the oilsands makes up about five per cent of the country's total emissions, compared with 16 per cent for fossil fuel-fired power generation and 27 per cent for transportation, based on 2008 data.
In terms of global emissions, the oilsands contributes .08 per cent. the report found.
Claim 3: "I've been hearing about how many people have cancer that live downstream from the tar sands project."
Hannah is referring to the residents of Fort Chipewyan who live downstream from the oilsands. Concerns were first raised in 2006 by a local doctor about supposed elevated cancer rates in the town. In 2009, the Alberta Cancer Board said cancer rates were 30 per cent higher than expected.
But the RSC report noted that the doctor was later criticized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta for making "a number of inaccurate and untruthful claims."
International experts who looked at the Alberta Cancer Board study also found that the increase in cancer incidence was not evidence that an environmental exposure was the cause.
"There is currently no credible evidence of environmental contaminant exposures from oilsands reaching Fort Chipewyan at levels expected to cause human cancer rates."
However, the Alberta government has said it will further study the issue.
Claim 4: "It has poisoned every one who's lived downstream from it."
The report found that "environmental contaminants at current levels of exposure are unlikely to cause major health impact for the general population." It added that projected emissions from expanded operations are not likely to change that expectation.
Claim 5. "TransCanada, who's building this pipeline has told people in [the U.S.] that they're going to be taking their land through eminent domain if they don't agree to the terms."
Hannah is referring to TransCanada's threat to go to court to expropriate parts of U.S. land from landowners who oppose the Keystone XL pipeline on their property.
While the company has said it's trying to work out agreements with the landowners, it has admitted it would go to court as a "last resort" to force a deal.
TransCanada spokesman Terry Cunha told The Associated Press in April that landowners who agree to easements with TransCanada will receive payment when they sign the agreement, and Cunha said landowners would keep the money even if the project isn't approved. Plus, the ranchers and farmers retain ownership of the land.
With files from The Associated Press
02/09/2011 2:46:27 PM
CBC News
Actress and activist Darryl Hannah was arrested this week in Washington D.C during a protest against TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline. CBC News investigates some of the actress's claims about Canada's oilsands.
On Wednesday, Hannah appeared on CBC's Power & Politics to debate Alykhan Velshi, founder of Ethicaloil.org, a website devoted to defending Canada's oil industry.
Velshi said it wasn't fair to compare the first Keystone pipeline, which had a number of high-profile leaks, with Keystone XL. He said that was like using the bad engineering of the Ford Pinto (a car produced in the '70s) to say Fords shouldn't be built today. (Though Hannah quickly pointed out that the first pipeline was only a year old).
For the most part, Velshi stuck to his main argument - that the U.S. will continue to need oil and should be supplied from "friendly" countries like Canada, instead of "conflict regimes" like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
But Hannah made a number of claims about the oilsands, some of which CBC News investigated:
Claim 1.: "It's well-documented that the tar sands itself is one of the world's largest ecological atrocities and disasters."
The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) released a 414-page report last year entitled Environmental and Health Impacts of Canada's Oil Sands Industry. It was written by scientists and academics and targeted oil companies, the federal and provincial government and environmentalists.
While the report does not examine whether the oilsands is one of the worst ecological disasters, it does address the question of whether it is "the most environmentally destructive project on earth."
The report compares the oilsands to a number of other industries. In terms of toxic emissions, for example, it says the oilsands industry ranks fifth for mercury, sixth for cadmium, eighth for lead and eighth for four carcinogenic pollutants.
The industry would have to increase its emissions by five-fold to become the first ranked industrial emitter of air pollutants and toxic emissions, the RSC said, something "no foreseeable oilsands growth scenario" would lead to.
The academic group also found that no evidence had been demonstrated that the industry is a major polluter of surface waters, although groundwater is less certain.
They did note the substantial impact of open pit surface mining and a need for more rapid reclamation of disturbed areas. But they said "the claim by some critics of the oil sands industry that it is the most environmentally destructive project on earth is not supported by the evidence."
Claim 2.: "The contribution to the carbon in the atmosphere is unprecedented."
The report acknowledges reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the oil sands poses a challenge to Canada and that the industry is the country's fastest growing source.
But it said the oilsands makes up about five per cent of the country's total emissions, compared with 16 per cent for fossil fuel-fired power generation and 27 per cent for transportation, based on 2008 data.
In terms of global emissions, the oilsands contributes .08 per cent. the report found.
Claim 3: "I've been hearing about how many people have cancer that live downstream from the tar sands project."
Hannah is referring to the residents of Fort Chipewyan who live downstream from the oilsands. Concerns were first raised in 2006 by a local doctor about supposed elevated cancer rates in the town. In 2009, the Alberta Cancer Board said cancer rates were 30 per cent higher than expected.
But the RSC report noted that the doctor was later criticized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta for making "a number of inaccurate and untruthful claims."
International experts who looked at the Alberta Cancer Board study also found that the increase in cancer incidence was not evidence that an environmental exposure was the cause.
"There is currently no credible evidence of environmental contaminant exposures from oilsands reaching Fort Chipewyan at levels expected to cause human cancer rates."
However, the Alberta government has said it will further study the issue.
Claim 4: "It has poisoned every one who's lived downstream from it."
The report found that "environmental contaminants at current levels of exposure are unlikely to cause major health impact for the general population." It added that projected emissions from expanded operations are not likely to change that expectation.
Claim 5. "TransCanada, who's building this pipeline has told people in [the U.S.] that they're going to be taking their land through eminent domain if they don't agree to the terms."
Hannah is referring to TransCanada's threat to go to court to expropriate parts of U.S. land from landowners who oppose the Keystone XL pipeline on their property.
While the company has said it's trying to work out agreements with the landowners, it has admitted it would go to court as a "last resort" to force a deal.
TransCanada spokesman Terry Cunha told The Associated Press in April that landowners who agree to easements with TransCanada will receive payment when they sign the agreement, and Cunha said landowners would keep the money even if the project isn't approved. Plus, the ranchers and farmers retain ownership of the land.
With files from The Associated Press
Blacks Make A Mockery Of Mandela's Suffering...
Apartheid: was it all bad?
By Kathy Shaidle on Thursday, September 1st, 2011
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Shocker!
The South African government has spent a fortune trying to redistribute the country’s land wealth from the white minority to the black majority.
It has bought thousands of hectares of white owned farm land and either given it or sold it on to poor blacks.
But yesterday the country’s minister of land reform admitted that many of the new black farmers have simply resold the land back to the original owners.
By Kathy Shaidle on Thursday, September 1st, 2011
No Comments
Shocker!
The South African government has spent a fortune trying to redistribute the country’s land wealth from the white minority to the black majority.
It has bought thousands of hectares of white owned farm land and either given it or sold it on to poor blacks.
But yesterday the country’s minister of land reform admitted that many of the new black farmers have simply resold the land back to the original owners.
Dramatic Increase In EMS Calla By Leftists...
September 2, 2011
Obama & Rae: The Kings of Debt
All North Americans should watch this discussion between Brian Lilley and John Robson.
Posted by Robert at 9:31 PM
Comments (6)
Obama & Rae: The Kings of Debt
All North Americans should watch this discussion between Brian Lilley and John Robson.
Posted by Robert at 9:31 PM
Comments (6)
The Agenda For Your Local Timmies Discussion Group...
Sept. 3: Letters to the editor
...and one of the side effects!
Today’s topics: Vancouver riots, electric cars, Conrad Black, self-promotion, Catholic school boards and gay students, NDP-Liberal merger, mental-health strategy, Port Lands development, African famine...
Today’s topics: Vancouver riots, electric cars, Conrad Black, self-promotion, Catholic school boards and gay students, NDP-Liberal merger, mental-health strategy, Port Lands development, African famine...
You Decide Where You Will Go To Spend $$$...
Ford Vision
...especially on a cold snowy night in February!
Sherbourne Common
Wave Deck
Sugar Beach
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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.