Canadianz

i haz one

mm-hmm!

What a douchebag. Where'd you read that, Linus?

Check the front page of HuffPost.ca (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/)

Haha, I love it. He's like a trustfund kid! "Do you know who my father is?"

Hello Linus,

If you enjoyed Les Boys you will probably enjoy Starbuck (which was released in theater this summer... so I dunno when it will be released on DVD). It is a funny movie :)!

I hate Ford. I despise the guy! It's embarrassing he's the mayor. He's a one term wonder mayor lol.

One of his volunteers during his campaign was circling a parking lot and rolls up beside me while I'm trying to load the groceries in my car and starts asking me who I'm voting for. Now I'm a civil person so as politely as possible I said, "I'm undecided but I can assure you, I won't be voting for him" And he says asks me "why?" WHY!?!? So my partner steps in and says "Because he's homophobic" he starts pulling away and says "Well check the polls" At that point I lost it and told him to f*** off. Felt good :)

From what I've been reading (via CBC and HuffPost.ca) this guy is actually worse than Mel Lastman -- and that is saying a lot. :blink:

Oh god...dude...not even the same league as Lastman. Lastman wasn't exactly world's best mayor, but Ford is like a parody of the worst redneck bigot you could possibly think of. Not even the conservatives wanted his support in the past two election campaigns. Have you seen the TweedleRob and TweedleDoug caricatures? They've been vandalized all over the city, lol. He really is the worst mayor this city has ever had. From privatizing garbage pick up west of Yonge, to him and Doug's whole "hey, let's build the world's largest ferris wheel on Toronto's lakeshore! And a giant mall! Tourists will flock!" venture, to selling off/trying to sell off the city's low income housing units (cause we need more condos! everyone wants to buy condos! Never mind poor people can't find places to live! They're just lazy anarchists!), to lying about the whole transit city deal with the province...to every other stupid idea the dude has ever had. This city is going to be a mess by the time he's done with it. He's even mentioned trying to decamp the Occupy movement currently set up in St. James park. And if he does I get the sense the shit will really hit the fan, cause a surprising amount of people here are supporting the movement.

I also wonder if Rob or Doug (aka co-mayor) have any knowledge whatsoever of Canadian culture in general. First Doug claims he has no clue who Margaret Atwood is, now Rob doesn't know who Marg Warrior Princess is (:p)...seriously, where have these guys been? Under a rock?

And yeah...this whole 911 call on Marg was just beyond stupid. I keep thinking to myself "no, he can't be THAT fucking stupid"...then he goes and does something stupider than the last time. Apparently he tried to deny calling police dispatch "bitches" and throwing insults at them...little did he realise...it's a fucking 911 call. They record it you moron! You can't deny something they've recorded you saying, and the police ain't exactly your biggest fans as of late.

Then he tries to lie about how the Marg thing went down, saying she came running out of the van scaring his young daughter who supposedly went screaming back into the house "and freaking out." Uh...duuuhh, you don't think there were cameras filming the whole thing, Mr. Ford? As Marg said "unless the child was in his suit coat, there wasn't any child there." And of course, he has to tell us how intimidated and afraid he was. And again gotta love Marg's reply to that one "I'm a 60 year old woman with a plastic sword..."

So yeah, in conclusion, he is definitely fucking worse than Lastman. Lastman I didn't question as a sentient being. Ford is like a character you'd expect to be in Family Guy or the Simpsons. Fucking hate the guy and his "gravy train" bullshit with a passion, and can't believe how many idiotic people who haven't been able to figure out that not paying taxes = no money for city/no money for public services fell for his campaign. Oh well, never mind he's shut down all sorts of museums, is screwing everyone over by wiping out public services...but damn, at least he got rid of those pesky vehicle registration fees! *megaeyeroll*

Did I mention I really fucking hate him?:p

Kobo Vox (it's in COLOUR!) has just been released - retails at 199.

http://www.thestar.com/business/arti...ark-price?bn=1

I'm really digging the looks/reviews of this toy. I don't have an ereader yet - but I think this is the one I will get. It looks FANTASTIC.

Things about it I think are cool:

1 - Kobo is Canadian.

2 - cheaper than the Nook Color. So there.

3 - Has an AFFS+ (advanced fringe field switching plus) screen, which is apparently used on technology in fighter planes. Basically it means "you can see the screen outside in the daylight" - which is pretty amazing.

4 - The "Pulse" social feature is kind of a virtual bookclub intergrated into the book itself. You can see how popular a book is, how many people are reading it at that moment, discuss the book, etc. It's apparently the most advanced/useful/fun "social" feature on any ereader thus far.

5 - Their own android app store! And they are all FREE. So there.

6 - You can view books from other devices on Kobo and vice versa - which not all ereaders support.

I think I might buy this for myself soonish.

Stop The Cruel Crime Bill; Make Canada Safer Not Meaner
 

http://www.leadnow.ca/images/crime-bill-comic.png

If you are interested you can send an email at Leadnow
http://www.leadnow.ca/keep-canada-safe

Occupy Toronto
 

Seems like TweedleRob and TweedleDoug are looking to dislodge Occupy TO protesters from St. James Park fairly soon.

Even the St. James church is supporting the protestors' cause, which I think is important. A large number of Torontonians have really supported Occupy Toronto. Our community among others have showed support by bringing food and so on to those occupying St. James. Even local restaurants have been donating food to them, and the below article even says that the church allows them to use the kitchen twice a week.

Ford has already placed himself at odds with most Torontonians, including many who stupidly voted for him. I think evicting the Occupy folks, especially with the church partially owning the land they're camping on supporting them, will only further create discontent.

Source: http://www.thestar.com/mobile/news/a...medium=twitter

Flight policy change called a risky manoeuvre
 

"A new safety approach aimed at getting airlines to police themselves could endanger passengers, particularly those flying with smaller airlines, aviation experts warn.

In 2005, Transport Canada began changing over to a system that critics say essentially leaves airlines to regulate themselves, instead of primarily relying on federal inspectors to oversee airplane safety as they had before.

The federal department says the new approach, called safety management systems (SMS), makes flying safer, but critics disagree."

rest of the article at: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/...m-flights.html

_______

Maybe I'm cynical, but can we totally trust private big corporations policing themselves?

No. The US did this in the 80s (I think that's when it was) and there was a flurry of accidents. There are still questionable incidents today and a lot of questionable practises (I mean, I've heard of flights using duct tape to keep certain parts together -- I know it's strong but.. :| ).

I really do think this is a bad idea. I know Harper is keen on impressing the likes of Limbaugh, Palin, etc. but I don't think he should do it risking Canadian lives.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity...y-at-work.html

Are you shitting me? This isn't just about raising money for veterans; it's about remembering those that never made it back...

Wow...this is the biggest piece of bullshit I've read in a while. Banning poppies? This isn't about "supporting a cause." If anything, Western societies need to be reminded more and more about what should have been learned following the first and second world wars.

Occupy Toronto Protesters Quit Queen's Park Site

Occupy Toronto protesters who set up camp at Queen's Park on the weekend have removed their tents, reportedly after being told they were breaking the law.

Some protesters had moved to the park outside the Ontario legislature to bring their cause closer to provincial politicians. Protester John Erg said Occupy Toronto had become so popular, it had outgrown its space at St. James Park downtown.

But the new campsite was short-lived after protesters were told the land was provincial property and they couldn't camp on it, police said. The posters left Saturday night.

The majority of protesters had stayed at James Park but said they planned to discuss whether they should relocate.

Businesses in the area have complained about the makeshift village, and Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has said it was time for the protesters to "move on."

Occupy Toronto: Anonymous Threatens Cyber Attack If City Attempts To Evict Protesters

Hey M Tick, that video is gone. So sad! I would have liked to have seen it.

In other Canadian News: I freaking LOVE my new Kobo Vox! Now, I have never owned a tablet or Ipad or smartphone or anything like that, so I don't have any sort of standard to measure it against...but the picture is amazing (as good as my actual computer monitor) and it browses pretty fast.

I'm so sold.

I'm also really excited to note that the device will pay for itself. I just paid 12.99 for a new release ebook that would have cost me 35.99 if I had bought a physical copy. Considering how quickly I go through books, this is going to be an amazing investment.

Also: Buy Canadian.

hopefully this will work.

^When I read that on the subway yesterday I seriously lol'ed to myself :p Considering the stupid shit Ford has said in public, I'd love to see them reveal his personal emails to the public. We might just have the very first mayor to get booted out of office before the end of his term. I'm not sure if people around here could hate him anymore these days.

Once again... o/ Anon :D

Just now this morning, protestors from Occupy TO have marched to Brookfield Investments, in protest of the evacuation of Occupy Wall Street in New York from Zuccotti Park. Two protestors were arrested, one a Native Canadian was tackled by a police officer (so far no one seems to know the charges), while the other was allegedly arrested trying to pick up the First Nations unity flag the previously arrested protestor dropped.

Police are now giving Occupy TO camp eviction notice.

Awesome support for Occupy Toronto faced with eviction! Mohawk elders sent word after the eviction notice that they support Occupy TO remaining on St. James' Park land, and apparently more people will becoming down to the city to support. The Cathedral, who owns 25% of the land, reaffirmed that they support the movement. The Ontario Federation of Labour called for its member to go down to the park in support of the movement tonight. City council has moved to block Ford's eviction notice since he did not consult city council on the eviction notice. 12 city councilors so far have signed a letter to Rob Ford telling him to postpone eviction to the next city council meeting at the end of the month, at the very earliest, so that councilors can discuss the issue.

The eviction notice says people need to be out of the park between 12:01am and 5:01am, Occupy TO asks that all supporters who aren't camping at the park be down at 11pm to peacefully resist eviction if necessary.

Hopefully Ford will soon realise that he's making a huge mistake.

Well, Occupy TO was safe tonight :D Earlier this afternoon a judge ruled that Ford couldn't evict protestors tonight, and that no action could be taken until the conclusion of court proceedings Friday afternoon. So tonight's call to defend the park turned more into a celebratory gathering, lol. I think at least all this did show that a lot more people are supporting this than Ford thinks.

Also heard something about how the close proximity of NYC and Toronto evictions were actually planned that way by cooperation between the mayors. Considering Ford didn't manage to evict Occupy TO and NYC occupiers are back in the park (or so I hear?), I guess their attempt to dislodge occupiers in a single stroke didn't quite work out. But the fact that this kind coordinated attack between mayors across North America is happening is a bit disturbing, and a bit too blatantly "the people vs. local government."

He cracks me up.

i'm happy about this ruling
 

Honestly, I have mixed feelings and thoughts about this non-binding ruling. I do understand how this judge was concerned about the well being of women and children. I am somewhat familiar with the American "Bountiful" sect of the LDS. Most of the information I know of Bountiful is via the American and Canadian media.

Just last week I was watching a Lisa Ling piece done for her show on the OWN channel about the women members of the American Bountiful LDS sect. Apparently these women are content with their way of life and believe their way is also healthy and good for their children. I found it very ironic that a Lesbian with advocacy experience and skills is now working with these women to state their case in the media and courts.

I know there are judges, senators, members of congress, zealots and others who believe that Queer parents and families are unfit and will harm the well being of children. If "the majority" had their way we would be stripped of any legal recognition and/or protection. This could be a slippery slope. I am undecided on this one. Thanks for posting the link.

While I disagree with anti-polygamy laws in principle, I agree with this ruling as far as it relates to religious sects and the trend in relationship dynamics of those pushing for polygamous marriage. If polygamous marriage were legalised in Canada, very likely over 90% of those entering into such marriages would be heterosexual men marrying numerous heterosexual women and more than likely would involve those from fundamentalist Christian and Muslim sects.

The fact that such marriages would overwhelmingly involve one man marrying several women, really is what worries me. Although theoretically one woman could marry multiple men, one man multiple men or one woman multiple women and so on, that likely wouldn't be the case. I think that such a law would only largely be used to continue the oppression of women, and the propagation of the idea of women as either sexual play things or as baby making machines, or both (in the case of these sects). As such, I do think that such a law would be a danger to Canadian women, until society reaches such a point at which we no longer see polygamous marriage as one heterosexual man with multiple wives.

Whether those women feel "happy" in those relationships or not, isn't the issue for me. I do believe that Canadian law has the duty to promote women's rights and to protect Canadian women at large from practices which restrict or harm their rights. A woman can claim to be "happy" in these marriages, but it means very little. Very often people in oppressive situations do not speak up, especially when religion comes into play. Instead of supporting antiquated religious beliefs, Canada should be promoting education that informs women of their equal footing with men, of their ability to exist as an entity separate from men, to ultimately detach "being a woman" from relating with men. Still, too many Canadian women define themselves in relation to men/boyfriends/husbands/fathers. Religious freedom should only be allowed to go so far, but should not extend to threaten the rights of women or any other marginalized group.

The first "it gets better" ever:

Also:

It took the Liberal gov't long enough to act on it, but finally it seems they are starting to take some kind of responsibility in making it better for lgbtq students in Ontario Catholic schools. Unfortunately, some of their comments on upholding the potential new legislature seems a bit wishy-washy. Catholic schools are still claiming that the portion of the legislature that says "gay-straight alliance or other names" means that they can force students to use another names. Then they have the nerve to come back and say that they don't have a ban on queer langauge. The Liberals really need to be sure to put their foot down on this one and make it explicitly clear in the legislature that no Ontario school can ban or discourage the use of terms like "gay" or "queer" in student clubs. This would be a good time for the Ontario government to put an end to this bullshit.

Just turned on the tv to The Fifth Estate -- an investigation into the RCMP and sexual harassment.

Thought some of you others might want to catch it.

UN inquiry on murders and disappearances of Aboriginal women
 

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is going to conduct an inquiry into the murders and disappearances of Aboriginal women and girls across Canada.

It's about time. Sad though that this is coming from an external source . . . just another example of the shameful treatment of First Nations people in Canada.

http://www.nwac.ca/media/release/13-12-11

Speaking of Canadian sexiness, if you haven't read [ame="http://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Canadian-Will-Ferguson/dp/1550548913/ref=tmm_pap_title_1"]How to be a Canadian[/ame] by the Ferguson brothers you should! OMG! It's funny! I picked it up on my recent weekend trip to Montreal.

Maybe Harper has sent help to India by mistake?
 

From Leadnow.ca:
Painful as it is to read this kind of searing critique in a foreign paper, we're glad the Guardian has been doing such a good job of holding our government accountable. Quote: "The response of the Canadian government to the emergency in Attawapiskat shows why indigenous communities are in trouble."

Full article here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisf...=FBCNETTXT9038

(Let’s not forget that in 2004, Harper sent a letter to an Ontario native organization congratulating them on Republic Day, which is actually celebrated in India to mark the date when their constitution took effect.
He wrote: "On the occasion of India's national day, I salute the Indian community for long-standing contributions to the economic and cultural vitality of our wonderful country”.)

LOL. Yes, perhaps Harper is still confused about the difference between the people of India and First Nations. That would explain his failure to act. He sent money to the Indians. More likely it is reflective of how he actually feels about Canada's Aboriginal Peoples in general. Hard to believe such a limited, unfeeling, pompous ass became Prime Minister of Canada.

"So... they didn't fight climate change because the other countries were gay?"
 

Seems to be the common denominator of politicians, don't you think?

Harper's eye exam
 

Peter Kent played hide and seek at South Africa summit
 

Some of the highlights:

He did his best to avoid journalists at the summit, subjected them to security searches, and then held a teleconference call that required Canadian journalists in South Africa to phone an Ottawa call centre to ask him questions.

http://www.canada.com/Environment+mi...433/story.html

Romeo Dallaire predicts Arab Spring and OWS are just the beginning
 

If there were two things that defined 2011, they were the Arab Spring uprisings that threw the Middle East into turmoil and the Occupy Wall Street protests in North America and Europe. But Canadian Senator Romeo Dallaire, the former U.N. general lionized for leading the besieged peacekeepers during the Rwandan Genocide, says a third revolution connects the two movements — the communications revolution.

“We are in an era of conflict with a certain world disorder, a time of revolutions, with the communications revolution being one,” Dallaire tells Huffington Post Canada.

Dallaire begs to differ with author Malcolm Gladwell's argument in his essay “Small Change: Why the Revolution Will Not be Tweeted," that technology and social media play no real role in high-risk activism,

“It's starting. We are entering an era where the revolution in communications is empowering the under-25s and they're able to start realizing that they can coalesce in real-time around the world. They’re also getting more information about what's going on around them, whether they want it or not, because it's all being punched out every minute,” he says, adding that their power extends beyond protests.



Full article here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/12...n_1172570.html