Flight 148 sat to one side of the tarmac at the Vancouver airport Thursday afternoon, temporarily hobbled by mechanical difficulties. Passengers on the packed Airbus stared out at a stream of aircraft which taxied past, then hurtled down the runway which ends in the channel waters separating the mainland from Vancouver Island.
Eventually, we were off, but the late departure meant a delayed arrival five hours later in Toronto. The day would be long, but satisfying. I started it by spending some good time with Vancouver Sun ace political columnist Barbara Yaffe. After that it was an interview on the provincial and national economy with Business in Vancouver magazine, then a photo shoot downtown with a freelancer snapping for the Toronto Star. That pic will accompany a column on I have written on Mr. Harper, due to be published any day now.
As I walked back to my hotel along Granville Street, yakking into my Berry, a guy on the sidewalk yelled out, “Hey Garth, love your blog!” which was as sweet as it was unexpected. Needed, too, with Conservative crap now lapping over the gunnels.
My call finshed, I felt by Berry vibrate in its holster. It was an email from Mike Duffy. “U still a Lib?” it said, “Urgent response needed. Tks duff.” Then another popped up, from Esther. “CTV, STAR OTHERS CALLING, ASK IF YOU ARE KICKED OUT. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?” Then from Aaron Wherry, of Macleans, “is your status as a member of liberal caucus genuinely in doubt? or is this all silly, baseless conjecture?”
And on it went, as a rumour swept the nation’s capital that Stephane Dion has, indeed, cashed me in. Ironically, of course, this had all started on Duffy’s show, when professional weasel Jane Taber, acting on a courageous anonymous tip, spoke of Stephane Dion allegedly criticizing me in caucus. “Apparently so,” I emailed back, answering his question, “no thanks to gossips.”
For brief moments, though, I was newsworthy. For a clutch of glorious hours, Conservatives felt elation coursing through their veins. Forget the economy, Mad Max, Cadman, election cheating, income trusts or that deficit thingy. After all, this is what politics is all about – elected people beating up on each other. Voters? What voters?
But, it would soon be dashed. The next email came from a poohbah in the leader’s office, which was also apparently fielding calls from reporters. “This,” it said simply, “is bullshit of the highest order.”
169 comments ↓
I’m glad Dion’s office is honest and frank.
Wouldn’t it be neat if Dion were Prime Minister and we could have honesty and spontaneity back in our government’s offices.
BY MARKUS D. ON 05.22.08 4:51 PM
Markus – Re: idea you mentioned, did you know that parents with daughters are more likely to vote left-wing?
Researchers also found men are more likely to switch from right to left wing, with the birth of each daughter. Every additional daughter makes fathers two percentage points more likely to vote for a left-wing party. Parents of daughters subconsciously vote for unselfish policies that will benefit their children. When children prosper, their chances of reproducing also flourish, and their genetic line is more likely to continue. Changing priorities after parenthood is intuitive. A switch in voter behaviour is a “subconscious nod” toward their daughter’s future.
The same goes for politicians with daughters, as they are more likely to enact legislation that intuitively helps societies prosper.
And therefore your thoughts on eco-oppression.. allowing the primitive part of the brain to react and dominate without appropriate thought to the bigger picture. Also, men can dominate in politics through various social levers.
Humans need to think twice, about what we’re doing, and work harder to respect and encourage the needed balance that women bring to the mix. To ignore that, is to ignore the roles that we have all evolved.
Since when have reporters (or Con trolls) let facts get in the way of a good story? You should know that as well as anywone Garth.
When it comes to Duffy or any of the other leaches in the media trying to make themselves look good off rumors, let them bury themselves in lies, rumors and innuendos. When they realize they have nothing but mud on their face and even less credability than they do now (if that’s possible) they might stop to think twice next time. Yeah, I know… whatever!
Keep fighting the good fight G.
the new nanas poll will make you feel better today.
Garth you just may have blown a chance to make the CONS look really stupid, errr, stupider, by not stringing them along a little bit…you know how that they don’t take well to looking foolish, foolisher?
Duff and Taber, what a class act. The stomach hurls at the thought of Duff ever being considered as a senator.
Hi Garth…I stopped watching Mike Duffy over a year ago. He is so obviously a Conservative partisan that I could no longer stomach him. So much for ‘independent’ journalism.
I am dismayed to find out that journalists follow ‘gossip’ with so much glee. Perhaps, they are missing the bigger picture.
Or, perhaps, they are not interested.
Garth, Looks good on You!!
Too bad that there isn’t a disclaimer running along each MDL programme that it is for ‘entertainment purposes only’ and it may not reflect reality. Whenever Duffy gives his wink and lowered voice affectation, I am galled to no end. We need a far more independent and critical media!
Re: Feminazis, rumors and general myopia.
It is unfortunate so many people see the world through the small end of the bottle. They miss so much.
I feel their pain, even though they remain generally oblivious to it.
With all the world crises and the many and various critical political issues facing our country here at home both regional and national I am disgusted by Mike Duffy and his partisan rumour mongering.
Right now all we have to choose from in the way of political commentary is the turtle on CBC or the hairless partisan Duffy dog on CTV or as I like to say dumb and dumber.
Chasing rumours is like chasing ambulances – it’s not ethical but it might lead to a quick buck? I’ve seen the little fat-man in action as he tries to dumb our National political awareness down to the Harpo-Clown Party level.
You know-rumours, character assassination and NEVER give a straight answer just nod nod and wink wink.
CTV we are tired of the Duffy-Tabor brand of rumour journalism. Can’t you find someone who is issue based and bi-partisan?
“Within the international community, Canada is viewed as gullible for allowing one its citizens to be processed by an illegal tribunal system at Guantanamo, and as hypocritical for quietly acceding to the first ever child-soldier war-crimes prosecution.
Canada’s inaction has profound ramifications. The UN Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, says Khadr’s prosecution sets a hazardous precedent in international law, which will endanger child soldiers in conflict zones. The impunity enjoyed by the real criminals — those who have recruited child soldiers — continues to the detriment of real victims: the thousands of child soldiers around the world.
“This government must act now, as all of our allies have done already, to bring its citizen home. Otherwise, we are abetting an affront to human rights and international law.”
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/05/22/rom-233-o-dallaire-bring-omar-khadr-home.aspx
My SOLUTION would be to RENDITION Harper, Bernier, SnakPak Kenney and the whole damned tribe of incompetents to Syria. I’m not calling for torture … I think the reality would settle in very quickly. Their incompetence is SINFUL … Do you hear me, McVety? … SINFUL! Wanna make a “dirty” movie, Chuckie?
I thought it was all BS – because if the rumours were true Garth wouldn’t be sent out to B.C. or anywhere else on behalf of the Liberals.
…the only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions…..unfortunately, a lot of these people are the Inquirer type journalists.
Hi Garth…I stopped watching Mike Duffy over a year ago. He is so obviously a Conservative partisan that I could no longer stomach him. So much for ‘independent’ journalism.
By TS on 05.23.08 6:08 am
Hey TS, do you watch CBC? Peter Mansbridge, Kieth Boag?
After all, we are in search of “independent” journalism are we not?
Happy to see ur still in the game, Garth. Now when are we going to hear the sound of the starter’s pistol?
-R
By Janice on 05.23.08 7:51 am
Hey, Jan-ICE we’re sending Jane Ta-BORE! over with The Duff to place a thermometer in your backside to determine whether you’re HOT er NOT. My guess … and I’m takin’ bets, is that you’re NOT! You’re just another opinionated S.pecial H.igh I.ntensity T.rained BIM-BOT … GENUS C.onservative R.eform A.lliance P.arty.
Oh, the S.H.I.T. that flows from C.R.A.P.
Just as much people think the CTV is Conservative biased (blue background); others can also say CBC (red background) is Liberal biased. Got to like what happened to Christa Erickson. She ended up being re-assigned for influencing the Liberals with preparing their questions for the Mulroney-Schreiber inquiry. Our last two GGs appointed by the Liberals also use to work for the CBC. The recent plan of the Conservatives not to invite the CBC and other “Liberal friendly” media to their press conference back fired. I can totally understand from their point of view why they did it. I have no stats, but I think most Liberal supporters are fans of CBC (Don Newman) and most Conservative supporters normally watch CTV (Duffy). If you’re a political junkie, switch networks for awhile and you will see the bias. I’m sure there is no partisanship on this blog either.
Garth: Quite an interview with Barbara Yaffe,Vancouver Sun “Disyoyal Grits hurt their own chances,MP warns” This should get you into a tonne of DOO DOO….should be interesting.So the LIBERAL house isn’t all nicey nice….the swords are out!!!!!!
This is news? — Garth
Garth, you are such a victim. You have it so bad. All those guys (and gals) beating up on you. Saying such bad things about you.
Garth, what about Julie? You have absolutely no problem smearing a Canadian not charged or convicted of any crime. An innocent Canadian smeared by you on this blog and by your liberal colleagues in the HofC. No problem whatsoever. But whoa should anyone say something about Garth Turner. The victim.
So Jane Taber is a weasel because she reports, very briefly, something one of your colleagues told her about you. Maybe you are attacking the wrong person, again. Maybe you should find out who that liberal that threw you under the bus is.
For a liberal opposition backbencher, you get more national coverage than your leader. How can that be? In fact, I would dare say that most of your sock puppets on this blog couldn’t even name the liberal front bench.
See that type of publicity is not good for your party. It doesn’t matter to most Canadians. You can keep it up. But as far as your party having success, the leader has to be more prominent than you.
“And, yes, I am dead Liberal meat.” I suppose you didn’t think that statement would create a stir. But I guess thats why this is where it is, so you can have all the attention.
Janice, I forget what smear I perpetrated on poor Julie. Please refresh our memory. — Garth
“This,” it said simply, “is bullshit of the highest order.” Garth
Garth, did you ask for further clarification of “This”?
“This” is of disloyalty, knives and carbon tax:
Disloyal Grits hurt their own chances, MP warns – Barbara Yaffe, Vancouver Sun
Garth,
These rabid hyenas posing as ‘credible sources of information’ are so pathetic only the brain dead and psychotic pay attention to them, especially Puffy Duffy.
I suggest all study the true mating habits of hyenas. One cannot tell the difference between the male and female as they both strut around ‘hanging out’.
The Painful Realities of Hyena Sex
‘Imagine giving birth through a penis’
But providing the extra hormones takes a toll on the mother. The dose of androgen that she received from her own alpha mother damages her ovaries, making it difficult to conceive.
It also causes female reproductive organs to grow. A lot. Her clitoris, which contains the birthing canal, protrudes 7 inches from her body.
“Imagine giving birth through a penis,” said study co-author Kay Holekamp of Michigan State University. “It’s really weird genitalia, but it seems to work. Although giving birth through a ‘penis’ isn’t a trivial problem.”
The clitoris’ birth canal is only an inch in diameter, and the tissue often tears as a 2-pound cub squeezes through the narrow opening. The rip can be fatal, as evidenced by the high death rate for first-time mothers.
Perhaps that is why Taber and Duffy are such a perfect match?
As to CTV…Who watches anything other than American broadcasts on that POS network? The best part of their broadcasts are the red, green, and blue curtains…I use it to check the colour setting on my TV. LOL
There was a time when Mike Duffy had some respect, but for some unknown reason(s) his personal quest to become a Senator has muddied the waters of professional journalism. It seems like yesterday when the Duff returned after his heart stuff to CTV and here live on ATV he thanked all who wished him well and in the same breath mentioned there is nothing wrong with our health care system in Canada. No need for me to give examples, we all know many who have not been so fortunate as to receive the prompt care he did, I wish him well and can only hope one day he uses his skills to help others who wait for such care.
Would “this” be:
“I support the leader, but not everyone is of the same mind and there are factions within caucus who want to weaken Dion. There are people who have aspirations . . . without a doubt, who forever and a day will continue to try to promote their agendas.
“I have a problem with those who still harbour ambitions and should swallow them. I see that happening within our caucus and I don’t like it.”
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=a471d06a-112e-425b-9af3-ac958a4b94bb&p=1
So basically, you have confirmed that the Liberals are divisive themselves.
Let’s define ‘divisive.’ Would that be like the leader throwing out two MPs for the crime of independent thought? — Garth
Hey TS, do you watch CBC? Peter Mansbridge, Kieth Boag?
After all, we are in search of “independent” journalism are we not?
By Janice on 05.23.08 7:51 am
Strange statement – Mansbridge, has been especially hard with questioning with respect to Dion.
Is Janice a new naive troll or is she Catherine renamed – their responses are to similar – just wondering.
By PYOTR PETROBITCH on 05.23.08 8:03 am
Ouch, that hurt. Where did you get that wit?
I didn’t think liberals talked that way. I thought they were all for tolerance and acceptance and that fluffy stuff.
I guess they can be as bigoted as the rest of us.
Chasing rumours is like chasing ambulances – it’s not ethical but it might lead to a quick buck? I’ve seen the little fat-man in action as he tries to dumb our National political awareness down to the Harpo-Clown Party level.
You know-rumours, character assassination and NEVER give a straight answer just nod nod and wink wink.
CTV we are tired of the Duffy-Tabor brand of rumour journalism. Can’t you find someone who is issue based and bi-partisan?
By Calberta on 05.23.08 7:21 am
You know money talks – and all it would take is a flood of letters of anger and threats not to watch CTV anymore to their “sponsors”.
Garth, I respect your opinions (though I may not agree with them all) and I REALLY respect the guts and principle you demonstrate in politics. You’re a bit harsh and blunt, but I like that. I’m glad to see you’re not the type to hole up and shut up, not for the Cons, not for the Libs. I’m sure some people (even within your own party) might not feel comfortable standing side by side with someone who isn’t afraid to say things as they are, but keep up the good fight.
Thanks for giving us a silver lining in the otherwise dismal sky of Parliament. I’m a card carrying NDP member, and I don’t regret coughing up $20 for your campaign. Can’t say the same for the money I’ve dumped into M. Layton’s lap.
Janice: Go back and finish high school. You obviously skipped all your English comp. classes, especially the ones that focused on satire, humour and wit.
That’s the problem with you Cons–no critical reading or listening skills.
Humans need to think twice, about what we’re doing, and work harder to respect and encourage the needed balance that women bring to the mix. To ignore that, is to ignore the roles that we have all evolved.
By Barb the proof-reader
on 05.23.08 2:14 am
Humans need to think twice Once would be a great improvment IMHO! LOL
As to women adding to the mix. I could not agree more. I make very few decisions without conferring with my wife, who is my equal, and superior in some areas, while I in others. We are a true team, yet we each retain our individualism. The ancient Druids viewed women as total equals, even electing them ‘kings’. It was the misogamy (hatred of marriage) of the Romans, and then the Catholic Church that denigrated women to a second class status. Likewise, women have, throughout history, been venerated as great leaders.
The prevalent misogomy led to misogyny (hatred of wome, actually fear of), which led to the dysfunctionality we see today. I think that, likewise, has led to an increase in rudeness, and a general competition in many things. QP would be a prime example of such childish behavour.
It is our so-called ‘modern’ world that has the problem. To the West it is mostly a severe hangover from the hangups of Queen Victoria and her partner. To the East there is a long history of such separation of the genders, but there is more to that story than I shall express here. Yet, historically, women were both rulers, land owners, and very powerful in the ancient cultures. That change primarily with Rome’s rise.
As to an ‘evolved’ role, I take it you mean our ‘modern’ interpretation of roles? Man and woman were, from the outset, made equal, each with common, yet unique gifts. Unfortunately, learned behaviour (that taught by society, religion, and power perverts) has instilled a second class belief among too many woman, and likewise, a superior attitude among too many men.
While we each are capable of doing almost all things equally (given the opportunity) old ways die a long and hard death. One very good thing the feminist movement did was to provide men with the freedom to feel their feelings, express them, and become whole again. Unfortunately, there are still too many men who think their ‘role’ is that of a mindless, macho moron flexing their muscles instead of the minds. I, for one, am amazed at the de-evolution of the males today who have regressed from the ability to use a razor (grow a beard or not…make a decision) or a comb. I am even more shocked at the degradation of women. True women with all their glorious attributes are harder and harder to find…it is like there is a role exchange going on…still mindless as usual.
I revel in the magnificient image portrayed by the woman in the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Athens. Perhaps the Greeks still grasp the concept of the Sacred feminine. Her grace walking across the shallow lake, her abdomen glowing with life, was one of the most beautiful portrayals I have ever seen. She truly represented to most magnificent ability women along have…birthing life…the continuance of the human race. Unfortunately, too many now view that as a selfish means to obtain money, not the beauty it was intended for. Confusing sex and pregnancy has left a scar far worse than Caesar’s blade. I attribute that scar to religion and Queen Victoria’s teachings. Sad, very, very sad.
Garth TGIF
Bees, Burma and Balderdash
I just did a happy dance – my wild bees (3000) are here swarming in my holly tree. Four weeks late but they’re here! I am not sure that people are aware that bee colonies have collapsed all around the world. Pollination from bees is extremely important to fruit crops and as an aside my garden.
Finally, the junta in Burma has agreed to allow all the NGO’s into the country to provide aid. There are a lot of children at risk. Please donate to the Red Cross!
The Supreme Court came down with they’re decision on Omar Khadr today. The government has to release all documents on his case and Omar’s human rights have been violated.
I found it ironic that the fly in the water bottle got more coverage on the networks. As many bloggers here know, I am very adamant about what the government should do for this child soldier. So I wonder what Doris – oops I mean Stockwell Day will say in response. Likely, it will be balderdash.
MP GARTH TURNER IN B.C. RIDES SHOTGUN FOR LEADER DION !!!
Disloyal Grits hurt their own chances, MP warns
Barbara Yaffe – Vancouver Sun
Friday, May 23, 2008
Federal Liberals would tax “less of what Canadians earn and more of what they burn,” according to a pitch aimed at winning the next election.
Garth Turner, MP for the Ontario riding of Halton and communications adviser to Stephane Dion, says his leader will soon unveil plans for a series of tax reductions, especially on the personal income tax side, that would offset a new carbon levy.
In Vancouver this week to speak at party fundraisers, Turner says Liberals are gearing up for a likely fall election. The MP, who joined the Grits in the fall of 2006 after being turfed from the Conservative caucus for his outspokenness, believes Harper will want to renew his mandate before the economy deteriorates further — as it almost surely will, in 2009.
Turner foresees a possible Conservative economic statement in the autumn, which opposition parties would have no trouble voting down: “An economic policy statement brought in when economic stress on people is increasing is a no-brainer for opposition parties to vote against.”
>>> With Harper eager to snare a second term and Dion keen to test drive his activist environmental policies, a vote in late October or early November is a good bet, posits Turner. <<>> The Liberal leader arrives in the Lower Mainland Friday for a two-day visit. <<>> “I support the leader, but not everyone is of the same mind and there are factions within caucus who want to weaken Dion. There are people who have aspirations . . . without a doubt, who forever and a day will continue to try to promote their agendas. <<<
“I have a problem with those who still harbour ambitions and should swallow them. I see that happening within our caucus and I don’t like it.”
Turner says he doesn’t want to undermine any of his colleagues and prefers not to identify individuals. That said, it was clear from our conversation that he is referring to Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae who came second and third in the leadership stakes.
Turner, who has a long history of speaking candidly — going back to his days in the Mulroney caucus — reveals he’s “in a bit of trouble right now” with some of his colleagues.
“I’m seen as a guy who is standing out there for Dion, helping the leader succeed.” Those who Turner has targeted for their disloyalty have reacted by drawing their own swords against him.
Turner says the Liberals, being in opposition for the past two years, have forgotten the need for iron discipline within caucus, something Conservatives, with their considerable experience on the wrong side of the Commons, are now showing themselves to be extremely good at.
………………………………..
Good show, Garth … you got those BCers eating out of your hand … and of course you have paved the way for Dion’s visit there. Udaman …!!!!
Harry, this real estate is expensive. Stop eating it up posting whole stories that have already been brought to the attention of visitors via links. Do you know how to post a link? Ask your kids. — Garth
Maybe next life understanding trust will be a little higher on your list.
Another reason to get Harper out. Looks like Dion is the man we need.
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/CanadaWorld/2008/05/23/5647596-sun.html
Kennedy attacks Harper’s inaction
Fri, May 23, 2008
The environmental crusader says the prime minister follows U.S. President George W. Bush
PETERBOROUGH — Canadians should be seriously concerned about wasteful lifestyles south of the border that could leave the U.S. dry and looking north for water, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said yesterday.
Kennedy, an environmental crusader recently called a “hero for the planet” by Time Magazine, made the comments in Peterborough where he delivered a speech at a conference for the International Association for Great Lakes Research.
“Canada is blessed with an abundance of fresh water so I think people don’t view the issue with the kind of urgency (that’s needed),” he said.
He added many Canadians don’t support sending large amounts of water to the U.S., but so far, Ottawa hasn’t acted accordingly.
“There’s a broad consensus in Canada that’s against bulk water transfers, but the government has been very slow to act on that consensus.”
He encouraged Canadians to pressure local governments and opposition party representatives to take action on water management. Kennedy added it’s unlikely Prime Minister Stephen Harper will act to protect Canada’s water.
“The federal government has not been a friendly government to the environment, they’ve basically followed George W. Bush’s path of hostility.”
Kennedy said out-of-control suburban sprawl in the southwestern United States, coupled with wasteful agricultural water usage in the U.S., is spawning a water crisis that will only worsen in the future.
“We’re in the midst of a water crisis that has no end in sight, and the place people are looking to solve it is Canada,” he said. “If you talk to the engineers and the planning and policy makers in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Phoenix and Las Vegas . . . they’ll say, ‘Well we don’t have to worry about this because we’ll just get the water from Canada.’ ”
Kennedy added it’s important for the Canadian public to make it clear funnelling water southward is not the solution. “It’s really important for us to be able say, ‘Canada’s not going to give us the water.’ “
Likely, it will be balderdash.
By Bonnie N BC on 05.23.08 9:30 am
More than two syllables .. I say no way!
So I guess the “Political Death of Garth Turner” has been greatly exaggerated again? ~evil grin~
THAT’S IT!!!! GARTH IS A POLITICAL ZOMBIE! The walking, talking, blogging Political Undead, whom you can never kill,… LOL
Say hi to Mr. Harperstien for me Zombie Garth!
By Judy on 05.23.08 9:18 am
Ouch, again. You guys are pulling out all the stops, eh? Little testy today. Sour milk on the corn flakes this morning?
I guess they can be as bigoted as the rest of us.
By Janice on 05.23.08 9:00 am
Glad you admit it!
Hoping and praying – this is the life of a conservative.
They have so little to hope for, anything they perceive to be good news for them they will jump on. A sad state this party is in. The only good thing they have going for them is that Dion is still Liberal leader, otherwise another Kim Campbell loss will be their reward.
Do you not think that “all” political parties have ambitious people in them? So naive to think that say, Prentice/Flaherty/Baird or perhaps Mulcair might not have ambitions?
There will always be people waiting in line – it’s natural to have some ready to take that plunge.
Too, too much made of it. More important things to worry about.
And, you know what – I don’t see anything wrong with people having ambitions and goals – nothing at all. It happens in every industry/corporation/political party.
Let’s move on.
Too bad that there isn’t a disclaimer running along each MDL programme that it is for ‘entertainment purposes only’ and it may not reflect reality. Whenever Duffy gives his wink and lowered voice affectation, I am galled to no end. We need a far more independent and critical media!
By K Murphy on 05.23.08 7:17 am
Good morning K
I like the fact that you used the word “entertainment” to describe one of the news programs on TV.
If I may add to that, CTV is not alone.
The days of Walter Cronkite and McNeal-Leir are long gone and have been replaced with Hollywood style news that is painted with a partisan brush.
McNeil is still left standing along with a few good PBS programs BUT on primetime news “Information” has been replaced with “entertainment”.
I’m not telling anyone here something you don’t know, rather this is an effort to remind all of us that a majority of Canadians still shape their views about politics, the economy and the world based on what they watch for 15 minutes on the nightly news.
And that is unacceptable to me. So how did we get here and who’s at fault? The blame ultimately has to fall on the news network.
Remember when “breaking news” meant more that just someone’s garage was on fire?
Garth,
It’s always interesting to read between the lines, here and in the national media.
That the rumour mill yesterday was wildly spinning a story that your days as a Liberal were numbered, is largely due to your blog posting yesterday. Folks ‘had’ to know that post was going to be peppered with your unique brand of ‘jaded humour’ from the title, borrowed from OJ’s recently celebrated book. But people will believe (and spin) what they want to believe (and to spin). I’ll bet you already knew that…
The fact that you have not denied the comments by Ms Taber, suggests that there is some truth to them. Several years ago, two prominent women NDP MLA’s here in Lotusland were caught playing with a toy penis or dildo in the house during an active sitting of the legislature. It wasn’t that big a deal, but the speculation at the time was that if two male MLA’s had been caught playing with a toy mimicking a woman’s private parts, they would have been forced to resign. There are two sets of rules in these matters – one for men and one for women.
In your post yesterday, you refer to the “the feminazis in the Lib caucus”. ‘Jaded humour’ or not, this likely pissed off all the women Lib MP’s.
Watch your back, Man – you apparently have some serious enemies within your own team. What was the old saw about ‘hell’, ‘fury’, and a “women scorned”?
Thank you. Sage advice. Once again, however, the “feminazis” reference was not mine, but that of a Conservative blogger. — Garth
The concept of “tabloid journalism” has invaded CTV and it has been moving further into the gendre. Remember Duffy’s big “scoop” this spring that the election writ would be dropped April 4? CTV, or at least prominent talking heads on that network, are being used for partisan political advantage.
One of the CBC panels discussed how they had been used in a similar manner on another issue and the commentators involved were extremely concerned about the practice of political parties using the media for this purpose.
Journalists want “scoops” and they seem willing to serve the agendas of certain individuals by reporting anonymous “tips.” The outcome is that you really cannot believe what you hear or read unless you have several “different” sources of evidence for the report. After awhile, if you take the time, you know which journalists or reporters or commentators are credible and which require substantial backup from “independent” sources. As such, in my opinion, people like Tabor, Duffy, or Hebert are not credible because they tend to rely on unsubstantiated tips for too much of their commentary.
What tickles my funny bone is that the official Conservative website looks like the front page of a cheap tabloid.
And, you know what – I don’t see anything wrong with people having ambitions and goals – nothing at all. It happens in every industry/corporation/political party.
Let’s move on.
By slg on 05.23.08 9:58 am
You also need to look at the negative implications of unbridled ambition and what certain individuals are willing to do to get what they want. I disagree that there is nothing wrong with this kind of “ends justifies the means” thinking.
You know, ever since Harper and his goon squad started lying and manipulating and controlling everything that they can, apparently with no regard for common decency or humanity, I had been thinking…something just ain’t right about those people.
And here I happened upon a clear psychological descriptive term that I believe absolutely and unequivocally describes the Harper Goon Squad and his pathetic, blind to reality followers like Harry S and Leasa etc.
Seriously, check this out and you’ll clearly understand the mentality of these sad pieces of work. The psychological disorder that currently rules our once proud nation is called (drumroll please):
Right Wing Authoritarianism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-wing_Authoritarianism
In consideration of the well founded advice “know thy enemy” this is required reading!
Google Right Wing Authoritarianism for more.
Fascinating illness!
@ Geiseric The Lame…Thanks much for beneficial thought.
understanding
undermined by experience
unfortunate
I just did a happy dance – my wild bees (3000) are here swarming in my holly tree. Four weeks late but they’re here! I am not sure that people are aware that bee colonies have collapsed all around the world. Pollination from bees is extremely important to fruit crops and as an aside my garden.
By Bonnie N BC on 05.23.08 9:30 am
I totally agree with everything you’ve said Bonnie in your above post. I’ve had my h’ummer feeder out for a month, when they were first spotted in NS, but haven’t seen one. I was so worried they wouldn’t come back as we had abanded them for 3 wks last summer when we went on vac. My DH told me this am that last eve. after I went to bed that he saw one out front. He came to tell me, but I was already asleep. I just made a new batch of sugar & water. They are the most amazing little birds and make such ‘different sounds’.
I’m very aware of the bee situation. Wthout them, life would not go on. I would work in my gardens, bees all around me, and I’ve never been stung by one. We, who appreciate the environment, are working for/with them.
BTW, what kind of Holly Tree do you have. I have 3 holly bushes(Ilex) evergreen ones with the red berries. Used to know all the latin and common names, but alas, no more.
Once again, however, the “feminazis” reference was not mine, but that of a Conservative blogger. — Garth
Sorry… I didn’t get that when I read yesterday’s post. I just reread it, and see what you mean now… I guess rather than bragging about ‘reading between’ the lines, I ought to try reading the ‘actual’ ones…
the new nanas poll will make you feel better today.
By greatgranny on 05.23.08 4:01 am
Libs ahead.
http://www.nanosresearch.com/library/polls/POLNAT-S08-T301.pdf
guess they can be as bigoted as the rest of us.
By Janice on 05.23.08 9:00 am
We know you cons are all bigots. About time one admitted it.
For a second there I thought you were serious about getting kicked out.
You last blog post especially. YOu need to remember that sarcasm does not translate very well to text especially regarding serious issues like this. Good SD for straightening things out.
Sarcastic? Moi? Every word I write is scripture. — Garth
“But “Dion is reaching the point where he’s going to lose more altitude if he doesn’t take the bait” and vote against the government, according to Turner.”
I found this gem in the link provided by; Pecked to Death by Ducks on 05.23.08 8:25 am
Now this, I thought was funny. Lose more altitude??? Did he ever even get his landing gear up??
After borrowing the tax plan, that’s not a tax but merely a money merry go round from the Greens, I think Dion has redefined the term, “Test Pilot” which in turn can create job opportunities as a “Crash test dummy”..
Hi Garth…I stopped watching Mike Duffy over a year ago. He is so obviously a Conservative partisan that I could no longer stomach him. So much for ‘independent’ journalism.
By TS on 05.23.08 6:08 am
Hey TS, do you watch CBC? Peter Mansbridge, Kieth Boag?
After all, we are in search of “independent” journalism are we not?
By Janice on 05.23.08 7:51 am
Janice, I guess you you didn’t go beyond neocon 101. Have you ever actually watched the National Thurs eve. with Mansbridge. At least half, if not more, of his guest pundits are ‘conservatives’. Granted, not neocons like the current govt. but real Red Torys.
Unfortunately, you, Leasa, Catherine & so many others on Garth’s blog, who worship your god, Stevie, are similar to those people in Germany (pre & during WWII) and in other fascist countries (Italy, Austria & others), who did not question what was happening in their midst. We have also seen the neocon spin in the US – FUD. Stevie and his ideologues are wannabe Bushites & they’ve unfortunately made inroads in Canada. Just do it gradually, step by step, so the voters won’t notice, according to Flanagan.
Wakeup you sheeple.
Carbon tax would hurt poor, NDP says
Ottawa–A carbon tax would place an unfair burden on low-income Canadians, Jack Layton said yesterday.
“Those advocating a carbon tax suggest that by making the costs for certain things more expensive, people will make different choices,” Layton said.
“But Canada is a cold place and heating your home really isn’t a choice.”
Gee, sorry Jack, but Tim’s is way ahead of Dion on hurting the poor of our society, and removing choice as an option.
Tim Hortons in a new PR jam
Good Samaritan scolded after buying a homeless, pregnant woman food – then leaving her to eat it
Lee bought her a sandwich, a Boston cream doughnut, and chocolate milk. The woman, Lee said, sat down at a corner table, “not bothering anybody,” to eat. When Lee walked out the door, the employee followed to admonish her.
Douglas said the homeless woman, who could not be located later for comment, had been asked to leave the restaurant on several previous occasions. Tim Hortons, she said, does not have a policy on the treatment of the homeless; it is up to franchises to “make delicate judgment decisions when dealing with any disruptive customers to ensure the store is pleasant, comfortable and safe.”
Why Hell no there is NO POLICY, because such ‘people’ are invisible. (Humming ‘Cellophane Man’ from ‘Chicago!’)
Maisonneuve said a specific company policy on the treatment of the homeless would probably be “too narrow”; Tony Wilson, a franchise lawyer at Boughton Law Corp. in Vancouver, said “it’s just common sense” to most restaurant owners that they should not evict homeless customers.
But after another public controversy, Wilson said, “I’ll bet you dollars to navy beans Tim Hortons is developing a policy right now on it.”
Gee, everyone who is proud of the MONEY FIRST policies of Tim’s, and most Conswervatives Stand up and RAISE YOUR HAND? But, don’t make any disturbance or your are OUT THE DOOR! Mental illness is NO EXCUSE!
Who knows, maybe Oddawahahaha will get a ‘policy’ on homelessness too…some century between now and the end of our pissant existence?
Sounds like you should try and get on an episode of “pop fiction”. It’s usually just the tabloids they get, but you might have the unique ability to prank the nightly news =P
Thank you. Sage advice. Once again, however, the “feminazis” reference was not mine, but that of a Conservative blogger. — Garth
By Vicguy on 05.23.08 10:12 am
Ahh, but your the guy getting all the credit, funny how that works, as VICGUY says “watch your back”.
FYI,
You might be a Feminazi if . . .
- You think all males have it “easier” than females
- You’re a proponent of Selective Service
- You feel that husbands should “obey” their wives in opposite-sex marriages
- You assume that all men are pigs
- You think your sexual purpose on this Earth is to make men cum
- Your idea of a fair divorce settlement is an ex-husband waivering a majority of his income to his ex-wife, despite which ex-spouse earns more
- You think women should rule the world
- You assert that women hold “superior” intuition and judgement compared to men
- Kicking males in the nuts (or seeing males get kicked in the nuts) gives you recreational thrills
- You believe that young boys should be arbitrarily held back one year later than young girls for entering Kindergarten
- You think all males should be locked up or shipped off to an island during puberty, adolescence, and/or early post-adulthood
- Sperm production is the prime purpose for which you feel males serve
- You assume that gay men are “pathetic weaklings who don’t have the balls to confront their feelings for women”
- The ideal scenario to you in any opposite-sex marriage is when the female spouse is “the head of the house”
- You have no sympathy for males’ medical burdens (i.e., erectile disfunctions, colon cancer, prostate cancer, severe acne, vasectomies, penile infections/complications, teen/adult circumcisions)
- You argue with men just for the sake of arguing with men
- You want the 19th Amendment to be amended to stipulate that all male voters must take “intelligence tests” before being eligible to vote
- You think Homer Simpson is an accurate representation of the average American male
- You view men as dogs who need to be “trained” to heed every command of members of the female gender
Gord.
You also need to look at the negative implications of unbridled ambition and what certain individuals are willing to do to get what they want. I disagree that there is nothing wrong with this kind of “ends justifies the means” thinking.
By C. B. Innes on 05.23.08 10:19 am
I think I know what you’re saying C.B.
For example, if someone has been influenced to think that money is everything, they’ll do anything to get it. Corporations are motivated by this and they do it without a conscience because the ONLY thing that matters to them is the bottom line.
The bottom line for a politician is getting votes and they’ll do anything to get them knowing full well that there won’t be any serious consequences if they break the promises that got them the votes in the first place.
Is that unbridled ambition?
Sarcastic? Moi? Every word I write is scripture. — Garth
Whew, and here I thought you were just another Canadian? LMAO!
Honour and grace to you Oh Great and Wise One of the Temple of Many Voices! Truly The Master and Lord of the Highest Order.
PS: How are the Scribes behaving? Not wanting a pay raise, better lighting, a smoke free environemnt, better heating and cooling systems, longer breaks, carpal tunnel Syndrome complaints, better chairs, longer vacation pay, increased benefits, and/or other disquieting things, I trust?
Eh god – Just rec’d a call from a telemarketer selling a security system. We already have one that DH installed many years ago. Unfortunately, the telemarker was an Indian that spoke so fast that I could not understand him. I asked him several times to repeat what he said. After, I recommended that he slow his speech – in a nice way. Damn we have had neighbours of Indian & Pakistani descent whom I admire & very much like, and some I don’t like. I don’t think this guy liked me telling him to stop his spin to an ‘audible’ pace. Guess his call was being monitored. BTW, it’s rare I’ll answer a LD call, if I don’t recognize the no. I receive a daily LD call from an 866 no which I never pick up. I went on to IOPTOUT.com and did my thing, but its really not the answer. Why hasn’t the govt. got its act together. The US is so much further on this. The Libs shouls be proposing and ensuring they’l do something about this. Persally, we get at least 1 call daily from these ’scam artists’ as I like to refer them. Thankfully, my DH is knowledeable & we have all kinds of anti-spam & other e-theft software on our systems. I’m always on the alert however.
Sarcastic? Moi? Every word I write is scripture. — Garth
I love your sense of humour Garth. Too bad the cons have none.
Duff and Taber, what a class act. The stomach hurls at the thought of Duff ever being considered as a senator.
By maggie on 05.23.08 5:18 am
I find it ironic that these two TV talking heads are chasing the very thing PMSH is salavating to get rid of, by that of course I mean the Senate.
By Bill-Muskoka on 05.23.08 11:10 am
As long as the homeless are not begging in the stores I don’t have a problem if they are eating something that a customer bought for them. They are in fact customers whoever has purchased the food for them. I really don’t like the homeless and beggers who stake real estate in front of liquor stores, gas stations and such. I have to run a quantlet through them to go pay for my gas quite often.
Perhaps Dion will float a similer tax for homeless as he is for carbon. Tax the things we don’t want and don’t tax the things we want more of. I for one would like to see less homeless so tax them and the problem will go away? It looks like the plan for the carbon tax shifting so why would it not work elsewhere?
About that Nanos poll:
Please note, the CPC are more competition for the BLOC in Quebec rather than the LPC. Even then, the CPC support from the ADQ supporters is likely to take a hit, as the ADQ are dropping in popularity – like off a cliff.
It would be interesting to see the differences, nationally, between rural vs city folk.
This would possibly skew the national support even greater towards the LPC.
Things look pretty good for a change…
TGIF
By Gord G on 05.23.08 11:15 am
- You think Homer Simpson is an accurate representation of the average American male
No Gord – just you…
“a poobah in the leader’s office”? Apart from sounding a little North Koreaish that begs the question:
Did he, or you, categorically deny the rumour and demand a retraction?
Hoping and praying – this is the life of a conservative.
They have so little to hope for, anything they perceive to be good news for them they will jump on. A sad state this party is in. The only good thing they have going for them is that Dion is still Liberal leader, otherwise another Kim Campbell loss will be their reward.
By Bill R on 05.23.08 9:52 am
…you do know why Kim Campbell lost don’t you? Extreme partisanship and nasty campaigning, plus the disastrous Mulroney government – Harper should take heed. People do eventually get turned off by negativity – just watch what’s happening in the US – Obama is running a positive campaign and it’s working.
Garth.
Are you Canada’s Jesse Ventura?
“Don’t Start the Revolution Without Me”
By Jesse Ventura.
This is a very entertaining read. Harley-Davidson rider Jesse Ventura has had an interesting political
experience. The book moves from autobiographical to a testing of the water in a proposed run for President of The United States.
I agree with Jesse; he would make a good President. HE MET ROBERT KENNEDY JR. IN MEXICO AND DISCUSSED RUNNING TOGETHER AS
INDEPENDENTS.
The loud, enthusiastic former US Navy SEAL, Minnesota Governor, World Wrestling Federation wrestler, movie actor and talk-show host presents a readable book. Jesse knows the value of a good political team.
He pulls no punches pointing out the likelihood of election theft in the United States in 2000 and 2004.
He is clear that corporations own the two parties, Democrat and Republican; third parties are deliberately excluded.
As a Vietnam War veteran, underwater explosives expert and frogman he is convinced that the official account of the 9/11 2001 attack is false.
He is clear that mainstream media will not allow the truth to emerge.
Therefore it is not an Old-party hack who will bring the US back from the mess created by the corporate two-party
system; the job needs to go to someone willing to show that the Democrat and Republican emperors have had no clothes.
The job should go to a maverick with a history of success:- Jesse Ventura.
Garth for Canada.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7878893233073706081&hl=en
Running on Fumes:
- Some American gas stations will be allowed to set their pumps to display half-gallon pricing. The non-digital, older pumps cannot display prices over $3.99, so they will display the price per half-gallon.
- Americans have learned that gasoline volume expands with heat, thus giving less per gallon. Many are heading to the gas stations earlier in the cooler morning.
This is surely an advantage in frigid Canada you say? No…our pumps are already regulated for temperature. Distributors wouldn’t want to give Canadian consumers even a slight advantage, don’t you know.
- Car dealerships in the U.S.A. are offering free gas or free guns for a car purchase. The guns have been more popular.
- There’s the “Pray At the Pump” movement which asks God to intervene.
- Then there’s the “carbon tax” proposal. Countries like China which are subsidizing their fuel, will be repelled by this Canadian self-flagellation and, in sympathy, promptly shut down their generators.
I for one would like to see less homeless so tax them and the problem will go away? It looks like the plan for the carbon tax shifting so why would it not work elsewhere?
By Marc on 05.23.08 11:57 am
Because both seldom have a Canadian address. They usually use a ‘Box’ number! Call them ‘Offshore’ entities.
So, how do you send the tax bill?
“weaselette” seems so inadequate for Taber. Just seeing her with Duff or worse yet watching an hour of Sunday question period is agonizing if not grating. You have to feel great sympathy for Craig.
“weaselette” seems so inadequate for Taber. Just seeing her with Duff or worse yet watching an hour of Sunday question period is agonizing if not grating. You have to feel great sympathy for Craig.
Sour milk on the corn flakes this morning?
By Janice on 05.23.08 9:49 am
Why NO, Jan-ICE, we’re actually quite happy about the prospect of burning BIRDY [BOO!] BAIRD in effigy. (Actually Ay-Pfhuggy, ‘cos that represents his intellect and project management capabilities)
While a minister in Ontario, (NO … not a man of the cloth) …he and Janet Magna- NIMOUS*** Ecker, participated in the unceremonious BLOWING of $half-$a-$Billon bucks on a project which would not permit the introduction of an incremental (%) factor to make the project workable. They, meaning BIRDY [BOO!] and Magna-NIMOUS, *** were responsible for coordinating the ALL-GNU social services administration program. They commissioned Arthur Andersen (of Enron fame – Now known as Accenture—name changed due to their performance during the Enron fame) to do the necessary work. It seems the service provider was able to perform the work at rates in excess of FIVE TIMES the ministry employee rate, to achieve what was essentially a DEBACLE.
***Magna-IMOUS went on to achieve even greater fame when she presented WHAT SHE CLAIMED WAS A BALANCED BUDGET, in the company of Ernesto (Che – El Bandito) Eves at Magna International offices. The Magna ‘digs’ were acquired for the relatively low cost of $100,000. Both the social service project and balanced budget claim were roundly criticized by Erik Peters, the provincial auditor. The ‘balanced budget’ turned out to be a deficit of $5.6 BILLION. Someone here mentioned the term FAME which in this case I would characterize as NOTORIETY. In effect, they both swept totally past FAME, in the company of INCOMPETENCE, to achieve NOTORIETY.
To make a long story short, BIRDY-[BOO!]‘S inaction on the environment file, and joining with the US and Japan to do nothing, will result in his receiving full credit for another world condition which appears to be on a critical path requiring SOLUTION. “Acidified ocean water threatens marine life from Mexico to Vancouver Island.” It seems BIRDY [BOO!] need only to continue to DO NOTHING TO ACHIEVE NOTORIETY.
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=d19e7963-7d57-47fa-b582-f948dd4e2419
I really don’t like the homeless and beggers who stake real estate in front of liquor stores, gas stations and such. I have to run a quantlet through them to go pay for my gas quite often.
By Marc on 05.23.08 11:57 am
When All You Have Is Hope (It’s a book)
For entrepreneur Frank O’Dea, it was a long road from street life to the high life. Born in Montreal to an upper-middle-class family, Frank’s life took a downturn as a young man when he was sexually assaulted by a priest. He began drinking at an early age, smashing up 17 cars. Soon he was destitute, living in degradation on the streets of Toronto. By way of a sympathetic employer and the Salvation Army, O’Dea quit drinking and started a small business that developed into the Second Cup coffee chain. Over the years, his philanthropic activities extended to AIDS fundraising, child literacy in the Third World, and landmine removal. His message is simple: HOPE, VISION, ACTION.
**********
Recently, I was approached by a person such as the one’s you refer to and asked for change for cigarettes or something or other. It didn’t matter really. I gave him what I had, he thank me and walked away.
My young Son was sitting beside me, and he said, “that was a nice thing to do Dad”.
Easy to be Hard
Easy to be Cold
Easy to say No
One thing leads to another, then to another….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyn9QIQtP68
“Unfortunately, you, Leasa, Catherine & so many others on Garth’s blog, who worship your god, Stevie, are similar to those people in Germany (pre & during WWII) and in other fascist countries (Italy, Austria & others), who did not question what was happening in their midst.”
By kpn on 05.23.08 11:05 am
You know what is so incredible about liberals is that if you don’t agree with them you are called a nazi or fascist or whatever you can come up with.
There is lots about the Harper government that I don’t agree with. But it certainly pales in comparison to the prospect of a weak, indecisive, enviro lunatic that thinks higher taxes are the key to changing climate change to whatever they think climate should actually be.
So if that is what defines a nazi or fascist then I guess I am one.
I am shocked. — Garth
By Janice on 05.23.08 9:49 am
Why NO, Jan-ICE, we’re actually quite happy about the prospect of burning BIRDY [BOO!] BAIRD in effigy.
By PYOTR PETROBITCH on 05.23.08 12:37 pm
Please bear with me. I can’t seem to figure if this is supposed to be humour or did you forget your prozac today.
Are you even a real person?
A strange Headline don’t you think?
Canada’s Carney Proposes Rules to Restrain Liquidity (Update2)
By Greg Quinn and Alexandre Deslongchamps
Carney muses that banks and financial institutions adopt rules limiting their ability to lend, thus possibly averting another financial crisis.
Strange, in that The Bank of Canada has been injecting billions in liquidity during the past year. The current Budget expands his powers in the range of terms, collateral, and counterparties beyond the banks.
More restraint for the banks, unlimited power to the Central Bank. Do you get distinct whiff of Empire Building here?
The last line of the article will be of interest to ABCP followers.
…you do know why Kim Campbell lost don’t you?
By slg on 05.23.08 12:11 pm
Because you don’t debate health care in an election campaign. Oops.
Bad campaigning is right. I think Garth lost his seat in that one.
Ministers Baird and Ritz Celebrate 2008 International Day for Biological Diversity
Quote Gerry Ritz
“Canadian farmers are proud to be the stewards of our land, and this Government is joining with them to protect that land,” said Minister Ritz. “Farmers are taking action with the Environmental Farm Planning program, they are adopting good practices that reduce agricultural risk and they are benefiting from this Government’s realistic biofuels policy. Environmental protection and sustainability benefits us all through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land that grows our food.”
Oh really Gerry! So why does your Bill C-33 promote corn crops that use GMO? (Genetically Modified Organism).
GMO is considered a strong link to the worldwide bee collapse. Another canary in the mine…
Gerry Ritz – you win my balderdash quote of the week.
Have a great weekend Garth!
By John Duddy. on 05.23.08 12:14 pm
The beautiful thing about the two-party system is that it keeps 50% of the politicians out of office.
So if that is what defines a nazi or fascist then I guess I am one.
I am shocked. — Garth
By Janice on 05.23.08 12:43 pm
I am NOT shocked whatsoever. I will, however, point out that Janice would never qualify for such status, ‘gnatsy’ yes, but the others, NO!
By Janice on 05.23.08 12:43 pm
Boy, Jan-ICE, you sure do got them mundane beige panties of yours in a Knotty-Knotty-Knotty t’day.
Throw them hips into a wide swagger and walk right over to Reitmans.
Be sure to STEP OVER AND AROUND anyone who looks like they’re impoverished.
I’ve always been terrified by the prospect of ‘landing here on earth,’ rather than being born here … only to BE ALL ALONE, without human companionship.
I guess to you GNATsies, that don’ matter. Ever read FOUNTAINHEAD? Read it to learn that ‘bootstraps’ without humanity is not a spiritually rewarding experience … As Greg has already noted in his posting.
Helping folks, being sociable, just generally being happy with my vacant stare, is all I need. But, the prospect of having you chased down the shiny expansive halls at Penetanguishene by a small boy on a tryke, does give me a HELLUVA boost.
I attribute that scar to religion and Queen Victoria’s teachings. Sad, very, very sad.
By Bill-Muskoka on 05.23.08 9:25 am
Add to that the MEN who in writing the Bible made sure that a man was first and the woman came later. (The first “Miracle” from MUD no less)(Was he a Neo-Con??????)
You think Homer Simpson is an accurate representation of the average American male
No Gord – just you…
By Bonnie N BC on 05.23.08 12:07 pm
Actually Bonnie, Homer does represent a lot of males…Canadian and American. Been to any C&W bars lately? Heavy Metal night clubs? A neighborhood Pub?, Someone’s living room when Hockey is on? A stadium with a sporting event? A factory? Yeppers, Homer be well alive!
Now, shall we talk about who represents Jane Doe average female? That is far more complex I think. Would it be one of women on ‘Sex in The City’, ‘Deperate Houswewives’, pick about any Soap Opera, or Oprah, how about Dr. Phil (Definitely to most honest Mixed Nuts show on TV).
How about Hanna Montana?, sheesh, there is NO standard anymore, just people, all different, but curiously similar in a mindless way based on which generation they belong to. Then we have the Blue Haired Lady set. LOL
- You think Homer Simpson is an accurate representation of the average American male
No Gord – just you…
By Bonnie N BC on 05.23.08 12:07 pm
D’oh!
Homer embodies several American stereotypes of working-class blue-collar men: he is crude, overweight, incompetent, clumsy, thoughtless and a borderline alcoholic. His personality is one of frequent stupidity, laziness and explosive anger. He has a low intelligence level, being described by director David Silverman as “creatively brilliant in his stupidity.” Homer shows immense laziness towards work, is overweight and “is devoted to his stomach.”
Not at all like me.
Gord
A good start; now we’ll work on speechless. No doubt Dion would like a few days without seeing Garth in the headlines for yet another misadventure.
Right Wing Authoritarianism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-wing_Authoritarianism
In consideration of the well founded advice “know thy enemy” this is required reading!
Google Right Wing Authoritarianism for more.
Fascinating illness!
By BT on 05.23.08 10:21 am
WOW!
ALL Liberals (and any one else who Thinks) MUST go to this article and READ it. It explains sooooo much about the Neo-Cons. And their followers. The brain dead.
There is lots about the Harper government that I don’t agree with. But it certainly pales in comparison to the prospect of a weak, indecisive, enviro lunatic that thinks higher taxes are the key to changing climate change to whatever they think climate should actually be.
So if that is what defines a nazi or fascist then I guess I am one.
I am shocked. — Garth
By Janice on 05.23.08 12:43 pm
Neutral taxation…try to stay with the program Janice!
I totally agree with everything you’ve said Bonnie in your above post. I’ve had my h’ummer feeder out for a month, when they were first spotted in NS, but haven’t seen one. I was so worried they wouldn’t come back as we had abanded them for 3 wks last summer when we went on vac. My DH told me this am that last eve. after I went to bed that he saw one out front. He came to tell me, but I was already asleep. I just made a new batch of sugar & water. They are the most amazing little birds and make such ‘different sounds’.
By kpn on 05.23.08 10:36 am
KPN, Eat your heart out.
My hummers have their babies out to my feeder already.
Feisty little devils. But so fast and SO DAMN MANY! I must fill my 1 ltr. feeder DAILY.
If they where not so interesting (Not to mention beautiful) I would just give up.
“This,” it said simply, “is bullshit of the highest order.”
Hence my profane post of yesterday afternoon about chaps and pics .
Sick tired and fed up of assholes believing every piece of filth said about you .
The Garth that I have come to know is far too much of a gentleman to ever embarrass the ladies .
I know how much respect you have for Esther and all the ladies in your life .
Thess idiots Hairy S. and Leasa bragging ’bout how they ” broke the story ” had me vomiting .
I knew in my heart it was bullshit as I believe in what you stand for and have ultimate respect for you .
Never expected ,my missive, to be posted it was “For Your Eyes Only “
Jack Layton Keeps Driving Voters to the Greens and Liberals – by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.23.08
Business & Politics
“…In the last election I voted for the Green Party for the first time and felt terrible after when the Green vote was greater than the margin the NDP candidate lost by to the Liberal.
I no longer feel so terrible; Layton has come out firmly against a carbon tax proposed by the Liberals. They planned a “revenue neutral” tax system where personal and corporate income taxes would be reduced as taxes on the production of CO2 are implemented. ”
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/05/jack-layton-carbon-tax.php
Gathering momentum? Interesting article. Great photo!
Flash News:
Harper, speaking of gasoline tax and Government:
“It’s making an enormous amount of money on the higher oil prices and we think the logical response is to lower the taxes.”
Flaherty: “he called the GST a “galloping tax” on gasoline that was unfairly tied to rapid price increases.”
from
Taxing gas
Ottawa’s part of the problem – Windsor Star – May 20
Most excellent thinking on their part! I’m turning Com, I’m turning Con, I realy think so. Oh bliss, politicians are looking after the needs of the common folk. Grab the old ladies and all of my babies and let’s go fill up the tank. My trust problem is restored!
I guess they can be as bigoted as the rest of us.
By Janice on 05.23.08 9:00 am
No,your particular form of bigotry stands alone in its monument.
Humans need to think twice, about what we’re doing, and work harder to respect and encourage the needed balance that women bring to the mix. To ignore that, is to ignore the roles that we have all evolved.
By Barb the proof-reader
on 05.23.08 2:14 am
Dear Barb :
Women are my favoutite race .
Well I guess that new poll out today will have Harry, Lesa, Catherine and the rest of the Harper groupies sulking.
a href=”http://tinyurl.com/4d2p48″ target=”_blank”>New Nanos Sun poll
Dion is not a leader, doesn’t seem to matter as far as the voters are concerned party wise.
I attribute that scar to religion and Queen Victoria’s teachings. Sad, very, very sad.
BY BILL-MUSKOKA ON 05.23.08 9:25 AM
Amen.
For entrepreneur Frank O’Dea….
By Greg on 05.23.08 12:37 pm
Wow, that’s a nice story Greg, you must be a nice guy. I’ve been needing a story to explain to people why I can’t resist giving moey yo street people when they ask. This will do nicely, Thanks!
)
- You view men as dogs who need to be “trained” to heed every command of members of the female gender
Gord.
By Gord G on 05.23.08 11:15 am
Jesus H., Tap Dancing, Christ !
Where is Georginne when we need her ?
But it certainly pales in comparison to the prospect of a weak, indecisive, enviro lunatic
By Janice on 05.23.08 12:43 pm
Grease, oil leaked into Athabasca River in the fall, MLA reveals
One million litres of waste water, including grease and oil, leaked into the Athabasca River last September, the Liberals revealed in the legislature on Thursday
Pay attention Janice, why did members of the Liberal party of Alberta have to be the ones to reveal this enviromental disaster?
It’s because your strong, decisive polluters don’t want us to knnow what you are doing to our country and our kids future.
Maybe you love to live surrounded by toxic waste but we don’t and thank goodness we have an enviro lunatic and a party that loves the land ,sea and air of this great country.
So if that is what defines a nazi or fascist then I guess I am one.
I am shocked. — Garth
By Janice on 05.23.08 12:43 pm
I’m not . Sarcasm noted .
thank goodness we have an enviro lunatic and a party that loves the land ,sea and air of this great country.
By Ron p on 05.23.08 2:00 pm
Oh, go hug a porcupine.
With all that’s happened in the last 3 years, all I have to say is this:
All you Progressive Conservatives who are now supporting these New Harper Alliance Reform Conservatives are straight up cowards. You should fight to resurrect your party, try to salvage *some* dignity.
Neutral taxation…try to stay with the program Janice!
By wjp on 05.23.08 1:28 pm
“Neutral taxation” now thats a good one. Do you mean revenue neutral? That in a sentence with liberals is an oxymoron.
Oh, go hug a porcupine.
By Janice on 05.23.08 2:15 pm
Why Janice dear, you must have mixed up you preparation H with your poli-grip.
You talking like an asshole.
I was going to save that one for Harry S but you are so deserving.
I propose MEN WITH HATS writes a blog, as I would read it as regularly as I do Garth’s… what do you say?
Oh, go hug a porcupine.
By Janice on 05.23.08 2:15 pm
Why Janice dear, you must have mixed up you preparation H with your poli-grip.
You talking like an asshole.
I was going to save that one for Harry S but you are so deserving.
By Ron p on 05.23.08 2:23 pm
ROTFLMAO
Maybe you love to live surrounded by toxic waste but we don’t and thank goodness we have an enviro lunatic and a party that loves the land ,sea and air of this great country.
By Ron p on 05.23.08 2:00 pm
Ron anybody can and should report a spill, it’s quick and easy, here’s how:
To protect Canada’s aquatic environment, oil spills and pollution with other contaminants must be reported to the Canadian Coast Guard as soon as possible.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15 minutes
Here’s How:
If you pollute the water with oil or other contaminants, or if you see someone else polluting, report it to the Coast Guard immediately.
In areas with Coast Guard communications services, use Channel 16, VHF Marine radio.
To report an oil spill by phone, call in the Yukon and BC: 1-800-889-8852; in Quebec: 1-800-363-4735; in the Maritimes: 1-800-565-1582; in Newfoundland: 1-800-563-2444; and in all other provinces: 1-800-265-0237.
Explain where and when the incident happened.
Explain how the pollution happened.
Tell the Coast Guard what kind of pollution it is.
Describe how much pollution there is.
Give the name of the person or vessel that caused the pollution.
Tips:
The Coast Guard will investigate, and may initiate clean-up action.
Polluters are required to pay for the costs of clean-up. They may also be subject to fines and penalties.
Gord.
Can someone answer this? Lynch outsourced the so-called independent investigation into Naftagate, and right away that smelled. It would seem outsourcing, to a business being is paid to do work, is not at all independent. We know that companies can never be independent – they are influence by whether or not they will be hired for the NEXT job, not to mention friendlies. So a private company can’t be without bias, because they would want to please their masters (stay friends, get hired another day).
Where’s the arms-length? Why not Mounties and/or a non-partisan gov’t investigation – with some teeth? This so-called independent investigation seems a sham. No wonder no one is “guilty”. What a joke. Chalk one more up for Harper’s escape tactics.
And what else? Brodie gone – so bring in the new tactical manipulator Giorno to “fool enough of the people, some of the time”.
Liberal MP Glen Pearson posts on his Blog of An Election Worth Fighting
- A lot of feathers but not enough chicken.
Dear Barb :
Women are my favoutite race.
BY MEN WITH HATS 05.23.08 1:51 PM
Dear Men,
You are my favourite “Men”
(my husband being my favourite man, of course).
GMO is considered a strong link to the worldwide bee collapse. Another canary in the mine…
BY BONNIE N BC 05.23.08 12:55 PM
Hi Bonnie!
..and, of course, getting rid of indigenous and heritage seed, because modified seed can be patented.. “owned” by a few, who can ‘corner the markets’.
The rich get richer may have been a cute line from a song, but now it lurks ominous.. collapse the middle class. The numbers say it all.
“Neutral taxation” now thats a good one. Do you mean revenue neutral? That in a sentence with liberals is an oxymoron.
By Janice on 05.23.08 2:19 pm
Well, you are just a MORON !
“weaselette” seems so inadequate for Taber. Just seeing her with Duff or worse yet watching an hour of Sunday question period is agonizing if not grating. You have to feel great sympathy for Craig.
By DAVE WALSH on 05.23.08 12:34 pm
I’ve not watched them for a few years. Don’t recall that Craig was much better.
Monsanto must be eradicated . ASAP .
Canola is now a noxious weed thanks to these geniuses .
Flanagan speaks:
“”Everything emanates from Stephen himself….”, Flanagan said.”
Eeeew. I wonder if he means sunshine emanating from orifices or maybe something else.
———–
“As for proroguing Parliament and bringing it back with a new speech from the throne sometime in the fall, Flanagan said that might be a useful way to refocus attention on the government’s agenda and provide some respite from trench warfare with scandal-obsessed opposition parties.”
I suppose the opposition parties are so scandal-obsessed because there are so damn many Con SCANDALS.
If parliament is prorogued, that will be the second time “Canada’s New Government” has done this. Is that a record? Is that even legal?
——
“On the down side, Flanagan said a throne speech could delay the progress of legislation that Harper would like to see passed before an election.”
No, actually, Mr. Flanagan, that would be the UPSIDE of proroguing Parliament.”
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2008/05/22/5633801-cp.html
———-
By Charles Oxley on 05.22.08 9:41 pm
from yesterday’s thread
“…the one thing is to make themselves like wasps, which serve no purpose other than stinging folk and making themselves damned annoying.”
That reminds me of a bit from Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” where he describes his presents, “…like books that ‘told me everything about the wasp except why.’”
———-
By kpn on 05.23.08 11:35 am
“Just rec’d a call from a telemarketer selling a security system. We already have one that DH installed many years ago. Unfortunately, the telemarker was an Indian that spoke so fast that I could not understand him.”
That guy must have called me just after he finished talking to you. Honestly, if you didn’t have a security system, do they really think you’d tell them? Hmmmm…maybe that’s the game.
————
By Greg on 05.23.08 12:37 pm
“Recently, I was approached by a person such as the one’s you refer to and asked for change for cigarettes or something or other. It didn’t matter really. I gave him what I had, he thank me and walked away.”
I hear ya. I’m just happy that I have something to give them.
——-
By kpn on 05.23.08 10:36 am
By A.R.Wainwright on 05.23.08 1:34 pm
About hummingbirds – I’m somewhere between those two stages. The hummers showed up here about about two weeks ago. The little males started doing their “swooping dance” a couple of days ago, trying to impress the ladies.
I actually saw a little female watching the male display last year. She was sitting on a branch about a couple of feet from where I was sitting, watching this guy doing his “u’s” above her. It looked like she was watching an arial tennis match, her beak describing small “u’s” as her eyes followed him.
I don’t think she was impressed. When the display was over, she just flew away.
—–
By Gord G on 05.23.08 1:14 pm
Gord, Homer borderline alcoholic? He has quoted that beer is the cause of and temporary solution to all of lifes problems. I would call Homer a drunk personally as the only difference between a drunk and an alcoholic is an alcoholic can admit they have a problem.
Neutral taxation…try to stay with the program Janice!
By wjp on 05.23.08 1:28 pm
So, wjp, where is costing for the new government employees that will manage the new Carbon Tax. Or the costing for new computer programs and databases?
The 18 Billion $ Carbon Tax IS NOT neutral – no matter how you spin it.
GMO is considered a strong link to the worldwide bee collapse. Another canary in the mine…
BY BONNIE N BC 05.23.08 12:55 PM
Hi Bonnie!
..and, of course, getting rid of indigenous and heritage seed, because modified seed can be patented.. “owned” by a few, who can ‘corner the markets’.
The rich get richer may have been a cute line from a song, but now it lurks ominous.. collapse the middle class. The numbers say it all.
By Barb the proof-reader
on 05.23.08 3:23 pm
Sorry I havent’t followed this thread, (finally had an afternoon nap) but just saw your above posts. I’m totally against GMO seeds – have been for years. Yep, screw the small farmer – Monsanto anyone. When I worked & my health was better, I used to grow 5-700 seedlings under lights in my basement – many heritage tomatoe plants along with flower seeds that I bought/traded with gardeners the world over. We bought this place, not for the house, but so I could garden. Spend $$$ – had 6 tandem truckloads of rocks and garbage removed and same amount of ‘good’ soil brought in, plus much more. Too long to recount. Have major back & other health problems. Life sucks, but one has to have optimism.
DH made a fire in the fireplace upstairs & I moved my coffee table & chair in front of the fplace. Wow – its so nice and warm.
Why Janice dear, you must have mixed up you preparation H with your poli-grip.
You talking like an asshole.
I was going to save that one for Harry S but you are so deserving.
By Ron p on 05.23.08 2:23 pm
Ron p is such fine example of a Liberal.
The 18 Billion $ Carbon Tax IS NOT neutral – no matter how you spin it.
By Catherine on 05.23.08 4:25 pm
Really, show me the figures where you have seen it isn’t!
“Neutral taxation” now thats a good one. Do you mean revenue neutral? That in a sentence with liberals is an oxymoron.
By Janice on 05.23.08 2:19 pm
Well, you are just a MORON !
By Men With Hats on 05.23.08 3:49 pm
No I meant exactly what I said!
(The first “Miracle” from MUD no less)(Was he a Neo-Con??????)
By A.R.Wainwright on 05.23.08 1:05 pm
Would that be Harry Mud per adventure? I am sure Numbers 1 through x want to know!
The 18 Billion $ Carbon Tax IS NOT neutral – no matter how you spin it.
By Catherine on 05.23.08 4:25 pm
Okay,genius explain to us all that a cavon-tax entails .Thought not .
About GMO rice
Farmers in the Phillipines are apparently fighting back against their government encouraging the switch to GMO rice. It seems it is causing a large part of the rice shortage in their country.
In the past, a farmer would retain a small percentage of their produce in order to re-seed the next year’s crop. They tried GMO seed, but quickly found that it will not propagate, which forced them to start buying more seed from the American suppliers. This cuts severely into their income.
Now, to add to the problem, due to the conditions, caused by environmental extreme weather, they lost their crop, and where before they would have been able to access part of their seed stock for food, they no longer had any reserves to draw upon. So now they have no food to eat, no seed to plant, and no money to buy seed for planting. Lose, lose, lose.
There seems to be a movement to go back to their proven age old methods. The increased production of 20% granted by GMO seed is not worth the added costs, and impact on the lifestyle they have been living for generations…
Makes you wonder what the GMO lobby offered the government for the promotion.
Oh, go hug a porcupine.
By Janice on 05.23.08 2:15 pm
Seems JanICE is rather fond of ‘pricks’?
The ominous baby steps of Nafta, SPP..
RFK Jr.. per Bonnie’s post:
“If you talk to the engineers and the planning and policy makers in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Phoenix and Las Vegas . . . they’ll say, ‘Well we don’t have to worry about [water] because we’ll just get the water from Canada.
* Kennedy added it’s important for the Canadian public to MAKE IT CLEAR funnelling water southward is not the solution.
* “It’s REALLY IMPORTANT for us to be ABLE say, ‘Canada’s NOT going to give us the water.’
BY BONNIE L 05.23.08 9:39 AM
What Kennedy is saying to CANADA = Please get your asses in gear and FORCE the Canadian government to guarantee Canadians that our water is not going to be given away.
WE ALL NEED TO KNOW THERE WILL BE NO WATER GRAB
- Kennedy NEEDS that argument, so that the good people of the U.S. can stop their own madness, that they can’t ‘just take it for granted’ that they ARE getting Canadian water, as they seem to assume. Who told them this. Is it too late already? Those Americans are already clearly under the impression it’s a slam dunk. Is it – shouldn’t we find out.
Nafta and Security and Prosperity Partnership schemes – the baby steps – we have plenty to fear, that our bulk water is not only on the table, it is out of our contol already, although we silly voters aren’t supposed to think about thingies like that, that aren’t supposed to be true. Except it is.
“what security? whose prosperity?”
http://www.dollarsandsense.org/archives/2008/0108sciacchitano.html
“SPP WATCH”
http://www.canadians.org/integratethis/
Google: maude barlow water
And visit:
http://www.canadians.org/
What and carbon .Oooops !
New bi-focals are messing me up .
By Ron p on 05.23.08 2:00 pm
The CONs in Alberta are waiting until they can ‘Walk across the water’, then they will know things are ‘Just Right!’
Where is Georginne when we need her ?
By Men With Hats on 05.23.08 1:59 pm
Amen!
Monsanto must be eradicated . ASAP .
Canola is now a noxious weed thanks to these geniuses .
By Men With Hats on 05.23.08 3:52 pm
Don’t know about Canola being a noxious weed, but I’m totally against Gmo seeds.
Its really about ‘big business’ to the detriment of small farmers. – Hey Leasa – do you still support Harper who supports GMO? and big agri business who are a detriment to small farmers?
I recall a street person with a sign on an exit ramp that read ‘Why Lie? I need a Beer’
I gave him two Bucks for his honesty. Heck, I’ve bought beers for far less honest guys in pubs.
Oh joy…Chatty Cathy is on duty at the CPC Death Star!
Hmmmm…Oddawahahaha is now writing contracts? Amazing what a city can do isn’t it? I thought PEOPLE made such decisions, but it appears I am mistaken (NOT).
NAFTA-leak report clears PM’s chief of staff
Two investigators from a heavyweight private security firm hired by Ottawa interviewed bureaucrats, diplomats and others, pored through computer e-mail files and inspected phone logs in their fruitless search for the leak.
In a brief written statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper highlighted the findings and said he has “accepted all the recommendations of the report.”
Gee, doesn’t that sound a lot like Harper’s response to ‘The Manley Report’ on ‘Ghan? Is that in his little Play Book too?
(Ah, from the G&M…another Player for we know who!)
New bi-focals are messing me up.
By Men With Hats on 05.23.08 4:42 pm
By Ron p on 05.23.08 2:00 pm
You should have gone for the Progessives instead! LOL They are so much fun…like being on drugs if you forget to turn your head.
By kpn on 05.23.08 10:36 am
kpn
So sorry I missed your morning post.
Two holly trees – one male one female – 25 feet high. I have no idea what genus – my guess is they are 30 years old.
By the way, the bees like the male tree.
It’s all flowery…
Hmmm watching Jack Layton on Duffy Live skirm about his – no not carbon tax but lower gas prices.
So his is thought that the government needs to go into deficit ( I think we are pretty close now.)
No one, especially Dion wants to attack lower income people. I am confident he will have planned for this…
HAGW
PS That’s so dumb – we can help lower income people with a gas tax holiday…
Think Mr. Layton should watch his back as Mr. Mulcair seems pretty ambitious and self serving.
Monsanto must be eradicated ASAP Canola is now a noxious weed thanks to these geniuses By Men With Hats
I’m totally against Gmo seeds – Its really about ‘big business’ to the detriment of small farmers – Hey Leasa – do you still support Harper who supports GMO? and Big Agri-business that are a detriment to small farmers? BY KPN 4:46PM
“is it simply philosophical sloppiness? What leads the Gates and Rockefeller foundations to back the proliferation of Terminator patented seeds across Africa, a process which in every other place on earth destroys the natural plant seed varieties as monoculture industrialized agribusiness is introduced? AND, at the same time they invest tens of millions of dollars to preserve every seed variety known in a bomb-proof doomsday vault near the remote Arctic Circle ‘so that crop diversity can be conserved for the future’ – to restate their official release? It is no accident that the Rockefeller and Gates foundations are teaming up to push a GMO-style Green Revolution in Africa at the same time they are quietly financing the ‘doomsday seed vault’ on Svalbard”
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=7529
So, wjp, where is costing for the new government employees that will manage the new Carbon Tax. Or the costing for new computer programs and databases?
The 18 Billion $ Carbon Tax IS NOT neutral – no matter how you spin it.
By Catherine on 05.23.08 4:25 pm
Catherine – how many Billions, I’m talking $100 billion is your con govt. going to put into our Cdn military. Do you want to spend that amount on our military as opposed to helping our farmers, our industries, that are under attack by the Chinese, Indeans, etc.
Guess you’d rather spend $100B on military equipment.
Well I can sleep tonight now that the Naftagate report is out and no one leaked any confidential information…LMAO…
Somebody better tell Tom Clark at CTV…
No doubt the key is to determine what the military needs to do whatever the government(s) want it to do. Apparently Canada spends pretty much the going rate for our military in comparison to most of our NATO allies.
KPN:
$100 billion spent on the military? Over how many years?
The 2008 budget has $18.9 billion for the military.
By Bill-Muskoka on 05.23.08 1:09 pm
Dearest Bill of Muskoka
I guess you could consider me a women of the purple haired generation. But sorry, I never had the courage to try the kool-aid dyeing technique.
You might consider me a Gray Panther and no cougar jokes; my friend.
I might embrace radical ideas like carbon tax and Climate Change because I am not a member of any cult but one person concerned with this silly “duck and cover” premise that all is well on planet Earth.
Either you can accept facts or you can answer with loud refrain that it will cost too much. This to me, is a moral imperative not a political “gotcha”.
I enjoy your comments but only ask that you open your mind to the truth.
Speaking of “baseless conjecture” . . .
****************************************
I was walking past the mental hospital the other day, and all the patients were shouting,
‘. . . 13 . . . 13 . . . 13 . . .’
The fence was too high to see over, but I saw a little gap in the planks, so I looked through to see what was going on.
Some bastard poked me in the eye with a stick! Then they all started shouting,
‘. . . 14 . . . 14 . . . 14 . . .’
****************************************
Today, I had the experience of visiting a McMansion — the home sold for $1.2 mln. (does that qualify as a McMansion or a Wendy’s BaconBurger?!).
Our friends (more Sandy’s than mine) are retired Chinese, speak fluent Cantonese and Mandarin, but almost no English so conversations don’t usually include moi.
San is bilingual, so while they were all chatting, I ate the food, and authentic Chinese food is awesome!
Their daughter and SIL bought the place with the intention that our friends would sell their place, which they have and move in with them.
Verbalizing about McMansions is one thing; seeing what the interior consists of is quite different.
Our friends live in the “basement”, which includes a a built-in movie theatre, which seats twelve; two full bthrms., one two-pece bthrm., one mstr. bdrm., along with two smaller bdrms.; full kitchen and laundry facilities, walk-out deck and a rec. / rumpus room, all with mahogany hardwood floors.
Then comes a large, circular stairway leading to the main floor. Duplicate the bsmt. to start, add on a whole bunch of new space, 12-15 foot ceilings with other goodies thrown in for good measure, and that pretty much covers a basic McMansion.
Of course, further up the hill there are larger and far more opulent homes being built, but what the hell — I’m sticking with my original idea, which is when we sell our home sometime in 2010, I prefer to rent an apt. or townhome.
It overlooks Okanagan Lake and the mountains to the east; provided one can afford it, it is a gorgeous place for a good-sized family.
We pay our property taxes monthly (total is slightly over $2,800); I guess their taxes would be higher than ours.
****************************************
. . . “is bullshit of the highest order.”
CRAP already shot themselves in the feet, with their in-house “dictatorial disciplinarian control freak” harpo, along with resignations and fighting, so how much further damage will they be allowed to humanely inflict upon themselves?
Gawd, I LUV THE SMELL OF NAPALM IN THE MORNING!
Almost — not quite yet — but almost time to let voters vent their anger at the present lot of loonies running the asylum, and vote them out of our lives for once and for all.
Oh, go hug a porcupine.
By Janice on 05.23.08 2:15 pm
Seems JanICE is rather fond of ‘pricks’?
By Bill-Muskoka on 05.23.08 4:40 pm
New bi-focals are messing me up.
By Men With Hats on 05.23.08 4:42 pm
By Ron p on 05.23.08 2:00 pm
You should have gone for the Progessives instead! LOL They are so much fun…like being on drugs if you forget to turn your head.
By Bill-Muskoka on 05.23.08 5:09 pm
Too funny . ROTFLMAO .
Why Janice dear, you must have mixed up you preparation H with your poli-grip.
You talking like an asshole.
I was going to save that one for Harry S but you are so deserving.
By Ron p on 05.23.08 2:23 pm
Ron p is such fine example of a Liberal.
By Catherine on 05.23.08 4:27 pm
Catherine, my lady, did I leave you out?
My apologies. Allow me to ditto that comment to ya,
there, do you feel better?
While I’ve got you here I’d like to know and I’m serious, are you a progressive conservative or a reform/alliance kind of gal?
yours truly
TRUE GRIT
Ron anybody can and should report a spill, it’s quick and easy, here’s how:
By Gord G on 05.23.08 3:01 pm
“The big question now is public trust, how much do we not know about leeching and spills and inappropriate discharges? That is the basic scientific question, and a number of scientists have said we need a good epidemiological study to assess that.”
A Suncor spokesperson said the communities and the province’s environment department were notified through the normal reporting channels at the time of the leak.
Suncor said it tested the water at the time and found no risk for fish, wildlife or human health, upstream or down.
Premier Ed Stelmach says the government is “diligently” investigating what happened.
“Were the people notified? What was the level of toxicity, if there was any?” he asked. “That’s a matter for the investigation, but we’re pursuing that very diligently.”
The leak announcement follows the recent move by Alberta Health and Health Canada to investigate reports of unusually high rates of cancers in Fort Chipewyan. The results of their analysis are expected in the fall.”
Thanks Gord for the info. Shall we forward that to Suncor and others including the Alberta gov’t.
Geeezzz , looks like Stelmach, the pig farmer has learned a new word. “diligently” . WTF?
Hey, Where are all the protests against Canada paying for a RUSSIAN Heavy Lift aircraft? Come on all you anti-Koyoto Trolls, there be a fracus to start!
Bernier’s plane pledge catches Ottawa off guard
OTTAWA — Federal officials scrambled yesterday to rent a high-priced Russian plane to ship helicopters to Myanmar because they could not deliver on Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier’s public pledge to provide Canada’s new C-17s for the job, sources said.
As officials quickly discovered, none of the recently purchased cargo lift aircraft were immediately available, contrary to what Mr. Bernier promised in Rome two days ago.
Yes indeed, the Harper goobernment is moving Canada FORWARD with their communication and planning skills. TWO DAYS AGO! WOW! Talk about being On Top of things Max!
Oh, maybe you are all Vodka fans, eh?
You might consider me a Gray Panther and no cougar jokes; my friend.
I might embrace radical ideas like carbon tax and Climate Change because I am not a member of any cult but one person concerned with this silly “duck and cover” premise that all is well on planet Earth.
Either you can accept facts or you can answer with loud refrain that it will cost too much. This to me, is a moral imperative not a political “gotcha”.
I enjoy your comments but only ask that you open your mind to the truth.
By Bonnie N BC on 05.23.08 6:02 pm
Bonnie,
Good to see you out on the ‘prowl’ this evening. I expect there are many ‘claws’ in environemtnal laws that are pertinent to the GHG issue. As a person rather well informed in such issues, I am neither a ‘cult member’ nor a blind supporter. I just recall some basic lessons I learned as a child such as ‘A stitch in time, saves nine’, ‘If you can’t find the time to do it right, when will you find the time to do it over?’, ‘Haste makes waste!’, etc.
PS: BTW, is that a little bit of grey showing? I won’t tell if you won’t?
Oh, tell me that purple hair is not because you Love Barney? LOL
Have a great evening.
Why Janice dear, you must have mixed up you preparation H with your poli-grip.
You talking like an asshole.
I was going to save that one for Harry S but you are so deserving.
By Ron p on 05.23.08 2:23 pm
That’s pretty funny…and I’m not even a Liberal!
So, wjp, where is costing for the new government employees that will manage the new Carbon Tax. Or the costing for new computer programs and databases?
The 18 Billion $ Carbon Tax IS NOT neutral – no matter how you spin it.
By Catherine on 05.23.08 4:25 pm
A whole lot more neutral than your Reform/Alliance/CPC Party policies represents. BTW Catty, seeing as the Carbon Tax plan by Mr. Dion hasn’t been made public as yet, how did you guys ever come up with an 18 Billion price tag? And you have the nerve to call anyone who doesn’t agree with you as Liberal spinners. Talk about calling the kettle black.
Good day Catherine
Catherine: So where is the costing for all the gas pump inspectors that Harper says are going to find all those crooked gas station owners who are using defective pumps???
come up with an 18 Billion price tag?
By Irene on 05.23.08 7:26 pm
I agree Irene, only I don’t think 18 Billion would be nearly enough. Remember the 2 Billion dollar gun registry. This would cost Billions more.
Gord.
By Ron p on 05.23.08 2:23 pm
That’s pretty funny…and I’m not even a Liberal!
By Lana on 05.23.08 6:56 pm
It’s Friday, we all need a good laugh and I’d much rather laugh with someone instead of at someone.
I like your comment also, nice to see a genuine sense of humour.
Well I can sleep tonight now that the Naftagate report is out and no one leaked any confidential information…LMAO…
Somebody better tell Tom Clark at CTV…
By wjp on 05.23.08 5:38 pm
A couple of points on this issue.
When Stephen Harper mandated the PCO to investigate the issue he has already pre-determined the outcome. The role of the PCO is to administer the public service not the political wing of government. The only possible “fault” had to be placed on the “documents” or on a public servant who received those documents. Since no public servant could be found responsible that responsibility falls back on the political wing.
Layton is “out to lunch” to try to make Bernier responsible as Minister of External Affairs. Bernier may be responsible for many things but he was not responsible for the comments of the PMs chief of staff.
If the information was given to what was seen as being a sympathic member of the media, it can correctly be characterized as not a leak. It was an intentional communication of sensitive information from a political official to the media personality involved.
In reality, as far as I can determine, the responsibility for this particularly issue is entirely political.
If it was an attempt to discredit both or either of the U.S. Democratic leadership candidates is the issue and the report has changed nothing in that regard.
By Bill-Muskoka on 05.23.08 6:52 pm
So Bill
I guess the basic question is do you believe in Climate Change or not?
No fence sitting – I know from your previous posts you have family and a concern about the future.
Do you honestly think the Turning the Corner Plan which I prefer to call the Roundabout Plan will work?
If so, please explain.
By Bonnie N BC on 05.23.08 8:28 pm
OK, here is my view on Climate Change and GHG.
1. The science proves it is real.
2. The deniers are playing Russian Roulette with OUR future to protect their Globalist ‘friends’ profits.
3. The debate is based on wishful thinking, not science and inductive logic.
4. The global rise in temperature is an AVERAGE and means little to local and regional changes.
5. The local and regional changes will be the ones that cause true harm to life on this planet.
6. Hoping it ‘won’t happen’ is as silly as hoping someone doesn’t get pregnant.’ If we screw Mother Nature, expect consequences.
7. The costs now are nothing compared to the casts that will coming if we fail to act.
8. John Baird is less qualified to be Minister of The Environment than I am to be a Brain Surgeon, and I am NOT a brain surgeon.
9. Like George Carlin says ‘Save the planet? The planet is doing just fine. It’s the people who are f—-d!’
10. Do I support a Carbon Tax? NO! it does absolutely nothing to solve the problems. Strict environmental laws and enforcement are the answer.
11. The answer lies in the planet’s thermodynamic system, aka, the OCEANS!
12. We can have a normal lifestyle but it will take courage and realleadership. Right now we have a bunch of ill-informed politicians, who do not comprehend science, and are unable to deal with the real issues. They have failed us, and will fail us, until a real major, and unfortunately irreversable, crisis comes along. Givernment hardly ever does more than react to crisis. Even when they do pre-emminently act, they then cut corners, and keep the problem alive. Take NOLA as a prime example.
The problem is a greater worship of money and power than life, all life, but especially the lives of human beings.
Hope that answers your question?
(Genetically Modified Organism).
GMO is considered a strong link to the worldwide bee collapse. Another canary in the mine…
By Bonnie N BC on 05.23.08 12:55 pm
I’m with you on the GMO. No more Frankenstein experiments with the delicate balance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av6dx9yNiCA
It is reported that 25,000 farmers in India have committed suicide since 1997 due to Western companies self promotion and complicity.
Watch this video if you want to see Universal idiocy.
The problem is a greater worship of money and power than life, all life, but especially the lives of human beings.
Hope that answers your question?
By Bill-Muskoka on 05.23.08 9:15 pm
Dosen’t that remind you of the old joke,
Take my life, I’m saving my money for my old age.
The folks who are so sure that they will survive any catastrophe if they are rich enough just don’t get it.
Extinction is forever. FOR EVERYONE!
No one can eat money. In any form.
By Bill-Muskoka on 05.23.08 9:15 pm
Surely you must agree with me that the root cause of the planet’s problems is overpopulation .. there are just too many pollutin’ homo sapiens on the planet .. I mean 7-8 Billion … come on .. Gaia can’t tolerate that number of people crawling about on it’s surface and adversely affecting it’s dynamical systems into a disasterous cascade of bifurcations … and chaos reigns supreme ….???!!!!!
Seems JanICE is rather fond of ‘pricks’?
By Bill-Muskoka on 05.23.08 4:40 pm
Could be a misrepresentation, Bill. What if … Simulation Only … In a bid to give a nod to Monsanto, it’s really GMO … with the keyword being ORGASM. Remember, a cucumber doesn’t require words of affection.
I think we should devote MORE TIME to getting after their falsehoods. The CON-bots are usually stricken by the detour path when that occurs … which is MOST OFTEN.
By Gord G on 05.23.08 11:15 am
You might be a sexist if you post lists like that, and worse still, believe what you posted.
There is a word for women-haters in the dictionary. Whoever created that list you posted, is a misogynist.
——————–
This morning I saw Phil Donahue on Fox News (I watch Fox News for the same reason I tune in Duffy once in awhile–to hear the other side of the argument), and Phil said in arguing we should get out of Iraq, “we should not be losing young lives, so we can save old faces”. That’s a sound-bite worth repeating.
For Gord…
ROMANCE MATHEMATICS
Smart man + smart woman = romance
Smart man + dumb woman = affair
Dumb man + smart woman = marriage
Dumb man + dumb woman = pregnancy
____________ _________ _________
OFFICE ARITHMETIC
Smart boss + smart employee = profit
Smart boss + dumb employee = production
Dumb boss + smart employee = promotion
Dumb boss + dumb employee = overtime
____________ _________ ________
SHOPPING MATH
A man will pay $20 for a $10 item he needs.
A woman will pay $10 for a $20 item that she doesn’t need.
___________ _________ ________
GENERAL EQUATIONS & STATISTICS
A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.
A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.
____________ _________ ________
HAPPINESS
To be happy with a man, you must understand him a lot and love him a little.
To be happy with a woman, you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all.
____________ _________ _________
LONGEVITY
Married men live longer than single men do, but married men are a lot more willing to die.
____________ _________ _________
PROPENSITY TO CHANGE
A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn’t.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won’t change, and she does.
____________ _________ ________
DISCUSSION TECHNIQUE
A woman has the last word in any argument.
Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.
___________ _________ ________
HOW TO STOP PEOPLE FROM BUGGING YOU ABOUT GETTING MARRIED
Old aunts used to come up to me at weddings, poking me in the ribs and cackling, telling me, ‘You’re next.’ They stopped after I started doing the same thing to them at funerals.
SEND THIS TO A SMART WOMAN WHO NEEDS A LAUGH AND TO THE SMART GUYS YOU KNOW CAN HANDLE IT.
Surely you must agree with me that the root cause of the planet’s problems is overpopulation .. there are just too many pollutin’ homo sapiens on the planet .. I mean 7-8 Billion … come on .. Gaia can’t tolerate that number of people crawling about on it’s surface and adversely affecting it’s dynamical systems into a disasterous cascade of bifurcations … and chaos reigns supreme ….???!!!!!
By Harry S on 05.24.08 12:38 am
Ah, Harry, you sound just like a lawyer posing a hypothetical question. The tipoff is the ’surely’, as though there could not possibly be another conclusion. Oldest trick in their plethora of misdirection and avoidance techniques.
But, you, like most of them, fail to present supportive facts for the hypothesis, therefore the answer is ‘No!’ LOL
Simulation Only … In a bid to give a nod to Monsanto, it’s really GMO … with the keyword being ORGASM. Remember, a cucumber doesn’t require words of affection.
By PYOTR PETROBITCH on 05.24.08 12:41 am
Well, you have opened a can of worms now Pyotr. Just like the mis-quote of what Garth said has turned into a furor (not to be confused with the other kind with the funky mustache and weird salute), very often a single letter, missed by a scribe can result in catastrophic results.
Consider the experience a former Pope had upon reaching Heaven. His one wish was to have access to the Heaven’s Library to continue his study. (Obviously, he had a problem accepting the reality around him, because at that point everything was available right before his eyes, but yet, he still remained blind to Truth).
There he was, reading and suddenly, he began wailing and crying. His discord was so loud that St. Peter came to ascertain the matter.
When asked the Pope replied “They left out the ‘R’.”
St. Peter replied “The ‘R’?”
The Pope, still sobbing and barely able to speak responded ‘YES! The ‘R’ in celebrate”
You, of course, realize this is a ‘lay’ story, and not to be taken seriously. unless you are a Catholic Priest?
By Lana on 05.24.08 6:49 am
ROFLMAO! Because they are all so TRUE! Thanks, that was my morning gut ripper.
“we should not be losing young lives, so we can save old faces”. That’s a sound-bite worth repeating.
By Lana on 05.24.08 5:32 am
The thing no one seems to hear is that all the bombing is destroying ancient knowledge. Had the Arabs not sequestered many things away, it would have been lost. Take for instance the findings AFTER the Dark Ages. Had the Semetic people not been removed from Rome’s destruction we would have lost our true root knowledge gleaned for millenia dating back to the Sumerians.
This makes me wonder if Bush’s connections to the Religious Far Right has undercurrents of wanting to destroy the last repositories of ancient knowedge? I would not put it past him or them.
Gaia can’t tolerate that number of people crawling about on it’s surface and adversely affecting it’s dynamical systems into a disasterous cascade of bifurcations … and chaos reigns supreme ….???!!!!!
By Harry S on 05.24.08 12:38 am
So why not do Gaia and us a favour and make like the trees…and leave?
This makes me wonder if Bush’s connections to the Religious Far Right has undercurrents of wanting to destroy the last repositories of ancient knowedge? I would not put it past him or them.
By Bill-Muskoka on 05.24.08 10:13 am
Good point, Bill.
The comment Phil Donahue made was in reference to the Iraq war continuing so old men in Washington could “save face” for fighting a war they shouldn’t have been in the first place.
But I do despair of the loss of ancient knowledge, such as what was lost in Alexandria’s library (?)..trying to recall what it was called. Of all the things I’VE lost, I miss my mind the most.
By Harry S on 05.24.08 12:38 am
I forgot to mention the wisdom of George Carlin ‘We are just surface nusciance…and when the Earth is done with our stupidity it will shake us off like fleas.’
Hard for some with big egos to comprehend, but nonetheles TRUE!
Ask those people buried by volcanos, and in Mexico City, deluges by Katrina, wiped out by tsunamis, and earthquakes ‘How big of threat do think you are to the planet?’
They are definitely NOT of the Highest Order!
By Lana on 05.24.08 11:53 am
Perhaps these will help your memory?
Alexandria
Antiquity’s most famous library to be re-born
Also of note is that when Spain and Portugal routed the Islamic citizens during the Inquisition the Crusaders destroyed the Great Library at Cordova
But fear not, for they have many. They literally became the Keepers of History for the Ages.
The Legacy of Islamic Empires and their Arts
It wasn’t until the founding of the Royal Society that western civilizations, again, began to recapture the ancient knowledge. They lost their way primarily due to the Vatican’s influence which forbade differing opinions. Hence, the stigma between science and religion became a way of life for many. May ‘religions’ continue that power trip today because ignorance is such bliss to them.
Added to that are the various power seeking sects of the many religions. In the time of Jesus, as one brief example, there were four sects competing for power…The Pharisees, who were the ‘autorized way to Jehovah; The Sadducees who were pro-Roman Empire, and the Essenes who were Messianic, and the order to which Jesus (actually Yahshua Ha Mashiach) belonged. (Note reference has not been reviewed, but is a strting point for further research. I am running out of free time this afternoon)
Today the Jewish sects in North America consist primarily of Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform, and then there are the Zionists. There has also risen the Messianic Jews who believe in Christianity.
we have seen a rise of Literalists here in North America, most of whom are well intentioned, but as blind as can be due to the teachings of the Funnymentalists, which are no different than the ancient Funnymentalists, or the Islamic Jihadists.
Same goes for Islam. There are the Shiites, Sunnis, Funnymentalists, and various other sects. Then there are the Hindus which have many sects, including some Islamic ones. Some seek for Truth while others merely proclaim they alone are The Way. Where have we heard that before, eh?
I find it best to understand all of them as time permits, and simply believe God are loving parents (We made their in OUR image…male, female, spiritual, sentient), not some blood thristy ego-maniac playing partisan politics. But then after 40 years of research and personal introspection I have come to those conclusions, yet believe that God has sent numerous messengers to teach we, the Children, the lessons God wants us to know. Unfortunately, we have amongst us many who will tinker with what God gave, and ‘revise’ the words to portray God as some vicious rule driven maniac to create Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD). My God is not their god.
Interestingly, there is a most informative article in today’s Star regarding Islamic polygamy in Toronto. I think it illustrates several pojnts rather well.
GTA’s secret world of polygamy
This is news? (Discord in Liberal Party)— Garth
Apparently it is news Garth because all the big name liberals including Dion are saying there is no discord within the party. So now you are saying there is. Humm who are we to believe? You or them?