U.S Death Toll 3000 In Iraq
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 4:14 PM.
The death toll has reached 3000 for U.S. That is the number of American soldiers that have died since the war started.
America's Lost 3,000
By the Numbers: The U.S. Death Toll
Violent Deaths Of Leaders Of Iraq
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 3:07 PM.
The leaders of Iraq have never exited normally. Saddam is not the first leader of Iraq to die violently.
Canada Just Got Smaller
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Friday, December 29, 2006 at 3:09 PM.
The geographical landscape of Canada just got smaller.
"This is a piece of Canadian geography that no longer exists."
"This is a piece of Canadian geography that no longer exists."
Schwarzenegger And Doer Working Together
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 10:20 PM.
Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger are working together to reduce harmful greenhouse gases.
They signed an agreement which pledges to:
- Support Manitoba's efforts to adopt legislation that set goals for greenhouse gas reductions.
- Explore the opportunity for Manitoba to participate in carbon-credit trading via the Clean Air Resources Board and the California Climate Action Registry.
- Promote further trade partnerships in low- and no-emission vehicle technology, notably in the production of hybrid and hydrogen buses and the plug-in hybrid vehicle.
- Continue exchanges on best practices in areas such as renewable energy technology, solar power in California, geothermal energy in Manitoba, residential and commercial building efficiency, waste reduction and new transportation and agricultural initiatives.
The signed agreement can be found here.
Doer, Schwarzenegger sign clean-air pact
California-Manitoba clean energy pact pitched as model for other jurisdictions
Gov. Schwarzenegger, Premier of Manitoba, Canada Sign Agreement to Explore Linking of Future Carbon Trading Markets and Reduce Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions
California signs carbon trading deal with Manitoba
Merry Christmas From Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 11:49 AM.
Merry Christmas wishes from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad's blog.
If it's still not there here's the entire text:
Merry Christmas to everyone! 2006/12/21
In the Name of Almighty God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Merry Christmas to everyone!
My sincere congratulations to everyone for the Glorious and Auspicious Birthday of Divine Prophet - confirmed and authenticated by Gabriel, the angel of Divine revelation - the Obedient of Almighty God,
Jesus Christ, the Messiah (peace be upon Him)
He was a messenger of peace, devotion and love based upon monotheism and justice. He was raised in His Mother’s hand – Virgin Mary (peace be upon her) – that Almighty God stood her as impeccable and exalted her above the women of the world. The Mother and the Son that in the Divine Sight are reputable and prestigious. And they are positioned by God – The All Wise- at a sublime level.
There’s no doubt, after God – the Peerless Creator, the Beneficent, the Merciful – created the human beings, did not forsake them on their own. By sending and assigning the emissaries – prophets and messengers - along with the righteous individuals, and on top of that, by providing and utilizing the mankind with the gifts of intellect and human nature, they are guided in the right path – in order to achieve the complete perfection. The human generations – one after another – were not created to live in anguish, intimidation, skirmish, aggression, oppression, and misery. And without enjoying an amity and fraternity atmosphere - replete of love and justice – depart this life and leave it for the next generations.
The philosophy of human creation is: reaching the pinnacle of bliss, construction of immaculate life, efflorescence of all potentialities and talents, implementation of justice and devotion across the world amongst all human beings. This is one of the definite Divine promises that when the world is filled with oppression and enmity by the tyrants and oppressors, it will become full of justice by the reappearance of the promised Savior. All the Divine Prophets have clearly anounced this fact.
Unfortunately during the history, some egoistic and tyrant individuals have existed that stood against the convocations and the sermons of the Divine Prophets. And these tyrants and oppressors were the causation of all the adversities and the originator of all wars and animosities.
Today’s status quo of the world is obvious of everyone. In occupied Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and South America and even in Europe and North America, due to the interests of despotic dominant rulers’ parties and clans and also for filling up their pockets, the dignity, benevolence, peace and tranquility of the human beings have been taken to abattoir and slaughtered. And then, lie and deception are positioned for honesty and truth.
Many peoples are exasperated from the present situation of the world. And they have come to the conclusion that the existed procedure, method and technique can not provide tranquilly and peace to the mankind.
Frankly, if Jesus Christ – the Messiah (peace be upon Him) was present today, how would He react? And whom would He stand with and against?
If Jesus Christ (peace be upon Him) was present today, he would order an encounter against those who would propagate corruption, obscenity and perversion, and try to nullify and exterminate the merits and the rights of women and diminish their position – a position that virgin Mary (peace be upon Her) – is their role model and sample.
If Jesus Christ (peace be upon Him) was present today, He would order a contention against those who try to discharge the world from morality, spirituality, intellectuality, justice, and peace. And accordingly, the true followers of the Divine Prophets would follow their steps in regard to strengthening the morality, intellectuality, spirituality, peace and justice in the world.
Although last year was accompanied with many injustices, aggressions, and many violation of rights, but the calls and outcries of begging and imploring from God and demanding justice were louder. Day by day, nations would realize the power of faith and godliness. They would go for peace and justice more than before and give a positive answer to the Divine prophets’ sermons and would tell to their Creator – Almighty God “Here am I!” Praise the Lord!
The same way that Jesus Christ (peace be upon Him) invited the people to goodness and perfection, and also avoid them from evil, atrocity and aggression, His true followers do the same. With the belief in God and the Hereafter, they are frontiers in righteousness.
Certainly, the implementation of the Divine Prophets’ commands and directions would reform and improve our lives in this world and would safeguard a satisfying afterlife conjunctionally.
We believe that the beloved Jesus Christ – the Messiah (peace be upon Him and His Mother) would also reappear for the fulfillment of the promises of all the Divine prophets. And together – accompanying the invited of the nations – would bring all the beauties and goodness for humanity of the world. And we are getting close to that date.
While commemorating the birthday of the Prophet of amity, love and devotion – Jesus Christ, the Messiah (peace be upon Him and His beloved Mother) and congratulating the new year, I beg God – the Merciful, the All-Wise – a year of bliss, and health and a year replete of blessing, abundance, success, and affection for everyone, specially the Christian of Iran and the world.
via boingboing
If it's still not there here's the entire text:
Merry Christmas to everyone! 2006/12/21
In the Name of Almighty God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Merry Christmas to everyone!
My sincere congratulations to everyone for the Glorious and Auspicious Birthday of Divine Prophet - confirmed and authenticated by Gabriel, the angel of Divine revelation - the Obedient of Almighty God,
Jesus Christ, the Messiah (peace be upon Him)
He was a messenger of peace, devotion and love based upon monotheism and justice. He was raised in His Mother’s hand – Virgin Mary (peace be upon her) – that Almighty God stood her as impeccable and exalted her above the women of the world. The Mother and the Son that in the Divine Sight are reputable and prestigious. And they are positioned by God – The All Wise- at a sublime level.
There’s no doubt, after God – the Peerless Creator, the Beneficent, the Merciful – created the human beings, did not forsake them on their own. By sending and assigning the emissaries – prophets and messengers - along with the righteous individuals, and on top of that, by providing and utilizing the mankind with the gifts of intellect and human nature, they are guided in the right path – in order to achieve the complete perfection. The human generations – one after another – were not created to live in anguish, intimidation, skirmish, aggression, oppression, and misery. And without enjoying an amity and fraternity atmosphere - replete of love and justice – depart this life and leave it for the next generations.
The philosophy of human creation is: reaching the pinnacle of bliss, construction of immaculate life, efflorescence of all potentialities and talents, implementation of justice and devotion across the world amongst all human beings. This is one of the definite Divine promises that when the world is filled with oppression and enmity by the tyrants and oppressors, it will become full of justice by the reappearance of the promised Savior. All the Divine Prophets have clearly anounced this fact.
Unfortunately during the history, some egoistic and tyrant individuals have existed that stood against the convocations and the sermons of the Divine Prophets. And these tyrants and oppressors were the causation of all the adversities and the originator of all wars and animosities.
Today’s status quo of the world is obvious of everyone. In occupied Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and South America and even in Europe and North America, due to the interests of despotic dominant rulers’ parties and clans and also for filling up their pockets, the dignity, benevolence, peace and tranquility of the human beings have been taken to abattoir and slaughtered. And then, lie and deception are positioned for honesty and truth.
Many peoples are exasperated from the present situation of the world. And they have come to the conclusion that the existed procedure, method and technique can not provide tranquilly and peace to the mankind.
Frankly, if Jesus Christ – the Messiah (peace be upon Him) was present today, how would He react? And whom would He stand with and against?
If Jesus Christ (peace be upon Him) was present today, he would order an encounter against those who would propagate corruption, obscenity and perversion, and try to nullify and exterminate the merits and the rights of women and diminish their position – a position that virgin Mary (peace be upon Her) – is their role model and sample.
If Jesus Christ (peace be upon Him) was present today, He would order a contention against those who try to discharge the world from morality, spirituality, intellectuality, justice, and peace. And accordingly, the true followers of the Divine Prophets would follow their steps in regard to strengthening the morality, intellectuality, spirituality, peace and justice in the world.
Although last year was accompanied with many injustices, aggressions, and many violation of rights, but the calls and outcries of begging and imploring from God and demanding justice were louder. Day by day, nations would realize the power of faith and godliness. They would go for peace and justice more than before and give a positive answer to the Divine prophets’ sermons and would tell to their Creator – Almighty God “Here am I!” Praise the Lord!
The same way that Jesus Christ (peace be upon Him) invited the people to goodness and perfection, and also avoid them from evil, atrocity and aggression, His true followers do the same. With the belief in God and the Hereafter, they are frontiers in righteousness.
Certainly, the implementation of the Divine Prophets’ commands and directions would reform and improve our lives in this world and would safeguard a satisfying afterlife conjunctionally.
We believe that the beloved Jesus Christ – the Messiah (peace be upon Him and His Mother) would also reappear for the fulfillment of the promises of all the Divine prophets. And together – accompanying the invited of the nations – would bring all the beauties and goodness for humanity of the world. And we are getting close to that date.
While commemorating the birthday of the Prophet of amity, love and devotion – Jesus Christ, the Messiah (peace be upon Him and His beloved Mother) and congratulating the new year, I beg God – the Merciful, the All-Wise – a year of bliss, and health and a year replete of blessing, abundance, success, and affection for everyone, specially the Christian of Iran and the world.
via boingboing
Michaelle Jean Says Quebec Empowered In Canada
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Monday, December 25, 2006 at 10:45 PM.
The Governor General of Canada, Michaelle Jean has thrown in her own two cents regarding the sovereignty of Quebec.
"I never saw us, today's Quebecers, as being on bended knee, oppressed, and colonized," Jean said in a recent French-language interview with The Canadian Press.
"We have plenty of power and are a rich society, with a voice in the world."
...
In a wide-ranging interview last month, Jean declined to answer when asked whether Quebec was a nation and said it would be inappropriate for her to wade into the political debate that was raging at the time.
But she did say her home province is a unique entity within Canada - by virtue of its language, culture and civil code - and noted that it has long desired such recognition.
You can read the rest of the article here.
Jeb Bush And His BlackBerry
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Friday, December 22, 2006 at 11:14 PM.
Jeb Bush, President George W. Bush's young brother has been caleed the first "E-governor", due to the fact that he recieves tens of thousands of e-mails and he responds to many of them. His official portrait was unveiled to the public today at the governor's mansion. Included in the picture is his trusted BlackBerry.
via Drudge Report
via Drudge Report
PM To Axe Rona Ambrose
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 2:37 PM.
Video Of Dave Bouchard From CBC
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Monday, December 18, 2006 at 10:37 PM.
Heather Robinson has a report for CBC-TV regarding the Dave Bouchard story. You can view the story here.
Bouchard has always claimed that he wasn't making a political statement.He said it was simply the result of miscommunication.
"It's my fault. When I saw the flag, someone told me that it was already signed for me," he said. "It was an error. I should have signed it. It's my fault."
Earlier this fall, the entire team went to Canadian Forces Base Gagetown to pose for a photo with a group of soldiers. The players wore their jerseys and Bouchard is shown sitting on top of a tank smiling.
This is the picture in question.
Whether Bouchard choses to sign the flag or not, it should be his decision. What does supporting Canadian troops have to do with playing hockey.
General manager of the saint John Sea Dogs, Jacques Beaulieu said the 20-year-old was cut loose for not being a team player on the ice, and for not signing the flag.
Here comes the most retarded statement made by anybody regarding Canadian Troops in Afghanistan. If anybody can explain this statement, drop us a line.
"It was signed by the entire Sea Dogs team for our soldiers who are fighting for us in Afghanistan," Beaulieu said. "To me, not signing it is disgraceful. We have grown men over there with little kids who are fighting for our freedom and fighting for our country. That's a lack of character and a lack of respect for being a Canadian, and it's just totally unacceptable."
Hockey player fired for not signing flag for troops
Team Cuts Player Over Flag Flap
Toro Magazine names their first annual Men Of The Year.
...first-ever annual tribute to the players, crooners, stars, and power-brokers who made 2006 a year to remember.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney made the list.
Image from Toro Magazine
One of Canada’s most reviled politicians had a banner year from the get-go when he became Stephen Harper’s trusted confidant during the federal election in January. Things brightened further when Mulroney was honoured in April by Corporate Knights magazine for being Canada’s greenest PM, narrowly beating out Pierre Trudeau.
You can read the rest of the blurb here and check the rest of the list here.
...first-ever annual tribute to the players, crooners, stars, and power-brokers who made 2006 a year to remember.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney made the list.
Image from Toro Magazine
One of Canada’s most reviled politicians had a banner year from the get-go when he became Stephen Harper’s trusted confidant during the federal election in January. Things brightened further when Mulroney was honoured in April by Corporate Knights magazine for being Canada’s greenest PM, narrowly beating out Pierre Trudeau.
You can read the rest of the blurb here and check the rest of the list here.
Canadian Junior Hockey Player Cut From His Team For Refusing To Sign The Canadian Flag
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 5:45 PM.
A junior hockey player, who plays for the Saint John Sea Dogs has been cut from the team for not signing a Canadian Flag that was being sent to Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
Dave Bouchard — a 20-year-old from Jonquière, Que., who played left wing on the Quebec Major Junior team — said he thought someone else had already signed his name. But Sea Dogs coach Jacques Beaulieu said he did not accept that explanation and cut him from the team after Saturday's game.
"Morally, we have standards with this hockey team and that's a standard that we believe in," Beaulieu told CBC News Monday. "I mean, if Dave doesn't believe in it, that's fine. But he won't be part of it. He won't be part of this organization. That's the standard that we set."
Read the rest of the story here.
Here's an image of the player when he played for the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.
Dave Bouchard — a 20-year-old from Jonquière, Que., who played left wing on the Quebec Major Junior team — said he thought someone else had already signed his name. But Sea Dogs coach Jacques Beaulieu said he did not accept that explanation and cut him from the team after Saturday's game.
"Morally, we have standards with this hockey team and that's a standard that we believe in," Beaulieu told CBC News Monday. "I mean, if Dave doesn't believe in it, that's fine. But he won't be part of it. He won't be part of this organization. That's the standard that we set."
Read the rest of the story here.
Here's an image of the player when he played for the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.
Stephane Dion Going To Work
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 8:21 PM.
Harper probably takes a limo.
Liberal leader Stephane Dion crosses the street while walking to a news conference in Ottawa December 14, 2006. via REUTERS/Chris Wattie (CANADA)
Liberal leader Stephane Dion crosses the street while walking to a news conference in Ottawa December 14, 2006. via REUTERS/Chris Wattie (CANADA)
Time Magazine's 2006 Canadian Newsmaker Of The Year Is Stephen Harper
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 2:12 PM.
TORONTO, Dec. 17 /CNW/ - In its much anticipated annual special issue,
TIME Magazine has chosen Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper its 2006
Canadian Newsmaker of the Year. The story appears within TIME's annual Person
of The Year enhanced issue (dated December 25, 2006, on newsstands for two
weeks beginning tomorrow).
The Prime Minister who was "once dismissed as a doctrinaire backroom
tactician with no experience in government has emerged as a warrior in power,"
writes TIME contributing editor Stephen Handelman. "Defying conventional
wisdom about how to lead a minority government (very, very cautiously),
Canada's 22nd Prime Minister led Canadians on a bold, and discomfiting,
journey of political change. He slashed more than $1 billion worth of federal
programs, reshuffled the federal bureaucracy, and reopened the wounds of the
national unity debate by supporting Quebec's right to declare itself a
'nation.' At the same time he has introduced a new standard of accountability
for federal politicians, stewarded Canada's first major deployment of troops
to a combat theater in five decades and, for good measure, negotiated an end
to a long-simmering trade wrangle with the U.S. over softwood exports.
"If Harper wins the majority he craves, in the election expected sometime
next year, he may yet turn out to be the most transformational leader since
Trudeau. He has set himself the messianic tasks of remaking Canadian
federalism by curbing Ottawa's spending powers and overhauling Canada's health
care and social welfare system...For the way he has dramatically reshaped the
national conversation, for restoring a sense of competence and integrity to
high public office, and for proving that big ideas still matter in Canadian
politics, Stephen Harper has been chosen by TIME as Canada's Newsmaker of
2006," concludes Handelman.
The Canadian Newsmaker of the Year is an annual editorial special that
began over ten years ago. The Newsmaker is defined as the person, place,
group, or thing that has the most impact - for better or for worse - on the
news in Canada. (Source)
Portrait Of Stéphane Dion Through The Eyes Of His Wife And Daughter
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Friday, December 15, 2006 at 2:35 PM.
There is a good article by Courrier Bordeaux-Cartierville on Stéphane Dion through the eyes of his wife Janine Krieber and his daughter Jeanne Dion
Beyond the well-known public personality of Stéphane Dion is also a husband and a father as only those who are near him really know. In an interview with his wife and daughter, the true nature of this man is brought to the spotlight.
Some intimate pictures of the family as well. You can check out the article here.
Beyond the well-known public personality of Stéphane Dion is also a husband and a father as only those who are near him really know. In an interview with his wife and daughter, the true nature of this man is brought to the spotlight.
Some intimate pictures of the family as well. You can check out the article here.
Andre Boisclair, The Nicest Gift An Anti-Sovereigntist Can Ask For
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 12:53 PM.
All the Parti Quebecois (PQ) needs to do is put a big bow around Andre Boisclair and give him to the Liberals as a gift. Since his election as the leader of the PQ, the party has squandered their lead over the Liberals. A year ago the PQ was up on the Liberals by at least 20 points, now it's a dead heat. Why? The maturity and leadership quality of Boisclair comes into play.
"The Parti Quebecois is used to having great leaders, either very charismatic or strong intellectually ... Now they find themselves with a leader who, according to all the evidence, is the least strong, and I think the Liberals will try to capitalize on that."
Here's the latest case of immaturity from Boisclair.
Jean Lapierre is an MP in the Liberal Party for the Montreal riding of Outremont. On Wednesday he made it known that he won't be running in the next federal election.
"Given that I am 50 years old, I told myself it is now or never if I want to have another career…" said Lapierre, who stressed his decision had nothing to do with the arrival of Stephane Dion as Liberal leader.
"The decision was made several months ago."
What this means is that there is a free riding open in Outremont. Stephane Dion is keen on increasing the number of women candidates. On Wednesday he appointed Quebec lawyer Linda Julien as the women’s candidate search director in charge of identifying, recruiting and getting women successfully nominated as candidates.
But a name that keeps popping up is that of Justin Trudeau. Take it for what you want it to be, but Dion on Wednesday said that the Liberal Party isn't going to automatically assign women candidates in each riding that is available, there could be men who might be suitable candidates.
Trudeau hasn't exactly denied the rumors. He says he is thinking about all the options that are available.
Winnipeg Teens Facing Charges After Posting Videos On YouTube
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at 8:49 PM.
Two Winnipeg teens are facing charges after posting videos of themselves participating in street races on YouTube.
The five-minute clip -- captured on video by a passenger -- shows cars racing at high speeds on recognizable streets in Winnipeg. The clip has since been removed from the popular site where people can post homemade video.
Canadian Professor At The Holocaust Denial Conference
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 11:57 AM.
On Monday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry along with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held an international conference on the Holocaust, inviting guests who believe that the holocaust was a myth.
Instead of the usual suspects -- deputy ministers and the like -- the invitees seem to have included David Duke, a former Ku Klux Klan leader; Georges Theil, a Frenchman who has called the Holocaust "an enormous lie"; and Fredrick Toeben, a German-born Australian whose specialty is the denial of Nazi gas chambers.
Among the invited guest is a lone Canadian, Shiraz Dossa, a political science professor at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.
In an exclusive interview from his hotel in Tehran yesterday, Dr. Dossa said that he had gladly accepted the invitation from Iran's Islamist government to attend the conference, and that he had welcomed the opportunity to criticize the Western world and its policies. But, although he is no supporter of Israel, he said he was horrified to discover that he was sharing the stage with overt anti-Semites and supporters of Adolf Hitler.
"I have nothing to do with Holocaust denial, not at all," he said, defending the paper he read. "It's a paper about the war on terrorism, and how the Holocaust plays into it. Other people have their own points of view, but that [Holocaust denial] is not my point of view."
Read the rest of the story here.
Instead of the usual suspects -- deputy ministers and the like -- the invitees seem to have included David Duke, a former Ku Klux Klan leader; Georges Theil, a Frenchman who has called the Holocaust "an enormous lie"; and Fredrick Toeben, a German-born Australian whose specialty is the denial of Nazi gas chambers.
Among the invited guest is a lone Canadian, Shiraz Dossa, a political science professor at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.
In an exclusive interview from his hotel in Tehran yesterday, Dr. Dossa said that he had gladly accepted the invitation from Iran's Islamist government to attend the conference, and that he had welcomed the opportunity to criticize the Western world and its policies. But, although he is no supporter of Israel, he said he was horrified to discover that he was sharing the stage with overt anti-Semites and supporters of Adolf Hitler.
"I have nothing to do with Holocaust denial, not at all," he said, defending the paper he read. "It's a paper about the war on terrorism, and how the Holocaust plays into it. Other people have their own points of view, but that [Holocaust denial] is not my point of view."
Read the rest of the story here.
Stockwell Day Is Completely Clueless
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 at 6:36 PM.
Stockwell Day is Canada's Public Safety Minister, which means he is in charge of Canada's relations with Mexico on security and border issues. So you figure the man might be some what knowledgeble about Mexico, apparantly not.
In his local newspaper, Penticton Western News, Day recently wrote the article, Constituency caught in winter’s icy grip. See if you can spot all the mistakes.
Easy one is the spelling of Mexican President's name, Felipe Calderon. Day spells it as Calderone. See if you can spot the rest of the mistakes before checking out the answers here.
At Least 11 Members Of Parliament Hold Dual Citizenship
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 6:50 PM.
There are at least 11 members of Parliament, other than Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion, hold dual citizenships, CBC.ca research has confirmed.
Omar Alghabra (Ontario Liberal), with Syria.
Raymond Chan (British Columbia Liberal), with the United Kingdom.
Libby Davies (British Columbia NDP), with the United Kingdom.
Jim Karygiannis (Ontario Liberal), with Greece.
Wajid Khan (Ontario Liberal), with Pakistan.
Maka Kotto (Quebec Bloc Québécois), with France.
Pablo Rodriguez (Quebec Liberal), with Argentina.
Michael Savage (Nova Scotia Liberal), with the United Kingdom.
Mario Silva (Ontario Liberal), with Portugal.
Lui Temelkovski (Ontario Liberal), with Macedonia.
Myron Thompson (Alberta Conservative), with the United States.
More here.
Omar Alghabra (Ontario Liberal), with Syria.
Raymond Chan (British Columbia Liberal), with the United Kingdom.
Libby Davies (British Columbia NDP), with the United Kingdom.
Jim Karygiannis (Ontario Liberal), with Greece.
Wajid Khan (Ontario Liberal), with Pakistan.
Maka Kotto (Quebec Bloc Québécois), with France.
Pablo Rodriguez (Quebec Liberal), with Argentina.
Michael Savage (Nova Scotia Liberal), with the United Kingdom.
Mario Silva (Ontario Liberal), with Portugal.
Lui Temelkovski (Ontario Liberal), with Macedonia.
Myron Thompson (Alberta Conservative), with the United States.
More here.
Words Of Wisdom From Rona Ambrose
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Friday, December 08, 2006 at 10:16 PM.
With wisdom and insight like this, no wonder she is the Environment Minister.
The consumer side of this is a huge issue," Mr. Ambrose told a Senate committee. "Industry alone is not going to be able to solve this issue. Canadians have to make choices in their own homes: Turn off the lights more, use less water, buy more fuel-efficient vehicles, make those kinds of choices, and we need Canadians to co-operate with government to also step up to do this."
Ms. Ambrose said she's trying to lead by example.
"I'm trying to make small changes and big changes in my life," she said. "Buy a more fuel-efficient car, change all my lightbulbs to energy-efficient lightbulbs -- all the things in my home that my husband and I can try and do to make a difference. But we need every single Canadian to do that."
Brilliant Take By The Torontoist On The Gay Marriage Issue.
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 4:51 PM.
How The MPs Voted On The Motion To Reopen The Same-sex Marriage Issue
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 3:12 PM.
306 MPs were eligible to vote on the motion "to introduce legislation to restore the traditional definition of marriage without affecting civil unions and while respecting existing same-sex marriages.".
The final results were 175-123 against the motion. Majority of the time MP's vote with their party. Rarely they break rank. In this vote both the Liberals and the Conservative leaders gave their MPs the OK to vote as they wish.
13 Conservative MPs broke with their party to vote against the motion. They are left to right.
John Baird
Lawrence Cannon
Bill Casey
Michael Chong
David Emerson
Gerald Keddy
Peter MacKay
Fabian Manning
James Moore
Christian Paradis
Jim Prentice
Lee Richardson
Josee Verner
13 Liberal MPs broke with their party to vote in favour of the motion. They are left to right.
Ray Bonin
Gerry Byrne
Roy Cullen
Jim Karygiannis
Walid Khan
Derek Lee
Gurbax Malhi
John Mckay
Dan McTeague
Francis Scarpaleggia
Paul Steckle
Alan Tonks
Tom Wappel
While all the MPs of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Bloc Quebecois voted against the motion. (Source)
The final results were 175-123 against the motion. Majority of the time MP's vote with their party. Rarely they break rank. In this vote both the Liberals and the Conservative leaders gave their MPs the OK to vote as they wish.
13 Conservative MPs broke with their party to vote against the motion. They are left to right.
John Baird
Lawrence Cannon
Bill Casey
Michael Chong
David Emerson
Gerald Keddy
Peter MacKay
Fabian Manning
James Moore
Christian Paradis
Jim Prentice
Lee Richardson
Josee Verner
13 Liberal MPs broke with their party to vote in favour of the motion. They are left to right.
Ray Bonin
Gerry Byrne
Roy Cullen
Jim Karygiannis
Walid Khan
Derek Lee
Gurbax Malhi
John Mckay
Dan McTeague
Francis Scarpaleggia
Paul Steckle
Alan Tonks
Tom Wappel
While all the MPs of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Bloc Quebecois voted against the motion. (Source)
Interesting little piece from Le Devoir.
In an annual report published by the Statistical institute of Quebec (ISQ), one out of 4 Québécois baby has at least one parent born outside of Quebec.
The same report reveals that 20% of the mothers were born outside of Canada, which is a jump from 16% of the mothers in 2000 and 10% in 1985. Of all the Quebec cities Montreal has the most mothers born abroad, 51% of the moms who reside in Montral were not born within the country, next is Laval at 28%. In nearly 30% of Québécois marriages, at least one of the partner was born outside of Canada.
In an annual report published by the Statistical institute of Quebec (ISQ), one out of 4 Québécois baby has at least one parent born outside of Quebec.
The same report reveals that 20% of the mothers were born outside of Canada, which is a jump from 16% of the mothers in 2000 and 10% in 1985. Of all the Quebec cities Montreal has the most mothers born abroad, 51% of the moms who reside in Montral were not born within the country, next is Laval at 28%. In nearly 30% of Québécois marriages, at least one of the partner was born outside of Canada.
Anti-Semitic Attacks Toward Bob Rae At The Liberal Leadership Contest
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Thursday, December 07, 2006 at 6:02 PM.
Anti-semitic attacks toward Bob rae at the Liberal Leadership contest.
A flyer was circulated electronically among convention delegates denouncing Rae for having once delivered a speech to the Jewish National Fund, a group the flyer said was complicit in "war crimes and ethnic cleansing."
"Rae's wife is a vice-president of the CJC (Canadian Jewish Congress), a lobby group which supports Israeli apartheid," said the flyer in bold letters superimposed over a close-up of Rae's face.
"Bob Rae supports Israeli apartheid. Don't elect a leader who supports apartheid."
Rest of the arrticle here
Thoughts Of Canadians Regarding Same Sex Marriage
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 2:14 PM.
What are the thoughts of Canadians regarding Stephen Harper bringing the same sex marriage debate back into the house of commons.
Check out the video here.
Same Sex Marriage Is Here To Stay In Canada
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 1:55 PM.
Same sex marriage is here to stay in Canada.
A Conservative bid to reinstate the traditional meaning of “marriage” was voted down 175 to 123 in the House of Commons on Thursday.
Twelve Tories broke ranks to vote against Prime Minister Stephen Harper's motion, including cabinet ministers Peter MacKay, Lawrence Cannon, Jim Prentice, David Emerson, and Josee Verner.
A number of MPs who voted against same-sex marriage in June last year today rejected the chance to reopen the issue, including Liberal MP Joe Comuzzi, who gave up a cabinet position last year to vote against approving gay and lesbian marriages.
Michael Chong -- who just resigned from the Conservative cabinet over the Québécois nation debate -- and treasury board president John Baird also voted against the motion.
The widely-anticipated result should be the final word on the issue, with both the Conservative and Liberal parties allowing a free vote. The Bloc Québécois and New Democratic Party voted against the motion.
A Conservative bid to reinstate the traditional meaning of “marriage” was voted down 175 to 123 in the House of Commons on Thursday.
Twelve Tories broke ranks to vote against Prime Minister Stephen Harper's motion, including cabinet ministers Peter MacKay, Lawrence Cannon, Jim Prentice, David Emerson, and Josee Verner.
A number of MPs who voted against same-sex marriage in June last year today rejected the chance to reopen the issue, including Liberal MP Joe Comuzzi, who gave up a cabinet position last year to vote against approving gay and lesbian marriages.
Michael Chong -- who just resigned from the Conservative cabinet over the Québécois nation debate -- and treasury board president John Baird also voted against the motion.
The widely-anticipated result should be the final word on the issue, with both the Conservative and Liberal parties allowing a free vote. The Bloc Québécois and New Democratic Party voted against the motion.
Stephen Harper Recognizes Gender Equality And Upholds The Rights Of Women
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 at 11:12 AM.
Ceremonies were held across Canada today to mark the 17th anniversary of the massacre that occurred at the Ecole polytechnique at University of Montreal. Fourteen women were killed on December, 6th 1989, simply because they were women. Since 1991, December 6th is Canada's National Day of Commemoration and Action on Violence Against Women.
The following is the text of a statement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the occasion of Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women 2006.
Oh Steve. Since when?
the mandate for Status of Women has been drastically changed (by the Conservatives), with the word "equality" being taken out and replaced with "participation, reduced the agency’s budget by 38.5% (increasing to 40% by April 2007) and made changes to the mandate and funding rules which prohibit women’s organizations from engaging in advocacy or lobbying activities.
Of course, nationally, most feminist groups are working on issues of women's poverty, violence and health and will no longer receive Status of Women money to fight for women's equality. These new changes to the terms and conditions of funding will not only force the closure of feminist organizations across Canada. (source)
Only groups that promote women’s 'participation' in the social, economic and cultural life of their community will be funded.
The Harper government has also undermined gender equality by abolishing the Court Challenges Program and announcing there will be no new proactive pay equity law.
The following is the text of a statement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the occasion of Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women 2006.
Oh Steve. Since when?
the mandate for Status of Women has been drastically changed (by the Conservatives), with the word "equality" being taken out and replaced with "participation, reduced the agency’s budget by 38.5% (increasing to 40% by April 2007) and made changes to the mandate and funding rules which prohibit women’s organizations from engaging in advocacy or lobbying activities.
Of course, nationally, most feminist groups are working on issues of women's poverty, violence and health and will no longer receive Status of Women money to fight for women's equality. These new changes to the terms and conditions of funding will not only force the closure of feminist organizations across Canada. (source)
Only groups that promote women’s 'participation' in the social, economic and cultural life of their community will be funded.
The Harper government has also undermined gender equality by abolishing the Court Challenges Program and announcing there will be no new proactive pay equity law.
Nardwuar vs Jack Layton
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 at 7:30 PM.
Stephane Dion and Celine Dion Are Cousins
1 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 7:20 AM.
The new Liberal Leader Stephane Dion and singer Celine Dion are cousins.
Both Stephane and Celine are the descendants of Jean du Buisson Guyon. Who came to Quebec, then New France in 1634. He is the the ancestor of all Dion and Dionne in North America.
"Stephan Dion is cousin to the 10th degree to Celine Dion, says Gerard Saint-Denis, genealogist with the Web site, Quebec Planet. Stephan Dion is the descendant of one of the sons of Jean du Buisson Guyon, Jean Sieur, while Celine is the descendant of another son, Claude."
Adam Kelly, a Montreal artist is the first person to touch a taboo topic that exists in Canada. the shooting that occured École Polytechnique de Montréal,which left 14 women dead. He will be presenting a play based on this topic at McGill University.
The play recreates the course of Marc Lépine, the gunman in the slaughter that occured at the Polytechnic. The play contains only one character, Lepine and occurs in the year 2006, 17th anniversary of the tragedy.
The author of the play, Adam Kelly, ensures that his goal was neither to shock, to make a feminist plea, nor glorify Marc Lépine in some way. It is a tribute to the 14 victims, whose names are on the back of the playbook.
Interesting part of the play is the audience members will have to sit in two distinct groups, "a theatrical effect" to recall how Marc Lépine had asked the men to leave the class, while keeping the women hostage in the class.
You can read the rest of the article here. It's in French
Will the R.E.A.L. Rat, Please Stand Up
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Monday, December 04, 2006 at 10:15 AM.
Last week Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Beverley Oda announced that twelve Status of Women Canada offices will be closing.
Women across Canada are responding to the Harper government's announcement that it will close many of the Status of Women's regional offices. Other women and women's groups are putting up a call to others to protest this move. Some women out of Halifax have started a web site as a protest and to galvanize support across Canada. More information is also available at statusreport
Of course R.E.A.L., who feel excluded from the Status of Women, applauded the move by Oda. R.E.A.L. had long been lobbying government to abolish the Status of Women have found a willing listener in Stephen Harper.
Women across Canada are responding to the Harper government's announcement that it will close many of the Status of Women's regional offices. Other women and women's groups are putting up a call to others to protest this move. Some women out of Halifax have started a web site as a protest and to galvanize support across Canada. More information is also available at statusreport
Of course R.E.A.L., who feel excluded from the Status of Women, applauded the move by Oda. R.E.A.L. had long been lobbying government to abolish the Status of Women have found a willing listener in Stephen Harper.
Two Votes And The Pact Between Stephane Dion And Gerald Kennedy
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 7:57 AM.
Two votes. Two delegates possibly decided the fate of the Liberal party and possibly the future of Canada. If two delegates had decided that they would have sided with Gerald Kennedy, then it would have been Kennedy who might have been the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
After the second round of voting Gerald Kennedy gave Stephane Dion all his support. Moving Dion from third place to first in one round. Le Devoir is reporting that this not by chance, rather the two men had made a pact few days before to give the other the support depending on who is ahead.
Amateurishly translated from the Le Devoir.
The two men had sealed a solid alliance which stipulated that that whoever came in fourth at the end of the second ballot would throw in his support to the third place candidate. The agreement had been in place between the two candidates several days before the convention, but nothing had been set in stone. Wednesday evening, Gerald Kennedy was to go to the residence of Stephan Dion to discuss the possibilities, but all the campaign jostling that was occurring at the Palais des congrès prevented the two men from going in the St. Lawrence district (Dion's residence) which is 25 minutes from Old Montreal. Therefore they met in a small room of the Palais des congrès.
The two men then agreed to support each other then. At the time of the agreement, all had expected to see Kennedy finishing third after the first ballot, in front of Dion. It is with this future result in mind the two men meet Friday evening, very late and shook on it. It is done. “Our blow had been well planned. It was known that one was likely good to pass in front of Kennedy to the second turn”, explaied to the Devoir an organizer of Stephan Dion.
After the first ballot it was Dion that was in front of Kennedy by 2 votes. However, Martha Hall Findlay, threw in her support with Dion. Even though she had only 130 delegates with her first Ballot, it can presumed that she brought in 90% of her delegates with her. Just enough to widen Dion's lead on Kennedy.
Gerald Kennedy could have then chosen to remain in the race. But he decided to join Stephan Dion immediately, like agreed in their pact.
It was the watershed moment of this race. The proof of the “maturity” of Mr. Kennedy, believes one of his organizers in Quebec, Louise Fleishmann. The Kennedy clan did not want another candidate to gain the victory: Bob Rae.
The camp of Gerald Kennedy believed that Bob Rae incarnates an older generation of politicians not having proposed anything concrete in this race. By seeing Mr. Dryden joining there, Gerald Kennedy feared that the momentum would go there.
The switching of Kennedy to Dion's side resulted in pretty much his whole delegates going with him. Rae did not even get 5% of Kennedy's delegates.
You can read the rest of the article here
After the second round of voting Gerald Kennedy gave Stephane Dion all his support. Moving Dion from third place to first in one round. Le Devoir is reporting that this not by chance, rather the two men had made a pact few days before to give the other the support depending on who is ahead.
Amateurishly translated from the Le Devoir.
The two men had sealed a solid alliance which stipulated that that whoever came in fourth at the end of the second ballot would throw in his support to the third place candidate. The agreement had been in place between the two candidates several days before the convention, but nothing had been set in stone. Wednesday evening, Gerald Kennedy was to go to the residence of Stephan Dion to discuss the possibilities, but all the campaign jostling that was occurring at the Palais des congrès prevented the two men from going in the St. Lawrence district (Dion's residence) which is 25 minutes from Old Montreal. Therefore they met in a small room of the Palais des congrès.
The two men then agreed to support each other then. At the time of the agreement, all had expected to see Kennedy finishing third after the first ballot, in front of Dion. It is with this future result in mind the two men meet Friday evening, very late and shook on it. It is done. “Our blow had been well planned. It was known that one was likely good to pass in front of Kennedy to the second turn”, explaied to the Devoir an organizer of Stephan Dion.
After the first ballot it was Dion that was in front of Kennedy by 2 votes. However, Martha Hall Findlay, threw in her support with Dion. Even though she had only 130 delegates with her first Ballot, it can presumed that she brought in 90% of her delegates with her. Just enough to widen Dion's lead on Kennedy.
Gerald Kennedy could have then chosen to remain in the race. But he decided to join Stephan Dion immediately, like agreed in their pact.
It was the watershed moment of this race. The proof of the “maturity” of Mr. Kennedy, believes one of his organizers in Quebec, Louise Fleishmann. The Kennedy clan did not want another candidate to gain the victory: Bob Rae.
The camp of Gerald Kennedy believed that Bob Rae incarnates an older generation of politicians not having proposed anything concrete in this race. By seeing Mr. Dryden joining there, Gerald Kennedy feared that the momentum would go there.
The switching of Kennedy to Dion's side resulted in pretty much his whole delegates going with him. Rae did not even get 5% of Kennedy's delegates.
You can read the rest of the article here
La Presse Upgrades Stephane Dion from A Rat To A Beaver
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 6:54 AM.
Does this mean the La Presse actually likes him now?
It's a well known fact that Stéphane Dion is not exactly the most popular politician in Quebec.
He was the so-called "arch-federalist" that all sovereigntists and nationalists loved to hate and whom most francophone federalists were unwilling to defend. He was the father of the Clarity Act that even Paul Martin dared not support. Because of his mousy face, La Presse cartoonist Serge Chapleau used to represent him as a rat, with small pointed ears, its mustachioed muzzle contracted in an arrogant sneer, and the tail emerging from beneath his suit, in any cartoon run by La Presse.
Similar to this cartoon.
After Dion's victory on Saturday, he has been upgraded by Chapleau to a beaver.
If you can't read french, the two beavers are saying "Who's the new one?".
Note: Serge Chapleau never intended to paint Dion as a dirty rat. When he first looked at Dion he thought his head "resembled a mouse". I remember that my first drawing was related to his first victory, and I drew him with his nose in the air with an incredible self importance. Of course, those who hated him concluded that I saw him as a dirty rat, but I never perceived him as such".
It's a well known fact that Stéphane Dion is not exactly the most popular politician in Quebec.
He was the so-called "arch-federalist" that all sovereigntists and nationalists loved to hate and whom most francophone federalists were unwilling to defend. He was the father of the Clarity Act that even Paul Martin dared not support. Because of his mousy face, La Presse cartoonist Serge Chapleau used to represent him as a rat, with small pointed ears, its mustachioed muzzle contracted in an arrogant sneer, and the tail emerging from beneath his suit, in any cartoon run by La Presse.
Similar to this cartoon.
After Dion's victory on Saturday, he has been upgraded by Chapleau to a beaver.
If you can't read french, the two beavers are saying "Who's the new one?".
Note: Serge Chapleau never intended to paint Dion as a dirty rat. When he first looked at Dion he thought his head "resembled a mouse". I remember that my first drawing was related to his first victory, and I drew him with his nose in the air with an incredible self importance. Of course, those who hated him concluded that I saw him as a dirty rat, but I never perceived him as such".
Dirty Tricks The Conservatives Played At The Liberal Leadership Convention
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Sunday, December 03, 2006 at 8:52 PM.
The Conservatives admit to playing dirty tricks at the Liberal leadership convention. Secretly the Liberal leadership candidate the Tories feared the most was Bob Rae, so they went about their way to derail Rae's chances.
A gaggle of beaming Conservative operatives waited mere minutes after Bob Rae was knocked out of the Liberal leadership race before boasting about the role they played in the former Ontario premier's defeat.
Just seconds after Rae was knocked out, a prominent Tory MP wandering the convention floor pulled out a handful of buttons mocking Rae and winked mischievously.
One Tory operative described how a handful of government supporters proliferated at Liberal parties throughout Montreal on Friday evening and handed out anti-Rae buttons.
You can read the rest of the article here
Homoerotic Moments At The Liberal Leadership Convention
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Saturday, December 02, 2006 at 6:29 PM.
Why do all the homoerotic moments at the Liberal leadership convention seems to revolve around Bob Rae?
Really good piece from Macleans on why the underdog Stephane Dion won. He was the least inoffensive candidate and the one with the least amount of enemies.
Dion was the Liberal nobody could object to. Not his past as the father of the Clarity Act. Not his campaign's borderline obsessive focus on the environment - an issue that all Liberals agree on, just to varying degrees. Not his easygoing, almost deferential manner. So in short order, he became the candidate you went to when you wanted to vote against someone else, or when you wanted someone who wouldn't radically mess with the status quo.
Gerald Kennedy has thrown in his support to Stephane Dion.
Results After The Second Ballot At The Liberal Leadership Convention
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 9:01 AM.
Second Ballot Results
Ken Dryden just freed up his delegates. He is walking toward the Bob Rae's side of the convention floor.
Ken Dryden just made it known that he supports Bob Rae.
Results After The First Ballot At The Liberal Leadership Convention
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on at 8:32 AM.
First Ballot Results
Martha Hall-Findlay throws in her support behind Stéphane Dion.
Scott Brison throws in his support behind Bob Rae.
Jon Volpe throws in his support behind Bob Rae.
Source
Possibly Ken Dryden throwing his support behind Bob Rae.
Liberal Leadership Convention - Pull My Finger
0 Comments Published by The R Rated Blogger on Friday, December 01, 2006 at 8:35 PM.
Hey, pull my finger.
Completely bizarre tribute to Paul Martin at the Liberal Convention last night in Montreal. Especially the serenading of Martin by Montreal soprano Natalie Choquette. Reading her bio probably explains her performance last night.
Who said opera was boring? Certainly not fans of Natalie Choquette, a remarkable diva who sings a Turandot aria decked out in hair curlers while munching on spaghetti, breaks into a classic Neapolitan while hanging her laundry on stage, files her nails while giving a superb rendition of “Summertime” or performs the death scene from La Traviata while doing a headstand on a grand piano!
Just a weird choice for honoring a former PM. But Martin seems to have taken the performance in stride.
Martin gamely played along, kissing the proffered hand of Quebec diva Natalie Choquette, who inexplicably serenaded the crowd in Italian. Her routine, which included gargling with red wine, appeared to receive polite (and relieved) applause.
Who said opera was boring? Certainly not fans of Natalie Choquette, a remarkable diva who sings a Turandot aria decked out in hair curlers while munching on spaghetti, breaks into a classic Neapolitan while hanging her laundry on stage, files her nails while giving a superb rendition of “Summertime” or performs the death scene from La Traviata while doing a headstand on a grand piano!
Just a weird choice for honoring a former PM. But Martin seems to have taken the performance in stride.
Martin gamely played along, kissing the proffered hand of Quebec diva Natalie Choquette, who inexplicably serenaded the crowd in Italian. Her routine, which included gargling with red wine, appeared to receive polite (and relieved) applause.
