Pharyngula::Thank you, Michael Behe

Pharyngula::Thank you, Michael Behe

The verdict is in, ID has been soundly debunked as a scientific theory. This is good news for both science AND religion. Mingling the two together poses nothing but hazards for freedom of thought in both departments. Hopefully, this decision from the judge will do much to defuse the damage done by ID advocates across the US and Canada.

Cherniak on Politics: Washington Times Endorses Harper

Cherniak on Politics: Washington Times Endorses Harper

Good point - the Cato Institute technically is the originator of the commentary about Stephen Harper, but let's not forget, the decision to run an article belongs with the editorial board, and the editorial board of any paper is influenced by the politics of the owners of the newspaper - in the case of the Washington Times, that being the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, a giant of the religious right. Mr. Harper needs to come out with a strong distanciation from this endorsement - it isn't helpful in the slightest.

Gift from Canada?�-�Commentary�-�The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

Gift from Canada?�-�Commentary�-�The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

"Why does President Bush hope Christmas comes a little late this year? Because on Jan. 23, Canada may elect the most pro-American leader in the Western world. Free-market economist Stephen Harper, leader of the opposition Conservative Party, is pro-free trade, pro-Iraq war, anti-Kyoto, and socially conservative. Move over Tony Blair: If elected, Mr. Harper will quickly become Mr. Bush's new best friend internationally and the poster boy for his ideal foreign leader. "

So goes this silly commentary from the Washington Times, sure to drive voters across Canada into the arms of the Liberals and NDP. If there is anything that unites Canada, it is a widespread distaste for the Bush Administration, and any reminders of the similarities between the President and Mr. Harper will do nothing to allay Canadian's concerns on that score. Had Mr. Harper been our Prime Minister, Canada would have sent troops to Iraq to participate in that sorry and tragic war. "For the first time, American and British forces will go to war without Canada by their side, and I think that's a shame.." he says, in 2003 after Jean Chretien announced Canada would not participate. Let's not forget that. And if we have no other reason to not vote Conservative, let it be this:

"A Harper victory may prove to be the exception to the international rule -- a rare foreign event that manages to put a smile on President George W. Bush's face. "

Green Party of Canada - Sign the Petition

Green Party of Canada - Sign the Petition

Sign this online petition to allow the Green Party a necessary voice in the upcoming debates. Despite receiving the votes of hundreds of thousands of canadians and receiving more than $1M in federal funds for a 5% poll result from the 2004 election, AND running candidates in all 308 ridings, the Green Party continues to be ostracized by the media broadcasting consortium that organizes the debates. And yet, Gilles Duceppe, with 75 ridings and no candidates outside Quebec, is freely permitted to take his place on the national stage. Why?

Sign the petition, and let the broadcasting consortium know what you think.

CBC News: Washington furious over Martin's climate change comments

CBC News: Washington furious over Martin's climate change comments

Oh no. The Americans are displeased with us, over rubbing their noses in the obvious. It's been quite clear that the US administration has a policy of not appreciating commentary other than what they themselves choose to discuss, and brook very little discussion contrary to their own perceptions. Kudos to the Prime Minister for saying what needed to be said, and shame on anyone for apologizing for such proper remarks.

Thomas B. Fordham Foundation - The State of State Science Standards 2005

Thomas B. Fordham Foundation - The State of State Science Standards 2005

This is a right-of-centre think tank that reviews educational standards across the United States every few years. They have some VERY harsh things to say about the state of education across much of the US, but lay a particularly heavy line on Kansas, a state that this year, decided to throw away the definiton of science in favour of mythology.

MoJo Blog: The Impact of Urban Sprawl

MoJo Blog: The Impact of Urban Sprawl

A good study was conducted by the World Bank a few years ago (2003) on the chracteristicws of a City and what tends to lead to a more "sprawling" city, and what factors can counteract such occurence.