BC leads the nation in child poverty.
BC homeless up 400%, under Campbell.

This was during the "boom"!

Now imagine those statistics for today or even next year?

I could write a blog post about blood cell phones and conflict in the Congo. And, I could tell you how I have never owned a cell phone and that would be the truth. And, I could tell you that I don't own a cell phone because I am a socially conscious consumer (problematic phrase?) and that would be a lie. (I am just an introvert and can't imagine paying money to communicate everywhere-and-anywhere!)I could and will tell you that I shop at Old Navy, the Gap, and Banana Republic. I throw Enloe's classic Bananas, Bases, and Beaches back on...

Shorter Susan Riley:
That uppity NDP has some kind of nerve gaining an advantage by doing what I wish the Liberals had done first.

Tomorrow night at 6 Degrees

From the NYT blog:
Hillary Rodham Clinton has decided to give up her Senate seat and accept the position of secretary of state, making her the public face around the world for the administration of the man who beat her for the Democratic presidential nomination, two confidants said Friday.

The biggest threat to America according to incoming White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel?

Tiny fluffy bunnies.

There’s a great article in today’s Vancouver Sun hammering on the fact that all major mainstream economists failed to anticipate the economic crisis.

Worlds of Music Toronto and Maracatu Nunca Antes present:

Barbatuques Body Percussion WorkshopW/ João Simão of Barbatuques

Saturday November 29th & Sunday November 30th 2pm to 3pm @ MDO Studio, 355A College St.

$50 both days, $30 Saturday

This is an old draft I was keeping around for the past two years which I never got around to finishing. It still feels incomplete, but I hope to draw a bit more attention to this issue so here goes.

From The Tyee

Good story from The Tyee. It's always good to see actual real-life social issues in the news instead of sensationalism (e.g. the Pickton trial). It's even better to see it's about First Nations, who are never in the news except for drummed-up controversy.

Enter Bob Rae, the most hated politician in Ontario, at least according to the massive corporate media campaign launched against him. Gaining power just as Ontario was entering a recession, he still managed to lead the most progressive government in Ontario's history, overhauling the provinces environmental, municipal planning and development, and labour laws.

Actually, I'm lying. I am very worried about the retail slump becoming a retail collapse too, especially with the falling prices. When people aren't buying, money isn't moving. Little wheels must spin so that the machine turns.

Earlier this week, I posted an item regarding the idiotic new driving laws aimed at teenagers. I do agree that a crackdown is needed where alcohol and speeding are concerned but "for everyone", not just those 21 and under. As far as the idea of only 1 passenger in a car whose driver is 21 or younger goes, that is the most inane bit of tripe ever announced.

Ricardo was an early and vocal advocate for the Babaluu Cuban Sunday gig. He sent the following note in response to my earlier post about playing some older Cuban music.

Okay .. sit down drink a "POP" (aka Beer) and watch this... Don Cherry with Rick Mercer .. pure Canadian humour.

Perhaps Harper needs to go back to school and learn some more economics. Lowering taxes and raising spending, while entering a recession, is not the best time to promise that you won’t go into a deficit.

For some reason, people still think neo-cons know something about economics. They don’t. They know about giving money to big business and big religion.

From the Globe and Mail (emphasis added):

Why the economic outlook appears gloomy

Victoria business leaders, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Victoria, Cruise BC, and Victoria Shipyards among others are urging the province to join with the federal government and the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) to invest seven million dollars a year over five years in rebuilding Vancouver Island's rail line. Job creation, business growth, and a link to the Pacific Gateway

Something important: Kevin Werbach has been named co-head of Obama's FCC transition team. THIS IS IMPORTANT, STAY IN YOUR SEATS. Werbach is probably one of the most interesting thinkers on wireless issues in America today, and a staunch ally of Net Neutrality folks everywhere.

I'll blog this because it is a slow news day ..... Troubled pop singer Michael has converted to Islam in a private ceremony with an Imam and has changed his name to Mikaeel. (The Rightwingosphere is going to go mental over this! ;)

-Music.com

They never learn…

A Tory MP said Mr. Rae would be the easier opponent “because of his managing of the Ontario economy when he was premier. I think he would have been the stronger candidate if we were in good economic times, or on foreign policy issues, but Ignatieff is the stronger choice for Liberals now.”

…even after the Conservatives rub their noses in it.

Since the Big Three have already accepted taxpayer bail outs over the past five years, and now are delinquint on thier pension payments for their workers, why bail them out, we already own them. Time to make them publicly owned under workers control. An