tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71676061602422615232011-07-08T09:16:22.425-05:00This blog used to focus strictly on politics and policy. It will now be more broadly based on my whims. Don't worry. it'll probably still have a lot of policy and politics... ;)Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.comBlogger1801100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-58006693073582154552010-05-25T14:13:00.001-05:002010-05-25T14:13:29.392-05:00

Facebookers - this is probably cut off. Importing doesn't work right anymore.  You can read it, should you care, at http://ciceroinpants.blogspot.com I didn't expect Lost to do what it was supposed to do.  This allowed me to enjoy the finale in spite of what it was. So I'm not enraged at Lost per se, and some of what it did I quite liked - like the resolution of the sideways timeline. That said,

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-5514514275705945662010-04-20T11:26:00.001-05:002010-04-20T11:26:54.104-05:00

Derivatives aren't complicated! Derivatives are gambling!  The Stock Market is buying an interest in a race horse. Derivatives are betting on the horse race. Why is this so hard to regulate again, then?

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-33661667654648849492010-04-16T13:17:00.001-05:002010-04-16T13:17:33.137-05:00

I  have to feel for Iceland. They build themselves a banking system economy using, as near as anyone can figure out, chewing gum, twigs and moxy, and boom! it all explodes.  Refusing defeat, they roll up their sleeves, re-tool, and using their newly flushed currency as a positive, go on a massive tourism blitz. You've seen the advertisements everywhere. Boom. Volcano explodes. (and a much bigger

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-63414426996115088342010-04-16T11:52:00.001-05:002010-04-16T11:52:14.413-05:00

"Although Goldman Sachs held various positions in residential mortgage-related products in 2007, our short positions were not a 'bet against our clients.' " Instead, the trades were used to hedge other trading positions, the bank said."Could someone please explain to me how hedging your bet and betting against are at all different. I have to confess to being a trifle confused...http://

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-42982277320566413962010-02-26T09:41:00.001-05:002010-02-26T09:41:14.964-05:00

http://www.billshrink.com/blog/7636/the-12-biggest-ripoffs-in-america/

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-86211831820728210672010-02-14T09:53:00.001-05:002010-02-14T09:53:37.558-05:00

http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-buzz-start-up-experience-based-on.html

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-26341313680907229902010-02-12T12:41:00.001-05:002010-02-12T12:41:32.530-05:00

http://fugitivus.wordpress.com/2010/02/11/fuck-you-google/

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-84345917239063642842010-01-14T12:50:00.001-05:002010-01-14T12:50:17.255-05:00

This is a re-post written by someone else. Worth circulating: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HAITI EARTHQUAKE As most of you know by now, there was a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday. Last time I checked last night the death toll was at 100,000 with many more people trapped under the rumble. Haiti is one of the most

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-89428423946810082482009-10-09T11:36:00.001-05:002009-10-09T11:36:08.326-05:00

This is the first time that a Nobel Prize win has been a disservice to - or at least a headache for - the recipient. It'll take some time to see the final effect of Obama's win on his popularity and stature. It may ultimately elevate him. But since the initial reactions are "this is premature" and is actually amplifying the Saturday Night Live criticism of "What has he accomplished" they've

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-83085434603361146432009-06-24T11:07:00.001-05:002009-06-24T11:39:28.438-05:00

Something that doesn't get nearly enough respect? Slate. They are a small shop of very bright people (who, it is said, spend all available off hours applying for better jobs at the New York Times). I find they have a knack for asking the question "Wait a second. How did we get here?" and then telling me. Here they are doing it again on Iran. You'll notice that they don't lay the credit at the

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-63862012157348090062009-06-22T11:11:00.001-05:002009-06-22T11:11:27.851-05:00

 I find mildly tasteless the media tendency to turn a story about the struggle in Iran into a story about Twitter.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-61175231803643021172009-06-17T13:46:00.001-05:002009-06-17T13:46:39.997-05:00

A poster on one of the message boards I frequent, reddit.com, posted this little gem of a rant that I just had to keep for posterity. I don't agree with all of the vociferousness and language, but there's a certain hilarity to its whole "I'm mad as hell and not gonna take it anymore" sponteneity that I couldn't resist. Those easily offended by, oh whatever, might want to skip it. Antihostile

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-29087629261801259492009-06-03T09:56:00.000-05:002009-06-03T09:57:00.216-05:00

Seriously.   http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/03/us/03nuke.html?_r=1    Can you think of a bigger oops?

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-9210166949290532922009-05-01T15:44:00.001-05:002009-05-01T15:44:26.340-05:00

http://tinyurl.com/ddnhne

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-14942957233734076272009-05-01T13:58:00.001-05:002009-05-01T13:58:14.846-05:00

I'm trying out Twitterfeed from my blogger blog.  This post (and hopefully this tweet) should send my blog posting to Twitter.  I'm just typing more because I want to see how it handles posts of more than 140 characters.  I think that's reasonable? Don't you think that's reasonable? You don't? Well! Who cares what you think anyway?!  Hrmmmph!  K. That should be enough. ;-)

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-37073890652172434652009-04-24T10:32:00.001-05:002009-04-24T10:32:52.693-05:00

Since I last bitched about Twitter, I decided I need to give it a fair shake before judging it so harshly. I've also found that what had really frustrated me was the supply-push of Twitter from the media giants, rather than the service itself.  But since I wrote that I guess the push has worked because a LOT more people are tweeting away.   So I'm going to give it that fair shake. I'm @

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-32672402069700581132009-04-03T14:56:00.001-05:002009-04-03T14:56:04.441-05:00

At his Town Hall in Europe, Obama said something that I've been thinking for a long time - and, not surprisingly, said it better.   "But the point is that what I found at a very young age was that if you can only think about yourself -- 'How much money can I make? What can I buy? How nice is my house? What kind of fancy car do I have?' -- that over the long term, I think you get bored," he told

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-89086686183986356282009-03-29T12:16:00.001-05:002009-03-29T12:16:16.333-05:00

Fareed Zakaria's GPS is what all cable news should look like. It embarrasses the rest of CNN and its competitors by comparison. Zakaria actually acts like a) there is an important world outside the United States and b) that insight can be gained by interviewing  a broad range of non-famous experts rather than just asking the same fifteen full time employed pundits how the world works (David

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-49763481795707586502009-02-25T16:50:00.001-05:002009-02-25T16:50:46.419-05:00

corymacdonald@gmail.com has sent you a link to view a video on TheDailyBeast.com. Message from sender: See the video here: http://thedailybeast.com/video/item/brooks-on-jindal

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-31876464406840281512009-02-25T16:36:00.001-05:002009-02-25T16:36:52.658-05:00

http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewrw/archives/025528.html

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-83672395728955877242009-02-25T14:58:00.001-05:002009-02-25T14:58:39.497-05:00

Stewart is correct. I've been saying the same thing for quite some time. That is exactly why most US president's visit Canada first. It isn't because Canada is the biggest trading partner or because of the primacy of border issues.  It's because it allows a foreign visit on training wheels.   And there's nothing wrong with that. It just makes sense.  As Canadians our job is just to take

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-70492341459274727492009-02-19T09:46:00.001-05:002009-02-19T09:46:20.817-05:00

This is a good Q & A to read if you want to be able to predict what will likely happen - and need to happen - in the US in the next couple of years.   http://online.barrons.com/article/SB123396545910358867.html?mod=djemWR&page=sp

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-25848394825554372132009-02-17T14:20:00.001-05:002009-02-17T14:20:35.626-05:00

There is nothing new in my feelings on this, but I am repeatedly struck, and repeatedly horrified, by the fact that a very large part of planet earth  is, still to some degree or other, an Orwellian nightmare for anyone born with a vagina.   http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/02/17/pakistan.taliban/index.html 

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-49983511563952822002009-02-17T13:50:00.001-05:002009-02-17T13:50:13.660-05:00

http://meganmcardle.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/02/oh_canada.php

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-13091319670430396682009-02-13T11:26:00.001-05:002009-02-13T11:26:23.236-05:00

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-despite-these-riots-i-stand-by-what-i-wrote-1608059.html

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-10755969243446277652009-02-08T01:07:00.001-05:002009-02-08T01:07:19.900-05:00

http://www.newsweek.com/id/183670

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-12101901048256342862009-01-29T22:22:00.001-05:002009-01-29T22:22:05.894-05:00

People keep asking "Where is Canada's Barack Obama?" and I keep yelling in to the void "HIS NAME WAS TRUDEAU!"

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-29363979749516523862008-12-17T11:00:00.001-05:002008-12-17T11:00:26.094-05:00

The US blogs are aggressively discussing the propriety of appointing John F. Kennedy's daugher, Caroline to the senate. But the arguments by her detractors seem to argue that she is just getting by on her name while she "isn't qualified" or "hasn't earned it".  I think that is a veiled way of approaching the real problem but it should instead be stated outright. Western democracy is founded on

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-44216857721700723212008-12-16T14:05:00.003-05:002008-12-16T14:09:41.391-05:00

Nobody uses Twitter. That isn't completely true, of course. But it's close to true. A year ago there was a facebook revolution. Everyone joined facebook. The few that didn't considered it an act of rebellion. I will not join Twitter and I'm not receiving any email invites to join either. Why is this? Well, I already sent a blast to my email list inviting them to join facebook. Two years ago I let

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-86443867108042720332008-12-03T22:20:00.003-05:002008-12-03T23:20:54.716-05:00

I haven't blogged in a long time, but frankly I didn't feel there was much I wanted to blog about for a while. Seems a bit different now. My main reason for writing this here isn't to promise to keep blogging though. It's just to comment on this and I know it'll go to my facebook and some people who are curious about what I think can see it there. Anyhoo..There are a lot of things to say on this

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-21831154459072266062008-01-08T14:07:00.001-05:002008-01-08T23:01:06.772-05:00

No. I'm not dead. Although I felt like it last week.This week has shaken up American politics. The conventional wisdom has been turned on its head. Hil3ary and Giuliani no longer seem inevitable. In fact, if there's a lesson to be learned about this campaign so far it is that inevitability is a hell of a handicap.Here are some random thoughts on the candidates as possible U.S. Presidents. You'll

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-26978602182479286602007-11-20T18:35:00.001-05:002007-11-20T18:35:53.115-05:00

Here's the news story.   This disappoints me. Marijuana should be legalised.  People running "grow ups" should be arguing over their tax rates and begging for government subsidies like other farmers, not hiding from draconian prison sentences.    This is such typical "Appeal to the Base" politics.   And I don't even ENJOY marijuana.                

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-9315793374493307612007-11-19T16:16:00.001-05:002007-11-19T20:38:11.730-05:00

Liberals are in a self righteous tizzy over "torture" this week. Because torture is just plain wrong, right?Here: check out this cartoon that totally proves it through the scientific approach of "Flippant Mockery". Let me know when you are back. (Click the links for a big readable version.)http://images.salon.com/comics/tomo/2007/11/19/tomo/story.jpghttp://images.salon.com/comics/tomo/2007/11/19/

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-26260379844313400412007-11-14T15:56:00.001-05:002007-11-14T15:56:37.235-05:00

I wrote this months ago but never finished it. I don't like it much but I havent written much lately so here you go.   -------------------------------------------------------- This was a weekend of aboriginals. At least for me.   As surely 99% of the people who read this blog are intimately aware, this Friday was the start of the Canada Day long weekend. I live in Toronto but many family members

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-7752264647442714682007-11-14T15:47:00.001-05:002007-11-14T15:47:58.725-05:00

The Counter-Reformation is an interesting historic event to me. But that's probably just because I spent a good part of my history studying reformation-era history.  Let me break down the reformation for you real quick. (and don't worry, this will get relevant to world events real quick).     Catholic church run by italians, is spreading its influence throughout europe. Corrupted by power.  

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-13240130897038708212007-10-30T10:59:00.001-05:002007-10-30T10:59:37.765-05:00

Adam Daifallah wrote a great column in the National Post on Friday. He argues that Conservative Parties in Canada have a bad habit of electing some leaders who will be non-threatening to the centrists and who will run and get elected on their personalities while eschewing conservative principles. Daifallah argues that this almost always ends badly for said Conservatives. You can read it yourself

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-50182587383960484152007-10-21T14:02:00.001-05:002007-10-21T14:02:58.359-05:00

QFT as the internet kids say... which means Quoted For Truth... which means I agree... which means...oh just go read this link.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-89428625674210990902007-10-18T17:10:00.001-05:002007-10-18T17:10:32.023-05:00

No not here. HERE.   www.Dailyshow.com has gone live with a video archive of the entire history of the show. Look at it. Love it. Live it!

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-81895294208354718002007-10-16T14:35:00.001-05:002007-10-16T14:35:22.942-05:00

We've actually - for real - found a second earth. Go look.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-75524594786338892502007-10-15T10:57:00.001-05:002007-10-15T10:57:07.047-05:00

I thought people that look at this blog might enjoy this. It is an interview and open forum with Stephen Colbert at the Kennedy School of Government. He is out of character and gives some candid insight into a lot of aspects of doing his character/show. It's google video. It's more lighthearted than the 60 minutes piece and less awkward than the Larry King piece from the other night where he

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-42952058557683059722007-10-15T09:42:00.001-05:002007-10-15T09:42:21.704-05:00

Funny stuff. What great times we live in.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-27010485514316447892007-10-12T14:36:00.001-05:002007-10-12T14:36:50.620-05:00

... THE BRITISH JUDGE!!!  Man... what a killjoy. Stupid judge... goin'... assessin' the evidence n' shit... frickin' bullcrap man. This is Al Gore's day, dude.     Bonus link: Doris Lessing's priceless response to winning the Nobel Prize for literature. 

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-25343869253650686082007-10-12T10:50:00.001-05:002007-10-12T10:50:57.796-05:00

A comment in an earlier post made reference to an in depth Vanity Fair Article on the Clinton vs. Gore rivalry. I dug it up. You can read it here.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-42295386269154309752007-10-12T10:01:00.001-05:002007-10-12T10:01:17.707-05:00

Every time - EVERY TIME - climate change news story is mentioned on the internet, a forum war occurs. Normally I don't post these, however, below is a very good statement from one poster, "Isidore", filled with useful information resources.      ------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- The scientific consensus is with the

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-19481692511592788652007-10-12T08:03:00.001-05:002007-10-12T08:41:22.671-05:00

Yep it's true.Told ya so.Edit: Interesting side note - This morning after learning about Al Gore's win 7 times in a half hour on CNN, I turned on Fox News to see what their take on the story would be. They aren't reporting it. At all.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-192979644041313142007-10-11T14:02:00.001-05:002007-10-11T14:02:44.104-05:00

So I don't want to say much about the Ontario election - and certainly nothing that could be construed as partisan. But there are a few safe thoughts I feel I can appropriately share: 1. On the MMP referendum: I predicted it wouldn't pass, and it didn't. But then, who didn't. Everyone knew it wouldnt pass.  A lot of people argue a lot of reasons why that is but here's how I see it - people are

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-76977473213111728292007-10-10T12:29:00.001-05:002007-10-10T12:37:56.252-05:00

Just once for posterity. I know, I know, it's last month's news:"Don't tase me, bro"Whew. There. That feels better.Classic.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-30570006046941879062007-10-10T12:10:00.001-05:002007-10-10T12:10:16.100-05:00

I spoiled a ballot today.   I've never done that before.   It felt... kinda weird.   But, as a civil servant who is pretty adamant about the whole idea effectively working hard for whoever the premier happens to be, it also felt kinda good.   I won't be making a habit of it I don't think, but it was a symbol that meant something to me.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-83252872876038424952007-10-09T10:31:00.000-05:002007-10-09T10:32:03.347-05:00

On Friday, Albert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. will win the Nobel Peace Prize.  That will give him an Oscar and a Nobel in the same year. He may or may not decide to ride that to the Presidency of the United States.    What did you accomplish today?

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-76708586547286617102007-10-09T09:52:00.001-05:002007-10-09T09:53:08.309-05:00

Bjorn Lumborg wrote The Skeptical Environmentalist in 2001. Needless to say, I consider myself a fan of the man's process. If you follow this link you'll read a short article excerpting some of Lumborg's thoughts on how we can best prepare for a globally warmed future. Hint: It isn't about cutting CO2 emissions. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, reading Lumborg is important because

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-4927851272385527592007-10-04T10:10:00.001-05:002007-10-18T12:30:49.893-05:00

I am not posting all that much because my thoughts are focused where the action is - the Ontario general election and the MMP referendum. But because I work for Ontario government, I won't post on those topics.I can say that I am currently surprised at where we are in Federal politics. This is my first time as an adult living through a minority government era, and oh my non-existent lord, it is

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-25308832451643548502007-09-24T15:48:00.001-05:002007-09-24T15:48:14.319-05:00

I'm not sure why people don't understand african-american anger over the Jena 6. There's all sorts of talk among (white) commentators about how this is an overreaction because the black kids are guilty of boot stomping the white kid. Therefore they don't make for good poster children of aggrieved racism.   Right.   Look, maybe its because I came from a rough little town in the maritimes but I

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-64391932868288207942007-09-24T12:05:00.001-05:002007-09-24T12:05:56.094-05:00

A Christopher Hitchens article that speculates on whether Al Gore will run for president after he wins the Nobel prize on October 12th.  How could I not post this?  With apologies. Enjoy.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-90456345029241683502007-09-20T14:55:00.001-05:002007-09-20T15:03:16.384-05:00

The Canadian dollar is equal to the American dollar for the first time in thirty years! Wow. It's just like when Haley's comet comes. Or a really perfect solar eclipse! So do not look directly AT your loonies. Celebrations for this magical day should include impulse buying of sketchy vacation packages and punching book store clerks in the face!Arribaaaaa!

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-91799630171447362222007-09-20T14:50:00.001-05:002007-09-20T15:01:57.647-05:00

Just a little disagreement from...oh... 500 scientists or so. You know the kind that publish papers in top journals. To be honest though, I see a lot of potentially good side effects from combatting this problem even if it isn't real. For example, dealing with man made climate change has the side effect of providing incentives to create technologies that help us with that itsy bitsy running out

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-81845964651199141762007-09-12T07:54:00.001-05:002007-09-12T07:54:02.574-05:00

I found this at the top of www.reddit.com so you may have seen it already, but it's a brilliant policy juxtaposition exercise. I'd say more but I'd hate to spoil the surprise.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-75391233404576198872007-09-11T14:51:00.001-05:002007-09-11T14:51:41.357-05:00

 Check this out.  The link goes to a story about dutch muslims who are fighting for the right to become ex-muslims in the netherlands. I hope Islam comes to understandand accept this univerally but I won't hold my breath. The guys are in hiding from the death threats.   Don't think this behavior is limited to Islam though. Christianity hasn't wanted to let people out either. Jan Hus was burned

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-10629291063390586062007-09-11T09:30:00.001-05:002007-09-11T09:30:40.964-05:00

Just a reminder to anyone that will read this blog looking for my analysis on the Ontario provincial election. Because I work for the Ontario government as a non-partisan policy advisor, I try to avoid Province of Ontario topics. I won't be commenting on the election and will work diligently for the Premier of Ontario at all times, whoever he or she may be.  With that in mind, I have a powerpoint

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-37811215039843452942007-09-10T14:51:00.001-05:002007-09-10T14:51:29.834-05:00

I leave you to your own reactions.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-82103883552491367052007-09-06T13:13:00.001-05:002007-09-06T13:13:39.370-05:00

Update on that Libel Chill lawsuit I talked about before.  

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-56411451025078747022007-09-06T09:47:00.001-05:002007-09-06T09:47:02.818-05:00

You aren't making yourself look very good, Brian. But then you always were terrible at public relations.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-39658648952172880842007-09-04T13:47:00.001-05:002007-09-04T14:25:12.097-05:00

Here is an excellent long form article in Vanity Fair that you should check out. It focusses on the press coverage Al Gore received duing the 2000 election. It's good evidence of the self-flagellation that the United States is currently putting itself through over the Bush vs. Gore decision. Here's a few random thoughts to accompany the link:Man, I hated that election. I hated both of those guys

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-34531604657008891632007-08-29T17:14:00.001-05:002007-09-04T14:22:52.859-05:00

This "Digg" news story is just one example of the ongoing war between the Motion Picture Association of America, the Recording Industry of America, and their customers/thieves.What bothers me about this fight isn't so much that people are stealing movies and music. Full disclosure: I've done it. I remember way back as a kid pressing record on the tape deck so that I could tape songs off the

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-81445374882178396292007-08-29T15:45:00.001-05:002007-08-29T15:45:53.677-05:00

John Ibbitson writes in Wednesday's Globe and Mail with respect to Larry Craig: (and don't bother with the link, it's behind their silly subscription wall)   "Sorry Senator: Once you plead guilty to an offense, you admit to the truth of the allegation. We can argue over whether the sting operation was harassment, but Larry Craig can't claim innocence. He's guilty as sin, as he admitted in open

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-68673426607629550932007-08-24T14:16:00.001-05:002007-08-24T14:16:22.534-05:00

Hey. Quebec police. You are idiots at best and dangerous at worst. Seriously. What were you thinking? I understand putting undercover officers in place, but did they need to a) look like cops and b) dress like black flaggers. Hey Ontarions: I don't like panhandlers either, but don't go using one murder as justification for anything. If you want to ban the class of people who commit the most

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-80516107239540318532007-08-23T13:10:00.001-05:002007-08-23T13:10:16.220-05:00

http://www.slowpokecomics.com/strips/politics101.gif

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-34835720155723824682007-08-19T16:18:00.001-05:002007-08-20T10:01:41.265-05:00

Some friends of mine are being playground bullied in a libel suit. This is an important issue to anyone that cares about freedom of expression and the ability to have your say on the internet. If you blog or use online forums this means you. Check out this story from the National. If you can throw a few dimes towards their legal defense fund, even better. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-75241987048752190062007-08-17T10:46:00.001-05:002007-08-17T10:46:27.819-05:00

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and all around kick ass human being Beverley McLachlin is on the front page of the Toronto Star a few days ago calling for a review of access to the justice system. According to the article McLachlin "has issued a call to action to governments, lawyers and judges to find solutions to the access-to-justice "crisis" imperilling the country's legal

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-51170275225713470302007-08-15T12:47:00.001-05:002007-08-15T12:47:48.299-05:00

http://www.nyjournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070815/NEWS05/708150356

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-8784825097867408852007-08-15T10:29:00.001-05:002007-08-15T10:29:39.704-05:00

...I've now written and trashed THREE blog articles that I didn't think were worth reading.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-55603465079061263332007-08-03T11:08:00.001-05:002007-08-03T11:08:42.781-05:00

Have a look at this news story.   It's the news story about the civil service report that caused the fun debate over at Daifallah.com that I sent you too in the last post. But in this post I'm not interested in the substance of it. I'm interested in the lack of links and specificity. CTV reports:   "Canada's public servants earn an average salary far higher than those in the private sector,

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-69304020383344181162007-08-02T10:48:00.001-05:002007-08-02T10:48:31.361-05:00

http://www.daifallah.com/blog.htm    Go over and read Adam's post on "Bloated Bureaucacy" August 1st. Then read the comments. I reply to him there.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-78019487809960980892007-08-01T15:46:00.001-05:002007-08-01T15:49:19.450-05:00

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-2716863953489057142007-07-20T12:49:00.001-05:002007-08-02T14:55:27.775-05:00

I know you've probably heard nothing about this (ha!), but the new Harry Potter book comes out today. As a voracious reader of magazines and newspapers this means I am once again being inundated with stories about what the success of Harry Potter meaaaaaaans. Of course I shouldn't be surprised. Here's the curse of being a writer: Ya gotta publish if ya wanna eat. Want to have a magazine or a

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-74207437932048564352007-07-19T14:19:00.001-05:002007-07-19T14:19:24.544-05:00

If you look at my facebook, you'll find that I'm a member of the Conrad Black Fan Club and the Christopher Hitchens Fan Club.  My reasoning for both is similar. I've been wildly amused by their newspaper columns. In both cases it is their arrogant, damn the torpedoes, in your face linguistic cerebry that gets me. Put another way, I don't really care what they're saying, so much as how deliciously

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-80667092188834961062007-07-18T11:55:00.001-05:002007-07-18T11:55:35.783-05:00

Check this out. HBO is announcing a new series called Tell Me You Love Me.  As near as I can figure from the LA Times story I just linked to, the reason to watch will be explicit sex. The first episode ends with a handjob. But at the same time, they say, it's really about relationships and intimacy.  Interesting. I'll be interested in seeing if this can actually work. I'm not sure it can.  Why?

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-12911510369772680562007-07-03T11:51:00.001-05:002007-07-03T11:51:55.786-05:00

Hitchens. On the botched England bombing.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-23367248202584747102007-06-25T01:56:00.001-05:002007-06-25T01:56:53.834-05:00

Check this out. People in Hong Kong Gym Generate Electricity While Exercising!  In other news, my sleep schedule is way out of whack. Pray for Cicero to survive his Monday!!

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-84256218297201750482007-06-20T11:34:00.001-05:002007-06-20T11:34:11.473-05:00

I need to chalk this post up directly to the Cicero in Pants summer vacation - because it isn't really about politics. But it is. Sort of.   I don't tend to be drawn in by the cult of celebrity at all but I do sympathise with celebrities.  I don't really understand why we think we are entitled to know their business. I do know that I find it disgusting.   What really caught my eye lately was

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-46550748419911572882007-06-11T09:52:00.001-05:002007-06-11T09:52:29.554-05:00

I just got back from Newfoundland. What I learned in Newfoundland was this: Maybe the Beatles weren't more popular than Jesus but Premier Danny Williams certainly is. My friends would just start talking about the guy at random. Normally I have to ask questions about local politics. In this case they were gushing.  A friend there who always votes NDP will vote Tory in the next election. I sense

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-30701282370794020182007-06-06T07:43:00.001-05:002007-06-06T07:43:57.889-05:00

From the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-robinson/al-gore-is-running_b_50405.html    It's really just a speculative article on the question. The most interesting part of the article is the comment section at the bottom. Decide for yourself.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-91044348317237163522007-05-31T11:14:00.001-05:002007-05-31T11:14:35.275-05:00

Got this in my email today. Love this guy. And yes - it won't be long now. My bile is rebuilding and work is cooling off. :) -------------------------------------- Dear Mr. Pants: As I sit here, in anguish, on yet another mindless conference call discussing the politics of climate change, and the poor decision making ability of those who have introduced yet another mindless form of carbon tax

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-19343008617038558002007-05-10T16:00:00.000-05:002007-05-10T16:01:00.185-05:00

This link to Wonkette is funny. It involves Cheney and the DC Madam hooker list. Enjoy.   (Facebookers as usual, click through to my blog to see the link)

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-82519606678863025652007-05-10T14:26:00.001-05:002007-05-10T14:36:59.545-05:00

Ive been quiet on this blog lately. Why? Well, first because work is busy and life gets fun in summer. But also largely because politics is boring the hell out of me lately.Look. I know stuff is going on. We are all going to pillory the Defense Minister because of the Afghanistan Torture. There seems to be a race among all jurisdictions to pass the best global warming law conforming to the graph

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-30423146160347087842007-05-07T13:25:00.001-05:002007-05-07T13:25:59.506-05:00

You guys will love this story. Americans file espionage report of "Spy Coin" with evesdropping device in it.    Actual reason the coin looked odd: Canadian Commemorative Loony with the Red Poppy in the middle.   Go to BoingBoing.Net and check it out.  Oh, and while you are there feel free to spend two weeks looking at everything else that's there. Boingboing is quite possibly the best blog on

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-75437161338299706872007-04-30T13:18:00.001-05:002007-04-30T13:18:39.905-05:00

This is a VERY excellent article. I would stand up and applaud it but I think I would get quizzical looks from my co-workers.    (facebookers click through to my blog for the link, as always) 

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-8308729696546025092007-04-22T22:24:00.001-05:002007-04-22T22:29:16.267-05:00

Its almost like I told ya so or something... (Facebookers click through to my blog)

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-291287445518793302007-04-20T09:34:00.001-05:002007-04-20T09:34:36.758-05:00

...and this.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-84683221368732544462007-04-20T09:30:00.001-05:002007-04-20T09:30:18.954-05:00

Check it out here.     

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-85728022722053475192007-04-19T12:59:00.001-05:002007-04-23T21:52:55.860-05:00

I am ashamed to say that my first reaction to the Virginia Tech massacre was annoyance (when walking past a tv that said school shootings - I didnt know the magnitude of carnage at that point) and following that an almost blase resignation. It isn't that I'm callous. It's that after living in a world that has shown me the Montreal massacre, 9/11, Columbine, Dawson College, the Eaton Centre gun

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-87224571527322778372007-04-11T15:33:00.000-05:002007-04-11T15:34:03.540-05:00

    She's going back to Magna. You can quit emailing me the news.   Am I surprised? Nope. Liberals voted down her party reform proposals. Social life all over the tabloids. Martha Hall Findlay in Dion's inner circle. Liberals not likely to form government in the very near future. Magna and Onyx bidding for Chrysler.   I look forward to the new Magna-Chrysler line of Racehorse Powered

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-84671219250451777372007-04-09T13:44:00.001-05:002007-04-09T14:34:10.551-05:00

Lorne Gunter is a skeptic. Here he uses an elaborate analogy to point out that the amount of CO2 in the air is very tiny and therefore CO2 doesn't contribute to greenhouse gasses. As he writes:"Out of our model atmosphere of 2,400 litres of water, just about a shot glassful is carbon dioxide put their by humans. And of that miniscule amount, Canada's contribution is just 2% --about 1 ml." K. For

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-472971672610337612007-04-08T13:38:00.001-05:002007-04-08T13:38:32.023-05:00

This is called "How to Speak to a Global Warming Skeptic", which I, admittedly, am. I'm going to be reading this top to bottom.  In the meantime I post it here.

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-29231655207470779472007-04-06T23:05:00.001-05:002007-04-06T23:05:28.042-05:00

What could it hurt  to follow the links in this link?  hmmm... ;-)

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-91094857743347378992007-04-06T22:29:00.001-05:002007-04-06T22:29:30.836-05:00

... but anyway. I was going to blog about this at some point but Joan Tintor beat me to it and did it better. Check it out. (Hint: Its called "The Apology-Lawsuit Party"... and its about the current state of the Federal Liberals.)

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-40719057851340227882007-04-05T12:31:00.001-05:002007-04-05T12:31:22.246-05:00

... Why were they such WIMPS?   Now, I'm not saying I'm any better. However!   I watched British soldiers on the news admitting to being in Iranian waters and calmly pointing it out on a map on the wall. When they had been told they were being released, one of them actually said "thank you for your foregiveness".   What ever happened to "YOU'LL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE!!  I WON'T TELL YOU ANYTHING

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-19524466057529352462007-04-04T12:00:00.001-05:002007-04-04T12:10:37.604-05:00

There's been a bit of a kafuffle recently about the sculpture, "My Sweet Lord". It is a piece of art that depicts Jesus naked in crucifiction pose - made of chocolate .This morning as I was channel surfing some religious folks were decrying this. On the news, CNN asked the artist if he would do the same thing about Mohammed. His answer was No. Because Islam isn't his religion and he doesn't feel

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-81016112139063634642007-04-03T12:45:00.000-05:002007-04-03T12:55:19.112-05:00

Slate rejects the romanticized version of Leon Trotsky and exposes him as the actual totalitarian mass murderer he was. They call him the Bin Laden of Communism. Refreshingly honest - and from a New York lefty rag like Slate!!!   Hopefully next month they can put Che Guevera up against the wall and shoot him.   Err...was that last comment in bad taste? ;-)

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-20387878204799667292007-03-29T11:29:00.001-05:002007-03-29T11:29:15.917-05:00

Just a neat quick observation.   The morning after the Quebec election this week, the Globe and Mail ran a huge above the fold headline about the results. The National Post, (perhaps distracted from their jobs by round the clock coverage of the Sluts and Vermin trial in Chicago), ran a full color full half page headline and photo of the sit down between Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley.   I

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167606160242261523.post-73292130685583428452007-03-28T16:14:00.001-05:002007-03-28T16:14:50.127-05:00

This very interesting link has nothing to do with politics and policy whatsoever.   Except for this:   How many of these myths did you ever, at any point in your life, take as being gospel truth?   Imagine how many things we STILL take as gospel truth...even though they are myths. I'm just sayin'.  

Cicero In Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17456823202764475701noreply@blogger.com0