In both Somalia and Sweden, piracy has been very much in the news. At first glance, these seem like radically different stories.
Category: Spleen
The category, Spleen, is for posts that make us angry.
The Trouble With TED
There’s something about TED. For a long time, I couldn’t place it. TED is “popular science” by smart people. I watch all those videos of upbeat optimistic speakers who can see on the horizon the vague outlines of a better future, like an EPCOT ride, and I get this feeling on the back of my neck, the same feeling I get when I hear somebody scraping fingernails across a blackboard.
American Spirit Organic Tobacco
I don’t know where to begin with this one. It’s an ad for American Spirit cigarettes made from 100% organic tobacco. How politically incorrect art thou; oh let me count the ways! I suppose I could start with colonialism and the “American Spirit.”
The Doofus Driven Church
The Rev. Rick Warren claims that he’s not now nor has he ever been anti-gay or anti-gay marriage. It’s not enough that this contemptible little man should spearhead a campaign for California Proposition 8, but he turns on a dime and denies that he ever took such a stand.
The Abuse of Doubt
How do we answer those who apply doubt to sway public opinion in favour of irrational views? How do we respond to the well-orchestrated media campaign that encourages people to doubt the credibility of evolutionary biology in favour of supernatural fiat?
Condoms Contribute to AIDS – Pope Benedict
The Atlanta Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed a new device to prevent the spread of stupidity.
Church Angry at Boob Job Mary Model
From Reuters we have the story of outrage at Chilean fashion designer Ricardo Oyarzun who is planning a show that dresses models in garb which borrows from the iconography of the Virgin Mary.
The Nipple Exposed
In our household, the division of labour is allocated so that, among other things, I do the laundry. This has given me considerable exposure to fashion trends in women’s undergarments — moreso in the last three or four years as my daughter has become conscious of such things and has demanded that our fashion shopping habits keep her in pace with her friends.
Israel Mind-fucks the World
In its military “defensive” against Gaza, Israel’s chief weapon is spin. Like shells that soften the ground before the troops move in, Israel started lobbing little media bombs to soften up international opinion. Like Orwell’s Ministry of Truth, Israel has its National Information Directorate.
Salvation Army’s Annual Cash Grab
Donations to charitable organizations are down this Christmas, largely as a result of the economic downturn we have experienced this fall. We have been hearing a lot from the Salvation Army in particular.
Nouspique Forgives The Vatican
In a surprising move, officials from nouspique.com announced today that Nouspique would forgive the Vatican for its abuse of the idea of forgiveness.
The End of Faith, by Sam Harris
While conservative Christians are hostile towards atheists, Harris laces his book with such invective against Islam and reaches such extreme conclusions that there must be at least a few Fundie preachers who take secret delight in his writing.
Poppies and the Enslaving Rhetoric of Freedom
Last week, 85 year old poppy-selling veteran, Alan Lawrence, was told to leave the premises of The Bay office tower in Toronto. He was selling poppies to raise money for the Poppy Trust Fund which then makes distributions to vets who have suffered from bad retirement planning advice.
Obama Yes – Change No
I had promised myself I wouldn’t write a “morning after” commentary, but I’ve grown tired of the grandiose electioneering rhetoric and of the even more grandiose claims of the election commentators. I can’t help but burst the bubble: Obama will fail.
Bully at a Book Sale
I’m an incorrigible bibliophile. Although it’s an awful-sounding disease, its worst symptom is a compulsive desire to attend used book sales and a subsequent need for more shelves. As with allergy sufferers, autumn can be a difficult time of year. The challenge is a gauntlet of book sales sponsored by colleges of the University of Toronto.