Canadian media empire Canwest is reaching its demise and bids are coming in from media giants like Quebecor and Transcontinental to take over. However, CRTC laws preventing media companies from acquiring certain publications or channels from competitors may bring an ‘independent voice’ to Canadian media and a return to regionally operated news.

Now, I am not necessarily saying that Canwest and their divisions have done a poor job. However, with any concentrated and monopolized media source, bias tends to surface. The newswire is narrow and what is considered un-newsworthy to Canwest’s interests may now receive a slot in the paper.

Talks of fracturing the company are already happening as a bid for 3 newspapers were made.

“Our partnership represents a cross spectrum of engaged Canadians committed to a vigorous, independent media voice for the communities that each newspaper serves. We are encouraged by the positive response we have received from investors,” the three consortium partners said. “We are firm in our view that there remains a bright future for newspapers supported by creative web platforms.”

- Toronto Star

Canwest is weighing the offer but maintaining a preference to an acquisition for the entire company.

So what?

A diverse spectrum of thought would only help to balance Canadian media.

These three investors may very well be leading us to believe that an ‘independent media voice for the communities’ is what will result from this transaction, and although they may be blindsiding us, a change of this magnitude will only help to transition media into 2010 by loosening the grip of monopolies in Canada.

How this would affect media and advertising consumption in Canada is still to be seen. Regionalism may surface with a return to sparse interests. Alternatively, a unified and diverse balance of Canadian interests may work to shape our identity in a different manner.

Regardless, I believe this is the shakeup the Canadian media needs.

When?

Ironically, the Financial Post, a sister-site of the National Post,  is reporting a deadline for bidders to acquire them both.

“The first phase of the sale will last seven weeks or until Feb. 26, during which bidders are asked to file indications of interest.”

No source is attributed.

The royal palace was destroyed; schools and houses shredded, and medical attention is still difficult to find as hospitals lie in ruins.

But, the earthquake and relief story will be shared and scrutinized by the blogosphere and news agencies around the world.

In this article, we will view an extremely disappointing human wrong. The sheer prejudice, racism and lack of concern on the internet. Especially in this instance, I see it as a symptom of an overarching problem seen over again, and frankly, I am in extreme disappointment.

This video is not editorialized with words and shows raw images capturing the damage and injured. However, it is the YouTube comments on this video which have left me in utter disgust:

WoWpallyftw: i wouldnt exactly consider them “people”

WeThrowPie:  a CHIMP breathes and eats and drinks, but it’s still just a chimp. Same with n******. They are subhuman scum.

Edjumakated: If they’ve truly gone through such abuse, then they will never grow up to be a benefit to society, carrying with them many psychological tortures. Hey, I have an idea. If we let all the poor and starving die off, guess what? NO MORE POOR AND STARVING! =D

Why?

Although there was a backlash of several people who felt as compelled as I did to retaliate and condemn these words, I am sickened by the prospect of having our future generations raised in a world so ignorant and so filthy.

To think that not only would someone seek out this video and watch it, but then come to the conclusion that this event was intended for this demographic? …that mother nature is justified to target this area because of race, poverty or disease?

I am ashamed for every human being today, not just the ones who reacted like this. I am embarrassed because when one is hurting, I would sincerely hope that a helping hand or compassion would be prioritized over differences. It is appalling that hate crimes of treason are committed like this against our own species.

I may be a bit naïve to hope the best for and in people, but I am justified in feeling betrayed by those who hold themselves on a higher rung of the ladder than the people of Haiti.

The universe is impartial, impersonal and a disaster of this magnitude could hit anyone at any time.

So to those who believe they are making a harmless comment on YouTube, I say this:

When seeing videos of people suffering, drop the ego, put down the salt, and take a long hard look at whether you don’t care because you are insecure or because you are so self-absorbed that nothing exists outside of you.

In either case, you’re doomed for failure when everyone realizes how self-righteous you are. So when you are lonely and typing comments on YouTube videos calling someone a racial slur when they are suffering, remember you are the only one who will suffer for screwing up your own life and the world at large; one comment at a time.

Optimism

After writing this, I saw an ambulance parked below my balcony. The paramedics were ushering in a patient from the building across the street.  A girl and her parents were leaving the building when their compassion for the patient led them to inquire.

The girl recognized the patient and obviously showed concern. She left her parents, approached the ambulance and I heard the girl ask her friend if she needed some water, and how she was feeling. The girl boarded the ambulance and proceeded to leave the scene to the hospital.

My Point

Posting a comment on YouTube which is callous towards anyone who is suffering is like walking past an ambulance after recognizing your best friend is in it. We must unite on all fronts concerning basic needs to achieve any progress. If we continue to allow differences to negate our essential human connection, we will continue to destroy ourselves and the world.

I am not going to say what race the family was or whether the patient was “different” or not from them, because it truly does not make a difference.

Ruppert claims the world has reached the peak oil output possible and that we are on a rapid decline of resources to sustain humanity.

What’s worse, he claims, is that governments and corporations have known about this for decades but have continued to keep the public in the dark.

Oil is the lifeblood of the industrial revolution. Everything we use from plastics to electricity requires oil energy. Since we have reached the peak of oil production, the building blocks to sustain life, by using the remaining oil to create actual renewable sources of energy, is imperative.

When we reach the end of the oil supply, we will not have the resources to create the infrastructure required to operate renewable sources of energy.

Ruppert blames our use of paper money, which is not being marked against a tangible resource, and has led to our mentality of ‘an infinite source of supply’. Yet, oil is a finite resource and as the resource diminishes, so too must the population.

How will the world cope when we do not have the resources to power electricity? to create food? to run society?

According to Ruppert, we must take responsibility locally. Rupperr suggests that what we are about to witness will be catastrophic if we do not realize our duty to protect our planet now.

Was ignorance bliss?

The ‘oos have highlighted the lack of transparency which existed in the 20th century. Previously, governments and corporations were able to manipulate citizens without having to explain their motives or the return on their investments.

With the internet, access to information and social networking have dramatically changed these interactions. From 9/11 to the election of Barack H. Obama to the financial meltdown, the internet has provided different views from its vast database. In the last century, society would tend to believe the mainstream explanation of different events; yet now there exists endless scrutiny.

This certainly helps to deliver a spectrum of sources but leaves individuals uncertain of the validity of any information. It is just as simple to find the positive as it is to now seek the world’s horrors. And, it is increasingly difficult to discern fact from fiction. How has this affected society?

Niche or cocoon?

The word niche is frequently thrown around to denote how concentrated communities have networked via the internet during the ’00s.

Yet, the damaging effects of submersing oneself into these communities is finally drawing attention and we are witnessing the risk that technology can have on sustaining a balanced life.

A CBC article from the beginning of the decade suggests “the internet could be the ultimate isolating technology that further reduces our participation in communities even more than did automobiles and television before it.”

During the 00s, suicides reported from internet addiction and video game obsession emerged as a disastrous effect of the internet vice.

Yet, a study released Nov. 2009 suggests the internet may not be to blame.

“The extent of social isolation has hardly changed since 1985, contrary to concerns that the prevalence of severe isolation has tripled since then.”

The article also argues that frequent web users are more likely to interact with their neighbours or to join a local voluntary association.

Technology Overload

The PBS documentary Technology Overload explores the effect of internet addiction and how to maintain a balanced lifestyle in the face of temptation.

Common chemicals found in everyday products like shampoo, plastics, meat, dairy products, carpet, etc. “are called “hormone mimicking” or “endocrine disrupting” chemicals and they may be starting to damage the most basic building blocks of human development.”

According to the documentary, the last 30 years has seen a drop in male births by 3 million. The average sperm count of young men has dropped by 50% in only 50 years.

Health risks are not selective and males have been increasingly affected by unprecedented levels of dyslexia, Tourett’s syndrome, ADHD, genital defects and testicular cancer.

Rather than investigate the most serious chemicals like Bisphenol A, governments have lowered the “normal” sperm count rate to mirror that of their populations.

In animal tests, 0.025 µg/kg/day of Bisphenol A found permanent changes to the genital tract. 2.5 µg/kg/day predisposed breast cells to cancer. The US human exposure limit is 50 µg/kg/day.

Ganthaler, who took a later flight to Paris with her husband Kirk, felt blessed after learning she had averted disaster. After several days of vacationing in Europe, she was killed during an automobile collision in Austria. Kirk is in still critical condition.

Fate, Luck or Circumstantial?

Ganthaler’s story has led many to question their own beliefs on coincidences.

Many would suggest that it was her destiny to die - one way or another. Differing views would say that it was her personal choices which led her on a series of near-fatal and fatal events.

Was it Final Destination? A random set of isolated occurrences? Does how one act now affect their next action or are all destinations pre-determined and left for fate to unfold?

AF #447 Backgrounder

Traffic control lost communication with flight 447 in the early stages of its June 1 flight. The plane was later found crashed into the Atlantic Ocean at a location four hours into its trip. 228 people were lost in the accident and 49 bodies have been located.

As the 447 investigation continues, no conclusions have yet been reached as to why this accident occurred. Some are suggesting terrorism may have played a role. Others are speculating how much officials knew about the flight and how it is possible for the plane to vanish from hi-tech radar systems.

Attending a traditional Inuit event, Jean tasted the cultural delicacy publicizing the affair as an attempt to increase solidarity between Canada and the Aboriginal community.

“It’s delicious,” said Jean. “I tried the heart of the seal and it’s fresh.”

This publicity stunt happened only 20 days after Prime Minister Stephen Harper vowed to “vigourously” defend Canada’s seal industry. His reaction was sparked by the recent overwhelming support to ban seal hunting within the European Union.

Reactions

Canada, along with Norway and other seal hunting countries, plan to file a complaint against the EU ban with the World Trade Organization. They claim bans against seal hunting defy international trade agreements since the species hunted are not endangered. It becomes a tricky game of favouritism when other nations decide whether or not it is acceptable to hunt other controversial delicacies like dog meat.

“Hunting and eating a seal is not a political act, nor is it ‘bizarre’ or ‘disgusting’ as the anti-sealing lobby have commented,” said Mary Simon, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. “To us, this kind gesture is an acknowledgment by the Governor General of our culture and our dependence upon our wildlife as an important resource for our communities today.”

Animal activists have balked at this notion.

“It amazes us that a Canadian official would indulge in such blood lust. It sounds like she’s trying to give Canadians an even more Neanderthal image around the world than they already have,” said Dan Mathews, vice-president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

After this video was taken, Jean was invited to join an Inuit tribe on a seal hunt. Jean cordially accepted the invitation. PM Harper, who will be heading up north later in the year, chose to take a different approach when questioned whether he intends to consume seal meat.

“Let’s say the Prime Minister is not a vegetarian,” said a spokesperson on behalf of Stephen Harper.

Here are 5 iPhone Apps that we may see within our lifetimes:

1. Bluetooth Dog Leash: Just strap on the leash and this app will ensure your dog never goes beyond the selected distance. The wireless device resembles a traditional leash, just tug on your iPhone and watch Fluffy brace himself.
2. Stage Fright: This app relieves performance anxiety.  Simply hold your iPhone up to an audience and view them naked in all their glory.
3. Heated Coaster: Keep hot beverages bubbling with an app that heats up and allows your iPhone to act as a coaster. (Warning: Keep out of reach from children)
4. Mobile Printers: Just scan your iPhone over printers placed throughout the city to simply print off a file stored on your iPhone. No cash? No worries, the tab is charged to your iPhone.
5. Global iPhonebook: Create a listing in a centralized global iPhonebook. This app allows you to receive requests to release your number when found in the database. It also allows you to maintain your privacy by customizing who is able to reach you.

It is nice to dream while we wait for these conceptualizations to be realized. What is your dream app of the future?

During the Bush years, those who condoned the use of waterboarding on terrorist suspects in Afghanistan, Iraq, and secret prisons in Eastern Europe and around the world felt it was not appropriate to call the act torture. This is because Bush continued to contend that the “US does not torture”. Therefore, waterboarding could not possibly be torture, right?

Finally this debate has a case study that will close the obnoxious traps of those who have attempted to deny waterboarding as torture.

The Toronto Sun reported May 21 that the tuition for all four of Brian Mulroney’s children were paid through his private dealings with Karlheinz Schreiber. This includes Canadian Idol host Ben Mulroney’s History and Law degrees from Duke University and Université Laval respectively. I am sure you have heard some vague details including the words Brian Mulroney, Karlheinz Schreiber and money, but let us find out what is really going on.

Karlheinz Schreiber is a German-Canadian linked to controversy in both countries. In 1991, he donated DM (Deutsche Mark) 1 million to then German Chancellor Helmut Kohl’s party the Christian Democratic Union. These donations were put into ’shadow accounts’ which were not reported by CDU. The scandal was discovered a year after Kohl had been defeated in the 1998 election although much of the affair was never fully explained.

In Canada, Schreiber is the reason behind the current Oliphant Commission inquiring into his dealings with Brian Mulroney.

Airbus Affair

The original allegation was corruption in a transaction between Airbus and Air Canada.  Boeing and Airbus had a bidding war to supply Air Canada with new aircrafts. Airbus won and supplied 34 Airbus A320s, as well as the sale of some of Air Canada’s existing Boeing 747 fleet. The 1988 controversy is that Schreiber, on behalf of then Airbus Chairman and Bavarian politican Franz Josef Strauss, gave commissions to Brian Mulroney to ensure that Airbus would receive the contract. All parties denied the RCMP allegation. In 1997, Brian Mulroney vehemently denied accepting money in this occurrence and fired back with a $50 million defamation suit against Canada.

Mulroney, who claimed to barely know Schreiber, won the case and received $2.1 million and an apology.

T4

The second part of this tale is apparently unrelated to the first according to the parties involved – you can be the judge. Schreiber claims Mulroney accepted $300,000 to help build a factory. The project never commenced yet Mulroney claimed the income on his taxes a whopping eight years later and still insists the total was $225,000.

Schreiber spoke to the Ethics Commission insisting that funds were also given to former PM Joe Clark to help usher in the Mulroney era by holding leadership conventions, to secure other Conservative party members and to promote the interests of conservatism in governments around the world.

Allegation

In an interview on The National with Peter Mansbridge on Dec. 11, 2007, “Schreiber said he had met with Mulroney and cabinet minister Elmer MacKay at the prime minister’s residence, 24 Sussex Drive, in March 1993, to discuss the Bear Head project. This contradicted Mulroney’s sworn statement made at his 1996 libel trial that he had had no business with Schreiber. Schreiber said that no receipt or invoice was issued at the time for the $300,000 deal with Mulroney.”

Confusion

Currently, Brian Mulroney is testfying at the Oliphant Commission. This story has gone into multiple bureaucratic directions that are difficult for even the most attuned individual to stay above. You can keep up-to-date with the official proceedings as the details of my simple explanation sink in.