Climate change? Nah...just unusual events in weather...geesh

I love Linda McQuaig, PERIOD! How she uses her wit and humor to get us to think deeper is wonderful. In this short article, Linda discusses how discussion on climate change has been deverted by 'wicked weather' events. There are many sub stories here...media influence, societal values and of course ignorance of the 'facts'. How do we as a people know how to act when agents of rationalization (see posts below) form a public perception that keeps us from moving forward? What does this say about us? About the failure of our institutions to make us aware citizens? Find the article here.

Narcissistic culture...what are the effects????

In this brillant short video about the effects of TV and how it aides our narcissitic behavior one is compelled to ask themselves...how does this play out with me? This story is from an American context but we can ask ourselves if there any truth of narcissistic culture pressure in our society as well. If there is, how do the key values we have looked at, individualism and collectivism play out for us? What consequences (short/long term) are there for our society? Is this positive or negative in our push forward to develop the 'common good' for society. Looking forward to your take on this, ty.

How 'honest' are you?...

This RSA animate video explores our perceptions of ourselves and others as to how we rationalize our behaviors. The gift of modernity has been 'reason' as we've talked about extensively in class. Take a look at this video and ask yourself how honest are you? Is bias towards a certainly ideal or goal natural? How do we justify our own actions and others? Love to hear your insights....remember...hook the ideas to our study of the philosophes.

Is Muslim reaction to anti Islam film fair...?

At what point is open out rage justified? Should people die because some loonie in the US made a 'hate' film? What would be the fair and just thing to do in this situation? Read the short article and view the 2 minute video here. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this issue.

The Trouble with Billionaires

Ms. McQuiag's book the Trouble with Billionaires is a fabulous read and I was lucky enough to have met her. Being deemed the "Michael Moore" of Canada, she holds no punches in her belief a concentration of wealth leads to many social ills. What problems does she see in having a society in which more and more wealth is transferred to those at the top while those at the bottom of society struggle to try to make ends meet. What problems does she see? Solutions? Do you agree/disagree? Looking forward to reading your respones...the video can be found here.

Finally, an honest picture of the US, or is it?

Is America the greatest country in the world? A young women asked this question but the response was quite shocking. As you view this video, ask yourself if the assessment was fair? What arguments can you give to counter what you see? Or, was it fair and if so, what other evidence can you allude to? Quite a powerful video...still has my head spinning...how about yours?

Junk Food...should it be illegal?

This awesome article certainly makes the case against junk food but then again what do they know? What's a few servings of fries and soda's going to do to us? God forbid they take my trips to Harvey's away!! Or is it time to heed the call that articles like this one calls for? How would you establish a case for and/or against junk food? How is this issue on that is truly global in scope? Give me your thoughts!!!!

No big deal taking 800 billion out of medicade or is it???

According to Paul Ryan, vice president hopeful, gutting 800 billion is 'no big deal'. After viewing the short video found here, respond to the following: What impact will the cuts make to do you believe? Who wins/loses as a result of the cuts? Should Canadian's facing high debt loads like the States take this kind of action as well? Would love to hear your thoughts on this!