homeless downtown Montreal

On October 17, 2017October 17, 2017 By Rick McIn anti-smoking, bad news, economics, ethics, government, travelLeave a comment

I spent a few weeks this year near the Berri-UQAM Metro station on Rue Sainte-Catherine, heart of downtown Montreal. There are a LOT of homeless people. It reminds me of a major American city in that way.

One survey (Douglas Mental Health University / 800+ volunteers) counted 3,016 homeless in the city. 10% aboriginal. 10% immigrants. Veterans 6%.

Other guesstimates have been 10 times as high.

I was there during warmer months. During winter these folks need to find someplace heated.

A harsh and boring life, seems to me. They all seem to have cigarettes. Somehow.

Not sure what can be done to reduce the numbers. A guaranteed minimum income experiment — or new kinds of free housing — could be tried.

Scarlett Johansson digs older men

On October 14, 2017October 13, 2017 By Rick McIn ethics, moviesLeave a comment

If there is one thing Harvey Weinstein’s Hollywood has taught me it’s than gorgeous young starlets are attracted to older men.

Leading Men Age, But Their Love Interests Don’t (2013)

Tom Hanks is a bit of an outlier, I should point out.

Is this going to change any time soon?

I doubt it.

Sweden, Canada, Norway BEST for Human Rights

On October 11, 2017October 10, 2017 By Rick McIn ethics, governmentLeave a comment

Sweden
Canada
Norway
Denmark
Netherlands
Finland
Switzerland
Australia
New Zealand
Austria

Countries That Care the Most About Human Rights

NRA = Nonsensical Rifle Addiction

On October 10, 2017October 9, 2017 By Rick McIn ethics, firearms, government, humourLeave a comment

🙂

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Thanks Tony.

THE definitive commentary on #TakeAKnee

On September 26, 2017September 25, 2017 By Rick McIn ethics, government, sport - pro, things getting worseLeave a comment

I think people should just stick to their profession, that is, unless they agree with me politically

Best quote:

Thinking NFL players are protesting the flag and the military is like thinking Rosa Parks was protesting public transportation

“America’s Team” — along with its famous billionaire owner Jerry Jones — kneeled BEFORE the national anthem on Monday Night Football. Good move, Cowboys. A smart compromise.

Viggo Mortensen – Captain Fantastic

On September 8, 2017September 7, 2017 By Rick McIn ethics, moviesLeave a comment

Kelly recommended this film. I loved it.

Captain Fantastic is a 2016 American comedy-drama film … starring Viggo Mortensen. The story centers on a family that is forced by circumstances to reintegrate into society after living in isolation for a decade. …

Mortensen was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor and at the 70th British Academy Film Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role and the Academy Award for Best Actor at the 89th Academy Awards. …

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 83% …

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

This American Life – Betsy DeVos

On September 5, 2017September 4, 2017 By Rick McIn education, ethics, governmentLeave a comment

If you want a good overview of the history of Betsy DeVos, Trump’s particularly terrible appointee for education, listen to This American Life.

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. So is This American Life producer Susan Burton. During Devos’s nomination hearings, critics accused her of never having set foot in a public school. But it turns out that years ago she did—as a volunteer mentor. Susan returned to Grand Rapids to find out what DeVos’s experience in a public school in her hometown can tell us about her vision for education in this country. (29 minutes)

LISTEN NOW

the real damage done by Republicans

On August 9, 2017August 8, 2017 By Rick McIn economics, ethics, governmentLeave a comment

The real goal of the GOP — rich get richer — very successful under Trump. Follow the money.

Noam Chomsky is right:

The United States doesn’t just interfere in elections. It overthrows governments it doesn’t like, institutes military dictatorships. …

What’s going on is a very systematic two-tiered operation. One of them is Trump, Bannon, the effort to try to make sure you capture the headlines, that you’re top of the news, one crazy thing after another just to capture people’s attention. …

Chomsky essentially believes that the contrived pseudo-scandal that is Russiagate, serves as a distraction from the actual scandalous things that take place on a daily basis in Washington, D.C., and only serve to better the “rich and powerful.”

While everything is focusing on that, the Paul Ryan republicans, who are, in my view, the most dangerous and savage group in the country, are busy implementing programs that they have been talking quietly about for years. Very savage programs, which have very simple principles. One, be sure to offer to the rich and powerful gifts beyond the dreams of avarice, and [two], kick everyone else in the face. And it’s going on step by step right behind the bluster. …

“Trump Is A Distraction, Used By The Deep State To ‘Systematically Destroy’ America!” Says Chomsky