European Islamophobia

Not long ago, in Anti-minarets Switzerland, Stefan Metzeler (Pro Libertate, ISIL, Institut Constant de Rebecque) was attempting in comments to justify the xenophobic and racist hatred most Europeans feel toward immigrants. I promised I was going to answer to him but never did. I discovered however a longer essay which covers some of the topics I would have covered quite well.

Toronto European Film Festival 2015

#euff2015 With the recent bad news coming from the heart of Europe (the Paris Attacks), a film festival sponsored by the European Union is a welcome diversion. And Toronto is the perfect host, seeing that this city seems to have at least one film festival going on at any given time.

Jamel, Ayn Rand and German Racism

The news about Jamel has been slowly trickling down from the Spiegel article. It is wrong to view this phenomenon separated from the wider resurgence of European xenophobia.

Rabbits and Black-Footed Ferrets

We discussed in a recent article the proposed rabbit cull at the University of Victoria, BC. Recently, the provincial Supreme Court granted an injunction preventing it. In unrelated news, an insanely cute and crazy threatened species, the black-footed ferrets, show signs of having gained a foothold in a national park.

Best TIFF 2019 movies and a TV show

This year we have a change of guard, but personally, I have stopped paying as much attention as I used to as the Festival is continuing its march to commercialism. For many Torontonians, a more relevant and authentic moment of triumph was Bianca Andreescu’s win over Serena Williams at the US Open, even though she is from Mississauga.

MEC voting (that time of year)

Voting is good. Most people don't bother voting for their representatives in elections. I go further: I vote for the non-profit where I bought my backpack for my first European tour (and my rock climbing gear etc).

Libertarians and Socialists

I recently stumbled upon the "loving rant" of a left libertarian. I don't particularly agree with him, but it is worthwhile discussing his views.

Anti-minarets Switzerland

In a rather ugly turn of events, Switzerland voted to ban minarets. How could this happen in the happy, relaxed, almost libertarian S.?

France enforces burqa ban

In yet another sign that Europeans are increasingly afraid of “the Muslim threat”, France has started to enforce its ban on the burqa (niqab). It is the only European country to do so but it may soon be followed by other countries.

Oslo bombed

I am quite upset to learn about this terrorist attack in Oslo, particularly since years ago I traveled through that country. Though at least 7 people died and more were harmed, it’s a small relief that the Prime Minister, who was seemingly the target of these attacks, was not hurt.

Bureaucracy Quotes Collection

A few choice quotes on the magic of bureaucracy. It’s somewhat reassuring to remember that many others have endured the pain of having to deal with bureaucrats, and here are their thoughts. Take solace in schadenfreude!