Someone else has died on Everest while climbing without additional oxygen.
"Frank was a purist at heart," Pizarro said. "He was adamant that it was him and the mountain."
What I don't understand is how climbing without oxygen is "pure". There are almost an infinite number of combinations of leaving out necessary equipment in the name of "purity".
What about climbing without those fancy Gore-Tex jackets? Ice axes? Boots?
Even Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to climb Everest, used oxygen.
There's "pure" and then there's "stupid".
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
An undeserved sense of importance
What can Canada do on the world stage? Can Canada actually change policy in a foreign country?
The recent protests/traffic blocking/criminal acts by Tamil protesters have brought all the nutcases out of the wood work. All of them are missing the proverbial elephant in the room - what can Canada actually do in Sri Lanka?
CBC Radio recently had a point-counter point format, first interviewing local blow-hard Lowell Green and then a leftist who's name escapes me at the moment. Both of them focused on entirely the wrong point about the recent protests. Mr. Green ranted at length about why the Tamils were seemingly afforded special privilege to break the law at will with no consequences. That in itself is a very valid point. In his traditional over the top style, Mr. Green went on to describe the inclusion of the women and children in the protest as tantamount to terrorism itself and the prospect of "human shields" was very definitely implied.
The leftist responded and characterized the protests as essentially a large street party, a "family affair", that just happened to take place on a major highway instead of a suburban cul-de-sac. She went on to say that any action is permitted should the cause be deemed desperate enough. The host unfortunately did not press her on who decides what causes are desperate and if all actions, including violence, are really permitted.
The program was a debate on the rule of law disguised as commentary on world events and in the end it accomplished neither a satisfying conclusion on law breaking or a path forward for dealing with events in Sri Lanka.
The majority of protests in Western countries seem to be solely about "raising awareness" in hopes that someone else, now sufficiently "aware", will do something. What protesters generally over estimate in most situations is the ability of Canada, as a country, to effect change in other sovereign nations. They seem to think that a mere stern look or strongly worded statement from the Prime Minister of the day will be enough for governments and terrorists alike to suddenly pause and rethink their entire belief system before eventually deciding that all the "fussin' and feudin'" was actually quite silly. These are probably the same people that think the UN is an effective organization.
With regards to the situation in Sri Lanka, the UN has issued many statements condemning all sides with little effect. Both sides, if they have acknowledged the statements at all, have responded with essentially "that's very nice, now if you'll excuse me I have a war to win". I really, really don't see how a statement from the Prime Minister of Canada can possibly change anything.
The problem is that Canada is completely unable to project power beyond on our own borders. We can't deploy our military without the help of allies and we can't sustain extensive field operations for long periods of time. The reasons for this are two fold. The first is the lack of equipment. Heavy air transport, sea transport and the means to protect them are simply not available. The first two could be aquired in short order in the event of an emergency but sending airliners full of troops half way around the world with no fighter escort could be suicide.
The second reason is political will. There is simply no will in Canada for armed intervention. Afghanistan seems to be barely tolerated and that is only because it is keeping us out of the more "hated" Iraq operation and that the causes of 9/11 can be directly traced to that country.
I'm sure the Tamil protesters would love to see the Canadian military roll up to the government buildings in Colombo and demand that the war stop. However such action, if it were even possible, would be roundly criticized as "too American" and how dare Canada act in such a unilateral fashion.
The reason giving for the escalating Tamil protests is that previous protests failed to change the situation in Sri Lanka.
Now the question must be posed to the protesters - exactly what do they expect Canada to do, and how do they think that action will change events on the ground half a world away?
The recent protests/traffic blocking/criminal acts by Tamil protesters have brought all the nutcases out of the wood work. All of them are missing the proverbial elephant in the room - what can Canada actually do in Sri Lanka?
CBC Radio recently had a point-counter point format, first interviewing local blow-hard Lowell Green and then a leftist who's name escapes me at the moment. Both of them focused on entirely the wrong point about the recent protests. Mr. Green ranted at length about why the Tamils were seemingly afforded special privilege to break the law at will with no consequences. That in itself is a very valid point. In his traditional over the top style, Mr. Green went on to describe the inclusion of the women and children in the protest as tantamount to terrorism itself and the prospect of "human shields" was very definitely implied.
The leftist responded and characterized the protests as essentially a large street party, a "family affair", that just happened to take place on a major highway instead of a suburban cul-de-sac. She went on to say that any action is permitted should the cause be deemed desperate enough. The host unfortunately did not press her on who decides what causes are desperate and if all actions, including violence, are really permitted.
The program was a debate on the rule of law disguised as commentary on world events and in the end it accomplished neither a satisfying conclusion on law breaking or a path forward for dealing with events in Sri Lanka.
The majority of protests in Western countries seem to be solely about "raising awareness" in hopes that someone else, now sufficiently "aware", will do something. What protesters generally over estimate in most situations is the ability of Canada, as a country, to effect change in other sovereign nations. They seem to think that a mere stern look or strongly worded statement from the Prime Minister of the day will be enough for governments and terrorists alike to suddenly pause and rethink their entire belief system before eventually deciding that all the "fussin' and feudin'" was actually quite silly. These are probably the same people that think the UN is an effective organization.
With regards to the situation in Sri Lanka, the UN has issued many statements condemning all sides with little effect. Both sides, if they have acknowledged the statements at all, have responded with essentially "that's very nice, now if you'll excuse me I have a war to win". I really, really don't see how a statement from the Prime Minister of Canada can possibly change anything.
The problem is that Canada is completely unable to project power beyond on our own borders. We can't deploy our military without the help of allies and we can't sustain extensive field operations for long periods of time. The reasons for this are two fold. The first is the lack of equipment. Heavy air transport, sea transport and the means to protect them are simply not available. The first two could be aquired in short order in the event of an emergency but sending airliners full of troops half way around the world with no fighter escort could be suicide.
The second reason is political will. There is simply no will in Canada for armed intervention. Afghanistan seems to be barely tolerated and that is only because it is keeping us out of the more "hated" Iraq operation and that the causes of 9/11 can be directly traced to that country.
I'm sure the Tamil protesters would love to see the Canadian military roll up to the government buildings in Colombo and demand that the war stop. However such action, if it were even possible, would be roundly criticized as "too American" and how dare Canada act in such a unilateral fashion.
The reason giving for the escalating Tamil protests is that previous protests failed to change the situation in Sri Lanka.
Now the question must be posed to the protesters - exactly what do they expect Canada to do, and how do they think that action will change events on the ground half a world away?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
My life is now complete
Bacon and chocolate - together!
I bet the name "Mo's Bacon Bar" is absolutely not a poke at someone...
I bet the name "Mo's Bacon Bar" is absolutely not a poke at someone...
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Everyone's wants and needs are equally valid, regardless of age
Will the stupidity never end?
There has to be a bookie somewhere that will take odds on whether these kids will ever be able to hold down a job since in most job you have to do as your told even if you don't like it.
There has to be a bookie somewhere that will take odds on whether these kids will ever be able to hold down a job since in most job you have to do as your told even if you don't like it.
I must shake my head
In England (where else?), the police prevent a rescue and then don't bother to do anything themselves. All in the name of "Health and Safety".
h/t to Ranting Stan, your source for all stupidity about the UK
A woman is leaning out a window screaming and the police won't even let bystanders put up a ladder?Davey Davis, 38, a friend of the family, said: “It was the most harrowing thing I have ever witnessed. Michelle was at the bedroom window yelling, ‘Please save my kids’ and we wanted to help but the police were pushing us back and not allowing us near. We were willing to risk our lives to save those kiddies but the police wouldn’t let us.
“Tempers were running very high, particularly with the women who were there, but the police were just saying we have to wait for the fire brigade because of health and safety.
h/t to Ranting Stan, your source for all stupidity about the UK
Extreme justice...
This girl can certainly be accused of bad judgment, but child pornography? Registering as a sex offender? It all seems a little extreme.
If a minor gets caught masturbating will they get charged with child molestation - of themselves?
If a minor gets caught masturbating will they get charged with child molestation - of themselves?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The luckiest man in the world?
The Japanese government has discovered a man who survived both atomic blasts in WW2.
He's both the luckiest and unluckiest man at the same time. I wonder if he accomplished everything he had planned to on his business trip.
He's both the luckiest and unluckiest man at the same time. I wonder if he accomplished everything he had planned to on his business trip.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Well at least we know what they stand for
"The right-wing has had a real ability to promote particular values such as self-reliance and competition," said McGrath. "We need to be more obvious about what (our) values are," she said.
So the NDP's values are utter dependence and no competition?
That sounds correct - as major supporters of the Nanny State it would follow that the NDP needs as many people as possible to be completely dependent on the government.
They will not protect you
This is becoming all too familiar.
A bully continuously assaults and threatens a boy and his family and gets no punishment. Meanwhile the victim sees that the school system, the police and the judicial system have no interest in protecting him. The only thing left do to is to defend himself and for his trouble he ends up with a punishment far harsher than anything the bully ever received.
The bully? On his second day of college he got charged with robbery and sexual assault.
But remember the victim is actually the criminal.
H/T
A bully continuously assaults and threatens a boy and his family and gets no punishment. Meanwhile the victim sees that the school system, the police and the judicial system have no interest in protecting him. The only thing left do to is to defend himself and for his trouble he ends up with a punishment far harsher than anything the bully ever received.
The bully? On his second day of college he got charged with robbery and sexual assault.
But remember the victim is actually the criminal.
H/T
You are unqualified to submit a complaint
The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal has decided that only the members of the offended group may submit complaints.
Our complaint against Mr. Ryan was returned to us on March 17th, stating that our complaint had no merit since we complainants were Christians and not Jews, and therefore not from the targeted group of hate.Hmmm...interesting. So according the Ontario Tribunal, hate crimes do not occur as long as you can successfully intimidate your victims into not making complaints.
I don't understand how this works
In order to evaluate how Toronto's homeless services are serving their clients, the city is putting hundreds of fake homeless people onto the streets in order to answer a survey about those services?
Services that these decoys never use. Wow...what a flagrant and obvious way to skew the results.
I boldly predict that the outcome of the survey will indicate the need for more money, more money and...more money!!!!
Services that these decoys never use. Wow...what a flagrant and obvious way to skew the results.
I boldly predict that the outcome of the survey will indicate the need for more money, more money and...more money!!!!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Now I ain't saying she's a gold digger...
Ladies, is the recession putting a pinch on your income? Time to get a husband to fill out your income!
“The recession made me realize I’m not going to make as much money as I expected, and I’d be more stable financially if I had double income to fall back on.”--------------------------
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The oppressive hot dog
The hot dog...symbol of Western imperialism!
Any normal city would simply issue a set number of permits and require periodic food safety inspections. The market would then decide if people really want street side shawarmas, tacos, chicken balls or whatever.
Ahh...but not Toronto. In order to sell non-hot dog food you must purchase a $28,000 cart, the owner must be on site 70% of the time, the menu must be pre-approved by a panel of four chefs and any changes in the menu after that must be approved by the medical officer of health.
Unfortunately only 8 people decided that this process was worth it.
So instead of having a flafel stand on every corner, these carts become indistinguishable from restaurants. There is now no difference between the single souvlaki cart and your favorite chinese place on Spadina.
Thank you Toronto from saving me from making my own decisions and judgements about the quality of street food. I don't know what I would do otherwise...
"I have a problem with hot dogs from a health point of view and from a diversity point of view," declared John Filion, who chairs the board of health.
Any normal city would simply issue a set number of permits and require periodic food safety inspections. The market would then decide if people really want street side shawarmas, tacos, chicken balls or whatever.
Ahh...but not Toronto. In order to sell non-hot dog food you must purchase a $28,000 cart, the owner must be on site 70% of the time, the menu must be pre-approved by a panel of four chefs and any changes in the menu after that must be approved by the medical officer of health.
Unfortunately only 8 people decided that this process was worth it.
So instead of having a flafel stand on every corner, these carts become indistinguishable from restaurants. There is now no difference between the single souvlaki cart and your favorite chinese place on Spadina.
Thank you Toronto from saving me from making my own decisions and judgements about the quality of street food. I don't know what I would do otherwise...
The Human Rights Machine
Can't get what you want? Use the Human Rights Machine to do it for you!
This could be dismissed as a unique situation if it weren't for the fact that Ms. Eagle threatened the next owner of the buildings with exactly the same thing.
-------------------------------
One of the proud supporters of Section 13.1 gets put through the Human Rights wringer for 5 years and then has the charges dismissed without so much as an explanation.
Let's take a look at this case...
The original complaint was filed by someone not at the event and the actual offended attendees remain anonymous.
The accused hasn't been told exactly what they had done wrong.
And...
This could be dismissed as a unique situation if it weren't for the fact that Ms. Eagle threatened the next owner of the buildings with exactly the same thing.
-------------------------------
One of the proud supporters of Section 13.1 gets put through the Human Rights wringer for 5 years and then has the charges dismissed without so much as an explanation.
Let's take a look at this case...
The original complaint was filed by someone not at the event and the actual offended attendees remain anonymous.
The accused hasn't been told exactly what they had done wrong.
One of the few direct quotations in the investigation report, the word "ragheads," was found to have been used as part of a warning not to dismiss Islamist terrorism with empty epithets.There is also mysterious secret report by an unnamed expert that hasn't, and likely never will be, released.
The sheer duration of the Manitoba investigation, under threat of legal sanction or fines, illustrates the current frustration with human rights commissions, and the parallel legal system that enables them.
And...
But a failed five-year investigation of a respected human rights advocacy group based on an anonymous tipster raises questions about the seriousness of the whole process.
"Our general view is that the procedures are defective," Mr. Matas said. "They'll take an allegation, without evidence, and just run with it to see if it's true."
In it, Mr. Matas wrote that human rights commissions have shown "a disastrous combination of investigative zeal and substantive ignorance" that has left them vulnerable to abuse by "political Islam."
It's also vulnerable to anyone else with an agenda.
One TRILLION dollars!
How much is one trillion dollars? This much.
The fact that the United States is borrowing that much money should be quite frightning.
The fact that the United States is borrowing that much money should be quite frightning.
Perhaps all is not lost
A British postmaster is refusing to serve those who don't speak English. Neo-nazi white supremacist? Hardly.
‘It’s the best country in the world as far as I’m concerned, but the great country I once called Great Britain has changed a lot since I came here.
‘All I’m doing is telling people if they want to live in Britain, be British. Don’t boo our soldiers when they come home from Iraq. Don’t live your life without embracing our culture. Don’t stay here without making any effort to learn the language. And if you don’t want to be British, go home.’
We're starving!
These people are consuming 3000 calories a day but are demanding more money from the government to feed themselves.
The choice line comes from one of the children:
The choice line comes from one of the children:
"I'm a student and don't have time to exercise"That's a good one. When I was a student I had so much damn time that I was able to get into the best shape of my life...and that was after the 35-40 hours a week of class and lab time and additional hours of weekly studying and homework.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Raising Kids
Keep some of your stuff around for your kids. That's why the complete collection is sitting on my bookshelf.
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However, remember that a parent is not a best friend.
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However, remember that a parent is not a best friend.
Everybody needs a bailout
If we're handing out cash left, right and centre why not give some to this guy?
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Once again I'm presented with a story that could evoke feelings of pity for people screwed by the downturn but the journalists use people who really should have known better. Multiple 6-figure salary jobs but you're broke? The down turn isn't the problem, it's the fact that you spent more than you earned. Dumbass.
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Once again I'm presented with a story that could evoke feelings of pity for people screwed by the downturn but the journalists use people who really should have known better. Multiple 6-figure salary jobs but you're broke? The down turn isn't the problem, it's the fact that you spent more than you earned. Dumbass.
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