In late 2014- early 2015, the FCC stood up for more competition and more choice in local broadband. This is a critical step in making faster, cheaper Internet available for all Americans.
You may have heard that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) just put in place rules to protect ‘net neutrality.’ That’s big news. But there was another important decision today to help keep the Internet competitive and open — and while it’s getting less attention, it may be just as important. As part of its agenda to encourage meaningful competition in high speed broadband for Americans, the FCC supported allowing cities to make their own decisions about investing in new broadband networks. More needs to be done to drive innovation in bigger, faster broadband, but this was a good step.
While the FCC’s net neutrality rules can help prevent Internet access providers from relegating some applications to a “slow lane,” this move alone won’t lead to a world where every consumer has an ultra fast connection to the entire Internet. That’s going to take more competition and innovation in new broadband networks.
It’s been nearly five years since we offered to build a fiber-optic network in one U.S. city as an experiment — and as we’ve expanded Google Fiber into a business, we’ve seen firsthand how faster speeds can improve lives and give cities new platforms for economic development. Google is not the only one innovating in this area. Along with investments by other private providers, cities like Lafayette, LA and Chattanooga, TN have been investing in their own networks and developing public-private partnerships to that end.
The FCC decided that it’s important for users to be able to control their own Internet connections and for communities to make their own choices to suit their local needs for broadband. While it may not make sense for most governments to operate broadband networks themselves, we think faster, better broadband for all Americans is too important to remove an option for deployment.
Bill83. The threat of abusive lawsuits claiming damages like slander and defamation is deterring a significant number of Ontarians from speaking out against big business on issues of public interest.
Our tweet from Feb22 2015 shows an interest in related freedom of expression concerns.
Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP) are lawsuits brought by companies with the specific aim of distracting or silencing defendants. The defendants, usually ordinary citizens or public interest groups, feel threatened by the prospect of paying legal fees over several years and the possibility of paying large damage awards in the end. Even if the lawsuits have no merit, they often result in a “chill” on free speech in general because SLAPPs are also meant to intimidate the general public who are watching it all play out in the media.
John Gerretsen Attorney General Kingston and the Islands.
Attorney General John Gerretsen has introduced Bill 83 ( In its 2nd reading at the time of this original posting, now referred to the Standing Committee on Social Policy CP) to address this dubious use of Ontario’s publicly funded court system. The proposed legislation would force the courts to identify within 60 days whether a suit was in the public interest or an intimidation tactic to limit debate on an important local issue.
In communities facing fast paced economic development, this legislation is sure to play an important role in protecting the ordinary courage of citizens to tell their story, to share local knowledge and research findings and to insist on an authentic community vision for a healthy and sustainable future. For the Silo, Leslie Cochran.Originally published in print March 21, 2014.
Ontario will be the first province to set specific standards of care for marine mammals
Ontario is moving ahead with enhanced standards of care for marine mammals – such as dolphins, belugas and walruses – to ensure both greater protection and improved treatment.
These new standards of care, reflecting advice from an expert report by University of British Columbia marine biologist Dr. David Rosen, will be among the best in the world.
New standards would be developed in a number of areas including:
The size of pools used to house marine mammals
Environmental considerations such as bacteria content, noise and lighting
Appropriate social groupings
Regulations for the handling and display of marine mammals
The government will establish a technical advisory group composed of veterinarians, animal welfare groups, industry, and enforcement partners to provide advice on the final standards and timing of their implementation. This group will report back with their findings within six months.
The government will also be moving forward with legislation to prohibit the future breeding and acquisition of orcas (killer whales) and establish Animal Welfare Committees at every facility with marine mammals. These committees will provide both oversight and access to additional protections such as veterinarians with expertise in marine mammals.
John Lennon “Walrus advocate”
“Our government is moving forward with stronger protections for marine mammals to ensure these unique animals receive the best possible treatment and care. This is something that Ontarians expect and these animals deserve. These higher standards of care, along with prohibiting any future breeding or acquisition of orcas in Ontario, are both the right thing to do and builds on our government’s ongoing efforts to have the strongest animal protection laws in Canada.”
Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
QUICK FACTS
Ontario will be the first province to set specific standards of care for marine mammals.
Ontario has the toughest animal protection laws in Canada.
There are over 60 zoos and aquariums in Ontario — more than any other province.
Ontario provides the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) with $5.5 million annually to strengthen the protection of animals.
L’Ontario renforce la protection des mammifères marins
La province prend des mesures pour mieux protéger les mammifères marins et interdire l’acquisition et la reproduction en captivité des épaulards
L’Ontario va de l’avant avec des normes de soins améliorées pour les mammifères marins – dont les dauphins, les bélugas et les morses – afin d’assurer à ces animaux à la fois une plus grande protection et un meilleur traitement.
Ces nouvelles normes de soins, fondées sur les recommandations d’un rapport d’expert rédigé par David Rosen, un biologiste respecté spécialisé en vie marine de l’Université de Colombie-Britannique, seront parmi les plus rigoureuses au monde De nouvelles normes seront ainsi élaborées sur divers sujets, dont les suivants :
Taille des bassins utilisés pour garder les mammifères marins;
Facteurs environnementaux, comme la teneur en bactéries, le bruit et l’éclairage;
Groupements sociaux appropriés;
Règlements relatifs à la manipulation et à l’exposition des mammifères marins
Le gouvernement mettra en place un groupe consultatif technique, composé de vétérinaires ainsi que de représentants de groupes de protection des animaux, de l’industrie et de partenaires de l’application de la loi, pour fournir des conseils sur les normes définitives et sur le calendrier de leur mise en œuvre. Ce groupe communiquera ses conclusions dans un délai de six mois.
Le gouvernement ira aussi de l’avant avec une nouvelle législation pour interdire la reproduction en captivité et l’acquisition de ces animaux à l’avenir et pour établir des comités pour la protection des animaux dans tous les établissements où se trouvent des mammifères marins.
Ces comités seront chargés de la supervision et fourniront des protections additionnelles, dont l’accès à des vétérinaires spécialisés dans les mammifères marins.
CITATIONS
« Notre gouvernement va de l’avant en renforçant la protection des mammifères marins afin que ces animaux uniques reçoivent les meilleurs soins et traitements possibles. C’est ce à quoi s’attendent les Ontariens et aussi ce que ces animaux méritent. Ces normes de soins plus rigoureuses et l’interdiction d’acquérir et de reproduire en captivité des épaulards à l’avenir en Ontario sont des mesures appropriées qui s’inscrivent dans le cadre des efforts continus de notre gouvernement visant à doter l’Ontario des lois les plus rigoureuses du Canada pour la protection des animaux. »
Yasir Naqvi, ministre de la Sécurité communautaire et des Services correctionnels
FAITS EN BREF
L’Ontario possède la législation la plus rigoureuse du Canada pour la protection des animaux.
Il y a plus de 60 zoos et aquariums en Ontario — plus que dans toute autre province du Canada.
La province accorde à la Société de protection des animaux de l’Ontario une subvention de 5,5 millions de dollars par an pour renforcer la protection des animaux.
POUR EN SAVOIR DAVANTAGE
Renseignez-vous sur le travail de la SPAO (en anglais seulement)
Lisez le Rapport de l’Université de la Colombie-Britannique sur les normes de soins pour les mammifères marins en captivité
Researchers have independently verified the presence of a type of energy long believed to be the source of healing practices familiar to many as Reiki and Energy Medicine. This important discovery is based on the work of Jim Kaszyk, noted developer of The Ageless Secret (Kasz Enterprises).
Scientists at the William A. Tiller Institute: “When Jim Kaszyk first asked us to determine if a sample of his product contained Subtle Energy, we were reluctant….we had been trying to prove the existence of Subtle Energy for 40 years, with only minor success and had almost given up. Attempts to measure Subtle Energy usually involved the human energy field either in the measurement or in its creation.
“Critics could say that it was all just the placebo effect or wishful thinking. The samples that Kaszyk submitted had so much Subtle Energy they allowed us to create new test procedures allowing for the first time, not just a way to prove Subtle Energy existed independent of the body, but also a way to measure it. This is huge for science because until his discovery Subtle Energy was considered a ‘theoretical energy.’” These tests concluded that Subtle Energy does, in fact, exist. Founded by William Tiller, PhD., professor emeritus of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University, the Tiller Institute is a recognized authority on alternative medicine practices.
Click me to learn more…
Subtle Energy is the basis for Reiki, Energy Medicine, Acupuncture, and 4,000 year old Traditional Chinese Medicine.
“Before now, Reiki and Energy Medicine were considered pseudoscience because that type of energy could never be scientifically proven,” Kaszyk explains. “Now it is no longer pseudoscience. The implications for health and beauty are enormous.
“I created www.ReikiTruth.org as an information resource for scientists, the news media, and the general public to see and learn about my discovery of a new natural energy that is all around us, with the power to change our lives. Subtle Energy is linked to aging and this discovery is the source for my new theory of aging: The Subtle Energy Theory of Aging.” Holistic Healing News recently endorsed Mr. Kaszyk’s work here: http://www.holistichealingnews.com/the-beauty-of-subtle-energy-is-contained-in-groundbreaking-aesthetic-potion-the-ageless-secret/
Jim Kaszyk is a recognized pioneer in the field of chemistry with experience in the U.S. government and major manufacturing companies. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, Mr. Kaszyk served as a medic lab tech during the Vietnam War. He went on to become a toxicologist and researcher for the prestigious Laboratory of Pathology in Texas.
His father’s illness inspired him to delve into holistic and alternative medical solutions; in 1985 Mr. Kaszyk began extensive research in vibrational medicine following the works of Dr. Richard Gerber, M.D., and renowned Yale researcher Dr. Harold Burr. Combining his vast knowledge of chemistry with his new discoveries in vibrational medicine, Mr. Kaszyk developed catalyst chemistry, an innovative method of creating natural products, and founded Kasz Enterprises in 1989.
After discovering a formula that vastly improves skin quality and elasticity, Mr. Kaszyk refined and introduced The Ageless Secret. It soon caught the eye of physicians and anti-aging experts, inspiring countless unsolicited endorsements and accolades. After moving to Palm Springs, CA, in 2006, Mr. Kaszyk and The Ageless Secret have since been prominently featured in The Desert Sun, Desert Magazine, 92260, and on the PBS special Discoveries in Alternative Medicine and Spotlight on the Desert. For more information, visit www.LightEnergySecret.comand http://agelesssecret.com
Supplemental: FAQ’s
Q: Subtle Energy is an ancient healing energy. Critics have said it was all pseudoscience. You claim to have bottled it. What proof do you have?
A: We have a lot. We have a 10 page scientific report that was the result of 2 years of rigorous experiments and was published in a peer reviewed journal. We have other independent labs who have verified the results in the report. Q: Do your products heal?
A: The Subtle Energy in our products is part of a large spectrum of energies that mirror the entire electromagnetic spectrum of heat, light and magnetism. Some of these energies are beautifying and some are healing. The same is true for this mirror image spectrum of Subtle Energies. Our products contain beautifying energies.
Q: Can you give me an example of beautifying energies?
A: Red light is a good example. There are many companies selling red LED lights to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Q: How do you know your products contain beautifying energies?
A: By its effect on skin. We know the Subtle Energy is there by its effects on water. The concept of energy may be hard for some people to understand, but think of a magnet. We can’t see the energy but we know it is there by its effects. Skin has lots of water. The effect we see on skin is a combination of the Subtle Energy infused ingredients and the Subtle Energy in the bottle. When the product is applied to skin we see the effect on skin with the lifting, plumping and tightening as result of the Subtle Energy causing the water within to act like it did when were young. This led us to a new theory of aging.
Q: What do you mean a new theory of aging?
A: We have discovered that young children have more Subtle Energy than adults. We learned this by doing tests with the children. We had several under the age of 10, hold a glass of cold water with both hands for 30 seconds. Then we tested the water. It tasted softer and bigger than normal water and it felt smooth. Almost like a skin lotion. The result is temporary, but is shows the power of Subtle Energy in children. Some teens could do this and some could not. We found very few adults could do it and those that could looked very good for their age. So there is a decline in the amount of Subtle Energy with age. We also know the results are due to a decline in Subtle Energy because we can have adults spray their hands with our Subtle Energy infused product and then hold the glass of water and the extra Subtle Energy gives them the ability to make the water tastes soft and smooth like when they were they were young. This led us to create The Subtle Energy Theory of Aging.
The bypasses and bridges of Haldimand County On February 28, 2006, Janie Jamieson and Dawn Smith led a blockade shutting down construction of Caledonia’s Douglas Creek Estates. The subdivision has been occupied by native activists ever since.
Protesters tend to a burning blockade at Douglas Creek Estates in 2006.
Over the ensuing nine years, protests and demands have had an impact on traffic, construction and plans for future transportation projects in the area.
For example, last year work to replace the 1924 Cayuga bridge ground to a halt twice because of aboriginal protesters occupying the site. Charges weren’t laid for stopping construction. Arguments can be made occupying the bridge impedes the public’s ability to use the bridge, and further I consider this mischief.
During debate in the Ontario Legislature, I maintained the shutdown was beyond the control of the Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. When the protestors show up, construction workers pack up and go home. Last week, as well as last December, I advocated the Minister of Community Safety take control of affairs.
And there’s another ongoing question: Nine years ago, I distributed every MPP in the Legislature a photograph showing a group of people throwing a van off an overpass at Haldimand County Sixth Line, on to the provincial highway below. In my estimation, that goes beyond mischief. Theft over $5,000 and public endangerment come to my mind. Still, despite photographic evidence of the perpetrators nine years ago, no charges have been laid.
If you break the law, you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and nobody is above it. The rule of law is based on a strict set of principles to which we all agree as a society. The rule of law is not subject to raw emotion, financial influence, or political correctness.
Our debate of Bill 31, the Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act has now opened the proposed legislation for public hearings.
I also believe government is missing the mark and endangering lives on Haldimand County roads and bridges by not tackling other long-overdue construction issues on provincial highways #3 and #6. In my speech to Bill31, I highlighted other public safety and traffic congestion concerns related to Highway #6 that aren’t being addressed.
Unfortunately, yet another fatal accident last month north of Caledonia highlighted the need. Several residents contacted me with ideas on how to address the problem. I forwarded those to the minister along with a cover letter, and communication continues. There are four lanes, high traffic volumes and no barriers between Caledonia and Upper James in Hamilton. I advocate relieving traffic volume by completing the planned link from the Hamilton airport bypass to the Caledonia bypass bridge – a new stretch of road that would parallel the problematic #6.
The downtown Caledonia bridge, which was built in 1927, is long overdue for replacement. Hopefully, after 11 years of lobbying, we will see action this year.
There is also obvious need for a Hagersville truck bypass to finally deal with the noise congestion and serious accidents downtown.
I suspect DCE and the protests at the Cayuga bridge are fuelling reticence in a government that construction will re-ignite tensions and result in more protests. This is truly unfortunate as not addressing the problem can be downright dangerous.
Now that’s something the Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act could address, but probably won’t. For the Silo, Toby Barrett MPP Haldimand-Norfolk
The Qur’anic Concept of War (1979) is one of “4 core texts of jihadists” today. US military officials are finding summaries of it in various languages on captured and killed jihadists. Written by Pakistani Brigadier General S. K. Malik with the first English Indian reprint edition published by Himalayan Books in 1986. This is more than just a study of the military campaigns of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad between 610-630 A.D. against the various tribes inhabiting Saudi Arabia, and those who refused to pay protection-taxes to Muhammad. This book religiously reviews and quotes from the Muslim’s Holy Book: the Qur’an/Koran, detailing how Allah outlined the principles of Islamic warfare.
Author/ Brigadier General S. K Malik
The Qur’an — the Book of Allah, according to Islamic teaching, the Qur’an came down as a series of scriptures from Allah through the Archangel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad, who then dictated it to his followers. The early revelations were peaceful, but the Qur’an’s commandments to Muslims to wage war in the name of Allah against non-Muslims are unmistakable. They are, furthermore, absolutely authoritative as they were revealed late in the Prophet’s career and so cancel out and replace earlier instructions to act peaceably when weak. In 630, Muhammad and his forces marched to Mecca and defeated its defenders The Prophet rededicated the Ka’ba temple to Allah, and witnessed the conversion to Islam of nearly the entire Meccan population. Muhammad died in 632, having conquered nearly all of Arabia for Islam. Within 100 years of Muhammad’s death, Islam had reached the Atlantic in one direction and the borders of China in the other.
Westerners who manage to pick up a translation of the Qur’an are often left bewildered as to its meaning thanks to ignorance of a critically important principle of Qur’anic interpretation known as “abrogation.” The principle of abrogation that directs that verses revealed later in Muhammad’s career to “abrogate” — i.e., cancel and replace — earlier ones whose instructions they may contradict. Thus, passages revealed later in Muhammad’s career when his Army was successful in Medina, overrule peaceful passages revealed earlier, in Mecca.
Consider Qur’an 9:5, commonly referred to as the “Verse of the Sword”, revealed toward the end of Muhammad’s life: 9:5. When the Sacred Months (the 1st, 7th, 11th, and 12th months of the Islamic calendar) have passed, then kill the Mushrikun {unbelievers} wherever you find them, and capture them and besiege them, and prepare for them each and every ambush. But if they repent and perform As-Salat {the Islamic ritual prayers}, and give Zakat {alms}, then leave their way free. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Having been revealed later in Muhammad’s life than 50:45, 109, and 2:256, the Verse of the Sword abrogates their peaceful injunctions in accordance with 2:106. Sura 8, revealed shortly before Sura 9, reveals a similar theme:
8:39. And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and. worshipping others besides Allah) and the religion (worship) will all be for Allah Alone. But if they cease (worshipping others besides Allah), then certainly, Allah is All-Seer of what they do.
8:67. It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war (and free them with ransom) until he had made a great slaughter (among his enemies) in the land. You desire the good of this world (i.e. the money of ransom for freeing the captives), but Allah desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
9:29. Fight against those who believe not in Allah, nor in the Last Day, nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. The Qur’an itself lays out the principle of abrogation: Without knowledge of the principle of abrogation, Westerners will continue to misread the Qur’an and misdiagnose Islam as a “religion of peace.” For the Silo George Filer. Filer’s Files #05-2015
