What does our goverment have against science anyways?

There are more than a few things that disturb me about our current federal government. But, recently, I'm almost at a loss for words to express how ashamed I am about the Harper government outright disregard for science, especially when it comes to environmental issues and global climate change. This month, the Harper government eliminated the position of the the national science adviser.

"The Harper government's decision to abolish the national science adviser is short-sighted and deleterious to the future of Canada. Science is driving our global culture unlike ever before; science now affects every single Canadian. Now is not the time to send a signal—domestically and internationally—that Canada just doesn't get it." - Seed Magazine

“The Mulroney government eliminated the Science Council of Canada and now the Harper government has eliminated the government’s lone science advisor,” said Green Party leader Elizabeth May. “Governing without a science base is like rolling the dice on the future.” - Green Party Blog

"Brison raised the matter in Parliament. "Dr. Carty was a voice of reason on climate change, stem cell research, resource management and the environment," he said. "Does the Prime Minister not realize that his attack on science is making Canada look like the Flat Earth Society?"" - Toronto Star

"Eliminating the National Science Adviser is the latest in a string of events showing how our current government, at least at the top level, does not seem to be interested in the scientific perspective." - CBC Quirks & Quarks Blog

And, now the Harper government is snubbing the Canadian Nobel Prize winner, who shared their award with Al Gore for their contribution to writing the final report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (On a side note, I think its interesting the number of times the current Canadian Government is referred to as the "Harper" Government... I do it myself... it's almost as if I'm embarrassed as to call Harper a Canadian.)

"So what happened this past week when these Canadian scientists came to Parliament Hill for a reception in their honour with their Nobel prize tucked up underneath their arms? The Prime Minister, the guy who's job it is to represent us at these things refused to attend. The Canadian cabinet refused to attend. And why? Because these scientists, who – I don't know if I've mentioned this or not – won the Nobel Peace Prize, had the gall to do it by formulating a plan to fight climate change. And my guess is it doesn't call for an increase in oil sands production. So as a result, not a single cabinet minister would cross the hall and shake their hands." -Rick Mercer Blog

"And when all other federal party leaders unite to salute your heady accomplishment in a committee room a mere seven-iron golf shot from the Prime Minister's Office on Parliament Hill, the government responds with . . . a boycott." - The National Post

The cat post

It's been almost two months since we've got our cat, Tangent. So, I think it's about time to share some pictures. Tangent and Turbo were born just before Thanksgiving 2007.


This is a picture of when she was a couple of weeks old, when she was still with her mother.



Here she is with her mother, Bear, and her sister, Turbo. (That little black mass is Tangent).
Tangent was a lot smaller than Turbo.

Here she at home in the kitchen. She's still quite small. I don't think she's going to get too much bigger.

Here you can see her colouring. She's mostly black like her father, but has orange strips and splotches like her mother. Basically she looks like the two of them combined with no fashion sense.
Tangent gets her name from her colours - tangerine.


Some facts about Tangent:
-she chases her tail
-she's very affectionate
-she LOVES paper
-she's very curious about the shower