Local News Briefs

New blog calls out misogyny aimed at politicians

A new blog is trawling Internet comments aimed at women politicians, according to a Metro report. Madampremier.tumblr.com, created and run by online communications and online strategy consultant Diamond Isinger, posts screenshots of misogynistic comments and tweets directed at female politicians such as British Columbia Premier Christy Clark, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Alberta Premier Alison Redford and Quebec Premier Pauline Marois. The comments, mostly profane or of a sexual nature, are often posted online under a person’s real name. Isinger posts the comments and the name of who wrote them on her blog and a short commentary as part of a “name and shame” tactic some activists have begun using. The site, which launched on Feb. 12, has already seen upwards of 25,000 views.

Valentine’s Day of remembrance

A few dozen people gathered in front of Portage Place on Feb. 14 and marched to The Bay to raise awareness about missing and murdered women, reported the Winnipeg Free Press.  Organizers, who held signs with messages such as “Remember stolen sisters,” and “Please pray to stop violence against our women,” said the rally was a part of the Idle No More movement. Later in the day, the annual women’s memorial march of Manitoba looped through the West End. The march is a reminder of the women missing and murdered, and a call to authorities to take action.

Unions protest privatization

Six unions took part in a protest against the privatization of services at the University of Manitoba on Feb. 13. Hundreds of people showed up to the steps of the U of M with placards and called for the university to stop the privatization, according to Metro. CAW Local 3007 vice-president Gerry Costello carried a devil puppet, which he said signified the greed of the corporatization, privatization and contracting out of university education and services. More than 300 protesters took part.

Saskatchewan urban reserve a success

As the debate surrounding the proposed urban reserve on Kapyong Barracks in Winnipeg continues, Saskatoon is already home to a successful urban reserve, reported the Winnipeg Free Press. Officials from the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation put in five years of public relations to explain plans to civic councillors and residents. The reserve has office buildings, specialty retail stores and gas stations. Coun. Harry Lafond from Muskeg Lake said that contrary to common belief, urban reserves are not full of stray dogs and overturned cars. In fact, the area fits in with the surrounding neighbourhood. Muskeg Lake pays for city services, but not taxes.

Porn star to return to Manitoba liquor stores

Rum brand Ron de Jeremy, which was pulled from liquor stores around Manitoba, will soon return to shelves, according to the Winnipeg Free Press. The Manitoba Liquor Control Commission ordered all bottles be removed from store shelves on Feb. 4, only nine days after it first became available. Ron means rum in Spanish, indicating a play on the name of famous porn star Ron Jeremy. The bottles featured the image of Jeremy’s face, but no indication of his chosen profession. The bottles were removed following a customer complaint, but ultimately deemed appropriate for sale. Ron de Jeremy will be replaced in 26 Manitoba Liquor Mart stores shortly.

Published in Volume 67, Number 20 of The Uniter (February 21, 2013)

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