Cell Phone Use and Cancer

Having just completed Disconnect, a book by epidemiologist Devra Davis showing the relationship between cell phone use and cancer, I was heartened to read that the Who has just released a statement that cell phones may in fact be carcinogenic. Although mildly worded to play down the danger, it is a breakthrough of sorts, in that the cell phone industry has been doing everything in its power over the last two decades to undermine studies that show the damaging effects of cell phone microwave radiation.

Having lost my brother-in-law to glioma, an almost-always fatal form of brain cancer, I have been sensitive to the dangers of cell phones since he was diagnosed. A heavy user and early adopter, his cancer was, as is usually the case, found on the side of his head where he regularly and frequently used his phone.

While there is no doubt that the industry will seek to undermine the WHO's warning, it really is incumbent upon the consumer to exercise due caution when operating these devices. I am also including here a video based on much of Davis's book:

Star Editorial Recommendation

I really have nothing new to add to the continuing saga of the Toronto Police Service's obstruction of efforts to get at the ugly truth behind the G20 security debacle. However, today's Star editorial does a good job of explaining why a complete and unfettered inquiry is necessary to determine the role played by all offending parties, from the Prime Minister on down, in depriving people of their Charter Rights and abusing citizen protesters.

Mark Pugash and the G20 Police Scandal

Mark Pugash is certainly earning his salary these days. The vexing and pugnacious Director of Corporate Communications for the Toronto Police has been loyally but, in my view, futilely acting as a human shield for Chief Bill Blair, the leader mysteriously unavailable for comment on any matters generally pertaining to the investigation of police abuse of citizens during last June's G20 debacle and most recently and specifically, the beating of Dorian Barton while he took some pictures during the protests.

Continuing to defend the indefensible with a straight face, Mr. Pugash has a letter in today's Star in which he takes the paper to task for claiming to be playing a role in advancing the momentum of the investigation into Barton's claims.

As always, the reader can decide how credible Pugash's claims are about the Toronto Police Services' investigation of its own people.

The G20, The Toronto Police and The Art of Critical Thinking

For those who might wish to sharpen their critical thinking skills, I am providing a link to an article in today's Star that provides a timeline of the investigation into Dorian Barton's abuse at the hands of Toronto police during last June's G20 Summit. Are the police claims of co-operation with the SIU investigation into the identity of the offending officer credible? Does police spokesman Mark Pugash's narrative pass the smell test? Has Chief Bill Blair behaved like a leader who wants to hold his force accountable?

You decide.

The Redoubtable Rick Salutin

Never one to allow either his ethnicity or his political beliefs to overshadow his intellect, Rick Salutin in today's Star has an article of interest to anyone who feels uncomfortable with Stephen Harper's unconditional support of Israel. As well, for those who believe criticism of the Jewish state should not necessarily be equated with anti-Semitism, Mr. Salutin offers some welcome insights.

Journalism You Can Sink Your Teeth Into

For those who think all journalists have lost their bite, I suggest they read Rosie DiManno's column today as she writes disdainfully of the Toronto Police Force and its consistent failure to track down officers who abused citizens during the G20. Making so bold as to accuse somebody within the service of lying, she also expresses her contempt for the application of a double standard in evidence that is obvious in the SIU's failure to accept civilian witnesses as sufficient to go forward with charges.

Let's hope that Rosie doesn't incur any traffic infractions in the near future.

A Couple of Video Reminders of Abuse and Duplicity By Police During G20 Summit