Magic Statistics

Time for some hard-rockin’, high-energy music from the English power trio Muse.  This kickin’ performance of their monster hit "Supermassive Black Hole" was recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, 17 June 2007, and released earlier this year on the band's CD/DVD package H.A.A.R.P.

On the CD version, guitarist/lead singer Matthew Bellamy says by way of introduction: "This next song is for anyone who likes a bit of R&B".  Indeed.

An interesting tidbit (interesting to me, anyway) is that Matthew Bellamy’s father George played rhythm guitar for The Tornados, the first British band to have a number one single in North America.  The instrumental "Telstar" hit the top spot in the summer of 1962. I remember it well.

Ten days ago, Muhammed Parvez was charged with first-degree murder in the strangling death of his teenaged daughter Aqsa (at right).  Now her 27-year-old brother Waqas has been charged with the same offence.

It would appear that police have clear and convincing evidence that the father and his son planned and premeditated the girl’s killing.  Police also said they are investigating the possibility of charging others in connection with the homicide.

“It is certainly my belief others do have certain knowledge and may have some involvement,” said Inspector Norm English, who heads up Peel Regional Police’s homicide and missing person bureau. “Certainly, they may be a victim of circumstance or the situation they are in.”

Ms. Parvez, 16, was strangled to death in her Mississauga home on Dec. 10, after allegedly sparring with her family over her refusal to wear a hijab and other traditional garb. Her father, Muhammad Parvez, was quickly charged with murder.

This week, 27-year-old Waqas Parvez was taken into custody and also charged with first-degree murder, which suggests the killing was premeditated. Mr. Parvez picked up his sister at a bus stop the morning she was killed and drove her home to get a change of clothes. He had previously been charged with obstructing police for allegedly misleading investigators.

It is believed that the killing is related to the teenager’s refusal to wear a hijab.

Friends of the slain teen said she feared for her life and had been threatened by family members over a religious dispute in the weeks prior to her death.

They said their friend, known by those close to her as "Axe," had argued with her father over several cultural issues and her desire to shun the hijab, a traditional head scarf worn by females in devout Muslim families.

Waqas Parvez has been ordered to have no contact with other family members because all are actual or potential witnesses.  His lawyer says the family is completely shocked by the latest charge.

Previous related posts:

• Muhammed Parvez charged with first-degree murder in daughter’s killing
• Honour killings come to the West

The Supreme Court of Canada today issued an important ruling in a libel lawsuit that appears to have direct implications for the conduct of "human rights" commissions in this country.  On behalf of a unanimous court, Justice Ian Binnie wrote, "We live in a free country where people have as much right to express outrageous and ridiculous opinions as moderate ones."

The thought police at work in our HRCs would do well to take those wise words to heart (assuming they believe that Canada is still a free country).

A decision by Canada's top court Friday opens the door to greater freedom of expression in Canada without fear of legal action.

The Supreme Court of Canada has absolved former Vancouver radio personality Rafe Mair of defamation for a commentary in which he made reference to the Ku Klux Klan and Adolf Hitler.

The decision also broadened a key defence used by journalists in libel actions.

Vancouver media lawyer Dan Burnett says the Supreme Court of Canada decision revives the law of fair comment and clearer freedom of speech.

He said the court has removed the notion of fairness being the test for fair comment in media opinion pieces.

"Those kind of lead to censorship," he said. "It's a very welcome decision."

Using fairness as the test for fair comment tends to lead to censorship?  Ya think?

Today’s ruling could be another sign that the writing is on the wall for Canada’s “human rights” kommissars.

Previous related post: Toronto Star being set up for “human rights” complaint?