Dear American Cousins, literal and metaphorical: The day before yesterday, medical and recreational cannabis became legal in Canada. The Canada correspondent for the New York Times reported excitedly that we Canadians were calling this C-Day. We were? Beats the hell outta me where she got that idea. I’m pretty sure
Continue readingTag: Leonard Cohen
Susan on the Soapbox: Hallelujah
This was going to be a Ms-Soapbox-is-stampeding-see-you-next-week-blog…then she remembered something. Ms Soapbox’s sister and brother-in-law popped into town just in time for the Calgary Stampede. We did the fair grounds, the Dog Bowl, the Clydesdales and the llamas, we ate raindrop cake and teriyaki perogies and ducked into the casino to
Continue readingPostArctica: Remembering Leonard Cohen
Stopped in at Parc du Portugal today where people were paying their last respects and remembering Leonard Cohen who lived off this little square just off The Main. Lots of people filtering through the space every day. It’s a really nice atmosphere, nothing loud, nothing very sad either, just people
Continue readingmark a rayner: He’s My Man: Leonard Cohen
I’m sure most people are still trying to understand Trump’s win, but seriously, they’re missing the meaning of Cohen’s loss. He made the personal epic, but in the right way. Leonard Cohen will be lauded as a songwriter, and a poet, but for me, he was always a consummate storyteller.
Continue readingMontreal Simon: The Darkness of Trumpland and the Light of Resistance
It sure is dark out there. The darkness of Trumpland is truly upon us.On a day when we honour our Canadian soldiers who died fighting the fascists.On a day when we mourn the death of the great Leonard Cohen.And must now face the horror of this fascist clown.Read more »
Continue readingCowichan Conversations: ‘You Want It Darker’– Leonard Cohen, Singer, Writer, Poet-Dead at 82
Singer and songwriter Leonard Cohen died on Thursday at age 82, the Rolling Stone reports. Sony Music Canada, Cohen’s label wrote in a Facebook post: It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, Read more…
Continue readingmark a rayner: Alexandra Leaving – a short history
This song is based on a poem by the Greek poet, Constantine P. Cavafy. His source material was a story from Plutarch about Mark Anthony, as he watched his allies and supporters leave Alexandra before his enemy Octavian attacked the city. The original poem is called “The god forsakes Antony,” and is a meditation on the […]
Continue readingCowichan Conversations: Hallelujah-Leonard Cohen
Skip the commercial and then sit back, turn the volume and enjoy!
Continue readingAlberta Diary: U.S. pot decriminalization: will B.C.’s economy go up in smoke?
Smugglers sneak B.C. bud ashore in Washington State. Below: Typical pot smugglers’ accoutrements. Actual Canadian marijuana smugglers may not appear exactly as illustrated. If we Albertans want a hint of what it may be like when the oil runs out – or is replaced by cold fusion or something – all we may have to …
Continue readingmark a rayner | scribblings, squibs & sundry monkey joys: I Have Not Lingered In European Monasteries
by Leonard Cohen I Have Not Lingered In European Monasteries and discovered among the tall grasses tombs of knights who fell as beautifully as their ballads tell; I have not parted the grasses or purposefully left them thatched. I have … Continue reading →
Continue readingCuriosityCat: One good reason to vote NDP in 2015
Perhaps Leonard Cohen has something to say to those Canadians who look with dismay upon our broken, undemocratic, first past the post electoral system, and wonder that a man who is not supported by more than 60% of those who voted can do the things he is now doing with
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