Words, Words, Words
As a retired English teacher and a lifelong lover of books, I have always been fascinated by words, both what they actually mean and how they are used to influence…
2012
Shrinking EI
Statistics Canada reported today that 2,500 fewer Canadians received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits in March. In total, only 549,400 out of 1,356,200 officially unemployed workers got benefits. The context for…
No bad jobs, just lazy Canadians
“There is no bad job. The only bad job is not having a job.You do what you have to do to make a living.”–Finance Minister Jim Flaherty (WARNING: As with…
Byline, May 23: on s. 13 and human rights
Lilley and I duke it out on s. 13. I’m right.
Integrated Cross-border Law Enforcement Operations Act
We shall be Canadians first, foremost, and always, and our policies will be decided in Canada and not dictated by any other country. John G. Diefenbaker It is sensible to…
Proof that Fox News Rots Your Brain
Fairleigh Dickenson University conducted a US-wide poll, asking respondents who solely watch/listen to certain media, ranging from Fox News to NPR to The Daily Show, to answer questions about international…
The Sun King And His Chief Courtier
Michael Harris writes that the Sun King is now ensconced on the shores of the Ottawa River. There he sits — amid his munificence, surrounded by sycophants, who are eager…
Canada’s Sad "Democracy"
Conservative MP David Wilks comments have provided fodder for government opponents, but underlying his concerns about the budget bill, a candid confirmation of the lowly existence most our elected representatives…
Canada’s Selective Immigration Strategy: an Evolution (Part 1/6)
Canadians from coast to coast have expressed concern about the pending drastic changes to the rules surrounding immigration buried in the 400-page omnibus bill. As the House of Commons debates…
Zwozdesky’s in, Kowalski’s out and all’s right with the Tory universe
Gene Zwozdesky, Alberta’s new Speaker, with your blogger and a Speech from the Throne … though not today’s. This compliment may come out sounding a little more backhanded than intended,…
Feds calls Dunderdale’s bluff #nlpoli
In an interview with CBC’s David Cochrane, federal intergovernmental affairs minister Peter Penashue called Premier Kathy Dunderdale’s bluff about a public inquiry into the death of Burton Winters. Penashue said:…
Daily Reading for Thursday
News picks for May 24, 2012. // ]]> Backbench MP opposes government — for a couple of hours — The Honourable Member for Kootenay-Columbia, David Wilks, earned his honorific by…
Trashy in China, 4.0
… the I’m outta here edition. All packed. Ready to grab one last bite before the mini-bus picks us up at 2 pm. Then it’s the waiting game… 6:10 flight…
Elements of Style Rap
Move Your Story Right Along: The Elements of Style Rap | Brain Pickings:
On Brian Larue and Andrew Prescott
A month or so ago I reported on independent journalist Brian Michel LaRue’s claim that Guelph Conservative activist Andrew Prescott, whose blog can be found here, was actually “Pierre Poutine.”…
The Casserole Symphony and the Royal Canadians
In many Montreal neighbourhoods this evening people were banging pots and pans in another casserole symphony of protest. The latest tactic in this awesome struggle. It's a nightly ritual known…
Tune in to Earthgauge Radio tomorrow at 7:00 for a special program on Canada’s Arctic
On Earthgauge Radio this week, we have a special show on Canada’s North. We discuss the rapidly changing Arctic environment and the social, political and economic changes that are also…