South America’s Self-Inflicted Environmental Catastrophe
North Americans are all too well aware of our wildfire crisis as, every year, vast swathes of forest are consumed by fires that spread so fast they seem almost diabolical.…
2020
Why “mansplain” is an obscenity
The word “mansplain” is one of those English-language fads that I hoped would quickly go away. It’s hasn’t, and there seem to be some people fueling it. So, I will…
It’s Called "Micro-evolution"
It seems that humans are evolving at rates faster than ever before. Two examples: wisdom teeth and arteries. Wisdom teeth may be on the way out. An extra artery is…
Saturday Photo: Never Hurts to Stop and Take Stock, Or Happy Thanksgiving
I’m far from being a religious person, but I think it’s important to occasionally stop and consider what we have in this life. That’s particularly true in this Plague Year,…
Who’s He Talking To?
Bruce Arthur writes that Doug Ford seems to be confused. When asked about Thanksgiving: He said stick with 10 people, indicated he would do the same, denied he said it,…
Democracy Denied.
Canadians should stop worrying about the fascist leanings of that guy in the American White House and worry more about the death of democracy in Canada. Every day, we see…
Will The Second Wave Overwhelm Our Hospitals?
Maybe it was pandemic fatigue that left so many feeling apathetic and demotivated. Too tired to fight a virus that could kill them and their loved ones. Or maybe it…
Covid Journal, October 10, 2020
A quick snapshot reminding us that democratic socialism is much better than the ‘dog-eat-dog’ capitalism of the US.
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue remains atop Alberta independent booksellers’ bestseller list
Here are the lists of the top 10 fiction and non-fiction titles sold by independent booksellers in Alberta during the week ended Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. The lists are compiled…
a little story about learning to play piano
Recently I was unable to play piano for three weeks — a combination of the unbearable hives (now about 75% gone!) and being on vacation. Since beginning Pianote’s “Foundations” course…
Pelosi Sets Up Constitutional "Nut Patrol" or "Nancy Bells the Cat"
Well, this will have Donald J. Trump drooling into his pillow tonight. House Democrats have unveiled a draft bill to monitor a president’s capacity and, if necessary, remove him/her from…
Musical interlude
Modjo – Lady
Help Yourself If You Want ‘Em
I rely on a load of websites for information on climate change and related issues. I thought it might be helpful to share some of these bookmarks for anyone interested…
Oct. 9: A confession
This is an extra (and short) post on the subject of communism. It arises from an earlier blog in which I noted the western fury at the rise of communism…
O’Toole’s new hue of blue.
Erin O’Toole, the new conservative party leader brought a new hue of blue to parliament on his late arrival. Delayed by covid-19, the conservative leader brought a new approach to…
On irrational forces
As Saskatchewan voters consider our options in this month’s provincial election, Alberta’s UCP could hardly be more clear in offering reminders of the cost of putting reckless right-wingers in charge.…
A State of Exhaustion or Just The New Normal?
I was talking with a friend the other day about the latest antics of the Mango Mussolini and what to expect on November 3 when Americans go to the polls.…
Friday Morning Links
Assorted content to end your week. – Joshua Schiffer highlights how the best response to COVID-19 for now involves the use of imperfect but easily-applied means of reducing its spread,…
Completely Noodled
Donald Trump claims he’s been cured. But his insanity gets bigger as he lurches toward defeat. Consider hs interview with Maria Bartiromo. Edward Keenan writes: Over the course of the…