memories of my niece eva
Eva Kaminker Andres was one of the very best people I have ever known. Remembering Eva, it's difficult not to be effusive. You might think I am exaggerating. I assure…
obits
lee zaslofsky, rest in power
This week I learned that a friend and comrade from my Toronto days has died: Lee Zaslofksy. Lee was a leader in the War Resisters Support Campaign, supporting men and…
rip robbie robertson
The news that Robbie Robertson died hit me hard. Although he’s not the last surviving member of The Band (Garth Hudson recently turned 80), he was my last surviving deep…
rip cormac mccarthy: an indelible impression, for better or worse
The recent death of Cormac McCarthy has me thinking about his dark genius, and my contrary views of his best (and worst) writing. I know exactly when and how I…
tina turner, rest in power
She was a force of nature. A powerhouse. She had many lives, transcending all of the usual music-industry categories. We will all miss her. Allan has a really nice tribute…
judy heumann, rest in power
Judith Heumann, one of the founders and primary movers of the disability rights movement, died recently at the too-young age of 75. Judith Heumann was a force of nature. She…
rip russell banks: a belated tribute
I was very sorry to hear that Russell Banks, one of my favourite contemporary writers, died on January 7 of this year. There’s a very short list of authors that…
barbara ehrenreich, rest in power. i will miss you.
I was very saddened by the news that Barbara Ehrenreich had died earlier this month. She was one of my favourite thinkers and writers, and I found it difficult to…
bill russell, rest in power: a trailblazing activist
Basketball legend Bill Russell died this month at the age of 88. Although I remember his playing days, it’s not Russell’s incredible and indelible sports record that leads me to…
frank showler: called to be faithful
Frank Showler, born in 1919, died last week at the age of 102. Frank was a foundational figure in the social-justice activist community, seemingly participating in every demonstration, rally, vigil,…
memories of great-aunt betty
An important family matriarch passed away this week, at the age of 96. Betty MacDowell was my partner Allan’s great-aunt, his father’s mother’s sister. She was one of the warmest,…
sidney poitier, rest in power
Sidney Poitier was one of my favourite actors. He starred in two of my favourite movies that I watched as a child: “A Patch of Blue” and “To Sir, With…
ed asner, rest in power
People of my generation loved Ed Asner for his portrayal of Lou Grant on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”, and Allan and I both remember enjoying the spinoff “Lou Grant”.*…
chuck close, rest in peace
The artist Chuck Close died last week at the age of 81. He was an incredibly talented artist, a progressive thinker, and a diehard New Yorker who was often seen…
goodbye charlie watts
Charlie Watts was the greatest rock and roll drummer of all time. He’s the reason the Stones’ music has so much swing, why it skips and chugs and rolls and…
beverly cleary, rest in peace, and thank you
Beverly Cleary, who died last week at the astounding age of 104, was a pivotal figure in the world of children’s literature. Her books are treasures; her influence can scarcely…
billy joe shaver, rest in peace, and in music
Many well-known rock and pop musicians have died lately, including Helen Reddy, Eddie Van Halen, and Jerry Jeff Walker. More names will be coming fast and furiously as the icons…
robert fisk, rest in power
I was very saddened to hear of the too-young death of Robert Fisk, veteran war journalist, author, and truth-teller. Fisk was often criticized for “politicizing” war reporting, or for not…
ruth bader ginsburg, rest in power
These highlights of Ginsburg’s decisions and dissents on the SCOTUS are a joy to read. I used two sources, and decided to keep the overlap. Many highlight the reason she…
a piece of new york is gone: pete hamill, rest in peace
A piece of New York City died this week. Pete Hamill, a legendary New York journalist and possibly the last of a breed, died yesterday at age 85. Obituaries describe…