REMEMBERING WHEN: The Lonely Old Man
When I was very young, my parents took me aside one evening to make a special request. An elderly gentleman in our neighbourhood, whom my parents liked and trusted…
Pop 89: The Supply Run
One of the rewards of living in a remote place is The Supply Run. Some people might consider having to drive an hour and a half to purchase food and sundries an inconvenience.
Check It Out: Millions of people listened to this doctor’s story
The cartoon depicted a doctor saying to his patient, “You have a rare condition called ‘good health.’ Frankly, I’m not sure how to treat it.”
Ordinary people can do extraordinary things
We live in a time of complex and wicked problems: climate change, economic inequality, violent conflict and human rights violation.
Recognizing our Western and Frontier Heritage
In the last couple of weeks, Ottawa has been busy, not only with a new session, but a new parliament. The Conservative team has welcomed 44 new Members…
Pop 89: Were You There at the Time?
Last week, I attended three graduations. And though I couldn’t be at two of them in person, I did my best to be fully present.
Check It Out: A look at what’s been happening in Canada
This week’s observations could be compared to the opening lines of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s famous sonnet. A revised version could read, “How do I love thee, fellow Canadians?…
REMEMBERING WHEN: The small town hardware store
While society is more flexible nowadays, gender roles were much more rigid and distinct when I was growing up. Back then, men generally did "manly" things…
Pop 89: Turn Off Your Cell & Bow Your Head
The power was down for the whole day yesterday. My neighbour commented on the number of kids zipping past her house on their bikes.
Check It Out: Family is important
A woman smiled and said to her husband, “If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.” Meanwhile, a dad observed, “It’s all silent treatment from the kids until someone needs Wi-Fi passwords.”
Letter: Roll on democracy!
If ever we get the chance to decide together our common future, we will not let any of us get a far larger part of the wealth and leave a large group with just enough to survive.
Pop 89: Running Together Toward Joy
I woke to a riot of bird song at 4:15 this morning. Various denominations of the ornithological choir gave it their all: a hover of robins followed by an exaltation of larks…
Check It Out: How to root out waste and inefficiency?
An employer said to his employee: “You’ve got a problem with avoiding personal accountability.” The employee responded, “Ya, and whose fault is that?”