The interminable electoral cycle
Our neighbours in the south are already finding themselves caught up in the paralyzing cogwheels of their electoral cycle. While the economy (as much in the United States as in the rest of the world) is spinning its wheels, the American political class have their eyes on the next presidential electoral appointment. If you live in the United States and the situation disquiets you, don’t count on your Congress to make life easier for you anytime soon. [Read more]
Notes from the other side of multiculturalism
They herded us like cattle. We walked, single file, through a maze of metal barricades. The dour, blue-clad sentinels that lined both sides of the street observed our every move as we shuffled towards the enclosure. [Read more]
Windy City blows writer away
My wife hasn’t been to the U.S. since her birthday over a decade ago. I can think of worse traditions, especially since I usually reap the travel benefits. But it’s a tricky habit to maintain if you live in Vancouver, as your options for quick, cheap non-Canadian travel are quite limited. I love Portland, but I can only handle the company of bearded hippies for so long, especially considering that I live on Main Street. [Read more]
Acadie
Denis and I were on holiday in Eastern Canada this summer and one of our most poignant memories was our visit to Grand-Pré, Nova Scotia. We stayed with friends who enjoy this view in front of their house. We see a church built between 1922–1930 which commemorates the deportation of the Acadians of Minas Basin. In the mists behind the church are farmlands which flow down to Horton landing, an area of marshlands believed to be the site where Acadians from this area were deported. From these mists arises a formidable history. [Read more]
Falling for Animals
My earliest childhood memory is of grass. I’d fallen face down on the brown-green Los Angeles fuzz and frantically summoned my 18 months of coordination skills to get up and toddle away from an angry goose that believed my little pig-tailed self was a threat. [Read more]
Now what…?
What else is there to say, when all has already been said? I’m talking of course about Jack Layton. [Read more]
Spencie’s View
Jericho Wharf
The demolition of Jericho Wharf is proceeding and will result in restoring the original beach. The project will cost nearly $3 million, but it has been expensive to maintain the structure; it creates environmental damage from the 70 year old creosote-coated pilings threatening marine life and swimmers. [Read more]
Starving for a little human warmth
Immigration comes from the Latin word migratio, which means the passage from one place to the other. It was at the dawn of the new century that I decided to leave for Vancouver, with the intent of improving my English. And, contrary to all my expectations, my life in beautiful British Columbia is still going strong today. [Read more]
Spencie’s View
Stephen Harper’s dream summer
Barely a few days into her new role as interim-leader of the federal NDP party, and as leader of the official opposition, Nycole Turmel finds herself at the centre of a controversy that is pulling the political class straight out of its summer torpor. [Read more]
217.5 Arc x 13’
The 217.5 Arc x 13’ sculpture was created by influential French artist Bernar Venet, one of the world’s most cele- brated conceptual artists. This work is part of the Vancouver Biennial, a public art exhibition featuring sculptures, new media and performance works by both recognized and emerging international artists. The venues are public parks, beaches and plazas, transforming these spaces into free open- air exhibitions. [Read more]