Assume the pose
Times column. Take Two. Yup, you read that right. This is my second stab at this week’s column. I don’t often “take two”. Perhaps I should do it more often. Overthinking a column can sometimes get a writer into deep do-do. But, here I am. Taking two. We have become a rude, self-absorbed, media-obsessed, cellphone […]
Why I vote
If I didn’t write about the upcoming provincial election, you’d think I didn’t care. I do care. Like a lot of people, I think I’ve heard all of the promises shouted from “party platforms” and watched the disgusting mudslinging. I’d be lying if I said my trip to NYC was all about seeing the sights […]
Football and fine wine
It is Rugby World Cup time in New Zealand and so far so good. The Canadian squad has excelled yet I must confess I was delighted when Ireland topped the world champions, Australia, in their match last Saturday. On to the wine regions of New Zealand. Consider if you will, New Zealand produces approximately 0.02% […]
Chrysanthemum moon
Ten steps beyond my studio door stands an apple tree now heavy with fruit. From time to time an apple falls with a sound that intercepts the silence. I listen, anticipating the next drop, but it is clear that the process is random. Wasps circling in the last of summer breezes celebrate the sweet decay […]
Plain old Tuesdays
Everyone has a moment. A vivid moment. And everyone remembers where we were and what we were doing at that moment. We remember all sorts of details, if the sun was shining or the rain was falling or the traffic was heavy. We remember how we felt. I remember the moment our classroom teacher told […]
September 2011 call-ups
One of the benefits extended to major league baseball players is a September call-up. Essentially, on the first of September, teams may increase their rosters from 25 players to 40 players. It gives the fans a chance to see players that have been plying the trade down on the farm. The Toronto Blue Jays have […]
Plain old Tuesdays
Everyone has a moment. A vivid moment. And everyone remembers where we were and what we were doing at that moment. We remember all sorts of details, if the sun was shining or the rain was falling or the traffic was heavy. We remember how we felt. I remember the moment our classroom teacher told […]
Kiwi vines
Perhaps it is most fitting that we explore the history of wine in New Zealand as the Rugby World Cup is taking place there presently. That being said, the origin of the New Zealand wine industry almost mirrors that of Australia. James Busby, who was instrumental in introducing vines to Australia, also brought the vine […]
Living in the post trivia era
I don’t own stock in the company, but if I did, I would have sold it at least a year ago. Actually, that’s not true. I would probably have held on to it, and then kicked myself for not having sold it: it’s down about 23 per cent over last year. I’m talking about the […]
Get on your bike and ride
Since June 5, I’ve been working hard to get back on the road and ready for the next charity bike ride. The problem is, I’ve got a bit of post-trauma bikecrash- stress going on and the next fundraiser is rapidly approaching. At this point, I’m afraid to say, I’ve been able to make more excuses […]