Oh dear! An Arab Spring for Canada?

Let’s face it, we can forgive children almost anything. We’re sure that’s the way most people look at the action of Brigette DePape, Senate page from Manitoba, who took out a sign during the throne speech that said “Stop Harper”. Forgive yes, but not enough to let her keep the job. She’s been sent home after a year at the post. A statement issued in Brigitte’s name said she opposes the agenda of the Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government, which won a majority mandate on May 2. “This country needs a Canadian version of an Arab Spring, a flowering of popular movements that demonstrate that real power to change things lies not with Harper but in the hands of the people, when we act together in our streets, neighbourhoods and workplaces.” Actually we had our Arab Spring in 1837. We call it the Rebellion of Upper Canada.

Laura goes 4 for 4 in spelling semi finals

Laura Newcombe pulled off what one judge called a “clutch performance” this afternoon to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington this weekend. The Deer Park pupil had to spell four zingers, isochronal, theopneustic, chlorthalidone and choralcelo to advance. At the championship round Laura will compete against the 13 best young spellers in the world. The Star reports that chlorthalidone caused Laura some furrows but she plunged on, correctly finishing the word. Star story.

Shopping at Loblaws? No (Veal) Baloney!

The linked story from the Star lamenting Loblaws decision to stop carrying Lisa’s Salad Dressing recalls a simmering grocery beef. Despite the wonderful array of food on display, the company is ruthless about eliminating products that for various reasons aren’t wanted any more. Whether it’s expensive canned Hearts of Palm for your salad, Soy based ice cream or savoury Veal Baloney (sandwich above) — you will do without them if you’re shopping for these items at Loblaws. Memories fade but it’s a good bet that these foods were once on sale at the Weston giant. Now they’re not. All this might have been seen on the horizon when then president Dave Nichols (President’s Choice) shocked brand name firms like Coca Cola when he kicked them to the back of the store in favour of Loblaws product. The owner of Lisa’s Salad Dressing is fearful that his business will fail without Loblaws. His predicament is a cautionary tale for any business person not to let a single customer get a stranglehold on your future.

Christie Blatchford back at National Post

Christie Blatchford, who has been writing a column for the Globe and Mail for a few years now, has bolted to the National Post. The announcement in a press release issued by Postmedia, offered the following quote from the woman known in media circles as just Blatch: “I’m glad to be back in the fold. It feels like my natural home. I never stopped reading National Post every day, I think it’s the prettiest and best written newspaper in the country. I’m really happy to be back.” Postmedia president and CEO Paul Godfrey called the hire a “game changer” for Postmedia.

Attention Occupant, we’ll be back later

We’ll be asking Hank the mailman (letter carrier?) if we’ll see him tomorrow morning. It’s a purely reflexive thing on our part because by the time we can report his answer, you will know yourself whether there’s a strike. But as someone has already asked, if there’s a strike will anyone notice. It’s not right to make light of strikes of any kind, for all the impact big or small they might have on our lives. There is however a certain appeal to a morning without fat catalogues of outdoor wear, American Express “offers” and “rewards” posing as real money and various Attention Occupant notices.

McSorely’s — good for a laugh on itself

Old timers will remember such crowd-pleasers as the all-you-can-eat spaghetti and meatballs. It was a staple at McSorley’s, the friendly local tavern, in its early days. Today the food, service and prices (three out of three!) are still great. And McSorley’s is celebrating 20 years on South Bayview with its typical self deprecating humour. Who else would have the guts to put up a sign like this one. Congratulations to McSorely’s and here’s hoping for at least another 20.