Wanna know a secret? Although I’ve signed each of the various petitions that are available, attended rallies and done a lot of other work, both visible and behind the scenes, I haven’t formally written to my MLA or Minister Don Morgan or Premier Brad Wall about the recent cuts to Saskatchewan’s public libraries yet. As this blog, with over […]
Since the Saskatchewan Provincial Budget was announced last week, it’s pretty amazing to see the groundswell of protest at some of the most egregious and harmful cuts, especially to the province’s historic, innovative and world renowned public library system. For example, one Facebook group that sprang up is quickly approaching 4000 members after less than a […]
With the almost unbelievable events in the US since Trump was elected, George Orwell’s classic novel, originally released in 1949, which details a dystopian future society where the government spies on, controls and lies to its citizens, has hit the top of the Amazon bestseller list. But there are other books that even better capture the dread and doom […]
Another thing I’m going to miss about Obama is that, unlike Cheeto Jesus, Obama was actually a reader. For the record… 1. The Naked and the Dead, Norman Mailer 2. One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez 3. The Golden Notebook, Doris Lessing 4. The Woman Warrior, Maxine Hong Kingston 5. Brown Girl Dreaming, […]
The end of the year is one of my favourite times of the year for a whole host of reasons – it being Christmas is obviously a big one and the excitement of New Year’s as well. But I also love all the “Best of” lists at the end of the year and especially those […]
This is a great article from the Wall Street Journal which is extra relevant in the post-factual world of Donald Trump (who, just today, is now claiming he not only won the electoral college but also won the popular vote and Hillary only won due to millions of people voting illegally. This is insanely incorrect and therefore, […]
“I Voted For the Middle Finger, The Wrecking Ball” – The Atlantic I am tired of the machine rolling over us—all of us. The Clinton machine, the Republican machine, the big media, investment banking, hedge fund carrying interest, corporatist, lobbying, influence peddling, getting elected and immediately begin fundraising for the next election machine—they can all […]
When I worked for Southeast Regional Library, I came in to find someone had photocopied the cover of a new library book and added it to my door as a decoration. Hmmm…
After the announcement, some were in favour, some were against and some were surprised. As an English major, a music fan, a librarian and someone who’s worked in and still involved with book publishing, I have absolutely no issue with this choice – mostly because it means I got to see a Nobel Laureate in concert! 😉 […]
Got fairly short notice (just over an hour) invitation from RPL’s Marketing Unit who needed someone to go on CBC Radio’s “Blue Sky” noon hour program to talk about books we’re recommending these days and other topics yesterday. Since I’m a good guy, always eager to help a colleague who’s in a bind plus not uncomfortable […]