Monthly Archives: January 2013

how to actually win hearts and minds

I just saw a headline on my Google News home page: “Mali mission has barely begun: experts”. It’s from the Montreal Gazette. I haven’t read the article, but the headline prompted a disturbing series of thoughts. The thoughts are about … Continue reading

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prose sketch: riding the SeaBus

Fri. 25 Jan 2013 ca. 12:15 p.m. Aboard the Vancouver Beaver Still the insistent squeal of rubber rubbing metal of the dock; but now the doors have snapped shut, the diesel horn has blasted its warning, and the engine has … Continue reading

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The Odyssey redux

In 1992 I created and wrote, along with Warren Easton, a TV show called The Odyssey. Well, the media have finally caught up with me. Three young guys in Toronto run a podcast called Rewatchability devoted to TV shows that … Continue reading

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The Idea of Happiness by V.J. McGill

The Idea of Happiness by V.J. McGill My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book covers the terrain of its philosophical subject, but winds up placing more emphasis on modern social science. Every sentient being wants to be happy and … Continue reading

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prose sketch: shoppers resting

Sun. 13 Jan 2013 ca. 1:15 p.m. Park Royal South Back at this same oasis on the concourse of the mall: two planar sofas, two cubic chairs, all occupied by shoppers between missions. Four men, one woman, one of us … Continue reading

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the pursuit of happiness

Are you happy? Do you find that question embarrassing? Many of us do. We’re comfortable answering it with respect to some specific, restricted area (“I’m happy with the way the centerpiece works with the tablecloth”), but get progressively less comfortable … Continue reading

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The World Without Us by Alan Weisman

The World Without Us by Alan Weisman My rating: 3 of 5 stars This vivid, well-written book leaves one hungry for more of its title topic. I seem to recall first seeing this book advertised and perhaps recommended in Scientific … Continue reading

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prose sketch: rainy Sunday

Sun. 6 Jan 2013 2:20 p.m. my living room A little brighter than twilight—just. A rainy vacant Sunday in the New Year. Through the big windows looking onto the balcony, the world is a study in wet mustardy browns and … Continue reading

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solving world problems, one blog post at a time

It’s a new year and I’d like to start it by solving some world problems. So let’s get to it. A couple of days ago a headline appeared on Google News that Argentina is again demanding that the U.K. cede … Continue reading

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