From the Bookmarks

Just a random selection of stuff tonight.

First, I just cannot understand why anyone in Florida would still vote Republican. 

Here is what the Hurricane Ian storm surge looked like, and the governor and country officials didn't tell people to evacuate until it was way way too late. 

It was impossible to survive something like this:

DeSantis supports decision to not evacuate this area. pic.twitter.com/lIDDsLNPET

— Daniel Uhlfelder (@DWUhlfelderLaw) October 2, 2022

I appreciate what James Carville is saying here. Florida needs to rebuild and DeSantis just isn't capable of leading such an effort:

Carville: Listen to me Ron DeKatrina.. push the fried chicken and the mashed potatoes and the gravy back.. You can suspend your toilet patrols who’s using which bathroom because none of the toilets are working in southwest Florida.. pic.twitter.com/EStWTezAnC

— Acyn (@Acyn) October 5, 2022

With a reasonable chance to win the Senate Republicans nominated an alleged domestic abuser with secret children who pays for abortions by check and a TV doctor who kills puppies.

All because those were the men who seemed most like their cult leader, Donald Trump.

— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) October 4, 2022

Comparing Al Franken to Herschel Walker is absurd. It's apples and oranges. Actually it's more like Albert Einstein and a potato.

— Randi Mayem Singer (@rmayemsinger) October 4, 2022

In a unique twist of irony, women are going to make the GOP wish they were never born in November.

— Kate 🪬🤍🇺🇸 (@ImSpeaking13) September 27, 2022

I don't think the GOP has any idea what Dobbs did to the US electorate. https://t.co/k7UHBn8f44

— Tim Hogan 浩勤 (@TimInHonolulu) September 30, 2022

Today's News: Playing nuclear chicken?

Well, this is terrifying, isn't it? It sounds like Russia is getting set to try to play a game of Nuclear Chicken with Ukraine and the west:

It comes as sources told The Times that Nato had sent an intelligence report to its members and allies alerting them to the fact that Russia is expected to test its nuclear-capable torpedo drone Poseidon, possibly in the Black Sea, which it controlshttps://t.co/NfTI1gMQZ0 pic.twitter.com/hNhxyW7mTj

— Telegraph World News (@TelegraphWorld) October 3, 2022

Oh, I really hope the Telegraph is wrong and these guys are right:

Could not agree more. The footage we've seen shows nothing more than engineering equipment. Most likely scenario? Russia is commandeering niche vehicles for use on the battlefield. https://t.co/eDZL8ZoSU7

— The Intel Crab (@IntelCrab) October 3, 2022

Given how poorly they have done everything else in this war, if Russia does try to play nuclear chicken with the West then it likely won't work out very well for Russia. But as Ukraine wins back more and more of its territory, Putin will be increasingly desperate:

Russia no longer has full control of any of four ‘annexed’ Ukrainian provinces. https://t.co/q9fOtp2RGB

— Diane Marie 🇺🇦 (@DianeMariePosts) October 4, 2022

Canada's decision to support NATO membership for Ukraine surprised me, because in the past it seemed that NATO had always backed away from provoking Putin too much. 

But maybe now the West is realizing that mollifying Putin is no longer an option so so we might as well take it to him:

Canada supports Ukraine's bid to join @NATO, said Foreign Affairs Minister @melaniejoly, and that Canada must, "redouble efforts for the Ukrainian people."

Read more here: https://t.co/EePV6u1zW5
#NATOPA #NATO #DavenportTO @NATOCanada @natopapress

— Julie Dzerowicz (@JulieDzerowicz) October 3, 2022

Fukuyama is making a prediction:

Fukuyama makes observation and prediction. People mock Fukuyama on basis of misunderstanding stemming from the title of one of his long-ago books. Fukuyama's observation and prediction turn out to be pretty well-founded. Repeat.

The cycle of history in the post-history age. https://t.co/Myscml0C6p

— Dan Gardner (@dgardner) October 3, 2022

This was true yesterday, but may no longer be true now:

Yes. But surely you agree that if Moscow goes nuclear, that means that from that moment on, any conventional counteraction will be met with another Russian nuclear reaction? Like with knife gangs: one day, one gang starts using guns. Do you think it will go back to using knives?

— Otto von Bismarck (@ultimiratio) October 3, 2022

.@Angry_Staffer is spot on. A reminder: 2 days ago, Putin announced an annexation of Ukraine’s sovereign territory, then shot missiles at civilians. Why would anyone recommend an off-ramp for Putin? https://t.co/dUHLE5cFTQ

— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) October 2, 2022

Today's News: Winter is Coming

First tonight, what the heck is going on in Britain? 

The  new Truss government seems determined to destroy the British economy in the name of some looney libertarian conservative craziness, while the British people are facing horrific heating bills and mortgage bills this winter.

Liz Truss is in Birmingham for the Conservative Party Conference. I think it’s probably for the best if I change the locks.

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) October 1, 2022

Martin Wolf: Truss’s growth plan is nothing but a magic potion https://t.co/yHAGru0BtX

— Martin Wolf (@martinwolf_) October 2, 2022

When @michaelgove is fronting @UKLabour broadcasts I suggest that Truss will be toast sooner rather than later … the whole lot of them need to go … https://t.co/boaIMfozLw

— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) October 2, 2022

Right wing politics is the art of explaining why £10,000 a month isn't really that much, while £100 a month is more than enough.

— Charlotte Benton (@C_J_Benton) September 25, 2022

A beloved uncle once said to me that the phrase "the status quo is no longer an option" was "the leper's bell of the modern managerial idiot" https://t.co/PNipBtsNZI

— Dan Davies (@dsquareddigest) October 1, 2022

Some MPs regard Truss’s performance as so poor & budget so disastrous they want her removed as leader. One former minister thought she could be forced out even before Kwarteng makes his next fiscal statement “I think she is gone & they just don’t realise”https://t.co/NqTJI9yYsB

— Professor Danny Blanchflower economist & fisherman (@D_Blanchflower) October 1, 2022

BREAKING: Up to 70 Tory MPs are understood to be planning to topple Liz Truss as prime minister. They only need 40. Have a lovely evening x

— Laura Kuenssberg Translator (@BBCFLauraKT) October 1, 2022

A senior member of the Truss gov’t in Britain just said they are going to “make sure no business under 500 employees gets subject to business regulation.” This is what the “freedom” rhetoric from Conservatives is really about: no rules for capitalists. https://t.co/q9o0YA3wKx

— Gil McGowan (@gilmcgowan) October 2, 2022

This is the same kind of so-called BS "freedom" that Poilievre talks about - yeah, the freedom to underpay people, to cheat customers, to discriminate, to fire staff without cause, etc. 

I thought these tweets made some good points, too:

The problem with this country is people who make $700 per hour have convinced people who make $25 per hour that people who make $7.25 per hour are the problem.

— Mohamad Safa (@mhdksafa) October 2, 2022

The same people who expect perfection from Liberals don’t even ask for decency from Conservatives.@CPC_HQ @PierrePoilievre

— Bernard Roulinski (@roulinski) September 28, 2022

Today's News: The Indomitable Spirit of the Maritimes and Newfoundland

The news has moved on so much in the last week that we haven't been seeing as much recently about the Hurricane Fiona recovery on the east coast. 

But it has been terrible for them this last week, and it continues to be difficult - this recovery will take a long time and the feeling of abandonment is growing. 

Here are some tweets and writings I found tonight, and I am truly in awe with the indomitable spirit shown by these Canadians during such an awful time:

Prince Edward Island is still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Fiona, tens of thousands are still without power. That’s creating a great need for food and other essentials, which community groups are working to fill.https://t.co/Qb88tYNhai

— CTV Atlantic (@CTVAtlantic) October 1, 2022

I’ve seen screenshots circulating of people suggesting things in P.E.I. are “not as bad as they are on TV” or that the photos from #Fiona are from a previous storm.

This is highly concerning. This is NOT fake news. Islanders are truly dealing with devastation. #cdnpoli

— Teresa Wright (@ReporterTeresa) October 1, 2022

This has been a tough week. Spent yesterday at Stanhope and Dalvay. On a positive note the Covehead lighthouse is still standing proud. I grew up going to these beaches. This was a tough shoot, #PEIFiona I don't like you! pic.twitter.com/3HwxCbgBjV

— Shane Hennessey (@CBCshaner) September 29, 2022

The Blog is coming out of hiatus for a story of a Hurricane: Flora's Island.

Aplogies for posting this on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, were this not such a time sensitive issue I would refrain until another day. https://t.co/MGjLqQvTwu

— Ian (@CanadianCentury) September 30, 2022

Ian writes: 

 As I write this, seven days after the Hurricane, nearly half the Island has no power, many have no water, and reports indicate that no Red Cross money has been distributed. 

The promises from the Federal Government to “match donations to the Red Cross” ring like a bad joke in the ears of those needing services. People were in a position before the Hurricane in which they weren’t sure they could afford rent. The latest rent hike on the Island came just this past week, and in spite of basic utilites having collapsed, people are already receiving notices of climbing rent. 

....The anger in Prince Edward Island right now is very real. While Canada is going on with its life, as it should, PEI feels abandoned.

And why, seven days after the hurricane, has no money from the Red Cross been distributed yet?

What is obvious now, Islanders are not suffering in silence. The anger out there is something I've never witnessed in PEI. Anger towards the government and the Premier in charge of it. #Fiona has been devastating, for us, and marks the end of the PC Government. #cdnpoli #peipoli

— PEI POLITICAL DISCUSSION Resistance is NOT futile. (@PEIPolNews) October 1, 2022

PEIslanders have an indominable spirit!

#pei #peiStorm #PEIFiona #Charlottetown https://t.co/vYaXM39YwJ

— skittles (@skittlesandbits) October 2, 2022

From musician Tara MacLean's facebook page, here is a beautiful article about what the Dunes meant to PEI:

   

On Sunday, Tara and others are organizing a sing-along in downtown Charlottetown:

After more than a week of destruction and chaos, my heart and soul need recharging.
I will definitely be going to this. ❤️#PEI #fiona https://t.co/va6nBnAfo8

— Teresa Wright (@ReporterTeresa) October 1, 2022

Moving on to Nova Scotia:

Power of generosity: Cape Breton man giving free gas to people in need | SaltWire https://t.co/jo3tyFx5N0

— 🐋🍁Cheryl 🍁🐢🍁CANADA🦦🦫🐬 (@mini_bubbly) October 1, 2022

Still no power in many places from Dartmouth to shubenacadie. Grocery stores gas stations businesses houses streets etc and many people I know without power in other areas. #Fionahurricane #novascotia

— #TrudeauMustGo #WeTheFringe 🖤🏴‍☠️ (@TheActaFist777) October 2, 2022

Nova Scotia Power dealing with complex restoration after hurricane force Fiona | SaltWire https://t.co/WsIWXY0Ask

— SALTHALIFAX (@salthalifax) October 2, 2022

Thank you to this crew from NJ. Power may be restored on my street by tomorrow. #Fiona #NovaScotia #Truro pic.twitter.com/PSYsLlLCfw

— Troy Claridge🇨🇦🇺🇦🌈 (@troy_Kenobi) September 30, 2022

And to Newfoundland:

“There’s nothing there. It’s all just rocks. You can’t even tell there were homes there at all.” Online lost and found brings hope in #Newfoundland town after #Fiona https://t.co/OuuXI3srtg

— Greg Mercer (@GregMercerGlobe) September 30, 2022

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tours some of the worst-hit areas in Port aux Basques, #Newfoundland after #fiona tore through. A two-storey apartment building used to stand where he is right now pic.twitter.com/nRwqxonyT4

— Greg Mercer (@GregMercerGlobe) September 29, 2022

The Cons just can't resist trying to score political points out of people's agony, can they? And this guy calls himself a journalist:

I know this woman. She’s a friend of mine dealing with the loss of her home and displacement of her family. Shes very clearly distraught. Would you please consider taking this post down? It would be appreciated.

— Andrew Parsons (@Andrew_Parsons1) October 1, 2022

But it is true that we will be getting more of these storms because of climate change:

Hurricane #Fiona hit Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland in Canada last week. We are not accustomed or prepared for these storms up here. Many still cold and without electricity. Warmer oceans mean easy rides for hurricanes up the Atlantic coast.

— RJ (@Reyjey) October 1, 2022

Today's News: Honouring Truth and Reconciliation Day

"Reconciliation is not the responsibility of Indigenous Peoples. It is the responsibility of all Canadians. It is our responsibility to continue to listen and to learn," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. #NationalDayForTruthAndReconciliation https://t.co/3TqNqUj3NB

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 1, 2022

At the end of the book The Christmas Carol, Dickins wrote a line about about honouring Christmas every day of the year. When I was thinking today about Truth and Reconciliation Day, I think this is what we need to remember and commit to doing: 

I will honour Truth and Reconciliation in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. 

This painting is hard but necessary to look at if you’re Canadian. https://t.co/S7rQ8Qbfdr

— Gerald Butts (@gmbutts) September 30, 2022

But also, this:

#USask is lighting buildings and pathways in orange throughout the week to recognize the #NationalDayforTruthandReconciliation and to reflect on what truth and reconciliation means for our campus community. pic.twitter.com/8qaxrZxEWn

— U of Saskatchewan (@usask) September 30, 2022

Shirley Isbister had trouble believing her eyes Friday as she stood at the bottom of Victoria Park in Saskatoon watching more than 1,000 people dressed in orange shirts pour in from the street above for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. https://t.co/WDN02I9FWH

— CTV Saskatoon (@ctvsaskatoon) September 30, 2022

From last night's football game -

Canadian Football League (CFL) Official doing announcements in Ojibway!! First First Nation Métis member to reach CFL! Saskatchewan at Winnipeg! #NationalDayForTruthAndReconciliation

— Robert Gutwein (@GutweinRobert) October 1, 2022

"If we were talking in Cree, we would be laughing from the very first syllable. It’s a laughing language, it’s a joyful language — and my favourite activity in the world is to laugh," says #TomsonHighway.#NationalDayforTruthandReconciliationhttps://t.co/pjThy9pfVx

— Broadview Magazine (@BroadviewMag) October 1, 2022

Today's News: Orange Shirt Day

Sept 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also called Orange Shirt Day - for settlers, it is a day for thoughtfulness, remembrance, acknowledgement of wrongdoing, apology, and promise to do better.

Here are some tweets and stories to share. 

At first I thought, is this tweet for real? But yes, it is, and really, its great:

Not a fan of the commercialization of Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it can be cringy if done wrong. But man did they ever get this right. Incredibly powerful and legitimate in my opinion. Give it a watch, decide for yourself. https://t.co/kJclNK2IKi

— Conrad Desjarlais (@DesConrad) September 29, 2022

Here is the background to the Orange Shirt:

Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake in the spring of 2013. 

 It grew out of Phyllis’s account of losing her shiny new orange shirt on her first day of school at the Mission, and it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually.

Phyllis (Jack) Webstab's Story: 

I went to the Mission for one school year in 1973/1974. 

I had just turned 6 years old. I lived with my grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve. We never had very much money, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission school. 

I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school! 

When I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! 

The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. 

All of us little children were crying and no one cared. 

 I was 13 years old and in grade 8 when my son Jeremy was born. Because my grandmother and mother both attended residential school for 10 years each, I never knew what a parent was supposed to be like.

With the help of my aunt, Agness Jack, I was able to raise my son and have him know me as his mother.

I went to a treatment centre for healing when I was 27 and have been on this healing journey since then.

I finally get it, that the feeling of worthlessness and insignificance, ingrained in me from my first day at the mission, affected the way I lived my life for many years. 

Even now, when I know nothing could be further than the truth, I still sometimes feel that I don’t matter. Even with all the work I’ve done! 

I am honored to be able to tell my story so that others may benefit and understand, and maybe other survivors will feel comfortable enough to share their stories. 

 Today... Phyllis Webstad is Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwepemc and Irish/French heritage, was born in Dog Creek, and lives in Williams Lake, BC. 

Today, Phyllis is married, has one son, a stepson and five grandchildren. She is the Founder and Ambassador of the Orange Shirt Society, and tours the country telling her story and raising awareness about the impacts of the residential school system.

As the day approaches where everyone talks of these places of horror, some of us sit in our memories like it was yesterday. It lives inside of us, the pain associated with the residential schools, the 60's Scoop, the deaths, poverty and addiction that was the gift brought to us💔 https://t.co/fTKGPCnjNu

— Debbie ᑳᑫᓯᒧᑐᑕᐁ (@ironbow) September 28, 2022

This is a tough week every year; maybe one year it won't feel so heavy; but in the meantime, keep being YOU, and keep shining as you were meant to shine 🧡 #trc2022 #ResidentialSchoolSurvivor #youmatter2022 #YouAreLoved pic.twitter.com/cZk3LJI7CJ

— Lou-ann Neel (@LouannNeel1) September 29, 2022

Thousands of people are expected to gather in Ottawa on Friday for the first-ever commemorative event marking the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. pic.twitter.com/zUSJohQVSB

— APTN News (@APTNNews) September 30, 2022

There are many events taking place in all corners of the province tomorrow for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day. We encourage you to part - listen, learn, show up, and share. A full listing at https://t.co/Gp8Wa5Y8VJ #ReconciliationSK pic.twitter.com/PlMRTwVunA

— Treaty Commissioner (@TreatyOfficeSK) September 29, 2022

Great stuff

Today, here's some of the interesting stuff I bookmarked recently:

This is fascinating - its a visual representation of the world population and the webpage also has much more detail about specific continents.

This is epic 🚀 https://t.co/7zn3MZL9Z3

— Alexandra Churchill ✌🏼⭐️⭐️ (@churchill_alex) September 27, 2022

A M A Z I N G!!!! https://t.co/TFz7xN0Qij

— Ron Henry (@RonHenry0) May 24, 2022

In 1953 EC comics published a story called 'Judgement Day' with a black astronaut. Prejudice had been eliminated in that future.
America lost its damn mind.
[Except Ray Bradbury, who wrote in to congratulate EC comics AND said the story should be required reading for everybody] pic.twitter.com/GgkIWR2xzw

— Tade Thompson (@TadeThompson) September 24, 2022

This is neat. I love the look of shock on the guy’s face. https://t.co/fBmxbUMK68

— John Aravosis 🇺🇸🇬🇷🏳️‍🌈 (@aravosis) September 26, 2022

such a clever dog pic.twitter.com/oHnIEGhXrm

— theworldofdog (@theworldofdog) September 25, 2022

This is the best sound in the world pic.twitter.com/ODzKwHQYvE

— Kelly Canuck🍁 (@KellyCanuckTO) September 27, 2022

Today's News: "But I never thought leopards would eat MY face!"

The original tweet, from 2015:

'I never thought leopards would eat MY face,' sobs woman who voted for the Leopards Eating People's Faces Party.

— Adrian Bott (@Cavalorn) October 16, 2015

It has mostly been used for Brexit and for Trump -- when the people who voted for Brexit and for Trump because they wanted to "own the libs" later found that they themselves were badly treated by the policies that they thought would only hurt the libs. And now Pierre Poilievre has finally joined the leopard club:

I also agree Pierre has every reason to be outraged.
The problem is he hasn't been outraged when such things happen to other people. And that's a big problem.

— Mike Morris (@1MikeMorris) September 26, 2022

But. But. But. He’s one of your friends. You are the company you keep. You’re walking down a very dangerous road and causing harm as you go. pic.twitter.com/OraqrzM5yt

— Canteach (@canteach) September 26, 2022

pic.twitter.com/zgdpDdxjKY

— Adam Lockett (@AdamLockett34) September 26, 2022

Case in point. #cdnpoli

These extremists pose as much a threat to Conservatives as to anyone else, and it's long past time the right recognize the harm in seeking to downplay the danger posed by the fringe they often court for partisan/political gain.https://t.co/INjKHUYIAN pic.twitter.com/QIn6HgbT8h

— Alheli Picazo (@a_picazo) September 26, 2022

Behold, a pale horse

"And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. " Revelations 6:7-8 

I'm thinking tonight of the Ukraine Russia War -- once again, history is "galloping riderless across the landscape" with no direction and no control. The possibility of nuclear war has reared its ugly head, and we don't know whether it will happen or not.   

With Ukraine's recent success in pushing back Russian occupation, Putin seems terrified that Ukraine is winning. So he is doubling down - mobilizing more Russian soldiers, setting up sham referenda to create a phony pretext to claim that Occupied Ukraine belongs to Russia, and threatening a nuclear response if the Ukraine military continues fighting to liberate this so-called "Russian" territory. I expect Putin also thinks he can frighten Europe and NATO into forcing Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire. 

NATO and European leaders are having none of it.

The sham referenda initiated today by Russia and its proxies have no legal effect or legitimacy. They represent in no way the will of the Ukrainian people, who have consistently resisted Russian efforts to change borders by force. Read the #G7 statement: https://t.co/mCFwGcqxws

— CanadianPM (@CanadianPM) September 23, 2022

Catastrophic consequences. https://t.co/E0bXLTuU9M

— Viktor Kovalenko🇺🇲🇺🇦 (@MrKovalenko) September 26, 2022

Putin is no longer able to end the conflict and spin the defeat as a successful "denazification" of Ukraine.

After the annexation there will be no way to spin future Ukrainian offensives to liberate the occupied regions. Any territory liberated will be a direct lost to Russia.

— Oliver Alexander (@OAlexanderDK) September 26, 2022

If this fails, we are moving towards a scenario that only has two realistic outcomes:

1. Internal pressure in Russia causes a governmental collapse of some kind, allowing the new leadership to proceed to deescalate the war.

— Oliver Alexander (@OAlexanderDK) September 26, 2022

We are nearing a situation of the unstoppable force and the immovable object.

Ukraine is rightfully insistent on liberating all of its occupied territory.

At the same time the current Russian government will not survive the loss of this (especially Crimea).

— Oliver Alexander (@OAlexanderDK) September 26, 2022

I am not saying that the risk of non-conventional weapons is just around the corner, but it is down the street if the mobilization does not stabilize the frontlines.

The mobilization was an extremely risky political move and a decision not taken lightly by Putin.

— Oliver Alexander (@OAlexanderDK) September 26, 2022

It seems highly likely that the Chinese have also told Putin to keep it in his trousers.

— Dr David Baird (@DavidBa35992616) September 25, 2022

Here is the bottom line:

And what is the end game here? How does this stop?

— Dana Lewis (@Danaslewis) September 25, 2022

Dana, it stops when Ukraine has restored Sovereignty over all of its territory incl Crimea and when the 1M(+) deported Ukrainian citizens incl 250K children are returned home to Ukraine. https://t.co/zoWTZohjX9

— Ben Hodges (@general_ben) September 26, 2022

And this is terrible.

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European integration, said that about 1.5 million Ukrainian citizens, mostly women and children, are currently in Russia without the possibility of returning home, and their relatives can’t contact them.

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) September 26, 2022

When this war is over, it will take years to recover.

If you thought Covid was "over", think again

Seen in a tweet!

What I cannot understand is why so many people think Covid is "over", though thousands are still getting it and dying from it around the world. 

We have our next booster booked now - scheduled for early October, it will be our Moderna bivalent shot and I hope it will last us until spring, when we will likely need another booster. 

I know everybody is tired of Covid now - I certainly am. We're all sick to death of it, so to speak. 

I still mourn for the Before Times - life the way we lived it before March 2020. 

But the world isn't about my delicate fee-fees. The Now Times are about staying alive and healthy, and keeping our family alive and well too, and to that extent I can even appreciate renewing my focus on what is really important and letting trivialities slip away.

Maybe someday we will be able to talk about the After Times. But in the meantime we will just keep on masking and getting boosters until the world is vaccinated and they figure out how to treat Long Covid. 

Well, yeah. We all took our masks off and can’t figure out why everyone is out sick. How dumb are we?

— Elli 🍁Make a Difference! VOTE! ❤️ (@ElliAdventurer) September 24, 2022

It's such a ridiculous statement. Ie "we support your choice to mask". What's next? "We support your choice to wash your hands" posted in restaurant and public washroom doors? 🤷‍♀️. Or is washing hands now just for people who are scared? 🤦‍♀️

— Elise Davis (she/her) 🇨🇦 (@Elise_ekd) September 25, 2022

I have been collecting a few interesting Covid tweets over the last few weeks:

I don't want to "get back to normal". I want lots of things to change. In fact, I can't imagine living through the worst public health crisis in a century and eagerly awaiting the chance to demonstrate that we've learned nothing.

— T. Ryan Gregory (@TRyanGregory) September 18, 2022

The true pandemic death toll is currently ~22 million, not the official 6.5 million https://t.co/57lVnlqOPI
Marked variance in official vs excess mortality between countries pic.twitter.com/iCyz9XSYlU

— Eric Topol (@EricTopol) September 22, 2022

Millions in people passed away, tons of people are still dealing with health issues due to the pandemic, many more are still getting sick and it’s the me me me mentality with no respect, love or compassion for others that is so bothersome.

— CaptainCoby (@Captaincoby00) September 22, 2022

My column today: Sask. government can't simply wish COVID-19 away https://t.co/5bDkWWJXyO via @leaderpost

— Murray Mandryk (@MMandryk) September 16, 2022

Covid didn’t go away. Conservative Premiers just got rid of the data.

— Tim (@TimEastCoast) September 12, 2022

I don’t understand how 3,000 COVID deaths per week is consistent with being at the end of the pandemic. Seems like we’re adjusting to dying with the virus. We’ve become death blind. https://t.co/PzvgRDxG59

— Jonathan Reiner (@JReinerMD) September 17, 2022

The not so hidden cost of infection based immunity.https://t.co/HYdIje32WI

— Lamont Cranston (@LamontCrans) September 17, 2022

So far, based on QC data, it does NOT look like incidental deaths are the problem with Canadian death data. Undetected and unreported COVID deaths are the problem.

— Tara Moriarty (@MoriartyLab) September 17, 2022

We still have half our COVID deaths to go unless we hustle to protect/save those lives.

It's like the problem with seemingly unexpected high mortality in Atlantic Canada during Omicron. There are more left to die from COVID in Atlantic provinces and Canada than in many places.

— Tara Moriarty (@MoriartyLab) September 17, 2022

Guys Covid is the number three cause of death right now, behind heart attack and cancer. The big difference is if you're next to someone who has a heart attack or cancer they can't pass them on to you.

— James S.A. Corey (@JamesSACorey) September 20, 2022

Today's news: Ferocious Fiona

It's been a terrible night and day in Atlantic Canada as they grapple with that bitch Fiona:

Ferocious #Fiona, from the #Caribbean to #Canada pic.twitter.com/SriO3U2WhO

— Stu Ostro (@StuOstro) September 24, 2022

Moment of impact #storm #surge #pab #nlwx #fiona wow (Not my video). pic.twitter.com/F0Yt7EkYBu

— Donnie O'Keefe (@DonnieOK) September 24, 2022

Thinking of everyone in eastern Quebec and Atlantic Canada this morning as #Fionahurricane makes landfall. Stay safe. Hope the damage is minimal and no lives are lost. https://t.co/w7kZgPCgyW

— Toula Drimonis (@ToulasTake) September 24, 2022

This apartment bldg gone pic.twitter.com/ToqaS9LNBr

— Charlie Harris (@Charlie85915085) September 24, 2022

Poor Port aux Basques. The ocean is swallowing homes. #Fiona https://t.co/V8GXZoTsCR

— Gerald Butts (@gmbutts) September 24, 2022

One thing a storm can never wash away is a Canadian sense of humour... #Fionahurricane #FionaNS https://t.co/NCxCMYXSIb

— Ryan Lindley 🍁 (@ryanlindley) September 25, 2022

From @kattukexpeditions —
Report in from Sable Island NPR is that everyone is safe and uninjured but tired, they still have power and internet and will assess damages this afternoon. #sableisland #fiona https://t.co/9LlbpL7yFf pic.twitter.com/st00FDDpeN

— halifaxnoise (@halifaxnoise) September 24, 2022

But what impresses me most right now is how Canadians are all wanting to help:

Text FIONA to 20222 and donate $10 to @redcrosscanada to help those affected by #HurricaneFiona.

Because around here, we look after each other.

— Seamus O'Regan Jr (@SeamusORegan) September 24, 2022

A convoy that all Canadians can be proud of. https://t.co/ATmXS4r4qF

— Bernard Roulinski (@roulinski) September 24, 2022

A convoy of power trucks from Quebec on their way to Nova Scotia to help out with the massive power outages. This is a real convoy with a real purpose. Take note #FreeDumbConvoy pic.twitter.com/2otH0zbcTK

— Bernard Roulinski (@roulinski) September 24, 2022

Very heartening to see the support from all over Canada for the Maritimes. Power crews from PQ and Ontario on scene to help. Federal Government prepared, This is Canada, #Fiona

— Michael Cowtan supports Ukraine🌐 (@MichaelCowtan) September 24, 2022

They’re here in Cape Breton to put the power back on after the storm. Our hotel in Sydney is overflowing with electrical line crews. #Fiona pic.twitter.com/yBgevMXIIm

— Anthony Farnell (@AnthonyFarnell) September 24, 2022

Feds to send military assistance, match Red Cross donations for Fiona recovery https://t.co/hJu7GVoFEm pic.twitter.com/A5NWuBkEGD

— CTV News (@CTVNews) September 25, 2022

If your device is low on power or data, you can get #HurricaneFiona updates on CBC Lite. It’s our low-bandwidth, text-only website. https://t.co/11fiGnw59v

— CBC News (@CBCNews) September 24, 2022

Absolutely - outstanding!

Canada needs its CBC. https://t.co/jLNv56E7D8

— Heather Mallick (@HeatherMallick) September 24, 2022

And here's the ridiculous story of the day. So for some reason, Fisheries and Oceans Canada thought today would be a good day to remind people about the rule against picking up a washed-up lobster on a beach:

pic.twitter.com/cFEDRKPMmb

— Matt Gurney (@mattgurney) September 24, 2022

Twitter rocked with laughter:

Describe Canada in a single tweet.

— Gham (@gham11) September 24, 2022

Hello officer.... Why do I have butter, garlic and a pot on the beach? No reason.

— gregmacp (@gregmacp) September 24, 2022

Pinchy would have wanted it this way... pic.twitter.com/Z73TJCnILk

— David C (@dacaldar) September 24, 2022

Twitter concluded that eating a dead lobster wouldn't be very healthy anyway. But then someone worried about all the seagulls that will show up to feast on the dead beach lobsters, and it went downhill from there. Anyway, finally Fisheries and Oceans deleted it:

We would like to apologize for the ill-timed tweet regarding #HurricaneFiona from earlier today. You can be assured the safety and security of Canadians in the region is our priority.

— Fisheries and Oceans (@FishOceansCAN) September 24, 2022

So only this remained:

So today's ridiculous fake conservative outrage is about a lobster tweet? Am I getting that right? #cdnpoli

— Matthew Forbes (@VaughanPappy) September 25, 2022

From the Bookmarks

Well, the great Roger Federer played his last match today - it wasn't "one for the ages" but it was pretty nice, a doubles with Nadal at the Laver Cup in London. 

I didn't get into watching tennis until just a few years ago, when we got a big-screen TV and then our son explained to me how the game was scored - the score is what dictates a lot of the player strategy.

Anyway, I really enjoy tennis now and particularly watching the GOATs like Serena and Federer:

Merci, Roger ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xQilVHGZA5

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 24, 2022

Here's a terrific essay about what tennis can mean to a fan - it includes a video summary of the 2017 Aussie Open final, likely one of the greatest tennis matches ever played, when Federer and Nadal fought it out for 5 incredible sets.

By @TheTennisSlut: reflecting on how tennis has helped during some tough times. https://t.co/KPQZT4ZU2Q

— Popcorn Tennis 🍿🎾 (@Popcorn_Tennis1) September 22, 2022

Some funny tweets:

WHEN POLITICIANS TAKE TOO MUCH CREDIT pic.twitter.com/YL8KBdQsAp

— Brittlestar (@brittlestar) September 23, 2022

If you've ever wondered what joke had the best timing in all of history https://t.co/DdZvWB3fjt

— Phil Plait (@BadAstronomer) September 21, 2022

Now that we have a king, these sorts of events will all take much longer, since he can only move along the floor one square at a time. #queensfuneral pic.twitter.com/3MJ0FS2ch0

— David Smith (@David_Strathdee) September 19, 2022

Today's News: It's going to be a marathon, not a sprint

This marathon will be exhausting.

Pierre Poilievre hasn't even been Conservative leader for two weeks yet. By the time the 2025 election finally arrives, we're all going to be as shell-shocked and tired as those marathon dancers in Evergood's 1935 painting.

So here's what happened this week.

On Monday we heard all about how Trudeau had been caught singing when he was in London for the funeral.  Of course, the Conservatives were shocked -- SHOCKED - to find that singing had been going on. 

They talked about it all day Tuesday, and then on Wednesday this happened:

In Question Period yesterday, I tried to explain it in a way that Justin Trudeau would understand. We have Inflation Landslides and No Escape from Poverty. He’s not a poor boy, but he should have some sympathy! #cdnpoli #shpk #fortsask pic.twitter.com/x7gp6bo3iq

— Garnett Genuis (@GarnettGenuis) September 22, 2022

Alberta Conservative MP Garnett Genius was trying to parody Bohemian Rapsody lyrics while he raked the Liberals over the coals, because that's the music Trudeau was singing in London. 

 And all we can conclude about Genius's skill as a lyricist is, don't quit your day job. 

 Even Michelle Rempel-Garner was not impressed:

Something is up with Michelle Rempel-Garner.

She's rolling her eyes while a CPC MP speaks. And then she's the only CPC MP refusing to clap for him. pic.twitter.com/4ZrKVOcfVs

— Mike Gibbs🏳️‍🌈🇺🇦 (@Mikeggibbs) September 21, 2022

So anyway, then freelance press gallery journalist Dale Smith tweeted this:

Genuis tries to includes lyrics from “Bohemian Rhapsody” in his question, and I cannot adequately tell you how lame it is.
When horses are this lame, you shoot them. #QP

— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) September 21, 2022

Now, you young whippersnappers won't remember, but there was an incredible Sydney Pollack movie from 1969 starring Jane Fonda about a dance marathon titled "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" and  this phrase became part of our culture. 

So this may have been the reference alluded to in the tweet.

But when the Conservatives saw it -- bring out more fainting couches and begin the pearl clutching!

The tweet itself wasn't ratioed, but suddenly Smith found himself accused of issuing threats to an MP and the monkeys began to fly: 

Dale, you are using a violent metaphor invoking an image of shooting someone you disagree with. You are a member of the parliamentary press gallery. If a Conservative MP did something like this, you would be the first to demand their resignation. You are a complete hypocrite. https://t.co/NpxIz2bQGw

— Andrew Scheer (@AndrewScheer) September 21, 2022

Pierre P finally expresses some outrage. There is none when F*ck Trudeau flags fly, when nooses are paraded with Trudeau's name on them, when Swastikas are scrawled on our Flag, when the PM's life is threatened. Methinks Poilievre is disgusting.

— Mike Morris (@1MikeMorris) September 22, 2022

The Press Gallery produced a mealy-mouthed statement that sort-of supported Smith, but with a tone of "oh darn now we have to defend a journalist AGAIN!" -- because remember the Akin affair was just last week:

 

Some journalists were not impressed with the press gallery statement:

Good Christ, what? The press gallery said WHAT? What an utterly craven bit of underbusthrowing. https://t.co/WBn8AXe4AY

— Andrew Coyne 🇺🇦 (@acoyne) September 22, 2022

I said the question was lame, not the MP.

— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) September 22, 2022

Others appeared to think the statement was "well-worded" - harumph! harumph!

🙄🙄🙄 It was an analogy, not a threat, or "violent rhetoric", against anyone. Gimme a break.

— WMR 🇨🇦 🍁 (@Jinxy_Minxy) September 22, 2022

Good grief. When the Conservative MPs are still harping on this nonsense a week from now, better remind the PPG journalists to skip the "beating a dead horse" tweets.

— 🏙 🍁 🇨🇦 🌻🐝 (@theKeenUrbanist) September 22, 2022

He didn’t threaten you, you preposterous fraud. https://t.co/w9iC3f5oto

— Andrew Coyne 🇺🇦 (@acoyne) September 22, 2022

And speaking of mealy-mouthed, here's Genius' response to Coyne:

If only he had just held up a noose with your name on it then Pierre Poilievre would call him a hero and bring him coffee and donuts like he did for the convoy assholes. This hypocrisy stinks.

— Chizzler (@FidlumBenz) September 23, 2022

Of course, there actually are some larger issues going on:

Ballingale is Canada’s Bannon. And to quote Steve Bannon:

“The real opposition is the media. And the way to deal with them is to flood the zone with shit.”

Polievre and Ballingale are trying the same playbook.

— loribgood (@loribgood1) September 23, 2022

Today, Smith talked about the rage-farming problem in his Routine Proceedings newsletter: 

...The point here is that this is how the intimidation game is played, and why they think that journalists are uniquely vulnerable. 

If you are critical about anyone on their team, they declare that you are biased, even though you are critical about every team. 

They howl and moan, in the hopes that you either apologise and retract, and then they know that you’re weak, and that they can silence you through these kinds of tactics. 

It’s partially why so many journalists have resorted to scrupulously both-sidesing all of their lies—because they screamed and moaned about being treated unfairly, and insisting that they were “insulted” when they were called out for their blatant falsehoods, and yes, this has absolutely happened—until those reporters and their editors stop calling them out, and instead, just both-sides what is said. 

Both-sidesing in turn allows them to lie with impunity, because they know they won’t be called out for it, lest they begin this cycle again. 

And now, our political discourse is completely fucked as a result. 

So no, I’m not going to let Scheer or Ballingall intimidate me, and their winged monkeys don’t scare me. 

Now Genius has asked for the Speaker to revoke Smith's press gallery credentials and Smith told CBC he will be refraining from further comments himself until that ruling has been made.

And whatever results, regardless of whether Smith ultimately apologizes or not, the whole contretemps will have a chilling effect on the press gallery.

And Poilievre hasn't even been leader for two weeks!

Today's News: Conspiracy Theories

Does anyone still remember that 1997 Mel Gibson - Julia Roberts movie Conspiracy Theory?

   

It was supposed to be just a thriller - comedy. 

Turns out, it was also predicting the crazy now in too much of our society. 

So maybe this is how Conspiracy Theories get started:

Seems legit pic.twitter.com/VCPrLB8uBg

— John Taylor IV (@prairiecentrist) September 22, 2022

Here's another one:

Diana still alive and posting shit pic.twitter.com/gw4bHtbFsn

— ♋Dysfunkshunist💙 (@shellie_reilley) September 18, 2022

She's probably married to JFK Jr (Elvis sang at their wedding) and will be Second Lady when JFK Jr. runs as Trump's VP in 2024. That's no crazier than the nonsense QAnon comes up with.

— Sandy Kay (@SandyKayMN) September 22, 2022

Today's News: "It's still real. It's still terrifying. It's still hard"

 

Beautiful illustration from The Globe and Mail, by Chippewa/Potawatomi artist Chief Lady Bird 🦅 ᐅᑮᒪᑫᐧᐱᓀᐢ

Inquests were just announced into the massacre of Sept. 4:

BREAKING: Sask. chief coroner announces inquest into James Smith Cree Nation deaths https://t.co/x74chI2Uu9

— CTV News (@CTVNews) September 21, 2022

Is being done since there will be no criminal trial and the public and families deserve to have their questions answered in a public hearing of facts.

— Alexander Quon (@AlexanderQuon) September 21, 2022

The Queen's funeral distracted Canada over the last week from the continuing events related to James Smith Cree Nation and the massacre.  A major Canadian Press story today provides an update to how James Smith Cree Nation residents have been managing their grief.

Two weeks after deadly stabbings, James Smith Cree Nation looks to shed the darkness. Beautiful writing by @MickeyDjuric. https://t.co/i0Qf2f4NZ7

— Lauren Krugel (@LaurenKrugel) September 21, 2022

 “It’s still real. It’s still terrifying. It’s still hard,” Stonestand said. 

“A lot of hurt you can feel in this community. A lot of it. Wherever you go. And people have no trust, but they’re trying to come out.” 

Residents attend cultural events, sweat ceremonies and feasts wearing “James Smith Strong” T-shirts. The sacred fire that serves as a spiritual doorway for the dead still dances. 

.... While the community looks to shed the darkness that hovered over it on Sept. 4 and restore order with traditional ceremonies and plates full of bannock, they still await answers. 

Moostoos said the First Nation has requested a timeline of the stabbings from RCMP, without the gory details, to help them heal. 

He said there’s no use speculating what happened or why, as it only leads to more rumours. 

 “Right now we’re knocked down,” Moostoos said. “But we will get back up and we’ll get back up with pride when our community comes together.” 

This Phil Tank Star-Phoenix column from last week talks about the questions that remain and whether an Indigenous police force would have made a difference: 

 Would an Indigenous police service have prevented the Sept. 4 tragedy that rocked the nation and shocked the world? There’s no way to say. 

But it seems possible that a more robust Indigenous policing presence may well have been able to locate mass murder suspect Myles Sanderson, a serial violent offender who was deemed “unlawfully at large” in May, prior to the murder spree. 

Given Indigenous people’s historic mistrust of the RCMP — with many good reasons, some as recent as the police force’s actions after the 2016 shooting death of Colten Boushie — this seems a logical step.