Pear Assembly July 5, 2010

Neil Young and the Pacific Coliseum February 20, 2010

I was surprised when I heard the Pacific Coliseum was going to be an Olympic skating venue.   The Coliseum is about fourty years old and home to junior hockey teams.   One of the skaters actually complained the venue feels more like a place for training, rather than competing.  No doubt. Still, the athletes have have risen [...]

Cabbages and Kings…and Olympics February 11, 2010

Finally I got the last instalment of “I Claudius” from the library.  It has a wonderful ending.  As Claudius lies dying,  the oracle Sybil, appears to him.  Claudius has bypassed his own son and named Nero as his successor – partly in hope that the Romans, disgusted with Nero, will restore the republic.  The amused Sybil [...]

Vancouver Awaits the World February 10, 2010

People in Vancouver are now quite excited about the Olympics.   The volunteers and workers all arrived this week and are walking around in their blue jackets.  Yet, in other ways, the downtown core is strangely void of people in areas.  I think a lot of people are avoiding downtown.  The merchants are nervous as the [...]

Olympic Magical Thinking February 4, 2010

When Vancouver was awarded the Olympics years ago, someone commented to me, “Maybe they were good 2000 years ago…”     I agreed.  I had voted against them.  They cost too much and will impact Vancouver’s education, health and housing budgets for years, maybe decades.   Most Vancouverites I know are disillusioned by the cost and as yet do [...]

Bowl of Pears February 4, 2010

Once again, my favourite subject – pears.

I Claudius February 2, 2010

I have been watching DVD episodes of the 1976 drama “I Claudius” about the reign of Roman emperors, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula and Claudius.   It’s remarkable how the BBC was able to produce these  riveting and classic productions while spending very little on sets. An aquaintance of mine told me she and her husband had always loved “I Claudius” and [...]

Power January 13, 2010

I photocopied this great poem on power  from Harpers magazine 20 years ago.  I gave it to many friends including C.&J. in Ireland- who taped it on the wall, next to the roll of toilet paper in their washroom for the entertainment of guests.  It may or may not be outdated.  REFLECTIONS ON POWER : a dissenting view by Earl Shorris [...]

Whooping Cranes – Ink and Watercolour December 20, 2009

A Pioneer’s Death December 13, 2009

As Freezing Persons recollect the Snow- First Chill – then  Stupor – then the letting go.   - Emily Dickenson  The deep freeze in the prairie provinces this week reminded me of my great-grandfather, John Corrigan, who froze to death outside Moose Jaw around 1910. He was building a house out on the prairie and had the [...]