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Archive for the ‘Social & political humour’ Category

If They Can Do That…

A couple of days ago at a popular provincial park beach south of Belleville, Ontario, I saw for the first time police officers, in otherwise standard attire, riding along the edge of the beach on Segway bikes. It appears that I was far from alone insofar as this being a revelation, or at least a familiar site, as I witnessed a number of people having animated interchanges with the two officers (male and female), including an officer posing for a picture on the upright bike. (more…)

TOP 10 Benefits of the Official Start of Summer

As summer in the northern hemisphere veers toward its official start early next week, here’s some benefits we can look forward to…

  • Omnipresent urban construction makes driving a more mentally engaging experience
  • The sound of birds chirping at 4:30 am is a great way to start the day (more…)

TOP 10 Benefits of Springtime Heat

Hot weather has hit these parts (eastern Canada), and so time to recall what we’ve been waiting for

  • Good time to pursue hamster-powered air conditioner research
  • It becomes nice to receive a cold shoulder
  • Appropriate dress means more options for less
  • Sitting for hours deep in thought qualifies as a strenuous activity (more…)

‘What the Experts Say’

Is there a qualifier much more annoying that seeing a new flash, or being told by someone, that a given statement is validated because it’s ‘according to experts’? Apparently this means the case is closed. No need to linger, nothing more to see here.

Who are these, often unidentified, people or groups comprising the title of ad hoc ‘experts’? (more…)

TOP 10 Omitted Census Questions

It’s census time. Notwithstanding a google search implying Canadians are showing ‘enthusiasm’ since its launch via mail this week leading to a huge influx of internet traffic, one suspects this is primarily for one or both of two reasons: to make sure one is not part of the 25% selected for the long version; and to get it over with. (Perhaps a follow-up email could verify this by census.) As seemingly intrusive as questions are, there remain many unexplored areas… (more…)

Bumper Headlines for 2016

Thanks to 24/7 news and entertainment reporting, there are cascading varieties of bumper headlines these days…

  • Can/Am leaders kiss, test results positive
  • Early bird doesn’t adjust to daylight savings time, loses worm
  • Hot Canadian housing markets turning molehills into mountains
  • Essential oils becoming more valuable than fuel oils
  • Infrastructure becomes most googled four syllable term (more…)

Impressive Canadian/American Similar Traits

 

With Canada’s P.M. doing a modern version of dining with the king this week in Washington, D.C., this is an opportunity to reflect on Canadian and American similarities….

  • Both countries feature loonies, in one case in currency, in the other case in elected office
  • Canadian performers go to the U.S. to find fame and make a fortune, while American producers come to Canada to find fame and save a fortune
  • Both countries have a Tea Party, but Canada’s version connects with music (more…)

Little Known Government Budget Measures

 

With both the Canadian and Ontario governments releasing budgets this past week, it’s interesting to scrutinize some proposed measures which seem to have slipped by initial reporting

  • Potholes in roads outside municipal jurisdiction will be eligible for naming rights once they are filled in
  • Visitors to the respective Parliament buildings will be permitted to claim a recycling credit for any loose garbage or flyers they pick up and take away
  • Voting on suggested themes for $9 and $19 circulation coins will commence later this year (more…)

Being Humourous Without Boundaries

 

An article in the current month’s edition of Toastmaster magazine addresses a tricky issue in the field of humour: managing to be funny while minimizing negative cultural fallout.

As those who have given talks outside their native land (or even to sectors within it) have come to recognize, what’s funny here may not be considered funny there. (more…)

Mental Traffic Calming Measures

 

These days, certainly in Ottawa and I suspect in many other major urban centres, there is increasing attention being paid to what are termed ‘traffic calming measures’.  This expression is essentially a euphemism for reducing traffic speed.  It is especially relevant given budgetary challenges for continuing to have police officers do roadside enforcement.  Presumably not enough is made up in fines to cover the marginal utility costs of having officers lurking and checking. (more…)