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Opinion General

HELSTON: Local politics are not boring

I’d like you to list the names of your city councillors. Okay, just one councillor. The mayor? No? Then you’re just like I was before I got paid to know. I’ll be honest; I never used to take much interest in local politics. Like many, I considered it boring, small town, no consequence stuff. But...

PROSKIW: We are not the worst animal

The shockingly brutal attack on three sleeping dogs by a coward with a machete last week has truly shown the best and worse in us all. I admit to wishing very bad things for whoever did this; a swift, violent payback from some anonymous hero. But the better part of me says be patient and...

STAHN: The changing landscape of politics

In some ways it’s amazing to see how the political landscape has changed in recent years and in other ways it’s surprising it’s taken this long. As we watch candidate after candidate step up to throw their hat in the ring of municipal politics, you can’t help but notice the slight shift in how they...

GOG: Only one excuse for owning that horrid little dog

I do not understand why people keep small dogs. Big dogs are useful for pulling sleds, guarding junk yards, or extending the manhood of people who live in trailer parks and wear their hats backwards. But small dogs are utterly pointless. And revolting. I speak from experience. Recently a friend asked me to look after...

LOEWEN: “Doctor” Christy Clark? Does the premier deserve an honourary degree?

In the pedagogical moshpit that is Academia these days, it is not uncommon for universities to bestow honourary doctorates upon well-known movers-and-shakers. You will see these august figures addressing graduates at convocations the world over, conferring upon those matriculating a variety of bon mots and occasionally suitable words of inspiration to carry the kids into...

PARKER: Taking a siesta from the fiesta

“You should read this,” my mother said as she thrust a copy of this month’s Chatelaine at me. “It talks about why you should take a break from booze for a month.” She said this in the tone that is so nonchalantly over enthusiastic I knew she was actually just telling me what to do....

STAHN: Will being emotional pay off for Cavers?

As we head into civic elections this year, most politicians try to keep their heads down, avoid controversy and charm voters. But Coun. Donovan Cavers—never shy about voicing his opinions and feelings—seems to be taking the contrarian view. He's getting more vocal. In each of the past two council meetings, Cavers has spoken out against...

ARCHER: The trouble with Penticton’s priorities

Penticton has been all about beaches, peaches, wine and scenery for decades. Our little town is sandwiched between two beautiful lakes and fenced in with mountains and blue skies, so of course it makes sense to market it as a tourist attraction—a place to visit and hopefully stay. But in order for people to stay...

GOG: Only one excuse for owning that giant pickup truck

As I was sitting at a traffic light yesterday being gassed by the foul exhaust fumes from an enormous pick-up truck, it occurred to me what a ridiculous waste of space these things really are. There is no sane reason why men drive pick-up trucks (and they are almost always owned by men - if...

LOEWEN: The good ship Christy Clark and Co. and the icebergs to come

As I write today’s column, I am grateful that the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation and the Province have come to a tentative agreement that may result in our kids returning to their respective schools fairly soon now. It would seem that the good ship Christy Clark and Co. has averted the proverbial iceberg and will...