Category Archives: Canada

Author Silver Donald Cameron — 25 Questions

By Richard | Published January 27, 2011

I remember the first time I met Silver Donald Cameron because I was scared to death. I had no good reason to be, really. Canadian authors, as a group, have always impressed me with their warmth and kindness. But as a novice feature writer at The Daily News, I felt pressure when writing about such [...]

Also posted in 25 Questions, Author, Author, Books, Sustainability | 1 Comment

Canada, Global Warming, & The Muzzling of Scientists

By Richard | Published October 19, 2010

This week, Canada’s government scientists launched the Public Science website to tell people about important scientific issues — like global warming and the cancellation of the long-form census — because the current Conservative government under Stephen Harper has muzzled informed debate. By refusing to consider scientific evidence in making policy, Canada is out-of-step with most [...]

Also posted in Global Warming, Politics | 1 Comment

Anne of Green Gables on Prince Edward Island

By Richard | Published August 9, 2010

In a sometimes forgotten nation, it’s fitting that a humble farmhouse in Cavendish — a hamlet of 94 people — inspires pilgrimages. Green Gables is a modest dwelling treasured throughout much of the world, thanks to author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s stories. The Prince Edward Island native fashioned her intimate knowledge of this loving home, owned [...]

Also posted in Books, Life, Writing | 8 Comments

The Cape Breton Highlands

By Richard | Published July 12, 2010

For one unforgettable day, I enjoyed the gift of quiet. In the Cape Breton Highlands. It was a timeless day of subtle miracles. Following a narrow forest trail cut by my Acadian ancestors generations before, I was initially overwhelmed by the solitude. But my senses embraced the challenge. Slowly, a delightful change took hold. An [...]

Also posted in Nova Scotia, Writing | 4 Comments

25 Questions With Author John DeMont

By Richard | Published July 5, 2010

John DeMont • Coal Black Heart John DeMont is just the best guy. That’s not a throw-away line or a pat introduction. It’s what I thought from the first time that I met him. You’d think the same thing. Within minutes, you’d describe John as self-effacing, personable, witty, and quick to laugh. But after you’d [...]

Also posted in 25 Questions, Author, Author, Books, Writing | 3 Comments

Barrett’s Privateers (Happy Canada Day!)

By Richard | Published July 1, 2010

The late, lamented Stan Rogers gave Maritimers an unofficial national anthem that we all sing with reverence and gusto today, our 143rd birthday. Happy Birthday, Canada! As an aside, one of the men in this video — Dennis Ryan — sang a gorgeous Irish ballad at my mother’s funeral that left nary a dry eye [...]

Also posted in Entertainment, Nova Scotia | 3 Comments

The Northern Lights (My Town Monday)

By Richard | Published June 28, 2010

We waited for the aliens — the only explanation that made sense to three small boys on a midsummer’s night. Red and green lights had overwhelmed the sky, slowly descending upon the city, gaining in intensity, at once both beautiful and ominous. Could the spaceships be far behind? Alas, the Martians never landed. But the [...]

Also posted in Life, Nova Scotia, Writing | 5 Comments