Off for a few days…
U.S. Thanksgiving observance now in progress.
Returning to the pages of the Hamilton Spectator on November 27.
holiday
Thursday August 16, 2018
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 16, 2018
Ottawa to declare federal holiday to mark legacy of residential school system
June 3, 2015
The Liberal government will declare a federal statutory holiday to mark the tragic legacy of the residential school system, fulfilling a recommendation made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
In a statement, a spokesperson for Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez said the department is working with Indigenous peoples to determine the best date for this sort of commemoration.
July 13, 2017
“We have committed to fulfilling all of the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Call to Action 80 asks the government of Canada to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour the survivors of residential schools,” said Simon Ross, the minister’s press secretary.
“That’s exactly what we will do, and we will do that in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.”
Canada Day 2017
Two days are currently under consideration: June 21, which is National Indigenous Peoples Day, and September 30, which is named “Orange Shirt Day.” It is named for the bright orange shirt given to six-year-old Phyllis Webstad by her grandmother in 1973; it was taken from her by administrators when she attended the St. Joseph Mission School in Williams Lake, B.C. The date was chosen because it’s around the time Indigenous children were taken from their homes and sent to residential schools.
It’s not yet clear when the new federal statutory holiday will be implemented, but the official said conversations with Indigenous peoples are well underway.
June 12, 2008
Constitutionally, it’s up to the provinces and territories to determine which statutory holidays exist in their jurisdictions.
Nothing in any federal legislation would force them to follow suit and implement a day to mark the horrors of the residential school system.
So a new federal holiday would apply only to workers in federally regulated industries — like the federal public service, banks, interprovincial and international transportation companies, TV/radio, telecommunications, fisheries and Crown corporations, among others — unless the provinces took action on their own. (Source: CBC)
Saturday December 23, 2017
Take it easy this holiday weekend, and Merry Christmas! – Graeme
Saturday May 20, 2017
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 20, 2017
Americans are camping in record numbers, but they still want Wi-Fi
According to a report released by Kampgrounds of America (KOA), a group of privately held campgrounds, more and more Americans are now spending their leisure time camping.
July 2, 2008
Since 2014, the percentage of campers of who say that they take three or more camping trips a year has increased by more than 36 percent. Infrequent campers (those who go just once a year) have simultaneously dropped by 10 percent. In 2017 half of all campers surveyed said that they’re planning to spend even more time camping this year.
More than half of millennials surveyed (51 percent) said that they planned to go camping more often in 2017. Millennials also mark the age range to most enjoy the activity in large groups–10 or more travelers.
But neither millennials – nor campers in general – are completely cutting the cord. According to the study, 95 percent of people who go camping bring some sort of technology with them while 37 percent of campers said that some sort of tech was actually required for their trip in order to spend more time outdoors. About half of survey respondents indicated that least free Wi-Fi was a big factor when deciding where to stay.
And when it comes to sleeping, conventional tents were the most popular, according to the study. But the number of campers electing to use RVs or cabins is also increasing. (Source: Fox News) http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/03/21/americans-are-camping-in-record-numbers-but-still-want-wi-fi.html
long weekend, holiday, camping, family, campground, gadgets, devices, social media, Internet, technology, tradition, vacation, media, laptops, addiction (Source: Fox News)
The Western Star, Corner Brook, Nfld., May 23, 2017
Saturday May 13, 2017
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 13, 2017
The Worst Mother’s Day Gifts Ever Given
Mother’s Day is here once again, and you know what that means…
May 12, 2001
A lot of moms are going to be getting some really terrible gifts on Sunday morning.
Young kids come home from school with gifts that moms, in their heart of hearts, really do appreciate, but what is a mom really supposed to do with a big old lump of clay that’s supposedly a dog but looks more like a rock?
May 11, 2008
Older kids maybe too busy being self-involved or hormonal to think about giving good gifts. And other times, it’s Dad who drops the ball.
If you’ve ever had a bad Mother’s Day, you may take comfort in knowing that you’re certainly not the only one. These 11 not-so-great Mother’s Day gifts, as shared by Reddit users, prove it. (…Continued)