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Winter

Saturday January 20, 2024

January 20, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Doug Ford faces challenges reconciling liability issues and rising insurance costs with the desire for winter fun as tobogganing bans increase across Ontario.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday January 20, 2024

Premier Fun Faces Reality

Young Doug Ford: The Series

As tobogganing bans sweep across Ontario due to rising insurance costs and tragic accidents, Premier Doug Ford, known as “Mr. Fun,” must address the complex relationship between liability laws, safety concerns, and the need for enjoyable winter activities.

The heart of the issue lies in the legal concept of “joint and several liability,” causing municipalities to enforce bans to shield themselves from potential lawsuits and financial ruin. Premier Ford has promised consultations to explore reforms, acknowledging the concerns of rural municipalities.

News: Doug Ford promised to liberate Ontario’s toboggan hills. He hasn’t — and likely won’t

Critics argue that outright bans are not the solution, advocating for a comprehensive approach involving safety measures, public awareness, and responsible city planning. Striking a balance between protecting municipalities and ensuring fair compensation for accident victims will require thoughtful deliberation and collaborative efforts.

As Premier Ford navigates the tobogganing dilemma, the goal is not to eliminate winter fun but to make it safer for everyone involved, acknowledging both public safety and the cherished tradition of tobogganing in Ontario. (AI)

 *  *  *  *  *

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Shaggin’*

* But were afraid to ask

Bumper Hitching, and the Forgotten Pastime of North American Youths

As I’ve written previously, Young Doug Ford is a comic series that focuses more on nostalgic memories of hapless 1970s era youths living in suburban Toronto than it does skewering the antics of the strip’s namesake, Ontario Premier Doug Ford. What it aims to do is shine a light on the roots, harkening back to Ford’s childhood, of his decision making in the 21st century. I love drawing this series because it lets me wax on old memories of my own childhood given I’m only a few years younger than the Premier and I grew up in similar circumstances, a middle child of 4, with an older sister, living comfortably in suburban Hamilton with a father who worked as a dentist. Doug’s dad was a successful businessman.

The Hamilton Spectator, Jan 7, 1987 – Marty would probably find similar thinking company in Dougie’s gang

Growing up in Dundas, Ontario, during the 1970s and 1980s, my childhood memories are intertwined with a peculiar and perilous pastime known as “Shagging,” (Also called that in Kincardine, Ont, and Windsor/Detroit). In those days, when school buses were the targets of choice, we clung to the rear bumpers, creating a dangerous but strangely thrilling activity. In my neighbourhood built in the 1960s without busing, it was often the little cars of unsuspecting old ladies driving to and from the nearby shopping Plaza that became the unwitting vehicles for our teenage antics.

Reflecting on those days recently, I decided to reach out to my social media followers to reminisce about this almost forgotten pastime. What I discovered was a tapestry of memories, each woven with different names for the same reckless endeavour. Here for the avid student of Linguistics is a list of my findings. Most referred to it as “Bumper Hitching,” (Brantford, Ont; Hamilton, Ont; Stoney Creek, Ont; Sudbury, Ont; North York, Ont; Lindsay, Ont; British Columbia, Louisville KY, USA); while others recalled terms like: “Bumper Shining,” (Bowmanville, Ont; New Brunswick; Saskatchewan; Winnipeg, Man; Northern BC, Northern Alberta); “Bumper Riding,” (Edmonton, Alb; Kitchener, Ont; Riding);  “Bumper Jumpin‘” (Simcoe, Ont; Southwest, Ont; Montreal Que); “Bumper Skiing,” (Dundas, Ont; Montreal, Que); “Bumper Dragging,” (Scarborough. Ont); “Bumpering,” (Saskatchewan; Calgary, Alb ); “Bunking,” (which seems to be confined to Ottawa in the 1960s to 1980s); “Bumper Sliding” (Hamilton, Ont); “Ski Bottine,” (Montreal, Que); and even “Hookie Bobbing” (Mammoth Lake, Cal USA); “Hooking on Cars/Bumpers,” (Charlottetown, PEI, Cape Breton, NS); “Dragging,” (Brookfield, NS); “Bumper Hopping,” in (Stratford, Ont)

Image: Skijor International

In the broader context of North America, variations of this risky activity had different monikers. In the United States, the term “Skitching,” (Chicago, IL, Brooklyn, NY; New Jersey; California) was used, although it seemed to involve hitching a ride while on skateboards rather than using one’s feet to slide on the compacted road snow beneath. The origins of the term go way back, and may be derived from “skijoring“, a Nordic sport of skiing while towed by a horse, reindeer, or dog teams, which have been demonstration sports in past Winter Olympics, and is still practiced in current day sporting events. These memories painted a picture of a shared but diverse experience among youths, where the thrill of danger took on different names depending on the region.

Back to the practice of clinging to moving cars of unknowing drivers, undoubtedly, this pastime was not only daring but also incredibly foolish. The clippings from newspapers of that era, detailing tragic incidents of young lives lost while engaging in such stunts, serve as stark reminders of the perils we often dismissed in our pursuit of excitement.

The Sault (Ste. Marie) Star, Dec 10, 1947 – the history predates the 1970s

Sgt. Harry Artinian of the Regional Police safety and public relations bureau, in a 1978 article from The Standard, aptly described bumper hitching as “a dangerous form of entertainment.” The risks were evident, with the article highlighting the lack of visibility for hitchers and the potential for serious accidents.

“As we say ‘bumper shining’; they say grabbing ahold of a passing car in the winter for a drag down an icy street is a good way to get yourself injured, whipper-snapper,” noted a piece from The Ottawa Citizen in August 2005. This quote captures the dismissive attitude towards the dangerous activity and reflects a generational gap in the perception of such stunts.

Dangerous and scary

Looking back, it’s a relief that we survived those youthful misadventures relatively unscathed. The thrill-seeking nature of youth, coupled with a disregard for consequences, often led to these risky behaviours. Today, as we navigate a world that seems vastly different from our childhoods, the memories of “Shagging,” “Bumper Hitching,” or whatever name it went by in your corner of North America, serve as nostalgic reminders of an era where danger lurked around every playful corner. The comic series “Young Doug Ford” captures the essence of an era where these daring, foolish stunts defined our youth, providing a humorous reflection on the roots of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s decision-making in the 21st century.


From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try:

https://mackaycartoons.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-0119-YDF.mp4
Posted in: Lifestyle, Ontario, Silver Reflection Tagged: "Bumper hitching", "Bumper Riding", 2024-02, linguistics, Ontario, procreate, shagging, skijoring, skitching, sled, sledding, sleigh, tobogganing, Winter, YDF, Young Doug Ford

Thursday December 21, 2023

December 21, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

As Christmas approaches, a lamentation over broken promises and governmental failures at all levels, particularly in cities, reveals the stark reality of the homelessness crisis in Canada, with blame games and jurisdictional disputes overshadowing the urgent need to legalize housing and address the root causes.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday December 21, 2023

Broken Promises and Blame Game Leave Canadians Homeless for the Holidays

July 21, 2023

As we approach the holiday season, the heartbreaking reality for many Canadians is that they will be spending Christmas living in tent encampments, enduring the harsh winter without a place to call home. The root cause of this crisis lies in the broken promises and inadequate actions of all levels of government, leaving citizens to suffer the consequences of an out-of-control housing market.

A recent Leger poll highlighted the frustration and desperation felt by Canadians, with 40% placing the blame squarely on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal government. However, this blame game oversimplifies a complex issue and reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the housing dynamics in Canada.

News: Here’s how many people will be at risk of homelessness by 2030, according to this AI  

December 28, 2021

Undoubtedly, the federal government, led by the Liberals, re-entered the housing policy arena in the late 2010s after decades of neglect. Despite their efforts and substantial financial commitments, the result after eight years is a meagre 100,000 new homes, a drop in the ocean compared to the millions needed. The emphasis on subsidizing homebuyers rather than using financial tools to address demand and the lack of consideration for the housing impact of increased immigration further compounds the crisis.

Provinces, responsible for overseeing cities, have long ignored the restrictive civic rules hindering new housing construction. It’s only recently that leaders in Ontario and British Columbia have acknowledged the severity of the issue. However, the real blame, often overlooked by Canadians, lies with city governments. The inability to build enough new homes is at the core of the problem, exacerbated by zoning restrictions that prevent the construction of essential four-storey apartment buildings on most civic land.

August 26, 2021

While Mr. Trudeau dangles a $4-billion carrot to encourage cities to loosen zoning, the program is years behind schedule, and the lack of urgency is concerning. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre proposes a stick approach, withholding federal funding from uncooperative cities. However, this stick is disappointingly soft, aiming for a mere 15% increase in building.

The bottleneck persists at city councils like those in Calgary and Vancouver, where discussions about modest new density changes are met with hesitation. A massive problem requires a massive response, and unfortunately, it’s not happening.

The recent clash between Ottawa and the provinces over housing funding agreements further highlights the lack of cohesion in addressing the crisis. While the federal government signs direct deals with cities like Halifax, premiers express dissatisfaction and threaten to bypass Ottawa in brokering their agreements.

Analysis: Homeless encampments won’t go away anytime soon, so here’s what cities should do

December 17, 2020

Halifax Mayor Mike Savage, chair of the Big City Mayors’ Caucus, rightly emphasizes the need to stop fighting over jurisdiction and focus on solving the problem. The federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund, despite its success in some cities, has become a point of contention between levels of government, distracting from the urgent need for action.

As we witness mayors and federal ministers defending their respective roles, it’s clear that a collaborative approach is essential. The blame game must end, and the focus should shift to a united effort to legalize housing. Cities hold the key, and it’s time for them to use that power to expedite construction and provide homes for those in desperate need.

This holiday season, as many Canadians face the harsh reality of homelessness, let’s hope our leaders can set aside differences, prioritize the well-being of their citizens, and take bold, decisive action to tackle the housing crisis head-on. Only then can we truly bring warmth and comfort to those who need it most during this festive time of year. (AI)

 

Posted in: Canada, Ontario Tagged: 2023-22, Canada, christmas, council, Doug Ford, encampment, homelessness, housing, Justin Trudeau, Ontario, Winter

Saturday March 18, 2023

March 18, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 18, 2023

Ontario experienced its darkest winter in more than 80 years

October 15, 2021

If you felt Ontario had an abnormally dark and dreary winter this year, the science backs you up.

In fact, parts of the province saw the least amount of direct sunlight in more than eight decades.

Data by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) shows that between December 2022 and February 2023, some regions of Ontario recorded the lowest levels of solar energy since 1940.

Brian Brettschneider, an Alaska-based climatologist with the U.S. National Weather Service, analyzed the data published by the ECMWF and presented the findings in several maps.

“There’s kind of this bullseye over southern Ontario, where the solar energy was quite a bit lower than, comparatively speaking, anywhere else,” he said, in an interview with the Star.

Though Ontario had “unremarkable” levels of sunlight in December, it was in January when the province experienced “exceptionally low” amounts of solar energy, said Brettschneider. It was followed by a February season which also had lower-than-normal levels of sunlight.

Looking back at the weather in Toronto this season, the city experienced 14 consecutive days in late January without the sun appearing, according to David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada. Earlier in the season, between Dec. 30 and Jan. 13, there was only one day that was described as mainly clear.

August 25, 2021

“It’s hard to imagine a year that was so cloudy and overcast,” said Phillips. “We also had fog, drizzle, snow, freezing rain, blowing snow and snow showers — a whole litany of precipitation types.”

The wet and overcast conditions were due to persistent flows of moisture arriving from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, said Brettschneider.

“You just get a lot of efficient cloud production when that happens,” he added.

Phillips also noted that southern Ontario had an unseasonably warm winter season, except for this March. But the low-pressure systems that bring these balmy conditions usually bring clouds and moisture as well, he said. (The Toronto Star) 

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2023-05, dark, depression, dimmer switch, Doug Ford, greenbelt, Light, Ontario, Printed in the Toronto Star, Science, weather, Winter

Friday December 23, 2022

December 23, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday December 23, 2022

Winter storm in US and Canada causes power outages for over a million

The storm has brought damaging winds and freezing temperatures that can quickly lead to frostbite.

December 24, 2013

Much of Canada and the US are under winter weather alerts that stretch from coast-to-coast and as far south as the US-Mexico border.

Major airports have cancelled thousands of flights as the storm intensifies.

As of Friday morning, more than 1,130,000 people from Texas to Maine were left in the dark, as the intense winds brought damage to power lines across the eastern US.

Power outages have also been reported in Canada, affecting 260,000 people in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario.

January 31, 2019

The US National Weather Service said that over 200 million people – or roughly 60% of the US population – are under some form of winter weather advisory.

Much of Canada, from British Columbia to Newfoundland, is also under extreme cold and winter storm warnings.

Several school boards in Ontario, including Toronto, have cancelled classes. The airline WestJet has also cancelled flights on Friday due to “prolonged and extreme weather events” across Canada.

This storm is set to bring the iciest Christmas in decades, say forecasters, even affecting the sunshine state of Florida. (BBC) 

From sketch to finish, in 30 seconds, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro … These sped up clips are posted to encourage others to be creative, to take advantage of the technology many of us already have and to use it to produce satire. Comfort the afflicted. Afflict the comforted.

https://mackaycartoons.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022-1223-MISCshort.mp4

 

Posted in: International, Lifestyle Tagged: 2022-43, airport, Canada, christmas, Jesus, Nativity, travel, USA, weather, Winter

Tuesday December 20, 2022

December 20, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday December 20, 2022

Happy Winter solstice 2022 – Good riddance to a dreary past year

December 21, 2012

For most of us in the northern hemisphere, the drop in temperature over the last few weeks has become apparent; frosty mornings and cold air is the order of the day. Marking the first day of astronomical winter, the winter solstice lays claim to the shortest day of the year, but it’s also the date after which the Sun starts to make a welcome return.

The winter solstice is one of the oldest known winter celebrations. Not only does it mark the changing of the seasons, but it marks an end to the long winter nights.

Although Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, remarkably little is known about these ancient standing stones. They have, however, become synonymous with the solstices, and it’s difficult to avoid news of throngs of people flocking to the monument in mid-winter and mid-summer. But they have good reason, and have done so for millennia.

October 21, 2021

Most archaeologists believe that Stonehenge was erected as a giant astronomical calendar, as the standing stones are oriented towards the rising and setting Sun at the solstices. However, there is some debate as to whether they were originally built for a specific solstice, or both.

At the winter solstice, the Sun would have set between two uprights, however the effect is somewhat lost today as one of these stones has since fallen down. Laser analysis of these stones has revealed that they were carefully shaped using hammerstones, creating vertical sides that perfectly framed the movement of the Sun.

This year, because the precise time of the solstice occurs at 9:48pm on 21 December (i.e., after the Sun has set), the winter solstice will be celebrated at sunrise on 22 December. But, if you don’t fancy heading out into the brisk winter morning, you can livestream the event over at English Heritage. (BBC) 

 

Posted in: International Tagged: 2022, 2022-43, ceremony, Christmas lights, druid, holiday, solstice, Stonehenge, Winter, world
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This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

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