We are so accustomed to the connection between political parties and democracy that to question the relationship between the two might seem absurd. But for those who recognize the multiple crises faced by humanity — the destruction of our environment, climate change, the ravages of unfettered finance capital, the undeniable limits to growth — the […]

Unless you are a magazine publisher, you’ve probably never heard of the Canada Magazine Fund. Administered by Heritage Canada, the CMF was established 24 years ago to “contribute towards the production of high-quality magazines showcasing the diverse work of a wide cross-section of Canadian creators” and to build “capacity to help ensure the continued growth […]

This week I travelled to Victoria to be sworn in as MLA and I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to the people of Kootenay West for my re-election. I am honored and I will do my very best to represent all constituents and take the concerns of this area to Victoria and the […]

By Michael Jessen “The sun is the most important thing in everybody’s life, whether you’re a plant, an animal or a fish, and we take it for granted.”– Danny Boyle What’s all the fuss about the Sun? After spinning at the centre of our solar system for about 4.6 billion years, the ball of scorching […]

I’m confident that everyone reading this has heard at least one of the many rumours surrounding the proposed ‘new’ chairlift going up Grey Mountain.  With an official announcement from Howard Katkov postponed until further notice, the rumour mill seems to have found another gear.  Everyone I’ve talked to has heard something different, and it is […]

It's time for another derby double header on June 22 at the Nelson Civic Centre. First up, at 5 p.m., is Killjoys vs Babes of Brutality: If you were able to catch the last match up between the Babes and The Killjoys, you would know that it was an all-out grudge match. The score flipped and flopped back and forth faster than...

“There is necessity and order, immune to my idea of what should be – or what ought to be if only humans were better.”  – Charles Jeanes, in my last column. I fully intend to quit my negative habits of criticizing and judging. This column may start in the old vein, but trust me, by […]

I’ve had Doukhoborism on my mind lately. A number of months ago I was asked if I would put some thoughts together about the modern day relevance of St. Peter’s Day (or Petrov Dien) for inclusion in the Canadian Doukhobor Society newsletter. I was happy to say yes as over the past few years I’ve been thinking more and more...

Dear editor, It has recently been stated in a local news publication that “Rossland held the notorious tag as the fattest energy town in BC last year”. This deserves comment and correction. Where on Earth does this myth originate? If this originates from the Energy Diet folks, they should do their homework before making such […]

  “Dear optimist, pessimist and realist – while you argued, I drank the water.” —- signed, the Opportunist I have quoted a fine example of Nelson wisdom here in past columns. “You create your own reality.” Other gems of the Nelson mindscape: “Everything happens for a reason.” “It must be meant to be.” “It seems […]