There are few subjects I enjoy writing about more than beer. I love beer. I financed my law degree working at a fine English pub in Quebec City that typically had 250 different beers, and rotated frequently depending on what was available through private imports. I have tried thousands of
If it seems like not a week goes by without some Deep Reflection (and new names!) on the nature of work, that’s because it’s true. These days we’re mildly obsessing over the Great Exhaustion and Quiet Vacationing, and both are related. Great Exhaustion refers to the dual
Urbanism
My friend and colleague, the scintillating Bruce Deachman, challenged us to come up with new and improved mottoes for Ottawa and you know me when someone puts a dare in front of my face. This. I’ve lived in this town for nearly 24 years and while there are many
Travel
A bit of a shorter update this week as I’m on the road from Ottawa to Connecticut via Toronto which, as you’ll know if you’ve ever looked at a map, is totally not on the road to Connecticut from Ottawa. But since Eldest was competing both in
Travel
This wasn’t meant to be a weekend replete with political philosophy. My goal was to take a well-deserved break to rest and recharge. But of course being me, now that I have an hour to kill before dinner, here goes. A whimsical visit today to Canyon Ste-Anne prompted both
Politics
Have you ever worked in an office that was so awesome you could barely contain yourself? A collective workspace so well designed that you couldn’t resist going there even if your physical presence was unnecessary? Where the environment was so perfectly suited to your work that it contributed to
Culture
The Spring of 2024 Decline-of-the-French-Language Crisis having abated somewhat since its dramatic height of (checks notes) nearly ten days ago, now seems like a good time to open a few crusty windows and air out this debate some. You can always tell when a Quebec government is in political trouble
Urbanism
On Wednesday morning I took off for Quebec City with my good friend and fellow smart urbanism enthusiast Toon Dreessen. I’ve discovered he’s the perfect road-tripping buddy and not just because he picked me up with Starbucks waiting in the cup holder. The loud rips you may have
Politics
This is an excellent if severe op-ed in the New York Times by Stephen Marche that is very much worth your while. For those hitting the paywall, this the most important paragraph: But an era has passed since the start of that halcyon time, when Mr. Trudeau stood in front
Politics
Those who know me well are aware that I never half-ass anything. So when I decide to do the unexpected and come to the defence of a mayor whose performance I am at best quite tepid about, it only makes sense that I should bump into his predecessor at breakfast,
Politics
A good amount of fuss was made earlier today when videos emerged showing Pierre Poilievre by the side of the road at the border between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. He stopped by to say hello and shoot the breeze with members of a group protesting the carbon tax. At
Culture
I went to see Civil War with Beloved last night. We were both super keen on it. And we were both very disappointed. It’s like blood porn without any pleasure at the end. First of all, too many of the scenes are way too long when not altogether unnecessary.