Columns
In our present-day world, the term Mechanics Institute might seem to refer to a place to learn about repairing an automobile; however, over 150 years ago, the term had a completely different connotation.
Lately, I have been impressed by Donald Trump's ability to shower praise upon himself. Oh, he doesn't always do it himself - sometimes he employs some of his devoted sycophants to do it in an embarrassing display of bootlicking that would even be a...
The day begins as though the world has tilted sideways. The air vibrates faintly with purpose, a hum that seems almost accidental but is far too precise to be random.
The warmer weather predicted (at last!) for this week probably means an end to maple syrup season, which requires warm days and cold nights for peak production.
Mutual respect, Champions of Nothing, The guy behind the guy
Isn't it funny how things can work out? Ten years ago, no one would have questioned his role as this country's hockey superhero and yet, all this time and countless rounds of golf with Donald Trump later, Wayne Gretzky...
A number of residents have begun to speculate that Martians have infiltrated the March Marsh Marches. The claim is not presented as alarmist. It is offered as a possibility that feels, to its proponents, increasingly textured.
Each of us, if we live a long life as I have, get to meet many fascinating people. If you were a journalist, as I was, you're likely to meet even more - like Arnold Mathers whose obituary was in last week's Citizen.
The butterfly effect, A changed man?, Unthinkable tragedy
The civic situation surrounding Wingham's calendar has entered a further phase.
While I know that the vast majority of the population doesn't really care about the Academy Awards, nor do they care about the movies that are often nominated for said awards...
It's a long way from here, but farm organizations in both Ontario and Quebec are concerned about plans for a high-speed rail service between Toronto and Quebec City.
History v. Progress, Staying grounded, We the (creative) north
The calendar for March has become so saturated with marches that residents have begun referring to this month as "the March of Marches."
Not infrequently, including on this very week, Citizen founder Keith Roulston finds inspiration in media of the past, be it an older book or movie.
Recently, looking for something to read, I pulled an old book off my office bookshelf, a lengthy (650 pages) biography of 1930s and 1940s Academy Award winner Frank Capra...
Serving those who serve, The time has come, Looking for a leader
Have you ever read something in a newspaper and wondered what the rest of the story could have been? A little research sometimes can clear up the story.
For several months now, one proposal has returned to these pages with dogged determination. The case has been made plainly, politely, persistently: Betty White deserves a statue in Wingham. Why?...
In the aftermath of Donald Trump's call with the American men's hockey team in which he mocked the gold medal-winning women, a lot of questions have been hurled at both the women and the men with reporters eager to know what they think of all this. The...
Looking for a movie to watch, last week we pulled The Book Thief off the shelf. The 2013 movie is a lesson in where extremism can lead us.
Masters of War, Idiot Wind, Shelter from the Storm
A gathering storm, Same old story, The dawn of a new day
Black screen. Silence thick enough to invoice. Then a single piano note, tender and resolute; the kind of note that implies both fiscal discipline and moral authority.