Columns

The last act of remembrance of people who fought for our country is the placing of a suitable grave marker where they are buried or commemorated.

Well, that was unpleasant.

Now that we have that self-indulgent 20-year anniversary business behind us, we can return to our regularly-scheduled programming: me talking about that most cherished of television shows: Mad Men.

Most newspapers - especially the big ones - have editorial boards. Comprised of the editorial page editor and a handful of writers, it is that board's responsibility to guide a newspaper's stance...

Motorists in Wingham must have heaved a huge sigh of relief in August of 1967 when the newly-built Hanna Bridge over the Maitland River on Josephine Street officially opened.

Kindness Matters, Oak's Nice, Think About the Future

Nolite orare. Nolite cantare. Nolite nomina vestra proferre. Ego enim iam nomina vestra novi, atque antequam hanc paginam aperiretis, sciebam vos eam inventuros esse.

Perhaps it is fitting that I'm writing this final column in my little series reflecting on my 20-year milestone just an hour before the end of the day and past deadline.

When I turn on the TV in the morning it seems like every second advertisement is for some sort of lottery. Then I read Shawn's eye-opening editorial in last week's Citizen.

One of the biggest aspects of being the editor of a community newspaper, I learned, is to be of the community. Back when I was named the acting editor, that holding position was only because I was still living in Goderich at the time.

I have always believed that a good argument should begin with a concession. It establishes goodwill, demonstrates intellectual flexibility and gives the other person the gratifying impression that they may yet win.

On the bottom shelf of our bookcase in the living room sit 22 volumes of The Illustrated Columbia Encyclopedia, plus annual updates covering the years 1975-1980.

Another domino, Inadequate preparation, Ready to wear

In our modern times, preparing for winter's onset might go something like this: snow tires on, find the ice scraper, cover the air conditioner, switch out summer duds for warmer ones and, finally, put up the Christmas décor.

I have always admired reasonable people. They are generally pleasant company, rarely raise their voices in public and can be relied upon to say something sensible at precisely the moment everyone else has decided to lose their heads.

Our journey continues with - what else? - this very space. After covering how I came to be hired by The Citizen and becoming its editor, the logical next step is my most direct contact with our dear readers, which is in this space, 600 words per week.

Last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $2 billion program over the next eight years to support the installation in private residences of heat pumps.

Staying civil, Flying the flag, Protest without protesting

I hope everyone is enjoying a pleasant Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. I have always had a soft spot for Thanksgiving. It is an unusually civilized holiday.

And, we're back. Twenty years is a long time and while I've spent all of it with The Citizen, I didn't become the editor until May, 2010 (technically the acting editor there for a bit).

My view of Canada as a tolerant place was greatly altered when I read Marsha Lederman's column in last weekend's Globe and Mail.

Across the aisle, Live and in person, If a tree falls in a forest...

I, the one and only Old Nick, have taken over The Chaff, and I would like to begin by assuring readers that everything is perfectly under control.

So it begins: a month-long celebration and reflection of the 20th anniversary of my first day with The Citizen. In other words, I've given the last two decades of my life to this outfit and to mark this milestone, it's time to dissect what it's all meant.