Hamilton Spectator

Summer highlight? Witnessing a police takedown

As far as the police go, I want it known this Labour Day that I’m all for them. And not just because I’m afraid that they’ll put me in cuffs someday for taking the wrong photo at the wrong time. Me: “I’m just doing my job.” Officer: “Me too.”

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People have a way of trumping politics

I’m out for some fresh air, in Niagara, eating breakfast in a historic house with creaky floors and vintage cameras older than I am. Beside me are Raymond and Dorothy. I learn that they’ve travelled from Maine to explore Quebec and Ottawa before arriving in Niagara Region. Raymond’s hat has a maple leaf.

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Once upon a time a mystery was solved

Today, for Father’s Day, here’s something about a once-upon-a-time photo. Of course, it’ s easy to be leery of “once-upon-a-time” stories. We weren’t born yesterday, you know. Even so, once upon a time there was a photo with no dad, but a girl named Hannah, a darling Ugandan girl, two years old, sitting tall and happy

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What if time is on our side?

Before I tell you about the car crash, today’s fun fact is that 166 years ago, on May 31, 1859, Big Ben in London, the world’s largest four-faced chiming clock, started its first tick-tock. So let’s talk about time. An older friend recently told me how time speeds up as you age. You know the other expressions. Time waits

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You never know what life might be trying to tell you

It’s easy to get so distracted and even discouraged in life that we miss the point of it all, so busy or otherwise preoccupied with the clattering noise that we miss how ordinary events – a casual walk or a train ride home – can show the world’s beauty and order.

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Don’t let partisan politics get in the way of unity

I think my wife is in love with the entire Montreal Canadiens hockey team. Naturally, these guys are young. And rich. And cool. Nick Suzuki has to be the most hip and humble NHL captain out there. So my wife, a lifelong Leafs fan, recently put on my Habs jersey along with our

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I’m loved, therefore I am

Today, between Easter’s chocolate rabbits and coloured eggs, here’s something on a parable by Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard. Called “The King and the Maiden,” it’s as close as inside your phone. A certain king takes a journey, a road trip of sorts, because he’s hopelessly in love. He leaves his kingdom and becomes a

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Don’t let geopolitics eat your inner life

Today’s fun fact is that 39-year-old Alexander Ovechkin can still fire a puck about 100 mph.No wonder he’s about to amass more goals than anyone in NHL history, even Wayne Gretzky, the Brantford son who played hockey with uncommon skill and grace. Today’s other fun fact is that exactly 26 years ago

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