As a Canadian, I was moved by the kind and supportive messages many Americans tweeted for our national holiday, Canada Day, July 1st. Thank you, dear folks, for giving me the nudge I needed to write this tribute to our long Canadian-American friendship; it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for quite some time. What [...]
Part I, by Ramona McKean Oh, how the arena of power politics has developed as of late, with men in authoritative and/or prestigious positions being brought down by allegations of sexual misconduct. The power of victims is growing, and for the most part I'm glad. A world dominated by patriarchy has been, and continues to be, [...]
The sun shines down on everyone, no exception. Scary things are afoot. I’m fortunate not to live in an area of high terrorist threat. I can sleep at night. That’s not the case for people in Nigeria, France and lots of other places. Like many other concerned citizens of the world, I want [...]
Although I am aware of distressing news events as reported in the media, I rarely write about them. The extra dwelling on the awfulness makes me feel, well, awful. This time, I feel the need to write. The Charlie Hebdo massacre of journalists in Paris has roused a lot of disquiet in me. I extend my [...]
By Ramona McKean Part II Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China If ever a Western foreigner could provide a "bridge" of appreciation and understanding between China and Canada, it is Dr. Norman Bethune. Though he’s been gone for 75 years now, the mention of his name in China can still cause many to stop [...]
Part I: Pre-China Endeavors and Accomplishments Dr. Norman Bethune went to China in 1938 to offer support to a peasant army combatting Japanese aggression then died less than two years later. This year marks the 75th anniversary of his death in China. To this day Bethune, Báiqiú’ēn (白求恩), is still viewed a hero in China. Sadly, [...]
It's now the Year of the Horse, 2014-early 2015. I'd planned to write a blog about my experiences of Chinese New Year ("Spring Festival") while in China, but it's a little late for that now. Instead, I'll write a bit about money, that peculiar man-made thing that supposedly "makes the world go round." Incidentally, people [...]
The Answer: Chris Hadfield Quote of the Day: “Decide in your heart of hearts what really excites and challenges you, and start moving your life in that direction... Look at who you want to be, and start sculpting yourself into that person. You may not get exactly where you thought you'd be, but you will [...]
