Brrrr! A cold wind blows south as we explore this week's crop of Canadian-related diaries at Daily Kos! It was truly "the week that was," as Canada's Liberal Party elected a new leader (and perhaps chose their next Prime Minister?) We've also got coverage of same-sex marriage issues and some lively debates on life, the universe, and the deeper meaning of duct tape. We also have a caption contest in which you get to answer the age-old-question: What the &@&%$&! is George Bush doing? Not to mention: Our featured Canadian Community! Pooties in Peril! And of course...a Pointless Puppy Pic! (Hat tip to Pampered Puppy
News from the North is a semi-weekly roundup of DKos diaries relating to Canadian news and topics. It's posted at Daily Kos and The Next Agenda, a Dkos-style blog for progressive Canadian politics.
Canadian Politics: The Liberal Leadership Convention
Last weekend, the Leadership Convention for the Liberal party reached its height. To relive the drama, start with Wreck Smurfy's BREAKING - Canadian Liberal leadership first ballot resultsThen cruise over to thirdparty's UPDATED: Canadian Liberal Leadership Election and check out Thursday Next's UPDATED:Last hour of Canada's Liberal leadership race.
For the photo finish (and a lively discussion in the comments which includes only a few Celine Dion cracks), see BREAKING: DION WINS, in which author heritage watch asks: why can't the Dems elect their next presidential candidate this way?
In Other Canadian Political News
Ms Librarian alerted us: Same sex marriage to be tested again in Canada, as Stephen Harper tried once again last week to cement his status as George "Dubya Junior." Sorry, Baby Dub:Marriage equality reaffirmed in Canada sagesource tells us. Hooray for equality...and sanity!
In other news,Steve should note that not everyone is happy about his Afghanistan policy. SonOfLiberty says potential college students need Class, not combat! in a diary that looks at Canada's growing counter-military recruitment movement.
Pooties in Peril!
SAVE THE POOTIES! (H/t FrankFrink).
I don't know what's going on with these pooties, but where Stephen Harper goes,the heartbreak of simple chronic halitosis is sure to follow.
Canadian Political News and US Politics
So, even with the Conservative party in power, Canada is committed to keeping equal marriage. judybrowni is frustrated that the United States can't do the same thing, asking GAY MARRIAGE IN CANADA: What's wrong with US?. (Be warned: she has some, er, strong feelings on the matter!)
Caption Contest: The Vietnam Visit
What the ^$@%&&!! is George Bush doing? And what the DOUBLE &&@^%!! is Stephen Harper saying to the president of Chile?
Next time we need a delegation to visit Vietnam, let's just send Robin Williams and Rick Mercer.They're supposed to be funny...(ht FrankFrink)
More Political Opinion and Analysis
Lots of analysis on the leadership convention. What does it mean to Canada and the US? In New Leader of Canada's Liberals: Stephane Dion Larry Jones says a lot depends on whether or not he can re-build the party. Deepfish asks the provocative question Stephane Dion: A Disaster for Liberals? in a diary that takes a look at the news Liberal leader. In the comments, lively debate (and yet more Celine Dion jokes. You can never get enough of those for my money.)
This is a wonderul personal/political diary about a woman's journey as a voting citizen. In Canada:A funny thing happened on the way to the leadership convention pale cold gives some analysis on the leadership-that-wasn't from Ignatieff. And for seriously funny, check out Canadian Liberals Elect Red Green!. Warning: this diary contains duct tape (the handyman's secret weapon). A lot of duct tape.
Featured Canadian Community: Port Dover, Ontario (h/t Thursday Next)
Today's broadcast comes to you from the home of the Port Dover Sailors, proud members of the Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League.
History TidbitsFrom Wikipedia
In 1670 French missionaries Francois Dollier de Casson and Rene de Brehant de Galinee became the first Europeans to winter at what is now modern day Port Dover... The fishing industry at one time hosted the largest freshwater fishing fleet in the world that employed many of the town's citizens and continues to be important to the community. From 1906 to 1993, the town was home to Thomas A. Ivey and Sons, one of Canada's largest wholesale florists and rose-growers, and Port Dover's largest employer.
While you're planning your trip to Port Dover, you might want to check out CKRZ, the Voice of the Six Nations, available streaming here. Not from Port Dover, but from nearby Ohsweken, it's pop, oldies, and traditional First Nations music. Broadcasts are in English, Mohawk, Cayuga, and more. Plus: Sunday bingo. Don't miss it.
What can I do in Port Dover?From Wikipedia:
The most famous place to eat in Port Dover is at the Arbor outdoor restaurant. For more than 80 years, they have served Orange Glows and Cherry Glows instead of pop and their French fries and Arbor dogs are the most famous in Norfolk County. Knitting supplies, as well as treats for the children can be purchased at the Len's Mill Store just north of the high school.
Wait there's more...Motorcycles on Friday the 13th
Are you a motorcycle enthusiast? Then the best time to visit Port Dover is on Friday the 13th. Since 1981, bikers have been visiting PD on that date, sometimes in huge numbers: In May of 2005 an estimated 75000 bikers and spectators crammed into Port Dover to enjoy the day. So rev up and check it out!
Are there more diaries out there that should be on this list? Got a nomination for a featured community? Got a caption? Share in the comments, and if you're really burning for more Canadian progressive politics, be sure to stop by The Next Agenda. Come on in;the water's cold, but the people are warm! :)