Category Society
Cultural Differences IV
In North America it is common for retail salespeople to wear name tags. Turns out they do in Germany too, but there’s a big difference. The name tag is so much a part of the uniform that those wearing them often forget they are there. If I see a clerk wearing one I tend to […]
On The Bus
I may have mentioned from time to time that I am a big fan of public transit. It provides economical transportation, is relatively reliable and is environmentally friendly. Because I am a fan, and also because we have no vehicle, I have been learning the intricacies of the local transit system. Well, maybe intricacies is […]
Remembrance Day 2017
A hundred years ago today the First World War was dragging on with no end in sight. The troops were mired in the mud of the trenches of France and Belgium. It was not a pretty war. My grandfather fought in that conflict. To honour his memory, each November 11, for as long as I […]
Only in Canada?
The Prime Minister is being slammed by the Leader of the Opposition because he won’t ask the Governor General to apologize for controversial comments. Welcome to Canada. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer says the Prime Minister has offended millions of Canadians by praising comments the GG made last week about scientific knowledge and religious belief. If […]
Reformation Day
I’m going to miss it, and 500th anniversaries don’t come around very often. When I first learned that I would be moving to Germany this fall, one of my first thoughts was “I can go to Wittenberg for the 500th anniversary celebrations of Luther’s 95 Theses!” Turns out I can’t after all. The new job […]
Cultural Differences III
The season is over, but I’m already craving fresh-picked corn on the cob. Drenched in butter, with a touch of lemon pepper. That longing is probably exacerbated by knowing I can’t get it in Germany. It has always been a toss-up whether corn or potato wins the contest to be my favourite vegetable. From October […]
An Untimely Passing
Gord Downie, lead vocalist of The Tragically Hip, died yesterday. He was 53. Coverage of his death dominated Canadian news. It seems fitting therefore to repeat my thoughts on The Hip and Gord Downie that were published here 14 months ago. END OF THE ROAD? August 20, 2016 Tonight Canada pauses. The Olympics are forgotten. Wars […]
High Rollers
I have read that in Las Vegas big money gamblers get special treatment. Free hotel rooms, even free flights too and from the city. I’ve never been to Las Vegas, and even if I were to visit I wouldn’t be gambling. I understand that the games are set so that the casino always wins over […]
The Shoe On The Roof
Today is a red letter day for book lovers as Will Ferguson’s latest novel, The Shoe on the Roof, hits the bookstores. Given that his last novel, 419, won Canada’s most lucrative literary award, the Giller Prize, it is safe to say this is a highly anticipated book. Ferguson’s reputation has established him as a […]
Cultural Differences – II
In North America time is money. We are always looking for ways to save it; it may be the most valuable thing we own. Europe runs at a different pace. That was obvious the first time I went to a gas station to fill up the car. We had borrowed a car to run some […]
random thoughts from lorne 
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