By Kim Nursall
In light of Tiger Woods’ recent infidelities, companies such as Gillette and Accenture have reneged on sponsorship contracts with the golf superstar. Because these companies claim that an affiliation with Tiger Woods will adversely affect product sales, they have severed ties to the supposedly discredited sports icon. Companies acting thus send the message that people… Continue reading Eliminating society’s celebrity obsession
By Kim Nursall
“Later, as he sat on his balcony eating the dog, Dr. Robert Laing reflected on the unusual events that had taken place within this huge apartment building during the previous three months.” This is the understated opening sentence of J. G. Ballard’s High Rise, a horrific look at a society gone wrong. High Rise is… Continue reading The end of the world as we know it
By Kim Nursall
On January 19, a historic change occurred in the United States senate when the special election held to fill the late Edward M. Kennedy’s seat was won by Republican Scott Brown. Kennedy had held the seat for 46 years and, even with his passing, the idea of the Democrats losing it was unimaginable. However, as… Continue reading It’s the end of the world as we know it
By Kim Nursall
In light of Conservative MP Tony Clement’s comments detailing who exactly cares about prorogation — “I know it’s a big issue with the Ottawa media elite and some of the elites in our country” — it is painfully obvious that being labelled an “elite” is a political insult. Clement’s words are offensive to Canadians. They… Continue reading Learning to love political elitism
By Kim Nursall
On December 30, 2009, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, after an unprecedented phone call to Governor General Michaëlle Jean, announced that Parliament would be prorogued until March 3, 2010. As a result, all outstanding bills progressing through the House or the Senate were eradicated and the activity of all parliamentary committees ceased. Before delving into the… Continue reading The many problems of prorogation
By Kim Nursall
Last week, Googlers may have happened across an atypical image of Michelle Obama, who is usually the very picture of style and grace. This particular representation depicted her face with ape-like features, eliciting a chorus of outcries for the image to be removed and Google’s content to be better regulated. The picture was described by… Continue reading Racism, Google and censorship
By Kim Nursall
On November 3, voters in Maine overturned their state’s same-sex marriage law, joining Californians in sending a stark message to homosexuals: love is not all you need. The campaign launched against LD 1020, Maine’s legislation legalizing same-sex marriage, was successful as a result of its main pillars: 1) Marriage would, under LD 1020, be redefined… Continue reading Maine and the fight against gay marriage
By Kim Nursall
The Calgary Sun has once again proven itself a role-model for aspiring journalists, publishing an article by Ian Robinson entitled “Right-wing women rock: Looking at the shoes tells a lot about a female’s political persuasion.” The name alone demonstrates Robinson relies on heavily researched data uncorrupted by misogynistic prejudice. For example, the article features such… Continue reading The story on page one: chauvinism
By Kim Nursall
The Louvre: The epicenter of high culture, home to stunning art from every epoch of Western history. Known first and foremost as a museum, for almost 700 years the building was one of the principal residences of the kings and emperors of France. Masterpieces currently residing in the Louvre include Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa,… Continue reading The Louvre soon to be lovin’ it
By Kim Nursall
A new form of child soldier is emerging in the United States. Raised by fundamentalist Christian families who identify themselves as “Quiverfull,” these children are enlisted at birth in God’s latest army, one that seeks to counteract and eliminate society’s supposed decay. The Quiverfull movement, still relatively small but with the potential for exponential growth,… Continue reading Fighting a different kind of holy war