Pursuing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty
News, articles and opinion pieces
There is truly one unforgettable video available on-line that will move you and make a difference in the way you look at life (and death). On September 18, 2007, computer science professor Randy Pausch stepped in front of an audience of 400 people at Carnegie Mellon University to deliver a last lecture called “Really Achieving…
Surprisingly, there are folks who don’t seem to be bothered by the debt load the Ontario government has incurred. For many Ontarians, it just doesn’t matter. But, here’s why it should. Simply put: Interest payments on government debt eat up revenue at the expense of other priorities. Interest payments on government debt in Canada consume…
A recent article in The Objective Standard quotes the President of the United States making the following observation about taxes: “Taxes take from everyone a part of his earnings and force everyone to work for a certain part of his time for the government. . . . I want the people of America to…
Yesterday at the Canadian Heritage Committee, Members of Parliament were discussing the establishment of a day in Canada to recognize fiddle music. Appearing before the committee was Senator Elizabeth Hubley who is the author of Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day. There was also Graham Sheppard, Vice-President of the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling…
On February 4, Members of Parliament of the Canadian Heritage Committee were considering S-218: An Act respecting a National Fiddling Day. Appearing before the Committee were two fiddlers to speak of their love of fiddle music. Kelli Trottier spoke and played for MPs, as did Alexander George. Here is Alexander’s statement to MPs. “Mr. Chairman,…
Through the ages, our Canadian Prime Ministers have had a few elected bench mates who loyally served them as their trusted wingmen – their closest advisors, often the Cabinet’s Mr. Fix-It or a dependable Party workhorse. Often, we can look back at the PM’s tenure and see the successes (or failures) of their governments as…
With MPs back in the House of Commons, By George thought it helpful to provide our elected representatives with proverbial wisdom that, if taken to heart, could lead to a more productive (and civil) legislature. (If our By George Journal readers are so inclined, this list of 10 proverbs would be a perfect missive to…
Do what you love. Know your own bone; gnaw at it, bury it, unearth it, and gnaw it still. – Henry David Thoreau Our By George editorial mission is to share provocative thoughts on the pages of this journal, on our Facebook page, and with tweets of quotes and quirky…
From our recent post about pop culture happenings of 30 years ago, we see that David Letterman started his famous “Top-10 Lists” in 1985. This year, sadly, the popular late-night talk-show host will be airing his last show in May. And we will regrettably lose our nightly source of off-the-wall lists. In advance of this…
This January 11, 2015 marks a special anniversary for our country: the 200th birthday of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister. Since 2002, this day is set aside for Canadians to remember their first Prime Minister, one of the Fathers of Confederation. So it is fitting to that we take this occasion to…
By George came across a terrific list of pop culture events that were headline in the year 1985 – 30 years ago this year! Here is a list of 30 things turning 30 in 2015. 1. Back to the Future 2. New Coke 3. “We are the World” 4. WrestleMania I 5. Pictionary 6. Discovery…
Through the last three years, routinely each day, By George has posted an inspirational or motivational quote to enliven our followers’ morning surfs. This next week, we will be posting the “Top 10 By George posts of 2014” on our Facebook page. To prime you for what you can expect with our 2014 countdown, here…
Here are some of our favourite toasts to cheer in the New Year: Here’s to a bright New Year and a fond farewell to the old; here’s to things that are yet to come and to the memories that we hold. As we start the New Year, let’s get down on our knees to thank…
This past weekend I was at a breakfast gathering of politically engaged folks, who had the pleasure of hearing guest speaker Paul Wells, Maclean’s political editor. Canadians will know Paul for the insight he espouses in his Maclean’s blog – Inkless Wells In his Saturday morning address, Paul spoke of experiences related to his…
Jean Béliveau, the legendary Montreal Canadiens hockey centreman, died Tuesday night at the age of 83. Jean Béliveau captained the Canadiens from 1961 until his retirement in 1971, making him the longest-serving captain in franchise history. His No. 4 jersey was retired by the Canadiens on October 9, 1971 (also Guy Lafleur’s first NHL game)…
It was a crowded, excited audience at Mississippi Mills Council Chambers last evening as the new Mayor and Council were being sworn into Office. What a great evening when good friend Shaun McLaughlin was presented the Chain of Office. Here are a few photos and links related to the evening. News links: Millstone’s photos ,…
Maclean’s produced their annual list of the top 50 most influential Canadians. By George Journal has reproduced the list of the top 10 below. THE QUIZ: We challenge you to name the occupation of the following 10 Canucks (1 point) and relate why there are so important to our country (1 point). In the comments…
To follow up on yesterday’s post of Colin’s Powell: 13 Rules, By George reaches back into our archives to produce a short-list of “life lessons” posts that have been published in these pages. Each list of rules or lessons provides a slightly different perspective on the age old pursuit of happiness and/or success. Enjoy (and…
As 2014 winds down, we’re once again speaking about the 20-year milestone we passed this year. 1994-2014 – what a ride! For those who may not know about CG&A COMMUNICATIONS, here are 10 facts on our company’s history. In the 20 years, there has been more than 30 consultants work within our “CG&A network” (as…
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead Many readers of this Journal will know that Chris George has been preoccupied over the last number of months with managing Shaun McLaughlin’s campaign for mayor of Mississippi Mills. Read…