Interesting. The Senate recently did a big update on our Microsoft computers. When the dust settled, it came up with a new configuration that pushed MS News at us. Primarily FOX News and some very "bro" centric lifestyle sites. All pro-Trump all the time. With the help of my staff, I was able to resent my configurations to Canada, and get CP and CBC instead. But. The Microsoft default was right wing news sites, sports, and pictures of women with big boobs. (No thanks , I've already got some.)

Someone explain PixelFed to me. Can I use it to make it easier to post photos to Mastodon on this account? Or is it a completely different thingy? (By thingy I mean platform or instance.) I don’t find it easy to post photos or short video clips here. Would PixelFed fix that? Or is is just a different realm where people share pictures? #PixelFed #Mastodon #mstdnca

If you need a quick reminder of why Nazis are bad, and why Nazi salutes played for lolz or shock value are in what might be politely described as poor taste, I suggest following @npub1ncpq...zvaq for a little clarity. A curated feed that literally puts a human face on genocide.

So. Trump’s inauguration is being moved inside because of “extreme cold.” How extreme? -7 C. What we in Edmonton call t-shirt weather! Not quite sure what that bodes for Trump’s Canadian annexation plans. But my dog and I just got back from a jolly sunny walk under crisp -27 C blue skies! https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-inauguration-be-moved-indoors-due-cold-temperatures-cnn-reports-2025-01-17/

Yes. I am still wearing a mask. If that makes you angry or uncomfortable - ask yourself why. My latest column for Alberta Views - and probably the most controversial piece I’ve written in years.

Alberta Views

Masking Fear - Wearing a Mask -Alberta Views

“I just want to thank you,” the woman says. “I want to thank you for wearing a mask.” Her voice echoes in my ears.

#Covid #masks #masking #SenateofCanada #Canada #Covid19 #yeg #Edmonton

I am terrible at making latkes. Indeed, pancakes of any sort defeat me. I blame my (only diagnosed by me) ADHD. I either get impatient and flip them too soon - or get distracted and wander off, leaving them to burn. So these crispy perfect latkes were grated and fried by my daughter, who is home for the holidays. Tomorrow is her birthday, and I feel so much love & pride for her, for so many reasons. But tonight I love her ‘cause she made us latkes! #HappyHanukkah #latkes

This is a hard week for Alberta’s trans community & for the parents of trans teens, who’ve just been robbed of the right to make medical decisions for their own children. It is so ugly, to see politicians manipulating and weaponizing transphobia as a wedge issue, exploiting vulnerable kids to whip up a moral panic and score political points. Disgraceful. #TransRightsAreHumanRights #Alberta #ableg #abpoli

I am filled with admiration today for the brave South Korean parliamentarians of all parties who stood unanimously, united, in defying the martial law edict of President Yoon Suk Yeol. South Korea is an important Canadian ally and trading partner, and a beacon of democracy. My thoughts today are with all the people of South Korea who are rallying to defend and protect that democratic legacy - and with all Korean-Canadians who are watching and worrying. #SouthKorea #martiallaw #SenateofCanada

Once, we thought antibiotics & public health campaigns had eliminated syphilis. Now, Alberta is in the grips of a full-scale syphilis crisis, which is killing babies & leaving newborns with congenital syphilis. How has this happened? In this Senate speech, I provide a disturbing history lesson. In the wake of the Covid pandemic, when public health itself is under political attack, how do we fight back? #SenateofCanada #syphilis #Alberta #ableg #cdnpoli #publichealth