I am reminded that it was 14 years ago this morning that I was in a Downtown Vancouver courtroom for jury duty. My number was drawn but I had to tell the judge why I couldn't. I had interviewed the defendant on the very book he was being sued for defamation on. The judge smiled & said I was excused.

How long have they been using the James Bond theme song every time the Canucks draw a penalty?

I'm interested in putting up one of those free libraries in my neighbourhood. Those of you with experience, how much would one cost to have built?

I can't be the only Vancouverite who's seen the Butain Insurance logo and think it's called Bunrain.

Spring After Spring reveals how a family legacy endures through generational differences and grief. This emotionally charged documentary's theatrical debut is at the VIFF Centre on Feb. 6. @viffest.bsky.social @joeplanta.bsky.social pancouver.ca/spring-after...

There’s nothing like a friend excitedly texting you of an online ad for a box of hundreds of buttons, only to click on it and see it’s sewing buttons, not the shit you collect.

I'm glad I was never famous enough to have to do that What's in Your Fridge questionnaire in the Georgia Straight.

I was thinking of writing the Globe and Mail a letter to the editor. It says on their site that letters should be in fewer than 150 words. I can't clear my throat in under a 150 words.

What's the deal with people using "I appreciate you," as opposed to what we used to say like "I appreciate that," or merely "thank you?"

Up far too early for my own good. I’d rather be sleeping in.

One of the lightbulbs flickering and then burning out at 4.30am in the room that you’ve been reading in is probably a sign you should head off to bed.

One of the lightbulbs flickering and then burning out at 4.30am in the room that you’ve been reading in is probably a sign you should head off to bed.

I am sorry to hear that Hal Wake died yesterday. Hal was awfully kind to appear on the podcast during the years he was artistic director of the Vancouver Writers Festival. I once got to host an event because of Hal. Here’s a photo from September 2019; Hal, me, George Garrett, and Marisa Alps.

Some personal news: I’ve started 2026 with a new belt. I’d been thinking of replacing the black belt I’ve had for over ten years. When I went to the store, I saw a brown one and decided to make a change; new year, new belt colour.

I interviewed Ravi once, and in the research found out he was a member of the Jain faith. I said, it reminded of the Curb Your Enthusiasm episode where Larry says that'd be like if his name was Larry Jew.

I'm delighted that Nardwuar has been appointed to the Order of Canada. He represents the best of our country. Unfortunately, as I've posted biannually for the last few years now when appointments are announced, there are still no Filipino Canadians in the Order.

I can’t seem to find Ben Grauer New Year’s Eve show…

If one more person says “see you next year” to me, I’m going to throw up.

Does Jay Kelly die at the end of the movie?

What in the hell day of the week is it!?!

I have three dozen things to do today, but find myself sitting down listening to Mattea Roach’s Bookends which is repeating Eleanor Wachtel’s 2001 interview with Carol Shields on her biography of Jane Austen. It’s like going to school listening to how precise Wachtel is in the questioning.

The old Starbucks near my house is now a dental clinic. I haven’t been to a dentist in ages so I might as well give it a shot even though there are two dentists closer.

The mayor of Langley township made a highly publicized promise to use profits from his multi-million-dollar B.C. real estate holdings to support charity. Turns out over 5 years, Eric Woodward’s non-profit donated just over $8,000. Bethany Lindsay has the details. zurl.co/sqJzt

I went to a dinner party tonight and on the ride to Burnaby at around 4pm, I thought what a shitty grey rainy day. I wanted to go back home. Then I thought, just wait until it gets dark and all the Christmas lights will be on.

I've read more books this year than I've watched movies. It's like the first time this has happened in at least twenty-five years.

Are Patrick Kane and Evander Kane related?

The Canucks are really leaning into Filipino Heritage Night by putting the game an hour earlier at 6pm. Half the crowd will think it's on at 7pm and be late.

The Canucks are really leaning into Filipino Heritage Night by putting the game an hour earlier at 6pm. Half the crowd will think it's on at 7pm and be late.

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Joseph Planta for Planta: On the Line. He's a warm and engaging conversationalist. Thank you Joseph! @joeplanta.bsky.social thecommentary.ca/ontheline/23...

At least once a decade, the Globe needs to sing @nardwuarserviette.bsky.social's praises. www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/a-tip-of-the-tam-o-shanter-to-nardwuar-the-human-serviette/article550025/

I had Omar El Akkad on the podcast back in March when his book came out: thecommentary.ca/ontheline/22...

I have a story about Richard Zussman, who signed off from Global BC's News Hour tonight. My mum met him once, and took a photo with him. Later, she put the photo on the mantle, covering my baby photo. He's a great guy, so even I laughed. @richardzussman.bsky.social, all the best! #bcpoli

Watching the hockey broadcast I’m enjoying that while the Canucks are challenging a Lightning goal, the PA team has “Let it Be” playing.

I put the BCTV pin on my coat today, or as I like to call it the Order of BCTV button.

I bought a box of file folders a couple of years ago, and I swear I saw it three months ago, but I've looked everywhere at the house and can't find the box.

I talked to the celebrated pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa about Klavierklang, a short film directed by Nettie Wild, and written by Hildegard Westerkamp, starring Rachel, as part of the Music on Main Modulus Festival this week: thecommentary.ca/ontheline/23...

I talked to Adam Grant Warren about Faye's Room, the latest show from Glitch Theatre, which starts in previews Friday and runs until Nov 23rd at the Vancity Culture Lab: thecommentary.ca/ontheline/23...

Finally, Randy Tait in Kitimat gets his Save On Foods gift card. #canucks

There was news today from Black Bond Books that its founder Madeline Neill died. Hers was a remarkable story in starting a book store and creating a behemoth in this market. At its core was a love of books. The late George Garrett researched a biography on her life; hers was that worthy of study.

Dave Beers recalls the Quiet Brilliance of Tom Barrett via @thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...

When Marmots Haunt Your Cemetery, What to Do? via @thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...

I talked to Charlie Demers about his new book The Eh Team: A Celebration of Canadianisms from Elbows Up to Poutine. He was recently in the centre of a political storm here in British Columbia, and I wanted to know what that was like. Here's the audio: thecommentary.ca/ontheline/23...

I talked to Rod Mickleburgh about John Horgan: In His Own Words, which he co-wrote: thecommentary.ca/ontheline/23...

Ahead of an already sold-out appearance at the Rio Theatre Tuesday night, I talked to Bif Naked about her life and career and the new documentary on her: thecommentary.ca/ontheline/23...

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Odie on All About Eve is right up there with Molly Haskell on Bringing up Baby and Roger Ebert on Casablanca

I keep referring to Daulton Varsho as Dalton Trumbo much to the annoyance of the people at work watching this game.

Sandy Koufax was a young man when this game started.

Addison Barger sounds like the name of a villain on an American primetime soap opera in the 1980s.