Michele Cairns
@xplorabook.bsky.social
History, despite its wrenching pain, Cannot be unlived, and if faced with courage, Need not be lived again. Maya Angelou, The Rock Cries Out to Us Today
Reposted by Michele Cairns
"Large SUVs and pickups are harmful to everyone who isn’t in one, increasing the risk of death or injury to drivers of smaller cars, cyclists and pedestrians." Thank you, @shawnmicallef.bsky.social
Let’s talk about the size of trucks & SUVs in the city. My column on the virtue & status signalling of vehicle bloat.
Shawn Micallef: This truck ad shows why Toronto needs smaller vehicles — if only the carmakers wanted to sell them
A car comically overloaded with plywood? It’s a good ad for a pickup — but also a sign of the incredible amount of money, weight and energy being wasted on
www.thestar.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:46 PM
"Large SUVs and pickups are harmful to everyone who isn’t in one, increasing the risk of death or injury to drivers of smaller cars, cyclists and pedestrians." Thank you, @shawnmicallef.bsky.social
Reposted by Michele Cairns
Handing back student work that’s been written by ChatGPT with a 0 followed by the comment “This essay will never stand in authentic wonder before the Beauty of God’s creation.”
Pope Leo XIV told students not to use artificial intelligence for homework, saying that AI ‘won’t stand in authentic wonder before the beauty of God’s creation.’
Even God Is Worried About ChatGPT
Pope Leo XIV told students not to use artificial intelligence for homework, saying that AI ‘won’t stand in authentic wonder before the beauty of God’s creation.’
www.vulture.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Handing back student work that’s been written by ChatGPT with a 0 followed by the comment “This essay will never stand in authentic wonder before the Beauty of God’s creation.”
Reposted by Michele Cairns
My column today, on how police departments' car-first attitude makes them say the darnedest things. Like "leave your e-bike at home."
The scariest part of Halloween is drivers — yet police departments blame bikes and kids
For pedestrians, the message is common-sense — wear bright and reflective clothing, don’t dart into traffic, watch where you’re going — but in its tunnel vision, the overall impression veers into vict...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:02 PM
My column today, on how police departments' car-first attitude makes them say the darnedest things. Like "leave your e-bike at home."
Reposted by Michele Cairns
Oh, hell no! Rich people can do what they want with their own money, but that entitlement ends when it's public money. Canada has a federally funded literary prize already--any money the Giller organization is asking for can go DIRECTLY to the Governor General's Literary Awards, thank you very much.
July 16, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Oh, hell no! Rich people can do what they want with their own money, but that entitlement ends when it's public money. Canada has a federally funded literary prize already--any money the Giller organization is asking for can go DIRECTLY to the Governor General's Literary Awards, thank you very much.
Reposted by Michele Cairns
1/ NEW: Researchers at Dalhousie University have found large numbers of teachers dealing with explicit misogyny and male supremacist ideology - such as the influence of Andrew Tate - in schools. 🧵
www.antihate.ca/new_report_a...
www.antihate.ca/new_report_a...
New Report Examines the Impact of Andrew Tate and Male Supremacy on Classrooms and Teachers
The most prominent theme that emerged from the analysis of comments and posts in /r/Teachers about Tate’s influence was “the direct impacts on the teachers themselves, especially on women-identifying ...
www.antihate.ca
July 16, 2025 at 7:58 PM
1/ NEW: Researchers at Dalhousie University have found large numbers of teachers dealing with explicit misogyny and male supremacist ideology - such as the influence of Andrew Tate - in schools. 🧵
www.antihate.ca/new_report_a...
www.antihate.ca/new_report_a...
Reposted by Michele Cairns
Hi. A personal column this week. Pope Francis’s death got me thinking about Catholic school & whether Ontario should fund them at all. Flags are a small symbol but miracles to my Gen X eyes. Life would have been different if they flew when I was in Catholic school.
Please read & share.
Please read & share.
Shawn Micallef: As Pope Francis’s successor is chosen, it’s worth asking this question about Ontario’s Catholic schools
There are good reasons why the flying of the Pride flag outside schools matters.
www.thestar.com
April 30, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Hi. A personal column this week. Pope Francis’s death got me thinking about Catholic school & whether Ontario should fund them at all. Flags are a small symbol but miracles to my Gen X eyes. Life would have been different if they flew when I was in Catholic school.
Please read & share.
Please read & share.
Reposted by Michele Cairns
I was a closeted queer kid when I attended Loretto Abbey. I remember the insinuations that I chose an all-girls school specifically because I was a lesbian. I hid a part of myself because I felt ashamed that, yes, I was attracted to some of my classmates.
A pride flag would have meant so much.
A pride flag would have meant so much.
May 2, 2025 at 1:32 PM
I was a closeted queer kid when I attended Loretto Abbey. I remember the insinuations that I chose an all-girls school specifically because I was a lesbian. I hid a part of myself because I felt ashamed that, yes, I was attracted to some of my classmates.
A pride flag would have meant so much.
A pride flag would have meant so much.
Reposted by Michele Cairns
Catholic teachers marching in the parade.
June 29, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Catholic teachers marching in the parade.
Understanding the TDSB’s Budget Woes in Five Charts - thelocal.to/tdsb-2025-26...
Understanding the TDSB’s Budget Woes in Five Charts | The Local
The province says the school board has a spending problem. The board says it’s chronically underfunded. We sort through the numbers.
thelocal.to
May 23, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Understanding the TDSB’s Budget Woes in Five Charts - thelocal.to/tdsb-2025-26...
Great piece, thank you Shawn.
Hi. A personal column this week. Pope Francis’s death got me thinking about Catholic school & whether Ontario should fund them at all. Flags are a small symbol but miracles to my Gen X eyes. Life would have been different if they flew when I was in Catholic school.
Please read & share.
Please read & share.
Shawn Micallef: As Pope Francis’s successor is chosen, it’s worth asking this question about Ontario’s Catholic schools
There are good reasons why the flying of the Pride flag outside schools matters.
www.thestar.com
April 30, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Great piece, thank you Shawn.
Reposted by Michele Cairns
If you want to report foreign interference in the Canadian election, there’s a form on the website of the Commissioner of Canada Elections: #cdnpoli www.cef-cce.ca/content.asp?...
April 5, 2025 at 12:26 PM
If you want to report foreign interference in the Canadian election, there’s a form on the website of the Commissioner of Canada Elections: #cdnpoli www.cef-cce.ca/content.asp?...
Reposted by Michele Cairns
‼️Bookmark this website. ‼️ Elections Canada has an ElectoFacts page so you can check whether the info you're seeing about federal elections is true or not. If YOU see info that you think is inaccurate or misleading, email: [email protected] #cdnpoli www.elections.ca/content.aspx...
ElectoFacts
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www.elections.ca
March 25, 2025 at 9:53 AM
‼️Bookmark this website. ‼️ Elections Canada has an ElectoFacts page so you can check whether the info you're seeing about federal elections is true or not. If YOU see info that you think is inaccurate or misleading, email: [email protected] #cdnpoli www.elections.ca/content.aspx...
Reposted by Michele Cairns
OK, this is almost funny
March 12, 2025 at 8:50 PM
OK, this is almost funny
Reposted by Michele Cairns
FYI a tech banker
FORMER MORGAN STANLEY BANKER MICHAEL GRIMES EXPECTED TO LEAD NEW U.S. SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND, SOURCES SAY U.S. SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND TO BE FINANCED BY TARIFFS IMPOSED ON FOREIGN COUNTRIES, SOURCES SAY
March 5, 2025 at 11:22 PM
FYI a tech banker
Reposted by Michele Cairns
I don’t ever want to hear another person from Ontario call Alberta a province full of stupid hayseeds.
We’re more alike than you think.
We’re more alike than you think.
February 28, 2025 at 2:34 AM
I don’t ever want to hear another person from Ontario call Alberta a province full of stupid hayseeds.
We’re more alike than you think.
We’re more alike than you think.
Reposted by Michele Cairns
BREAKING: Ontario has lost the 2025 provincial election
February 28, 2025 at 2:23 AM
BREAKING: Ontario has lost the 2025 provincial election
Reposted by Michele Cairns
So Marty Baron says it plain: “It was only weeks ago that The Post described itself as providing coverage for ‘all of America,’” Baron wrote in his statement. “Now its opinion pages will be open to only some of America, those who think exactly as he does.” www.thedailybeast.com//ex-wapo-edi...
Legendary Washington Post Editor Slams Bezos for ‘Betraying’ Paper with MAGA Makeover
Former executive editor Marty Baron told the Daily Beast there was “no doubt in my mind” that Bezos was prioritizing his business interests over The Washington Post.
www.thedailybeast.com
February 26, 2025 at 6:42 PM
So Marty Baron says it plain: “It was only weeks ago that The Post described itself as providing coverage for ‘all of America,’” Baron wrote in his statement. “Now its opinion pages will be open to only some of America, those who think exactly as he does.” www.thedailybeast.com//ex-wapo-edi...
Reposted by Michele Cairns
Billionaire propaganda
February 26, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Billionaire propaganda
Reposted by Michele Cairns
Please don’t believe the rhetoric. Canada is a trading partner of the United States. If you take out energy exports, which the US very much wants, the US is actually in a surplus position on trade with Canada. Canada is not “ripping off the United States.” #uspoli www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Trump says he will hit Canada with 25% tariff next week after month-long pause | CBC News
U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday he will go forward with a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods next week, saying Canada has ripped off the U.S. for too long and it's time to put a stop to...
www.cbc.ca
February 24, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Please don’t believe the rhetoric. Canada is a trading partner of the United States. If you take out energy exports, which the US very much wants, the US is actually in a surplus position on trade with Canada. Canada is not “ripping off the United States.” #uspoli www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Reposted by Michele Cairns
To me, a Nazi salute means, "I want to murder your family." There can be no irony about it: It puts deep anger and hatred in my heart to see it done and I will never forgive anyone who justifies or minimizes it.
February 23, 2025 at 6:14 PM
To me, a Nazi salute means, "I want to murder your family." There can be no irony about it: It puts deep anger and hatred in my heart to see it done and I will never forgive anyone who justifies or minimizes it.
Reposted by Michele Cairns
Doug Ford will do anything to avoid talking to Ontario voters and media, even if it means doing fake negotiations with a junior file clerk and the White House parking attendant.
You called this unnecessary election, Doug. Get back here and defend your record.
#OnPoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
You called this unnecessary election, Doug. Get back here and defend your record.
#OnPoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Ontario's top bureaucrat criticizes Doug Ford over Washington trip | CBC News
Ontario's top bureaucrat is admonishing PC Leader Doug Ford and his staff for allegedly trying to use his Washington D.C. trip last week to the party's advantage in the election campaign.
www.cbc.ca
February 22, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Doug Ford will do anything to avoid talking to Ontario voters and media, even if it means doing fake negotiations with a junior file clerk and the White House parking attendant.
You called this unnecessary election, Doug. Get back here and defend your record.
#OnPoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
You called this unnecessary election, Doug. Get back here and defend your record.
#OnPoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Michele Cairns
Please share this fact sheet on Ukraine with anyone who needs it
understandingwar.org/backgrounder...
understandingwar.org/backgrounder...
February 23, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Please share this fact sheet on Ukraine with anyone who needs it
understandingwar.org/backgrounder...
understandingwar.org/backgrounder...
Reposted by Michele Cairns
At a NATO cocktail party a European dude scolded me on Canada not pulling its weight.
"Your ships are all 40 years old."
I said, "You want to talk about age? My father in law was only 17 when he and other Canadian teenagers were freeing your country from the fascist jackboot."
Canada #strongasfuck
"Your ships are all 40 years old."
I said, "You want to talk about age? My father in law was only 17 when he and other Canadian teenagers were freeing your country from the fascist jackboot."
Canada #strongasfuck
February 22, 2025 at 1:33 AM
At a NATO cocktail party a European dude scolded me on Canada not pulling its weight.
"Your ships are all 40 years old."
I said, "You want to talk about age? My father in law was only 17 when he and other Canadian teenagers were freeing your country from the fascist jackboot."
Canada #strongasfuck
"Your ships are all 40 years old."
I said, "You want to talk about age? My father in law was only 17 when he and other Canadian teenagers were freeing your country from the fascist jackboot."
Canada #strongasfuck
Along Yonge Street in #YorkRegion which is a busy pedestrian transit hub the sidewalks and intersections are abysmal. Zero priority for pedestrians and it gets worse every year.
Nothing like a big snowfall to lay bare our prioritization of cars over people. Days after the snow, being a pedestrian in Toronto — on a public TDSB property — means navigating a dangerous, slippery maze. What a walk to class for the kids at Keele Street Public School…
February 21, 2025 at 1:24 AM
Along Yonge Street in #YorkRegion which is a busy pedestrian transit hub the sidewalks and intersections are abysmal. Zero priority for pedestrians and it gets worse every year.
Reposted by Michele Cairns
🧵 Our special election issue, “7 Years of Doug Ford,” is now live. From health care to education, online gambling to the Greenbelt, this is the best collection of stories about how the lives of Torontonians have changed during Ford’s time as premier. thelocal.to/7-years-of-d...
7 Years of Doug Ford | The Local
After seven years in office, Doug Ford has left his mark on Toronto. From health care to education, online gambling to the Greenbelt, we examine the record of the Progressive Conservative leader seeki...
thelocal.to
February 20, 2025 at 12:09 PM
🧵 Our special election issue, “7 Years of Doug Ford,” is now live. From health care to education, online gambling to the Greenbelt, this is the best collection of stories about how the lives of Torontonians have changed during Ford’s time as premier. thelocal.to/7-years-of-d...