The Reading List for Sept 20

It’s hard enough trying to keep up with news, so we here at Down East try to make it easier for you with the Reading List. Here are some of the most interesting (and occasionally entertaining) bits of news online today.

– First things first. The mother of Andre Denny, the man accused in the death of Halifax activist Raymond Taavel, spoke to the media today, stating that her son is innocent, that the system failed her son, and compared herself to Donald Marshall’s mother. Yesterday, a report published by both the justice and health departments of Nova Scotia asked for changes to the current modes of practice put in place at the East Coast Forensic Hospital. Denny was on a one-hour leave from the ECFH on the day of Taavel’s death but did not return on time.

– In a strange bit of editorializing mixed with facts, the National Post talks about the recent census data on families, stating that “The sanctity of marriage as the bedrock of the Canadian family is steadily eroding as the country’s social fabric evolves, new census data released today reveals.” Okay then.

– In other ridiculous things that were reported today, both Towleroad and Gawker posted about a supposed conversation that Paris Hilton had. Why do they (or anyone) care? Because Hilton allegedly said, “Ewww. Eww. To get f**ked? Gay guys are the horniest people in the world. They’re disgusting. Dude, most of them probably have AIDS.”

– In case you’re depressed and disgusted by humanity, here is a video of Maya Rudolph singing Prince’s “Darling Nikki”— as in the song that made Tipper Gore mad at her daughter and the entire recording industry — with The Roots. Amazing.

Journalist, writer, blogger, producer.

Keep Reading

Samantha Josephs in front of the cover of 'Carrying'

Samantha Josephs gets dirty

The author of “Carrying” talks writing erotica, trans pregnancy—and her novel’s upcoming movie adaptation
A cartoon of two people standing close together; one is holding a puppy, the other is holding a book

How a Canadian kids’ book became the centre of a U.S. Supreme Court case

“Pride Puppy” was written to highlight the joy of Pride. It became a political flashpoint
A cartoon of people raising their fists with police officers facing them. There are flowers in the background

Queer censorship isn’t new in Canada, but we’ve won the fight before

Key figures from censorship fights in the 20th century reflect on what we can learn from them today
A cartoon of a nondescript personified animal riding a horse

Trans Albertans are strong. We aren’t going anywhere

Trans Albertans reflect on what makes their home province special, even in the wake of Premier Danielle Smith’s legislative attacks and book restrictions
Advertisement