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

How ‘North of North’ is introducing Indigenous queer dramedy to a global stage

Actors Anna Lambe and Zorga Qaunaq on learning about forgiveness and queerness through their award-winning show
Barbara Hammer

Barbara Hammer’s endless influence

The lesbian filmmaker made a radical difference by making work that reflected her real life. A new documentary is cementing her legacy
Collage with two hands holding a bat, swinging towards a baseball with a dollar sign on it, against a blue background with a net, baseball player and the Olivia logo on an outfield sign

Why the WPBL partnering with a lesbian travel company matters

Support from lesbian brands and bars harks back to the queer history of women’s sport leagues
Confluence cover

‘Confluence’ brings Vancouver’s queer history to life

The late Alex Turner and his husband, Lucian Childs, have written a unique and rewarding ode to mid-century gay British Columbia
Advertisement