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.

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