Posted on 07 July 2010.
Troy Media - by Terry Field
Review of:
The Dead Republic
By Roddy Doyle
Knopf Canada
329 pages
I’ll start with admitting a bias – I like Roddy Doyle’s work. His books on Ireland’s working class are tough but affectionate. His descriptions of Dublin’s side streets and his ear for the distinct dialect of those streets are sad and funny, while his characters are at, the same time, irreverent and afraid as they struggle to get by. Continue Reading
Posted in Literature, Living
Posted on 14 May 2010.
Troy Media – By Rebecca Schalm
Spurred on by the accessible and appealing book Now, Discover Your Strengths , many people and organizations over the last few years have shifted to a strengths-based approach to personal and leadership development. Continue Reading
Posted in Business, Literature
Posted on 07 May 2010.
Troy Media – By Bob Weinstein
It’s hard to believe that there is anything new to say about landing job interviews. Nevertheless new books are published every year.
While most of the books rehash old information, there are still new things to say and learn about interviewing. A chapter in Acing the Interview: How to Ask and Answer the Questions That Will Get You the Job! by Tony Beshara, lists essential interview tips that are worth repeating. Continue Reading
Posted in Business, Literature
Posted on 28 April 2010.
Troy Media – By Bob Weinstein
Nobody wants to hear bad news.
It took decades, countless studies, frightening real-life sagas and legislation to convince consumers that cigarette smoking could kill them. Even then, it hasn’t stopped enough people from smoking to put any of the giant cigarette companies out of business. Continue Reading
Posted in Business, Health, Healthy Perspectives, Literature
Posted on 17 April 2010.
Troy Media – By Bill George
Review of:
7 Lessons for Leading in Crisis
By Bill George
Published by Jossey-Bass
It’s rare to read a book where the introduction is almost worth the price of the book all by itself, but in Bill George’s 7 Lessons for Leading in Crisis, the introduction succinctly explains the recent financial downturn with great clarity and simplicity. He doesn’t pull punches and names names. Continue Reading
Posted in Business, Literature
Posted on 12 April 2010. Tags: alcantara, Beyond the Indian Act: Restoring Aboriginal Property Rights, flanagan, indian act, land, ledressay
Troy Media – By Joseph Quesnel
Several years back, the Canadian Senate provided a useful example on how “elephants in the room” are studiously avoided, including why many First Nations are dirt-poor. Back then, the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples produced a study on Aboriginal economic development with the hopeful title, Sharing Canada’s Prosperity – A Hand up, not a Handout. While the report recognized Indian Act barriers, the study avoided the long-standing economic elephant: enforceable property rights on-reserve, due in part to antiquated Indian Act provisions. Continue Reading
Posted in Literature
Posted on 11 April 2010. Tags: Aly Pain, Canada, Jeff Pain, Olympics, The Business of Marriage and Medals, Torino, Vancouver
The Pains chat with a young fan about Jeff’s silver medal from 2006 Olympics
By Markham Hislop, editor
As Canadians watched their country’s athletes compete in the Vancouver Olympics a few months ago, very few likely wondered if any of the athletes were married, had children. Even fewer probably thought about the sacrifices made by those families that allowed the athlete to compete and, hopefully, climb the podium. Continue Reading
Posted in Literature, Living
Posted on 20 March 2010.
Troy Media – By Grant Morgan
Review of:
Intellectuals and Society
By Thomas Sowell
Basic Books
400 pg
CA$37.95, US29.95
Should the label “intellectual” be considered one of admiration or derision?
This question is especially relevant given the occupational backgrounds of current occupants of the White House and Stornoway. Barrack Obama, in particular, received widespread acclaim for his intellectual background, earning endorsements from ostensibly conservative pundits such as David Brooks and Christopher Buckley on the basis of his Harvard Law education and impressive vocabulary. Yet the overall impact of professional intellectuals on public life, both positive and negative, has yet to receive a comprehensive study. Continue Reading
Posted in Literature
Posted on 12 January 2010.
Troy Media – by Robert Roach
Review of:
Fearful Symmetry
The Fall and Rise of Canada’s Founding Values
By Brian Lee Crowley
Key Porter Books
$34.95 360 pages Continue Reading
Posted in Literature
Posted on 23 January 2009. Tags: bistros, cafes, Calgary, gardens

Munchies and Marigolds, by Louise Blank
By Markham Hislop
Looking for a diversion from the bone-chilling cold and all the snow? Pick up a copy of Louise Blank’s book, Marigolds and Munchies. The SE Calgary author has written a delightful guide to her favorite gardens and eating spots in and around the city. Continue Reading
Posted in Literature