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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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