Opinion

The Turner Report: When the rules just don’t matter

"Our leadership gave the final green light to a modern complex that will forever, irrevocably, irreversibly change our landmark street. Not since 1847 when the Courthouse was built has anyone done this," writes Garth Turner.

Shaw review: A thoughtful ‘Heartbreak House’ that never fully catches fire

"'Heartbreak House' is a profound examination of generational change, of dreams and ambitions shattered by war, of industry and government overturning social programs in favour of exploitation," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.

Arch-i-text: What will it take to ensure heritage properties are protected?

"What do we want our legislative bodies — municipal and provincial — to do to underwrite our shared wish relative to protecting Ontario’s heritage?" writes Brian Marshall.

Dr. Brown: The surprising link between dementia and epilepsy

"Do some patients with mid-to-late-stage dementia have abnormal electrical activity in their brains that contributes to their cognitive decline?" writes Dr. William Brown.

Ross’s Ramblings: This summer’s forest fires recall fires of the past

"Hats off to our first responders. These brave people go toward the fires to save lives and limit damage. Most people flee fires," writes Ross Robinson.

Letter: Accessibility is key for great hospitality

"Accessibility is not just about complying with the law. It is about hospitality. It says that every customer matters and every visitor deserves the opportunity to enjoy everything our beautiful store has to offer," writes Cheryl Katz.

Letter: Tragic state of affairs at Parliament Oak

"I take the aerial view of the Parliament Oak fiasco surrounded by the large green trees and surrounding side streets ... as devastating, sad and tragic," writes Richard Peter Rand.

The Turner Report: Who can save NOTL from political grift?

"Although this level of government has the greatest impact on citizens’ daily lives, it is weak, ineffectual, rudderless and dominated by special interests," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: America’s greatest architect believed nature, not money, should shape our cities

Over the last five centuries, says Frank Lloyd Wright, what humanity has called architecture has been "phony": "It was not innate, it wasn’t organic and it didn’t have the character of nature.” 

Shaw review: Savour the vigorous comedy of ‘One for the Pot’

More than 40 years after the debut of this British farce on the Shaw Festival stage, "One for the Pot" returns with excellent performances that contain the elements needed to make this for-the-masses comedy a laugh riot, writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.

Ross’s Ramblings: We didn’t choose English — we just got lucky

"As a pretentious British boss of mine said many years ago ... 'I have found that around the world, one can get on with two languages: English, and loud English,'" writes Ross Robinson.

Letter: Zalepa’s conflict of interest on Rand application persists

"I provided you with an opportunity to do the right thing, which you have obviously declined to do. Please be advised that I intend to pursue this in the appropriate forum(s)," writes Derek Collins.

Letter: When does the paper intervene with letters?

"That this correspondence from Mr. Rusin was accepted for publication started me wondering what standards of accuracy the editorial board of The Lake Report applies to letters it receives. Does it accept 'little lies' but not 'big lies'?" writes Richard James.

Letter: Rural roads are dangerous — cyclists, be very careful

"Too often I have encountered cyclists riding two or three abreast, chatting and oblivious to what is going on. Electric vehicles are very silent, so these individuals do not know what is approaching," writes John McCallum.

Letter: Basements, the water table and trees

"Architects, planners, engineers, landscape and heritage architects — all professionals in their respective fields are responsible for the design of this hotel and the underground parking garage," writes Victor Tarnoy.

The Turner Report: Lessons from an Old Town ditch

"Are we better, or just pretending to be so? Maybe living beside the MAGA nation to the south would make anyone look pristine," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: Museum made right choice with infrastructure upgrade, but it won’t be cheap

"This non-profit took the bitter pill in favour of supporting the health and welfare of the community they are anchored in. And, that decision, in and of itself, is a shining example of a cultural institution that understands its vital connection to the local greater good," writes Brian Marshall.

Shaw review: A celebration of golf’s past — and Broadway’s best

"Matters of etiquette, rules and styles of play inform. To Wodehouse, the only way to really find a true character is to play golf with him," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.

Opinion: Will U.S. strong-arming Canada be water under the bridge?

A bad deal to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Canada to the U.S., "is not in Canada's national interests, but we cannot simply walk away from this structure," writes Keith McNenly.

Science with Kyra: Hit the beach, but stay safe while cooling off

"Warmer temperatures and more frequent, intense storms are likely as climate change progresses, both of which will likely increase bacteria levels in water," writes Kyra Simone.

Dr. Brown: Soccer or tennis, Father Time catches up with all athletes

"Performance in any sport depends on physical and neural fitness, acquired skills and stamina," writes Dr. William Brown. "There’s also the factor of the cumulative effects of injuries affecting muscles and joints."

Ross’s Ramblings: Lithuanian boys’ choir leaves St. Mark’s spellbound

"The choir took the expression sartorial splendour to another level," writes Ross Robinson. "Every one of them were 'into it,' providing the vibe. Pure, unfiltered voices, and such an unbelievable value."

Letter: Why do car drivers control our roads?

"A cyclist cannot be banned from cycling and a pedestrian cannot be banned from walking. They have an inalienable right to use the available transport infrastructure system safely," writes Frank Hayes.

Letter: Ironic plans for Scotsman Hotel from Marotta critics

"The 95 Johnson intensification proposal, when carefully analyzed in detail, borders on the edge of tragic comedy," writes Peter Rusin.

Dr. Brown: How neanderthals learned to survive — with extinction on their heels

"Why neanderthals went extinct isn’t clear, writes Dr. William Brown. "Were their numbers simply too small to survive bad seasons for plants and animals to hunt?"

Editorial: Another tragedy on the roads of NOTL

"We’ve seen too many hit-and-run crashes around NOTL. We’ve seen too many instances where, day or night, drivers in a rush, or without thought, push the limits, sometimes with life-altering consequences," writes Kevin MacLean.

Opinion: Questionable pardons erode the public’s belief in justice

"If Congress fails to act when danger is plain, then the constitutional balance the founders designed is reduced to words on paper," writes Keith McNenly.

The Turner Report: Law & order — and Erwin Wiens

"His first cousin is a developer living in the biggest house in town. He leans right. He’s blunt. He was Grape King. Now he wants to be lord mayor," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: Preservation of Old Town’s heritage on the chopping block

"The finished structure will not only become the dominant building within the Queen-Picton heritage conservation district, but abruptly clash with and diminish the built-heritage assets," writes Brian Marshall of the new Royal George Theatre.

Dr. Brown: My father-in-law and the loneliness that comes with aging

"Sure, there are plenty of 'things' and 'events' to do, but they don’t fill the void of those linchpin people in our lives as we age, especially in the later decades," writes Dr. William Brown.

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