The Sad State of Privacy

It is used to be -- and until not that long ago -- that the phrase "in the privacy of your own home" meant something.
When Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau stated some 45 years ago that, "The government has no business in the bedrooms of the nation," he meant that Canada's laws were not designed to encourage spying on its citizens.

You could enjoy the quiet use of your home by not making loud noises, by not kicking your dog or cat, or by pulling down the shades — and that was about it!
<--- Image: 'Spy vs. Spy' -- Prohias) Today, we have to be aware at all times that someone might be spying on us:
-- The camera on the top of my computer or smart phone screen might be relaying my portrait.
-- My household's electronic gear -- computer, TV, or even refrigerator -- might be sending data to be collected overseas.

Family Day? Heritage Day?

Today, we Nova Scotians are celebrating Family Day, ah, Heritage Day, our mid-winter provincial holiday.
This is not an official National holiday, though it is celebrated on this date in a number of provinces.
Here is a clue as to what it should be called:

Back in the early 1970s, the idea of a national midwinter holiday (and we really NEED one!) was proposed by Stanley Knowles (our longest-serving member of Parliament) in the House of Commons.
He would talk about it at every opportunity, and although it was discussed in every kitchen and coffee shop in the nation,