Category Archives: Canada

Selfie Logic

Posted on May 25, 2015 by vanyieck

“This is so exciting! I’ve always wanted to see Niagara Falls,” said Thea. “Why is the Canadian Falls so much bigger than the American Falls?” asked Olivia. “Because Canada’s a bigger country. They should have a bigger waterfall.” Olivia shrugged. … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, fiction, flash fiction, humor, humour, Niagara Falls, selfie, short fiction, short story, story, United States | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Demise of the Canadian Penny

Posted on August 11, 2014 by vanyieck

“What’s got you so bummed out?” Joe asked his brother. “Death, man. Death of an idea. A personal friend. Freedom. And when freedom dies, what’s left to live for?” complained Grant. “Why do you always have to be so cryptic? … Continue reading →

Posted in brother, brothers, Canada, Canadian, fiction, flash fiction, giving your two cents worth, humor, humour, penny, penny for your thoughts, short fiction, short story, story, word | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Texas A&M Class of ’73

Posted on March 28, 2014 by vanyieck

I wear a university class ring. It isn’t mine. I bought it off eBay six years ago. The words ‘Texas A&M University 1876’ encircle an eagle protected by a shield with the year ’73. The name ‘Clark Chisum’ is etched … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American, Apollo, Canada, Canadian, class ring, eBay, fiction, flash fiction, NASA, Russia, short fiction, short story, story, Texas, Texas A&M | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Canadian History and Other Obscure Cultural References

Posted on January 17, 2013 by vanyieck

The main branch of the Hamilton Public Library was a frenzy of activity. It was Susan’s first trip downtown since starting at McMaster University. She scanned the main floor lobby for the information desk. She slipped past rows of computers … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, fiction, flash fiction, history, humor, humour, library, short fiction, short story, story | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Holidays

Posted on July 1, 2011 by vanyieck

Tomorrow I’m heading off for my annual pilgrimage up north. For most Canadians, going to the cottage is a rite of passage. It’s our way of embracing the vast land that shapes our identity as a people. We may live … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, cottage, holiday, wilderness | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

My dirty little secret

Posted on October 24, 2010 by vanyieck

A couple of days ago I wrote a blog article that I think is too extreme to post. It’s not that I see myself as particularly controversial. I think that most of us, deep down, hold views that would not … Continue reading →

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Olympics and other distractions

Posted on February 18, 2010 by vanyieck

I love the olympics. I know there are many reasons not to, but even my cynical little heart softens and my nationalistic pride swells with the success of my fellow Canadians. I even enjoy cheering for other nations, especially Latvia. … Continue reading →

Posted in 55 fiction, blogging, Canada, Latvia, micro-novel, olympics, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The humour of Stephen Leacock

Posted on May 12, 2009 by vanyieck

Earlier today discovered the writings of Stephen Leacock. He was British born Canadian humourist who is now primarily known for the annual award named in his honour for Canadian humour. Prior to his posthumous award naming, Leacock was considered to … Continue reading →

Posted in award, Canada, comedy, comic, humor, humour, Leacock, short story, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Universal Inaccess to Healthcare

Posted on February 17, 2009 by vanyieck

This evening I saw a commercial for a fundraiser for a hospital in our fair province of Ontario.  This is yet another in a long list of lotteries, concerts and general appeals for money to cover the costs of hospital … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, doctor, healthcare, nurse, universal healthcare | Leave a comment