Archive for March, 2006

The end of multiculturalism?

Thursday, March 2nd, 2006

(Canscene) — The current confrontations arising from reaction to those Danish cartoons of the prophet Mohammed is stimulating a great deal of speculation on the fate of multiculturalism. (more…)

An anniversary — and a time to reflect

Wednesday, March 1st, 2006

(Canscene ) — This year marks the 35th anniversary of the late Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s declaration of the official government policy of multiculturalism. (more…)

An opportunity

Wednesday, March 1st, 2006

(Canscene) — Know how many years Canadians have clamoured for a winter holiday?

Remember the Conservative party’s election slogan, Stand up for Canada? Remember what happened February 15, 1965?

Our flag

41 years ago: our first sight of the Flag (more…)

First Aussie film festival plays to packed audiences

Wednesday, March 1st, 2006

(Canscene) — Hosting as we do a growing number of annual film festivals in Canada — by my count, 65 — it’s not surprising that Australia would finally join our ranks. (more…)

McCurdy Black history collection now online

Wednesday, March 1st, 2006

(Canscene) — One of the treasures of Ontario’s Black history is the Alvin Mc Curdy collection housed in the provincial archives. (more…)

They’re moving our world

Wednesday, March 1st, 2006

(Canscene) — Once again Canadian documentary film maker Lalita Krishna has captured the spirit of concern shown by young Canadians for Third World children. (more…)

Remember this one?

Wednesday, March 1st, 2006

(Canscene) — Remember The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight, Jimmy Breslin’s Mafia satire of the 60s which became a film in ’71?

It’s title in many ways might be applied to the Bush administration, with Vice President Dick Cheney the guru of evasiveness. Even more so last month when a fellow hunter became the victim of Deadeye Dick’s friendly fire.

Cultural Sensitivity V. Political Correctness

Wednesday, March 1st, 2006

I must preface this commentary by stating categorically that I oppose militant religious fundamentalism be it from Christian, Jewish Muslim any other dogma. (more…)

Time to accept the French fact

Wednesday, March 1st, 2006

Not long ago maverick bookstore owner Henri Tranquille died in Montreal. He’ll go down in the history of Quebec as the man who defied the religious orientation of the province (more…)

Beef with peas — Indian style

Wednesday, March 1st, 2006

This month’s recipe comes from guest contributor, Toronto dietitian Donna Andersen.

3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 lb. (454 gm) lean ground beef
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp turmeric
1 1/2 tsp coriander (or 1/2 cup fresh, chopped)
crushed hot red peppers, per taste (optional)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (or 1/2 can diced tomatoes ie.14 -19 oz)
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

Saute onions and green peppers in 1 -2 tsp margarine or oil until tender.
Add beef and fry until brown. (Drain any fat if accumulated)
Add salt and spices, hot pepper is optional.

Stir in tomatoes and diced potatoes.
Bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer (covered) for 20 – 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Stir in 1 cup peas and simmer another 10 minutes.
Serves 4.