I’m Just Saying – kids sports
Last month, I was at Takhini Arena at 7 o’blessed clock in the morning to interview some figure skaters. I waited until I returned to
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I’m Just Saying
“I’m Just Saying…” was an editorial column by our first editor, Darrell Hookey. This column ran from 2005–2010.
I’m Just Saying … An editorial
It has been brought to my attention that the term, “Mount Ernie” is derogatory. Let me go on the record to say I have used
I’m Just Saying … An editorial Read More »
Main Street cruise
Those of you who took a cruise during the Spring Break raise your hands … not so fast, Hookey. But don’t feel sorry for me
Main Street cruise Read More »
A game: Google Golf
This is where we have some fun. I will throw out a challenge and we will see how you, the reader, throw it back. I
A game: Google Golf Read More »
First Issue “I’m just saying”
Dennis Fentie is the premier of the Yukon and watches over an annual budget of $550 million … but I don’t care about that. I
First Issue “I’m just saying” Read More »
Overheard in a Whitehorse garage
AFFABLE SERVICE DESK GUY: Good morning, sir. How can I help you today? CUSTOMER: Well … I just got here last week, so I figured
Overheard in a Whitehorse garage Read More »
Generation ‘why-not’
Those of us in the workforce who are over the age of 30 have one thing in common: we have nothing in common with those
Generation ‘why-not’ Read More »
Should I hire a young person or someone with experience?
THOSE WHO CHOOSE YOUTH SAY: Let’s face it: whomever you hire will likely be gone within five years. Workers are transient these days and that
Should I hire a young person or someone with experience? Read More »
Should employees be allowed to use work computers for personal use?
THOSE WHO SAY YES, SAY: As computers become more and more sophisticated, they become more and more useful. And, the more useful they are, the
Should employees be allowed to use work computers for personal use? Read More »
A church for the rest of us
I wish there was a church for atheists. Yeeeaaaahh, that’s going to need some explaining: I see church as a place of fellowship and a
A church for the rest of us Read More »
A ‘higher’ standard of Llving
Some friends of mine have a beautiful home in Hidden Valley. From their hot tub on the back deck, they can bathe in the tranquillity
A ‘higher’ standard of Llving Read More »
The first First, is better than the last Last
I remember the first time I climbed a tree … and it is not because I got my knee caught and my father had to
The first First, is better than the last Last Read More »
Quiche? Yes. Pansies? No.
On March 1, I saw a headline on the front page of the Globe and Mail that gladdened my heart. It was, “This Spring, Real
Quiche? Yes. Pansies? No. Read More »
The power of Joy’s words
“Just words?” It is a rhetorical question Senator Barack Obama asked of Senator Hillary Clinton when she criticized his “flowery” speeches. The point was made
The power of Joy’s words Read More »
May is the dirtiest month
As I behold my 18th spring in the Yukon, I have been spared the anxiety and frustration of previous disappointments that are collectively known as
May is the dirtiest month Read More »
Paradigm shift slips on a plastic bag
“Paper or plastic?” has become a cliché for those no-win decisions we must make everyday: plastic is an oil-based product that chokes wildlife and is
Paradigm shift slips on a plastic bag Read More »
Saluting those crazy enough to lead
As I watched Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama duke it out in the United States, I found I was getting more and more jealous of
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Ich Bin Ein Yukoner
Happy Birthday, Canada! You have come into your own these past 141 years, warmly regarded as a place of strong values, freedom and a sense
Ich Bin Ein Yukoner Read More »
The haunting Post-it Note
It is the one thing in my otherwise stress-free life that is causing me anxiety. It is a Post-it Note with today’s date on it
The haunting Post-it Note Read More »
What’s new for you
Soooo, notice anything different about today’s paper? We have found a new printer: Webco Leduc. It is a company that has come highly recommended and
What’s new for you Read More »
What I did on my summer vacation
To get away from the rain here in Whitehorse, Daisy and I went to Vancouver for our vacation. I have used this line many times
What I did on my summer vacation Read More »
Government-imposed one-on-one time
Did you know that new drivers in the Yukon need 50 hours of instruction before they can take their road test? I didn’t know that.
Government-imposed one-on-one time Read More »
Countdown to the hoopla
When does Christmas start? Of course it is December 25, but when can the hoopla begin? Back in 1991, I was volunteered to play Santa
Countdown to the hoopla Read More »
Confessions of a political junkie
It is not as if I am addicted to it, rather it is just that it is sooo available. That computer, with its vast assortment
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My Canada Includes art
I am loving this controversy over arts funding cuts because it is one of the few times that smart, eloquent, passionate people stand up and
My Canada Includes art Read More »
Grocery shopping can be fun
The cheery fire warmed Misty as she curled up in front of the fireplace while our Midnight Sun Muleskinner-blend coffee warmed our insides. Talk among
Grocery shopping can be fun Read More »
My annual forgiveness tour
Finally, you sinners have reached that one special moment of the year when I consider whether or not I will forgive you for making my
My annual forgiveness tour Read More »
The societal imperative of coffee shops
I met an old co-worker downtown the other day and, as luck would have it, I had a spare half-hour. Maybe we could grab a
The societal imperative of coffee shops Read More »
The many faces of a Yukoner
The first Yukoner I ever met was Rodger Thorlakson. It was 19 years ago and I was two days “Inside”. Sure, I met other people
The many faces of a Yukoner Read More »
If a drag queen falls in the forest …
Last year’s Nakai Theatre Pivot Festival was not well-received. It featured a blind comic who portrayed cancer. It had a snow-shovelling demonstration. A sexualized Betty
If a drag queen falls in the forest … Read More »
Assignment: Fred Penner
About six years ago, Fred Penner came to town and I was very excited. I was freelancing for the Yukon News at the time and
Assignment: Fred Penner Read More »
Hello again
I know what you are thinking: Hmmm, there is something different about this issue of What’s Up Yukon. Allow me to unburden you: the very
A new and improved cultural touchstone
Blessed be the good people at Tim Hortons and their Roll Up The Rim contest. If it were not for them, how would we Yukoners
A new and improved cultural touchstone Read More »
Winter blues will burn
there is something infinitely satisfying about being a part of a torch-carrying mob on its determined way to burn a false god
Winter blues will burn Read More »
A ‘rase’ by any other name …
Q: What do Brian Fidler, Barbara Chamberlin and Harreson Tanner have in common? A: Those of us in the media often spell their names wrong.
A ‘rase’ by any other name … Read More »
Re-imagining the value system
I was watching one of the Sunday-morning news shows and heard something that crystallized, in my mind, what is wrong with the financial sector. A
Re-imagining the value system Read More »
Perhaps we aren’t doomed …
Early in January, I received a press release that excited me greatly. It was from Yukon Energy and it announced it received $125,000 in funding
Perhaps we aren’t doomed … Read More »
Yukoners are bigger than the snow
It almost happened. That one sickening moment when we Yukoners look out the window and say, “That’s it … no more.” It was the morning
Yukoners are bigger than the snow Read More »
Top 10 movies: A walk on the mild side
(Part 2 of 2) Last week I began listing my favourite movies of all time. I only got to six of them and they all
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The tweets of one twit’s twittering
Silly me. I thought the public wants intelligent discourse, all sides of a story and alternative, respectful arguments. So, I go to journalism school, I
The tweets of one twit’s twittering Read More »
It’s worth the paper it’s written on
I remember back in the day when you could buy a great hamburger … a great hamburger as defined as a handful of meat, infused
It’s worth the paper it’s written on Read More »
A grand-slam week for music lovers
If you are a lover of music, this is one fantastic week to be a Yukoner. Check it out: you have Justin Haynes, Jean Martin
A grand-slam week for music lovers Read More »
The folly of a four-day workweek
I watched the city worker dump my garbage into that “trash compactor on wheels” and I found myself wondering: Does he get to work four
The folly of a four-day workweek Read More »
Dancing around the issue
I don’t like to dance and I don’t know why. For many years, I just assumed it was because I’m a guy. To dance, you
Dancing around the issue Read More »
The manly art of cooking
Rob Millar is my hero. He writes our Barbe-Yukon column which means, of course, he is an expert barbecuer. Right there, that makes him more
The manly art of cooking Read More »
Being safe is just overreacting
Back when I was a high school student, I faced a conundrum every time an exam came around. Do I study for it or not?
Being safe is just overreacting Read More »
An alcohol-free life
May I just say this once and never have to revisit it again? I am not an alcoholic. Just because I don’t drink, it doesn’t
An alcohol-free life Read More »
Yeah, but who’s counting?
I’m going on vacation soon and I am very excited. Daisy and I are going to Ontario to visit my side of the family, courtesy
Yeah, but who’s counting? Read More »
Happy Anniversary, Faro!
When the world thinks of Canada, they think of the Yukon. When Yukoners think of the Yukon, they think of Faro. When the world is
Happy Anniversary, Faro! Read More »
Peel Watershed is not reserved for elite slobs
As every Yukoner should, I have been following the debate over the Peel Watershed Draft Land-Use Plan. It is a debate that will decide what
Peel Watershed is not reserved for elite slobs Read More »
The kids are alright
If you fear for the future – the future of a world threatened by environmental, economic and moral collapse – then I know just the
The kids are alright Read More »
Hold your child’s hand … not a cellphone
Does it bother you when you see a parent spank their child in public? I think it bothers most people, but it is legal (to
Hold your child’s hand … not a cellphone Read More »
If Sun Tzu went to a yard sale
Yard sales are interesting places to observe human nature. The best moment is when you have to look the homeowner in the eyes and negotiate
If Sun Tzu went to a yard sale Read More »
I am proud of Trenton, Ontario
Pride in Canada’s military has always been a dignified and understated series of gestures in my hometown of Trenton, Ontario. It is decidedly more important
I am proud of Trenton, Ontario Read More »
Trevor is one of us
Since I know, almost as a fact, that Trevor will not be put down by the Bylaw Services Department, I can sit back and enjoy
Trevor is one of us Read More »
The day I have dreaded for 18-1/2 years
It is a cruel trick of time that has punched me in the stomach and now I cannot breathe. I could have sworn that it
The day I have dreaded for 18-1/2 years Read More »
How far from home?
Just as the metaphorical river is never the same after the water rushes past, you really can’t go home again. Home, for me, is my
How far from home? Read More »
Power to the people
It is an occupational hazard of being an editor that you sometimes get paralysed over the meaning of one word. This week, the word was
Power to the people Read More »
It’s Cheechako’s first winter
This is a column for Cheechakos. Sourdough, you know this stuff. …February, March & April are your reward for November, December & January…
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Que será, será … (but the internet has a test for that)
Back in Grade 12 I decided that my previously ordained career of choice would not be in the military. I was in the Reserves and
Que será, será … (but the internet has a test for that) Read More »
I’m a 20-year man
Last month marked a very important event in my life: I’ve been a Yukoner for 20 years. Of course, we all understand that I didn’t
My ‘Mack’ shall be smacked no more
As a young boy, I was sophisticated enough that, when given the choice of a chocolate bar or MacIntosh Toffee, I would always go for
My ‘Mack’ shall be smacked no more Read More »
I can see clearly now
I can’t remember when it began, but I had been noticing that the knuckleheads at City Hall were using street signs that cannot be read
I can see clearly now Read More »
The arts can be your community
Sitting at a table in the Gold Pan Saloon, enjoying a reception for the Santa Claus Parade volunteers, I met some incredible young people who
The arts can be your community Read More »
When ‘cool’ is not cool
Just as a reformed smoker is often the first person to complain about a hotel room that smells of tobacco, I shall now complain bitterly
When ‘cool’ is not cool Read More »
Rekindling an old flame
These iPads and Kindles gladden my heart as I see it as one more step toward re-establishing the written word as the king of communication.
Rekindling an old flame Read More »
Pass the popcorn! It’s the Health Care debate!
I can explain why I find it so fascinating: I don’t play online games, I don’t watch sports and I don’t read fiction. Why would
Pass the popcorn! It’s the Health Care debate! Read More »
Misty’s place is in our hearts
The weight of Misty, our 20-year-old cat, curled up on my lap, has never been felt more. She loves the fact that I work from
Misty’s place is in our hearts Read More »
Be our 2010 foreign correspondent
I visited Germany once. My brother was stationed there with the Canadian Army and he was dating a German lady, Gabi, who is now my
Be our 2010 foreign correspondent Read More »
We are all Pamela Anderson
I feel sorry for the screeners who work for airport security. And it’s not just because they are forever in a no-win situation, where every
We are all Pamela Anderson Read More »
How could you ever thank me?
I have a tip, that is going to change your life. It is a game changer, it is revolutionary, you will wonder how you survived
How could you ever thank me? Read More »
Cleaning out my desk …
It’s time for Spring Cleaning. But what is a guy to do, when he isn’t a pack rat and he keeps his few belongings well-organized?
Cleaning out my desk … Read More »
Making ourselves at ‘Home’ Hardware
It all started with one sink … It was a very nice sink for the bathroom that would have felt neglected, if a bat hroom
Making ourselves at ‘Home’ Hardware Read More »
This is your paper
I shall, from time to time, give to the readers of What’s Up Yukon information about the state of this arts and recreation paper. This lead
This is your paper Read More »
Editorial: You can’t ‘own’ a podium
In 1992, I watched the Blue Jays play at SkyDome. This was the season they would win their first World Series and the stadium was
Editorial: You can’t ‘own’ a podium Read More »
Walking is a good skill to have
Daisy and I received a very nice gift last month: it’s a book on walking. Hmmm, you know, I’ve always felt that my Mom and
Walking is a good skill to have Read More »
You can’t buy happiness … but you can rent it
These days, whenever I drive past Home Hardware, I throw my head back and laugh. You see, I am now a renter. Yup, most of
You can’t buy happiness … but you can rent it Read More »
Arizona is lovely this time of the year
By the time you read this, I will sitting on my brother’s back deck where it is 40 degrees in the shade. My fiancé and
Arizona is lovely this time of the year Read More »
I conclude that socks and sandals are fashionable …
It’s a walking, talking paradox … well, mostly it’s a walking paradox: If wearing socks with sandals is so wrong, why do so many of
I conclude that socks and sandals are fashionable … Read More »
My ideal editor is …
As you are reading this, there is a different editor preparing the next issue of What’s Up Yukon, as I have stepped aside to allow
My ideal editor is … Read More »
The tyranny of perfection
June was a bad month to be a human. First, we all watched with horror as Armando Galarraga’s perfect game was stolen from him, at
The tyranny of perfection Read More »
Mommas, don’t let your babies grow up to be Darrell
I met an expectant mother the other day and I asked if they had picked out a name yet. When she said, no, they haven’t,
Mommas, don’t let your babies grow up to be Darrell Read More »
Olympics are just not normal
Point your toes! Point your toes!” I yelled at Sam Edney. He likely didn’t hear me because my mouth was full of Bacon Ranch Pringles
Olympics are just not normal Read More »
Hihowareyou? Iamfine
Have you ever had an American say to you, “Say, ‘eh’ for me”? They think it’s funny when we Canadians say, “eh”, and, being the
Hihowareyou? Iamfine Read More »
Our twins, closer to the sun
The atmosphere contains sufficient quantities of oxygen, but very little moisture. It is amazing that anything can grow here. The vegetation is as fantastical as
Our twins, closer to the sun Read More »
My computer thinks I am pathetic
My computer cheats at Backgammon. Let’s all ponder that for a moment. Pathetic, eh? But is it pathetic because I like to play Backgammon on
My computer thinks I am pathetic Read More »
Making technology work for you
It was 20 years ago when computer screens flashed green letters, computer paper had sprocket holes along the sides and dinosaurs roamed the Earth. I
Making technology work for you Read More »
‘Irreplaceable’ does not mean ‘good’
It was a requirement of administration that required a lot more soul-searching than I thought possible. Our administrator, Monica Garcia, proposed a question to me:
‘Irreplaceable’ does not mean ‘good’ Read More »
Immigrants remind us of Canadian values
I’m reading the newspapers and the magazines and I see that many Canadians have only qualified support for immigrants. I ignore the bigots, pretty much
Immigrants remind us of Canadian values Read More »
Race for mayor should not be all or nothing
This method of choosing a mayor from an odd number of councillors is already allowed for in the Municipal Act, requiring just a bylaw.
Race for mayor should not be all or nothing Read More »