What 10 tons of tree did to our garage and car in the derecho.

It was the worst of times for us all. The May 21, 2022, derecho struck Uxbridge, Ont., from the Sixth Concession through the west end of town, across the railway yards, devastating homes, downtown apartments, Second Wedge Brewery and Trinity United Church among many places.

Power was out for days, phone service spotty, and just the goodwill of neighbours got us through. With our garage gone and my car crushed, I turned to my insurers, who told me my car was a write-off. They offered me a cash settlement for the wreck. I agreed. Then, the agent read me the fine print of my policy over the phone.

“The car rental clause (promising six weeks of rental,)” she said, “since you’ve agreed to the sale of your (written-off) car, it ends today.”

In effect, they had terminated my coverage seven days after the storm. (more…)

Spike Lee celebrating his Oscar win with Samuel L. Jackson.

He heard the news. He leapt up from his seat in the theatre. He clasped hands with a couple of colleagues on the way up the aisle, then Spike Lee galloped up the stairs to the stage and leapt into Samuel L. Jackson’s arms. In so many ways it was classic Lee, being entirely off the wall. In other ways – since he’d never won an Oscar before – it was unique. Then, he pulled notes from his jacket pocket and read his list of thank-yous. And since it was such an extraordinary night for black artists, Lee took the opportunity to make a political point.

“Before the world tonight, I give praise to our ancestors who built this country,” he said. “If we all connect with our ancestors, we will have love, wisdom, and regain our humanity. It will be a powerful moment.” (more…)

Ted Barris

author | journalist

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