Author Archives: calgaryrob

About calgaryrob

Father, husband, standup comedian, former political hack, poker player, lawyer and all around lucky guy.

Open Letter To Our Teenage Sons — Part Two

I’m hopeful that after reading the Open Letter To My Teenage Sons, the two of you realize that you’re not rich. Hopeful, although perhaps not confident. But before we move on to more important things — like health and happiness … Continue reading

Posted in parenting | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Early Election Call May Define NDP Fortunes

A fair bit has been written over the last week, analyzing why the federal Conservatives called the election so early. The issue arises because by law we now have fixed election dates in Canada, but the law allows the government … Continue reading

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What Do You Really Want To Do?

The key to happiness, they say, is spending each day doing what you love to do. Since most of us have to spend much of our time making a living, we’re urged to find a job we would do even … Continue reading

Posted in Personal Development | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Tom Brady Was Not Suspended For Deflating Footballs

Tom Brady is back in the news this week after appearing at the appeal of the suspension he received after the NFL’s investigation into Deflategate. Turn on NFL radio, watch the sports news on TV or pick up the sports … Continue reading

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Even Good Ideology Makes For Bad Government

I’ve been involved in politics for a long time, so I suppose it’s only natural that a number of my friends and colleagues are asking me what the new Alberta government is likely to do in so many areas. The … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

If You Build It, They Will Come*

*With apologies to W. P. Kinsella (for ‘borrowing’ and misquoting “If you build it, he will come”) I’ve now heard or read a dozen plus politicians, former politicians, wannabe politicians, commentators and politically savvy folks of all stripes, note that the … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

An NDP Majority Would Be A Problem, Because An NDP Majority Would Be A Problem

So there is one week to go in the 2015 election and if you’re reading this you’ll realize that my resolve not to blog during the 2015 election wasn’t as firm as I thought it was. Let’s start by setting … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Open Letter To Our Teenage Sons

As I watch you develop and grow, and I think back to my childhood, I’m amazed at what you are accomplishing in life.  Whether it’s school, sports, guitar, cooking, your ease with technology, or simply just who you are becoming … Continue reading

Posted in Character, parenting, Personal Development | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Since when has mocking led to greater understanding?

OK, as the vaccine debate turns increasingly ugly, I have a few thoughts about the importance of searching for the truth, rather than defending a “position”. These thoughts are based on my experience as both a political hack and as … Continue reading

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Will we ever stop bullying?

Recent tragic events have made bullying into a topical news story, but that will fade and the problems associated with bullying will continue — unless we start to address the root cause. I have been involved at the board level with … Continue reading

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