international order: Wrapping up the gathering with a sweeping declaration and several additional "action plans," the leaders acknowledged increasing risks for the global economic outlook, including terrorism, legions of displaced people, and conflicts that "pose a serious threat to the existing rule-based international order."But they said their countries had strengthened policies to avoid relapsing into crisis, according to Brandon Sun. Attention swiftly shifted from the G-7 finale as Abe and U.S. President Barack Obama travelled to Hiroshima, where Obama became the first sitting American president to visit the city devastated by a U.S. atomic bomb in 1945 in the closing days of World War II. Abe said the commitment by the leaders to "use all policy tools — monetary, fiscal and structural" was an endorsement of his own "Abenomics" three-pronged strategy for reviving Japan sluggish growth."We agreed to mobilize all our resources and launch three 'arrows' of monetary, fiscal and structural reform measures," Abe said. "We will be launching Abenomics to the world.""In order to avoid risks of the world economy falling into crisis, Japan will also do its utmost to co-operate and take leadership, mobilizing all possible resources, and boost the engine of Abenomics," he said. In meetings at an isolated seaside resort renowned for its crayfish and pearls, Abe appealed for more action to stave off a downturn, insisting that an earlier lack of urgency contributed to the financial crisis of 2008-2009. More than three years after Abe took office vowing to "Bring Japan Back!" from more than two decades of economic doldrums, his formula has yet to deliver the desired results: rising wages, business investment and a sustained recovery that places the world third-largest economy into a "virtuous cycle."After a slight uptick in growth earlier this year, economists say conditions in Japan have deteriorated, partly due to the slowdown in China and other emerging economies. It also could embolden him to put off an unpopular increase in the national sales tax, to 10 per cent from 8 per cent."Abenomics is not a failure at all," Abe told reporters, declaring he would "rev up the engine of Abenomics to the highest level possible."While they did not formally concur with Abe that the world is poised on the brink of crisis, the G-7 leaders did claim a special responsibility for beefing up their own economic policies. But backing from his G-7 counterparts may give Abe a boost as his ruling Liberal Democratic Party heads into a July parliamentary election. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Trudeau: And on lifting the world feeble economic growth, the G7 essentially pledged to continue with their own individual strategies, according to The Waterloo Record. Heading into the summit, Trudeau had urged some of his more fiscally prudent counterparts to invest more government cash to generate growth. However, the ransom promise closely resembled a G7 pledge from three years ago, something experts say member countries didn't live up to. Still, while speaking to reporters in Shima, Japan, the prime minister said he felt the group moved forward significantly on a number of files during his first G7 summit. Each country will map out its own path, Trudeau noted. "Understanding that we do need to create a broad suite of measures to offset the challenges faced by low global growth is something that we are very much in agreement on," Trudeau said. "The concerted approach is to use the levers available to each of our economies in as fulsome a way as possible to create growth." The leaders vowed to use a more-balanced response to lift growth and agreed that monetary policy — such as benchmark interest rates — cannot alone create stronger, sustainable growth. On the economy, he said there was a broad understanding that monetary and fiscal policy, as well as structural reforms, are all important for enhancing global growth. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Ryan Tenta: Harper is retiring, so it kind of his place to say, 'Good job guys.' But as the MP for Calgary-Heritage exited the stage, turning his back on the crowd for what may be the last time as a politician, many Tories were left scratching their heads about what direction the party will take moving forward, according to National Observer. Should they re-brand entirely, or simply refresh According to voters young and old, a little bit of both may be required as the Tories pick up the pieces from the 2015 election. It was appropriate for an outgoing leader, said Ryan Tenta, a delegate from the B.C. riding of Cloverdale-Langley City."It up to the new interim and upcoming leader, and grassroots convention to set that tone," he told National Observer on Friday. More progressive policies Friends, the theme of our convention this year is looking forward," said interim leader of the Conservative Party Rona Ambrose during the festivities on Thursday. "Together this weekend we're going to celebrate, we're going to generate new ideas, and welcome proud Conservatives to be part of our families' future. On Friday morning, for example, 66 per cent of voting delegates supported a change to the Tory constitution that would broaden its definition of 'marriage' to include same-sex unions. So far, new ideas already seem to be taking root within the party — not only is this the most media-friendly Conservative convention in its history, but a stage for some more progressive policy-making as well. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Chestnut Edward Sts: Clelia Busca Belfanti and Angelo Belfanti, circa 1921, according to Toronto Star. By John Lorinc Special to the Star Thu., May 26, 2016 In 1921, Clelia Bollo and Angelo Belfanti, both Italian immigrants to Toronto, purchased a rambling three-storey hotel/tavern at the corner of Chestnut and Edward Sts. The goal was to create an authentic Italian eatery with a mix style, hominess and fine cooking. Like so many newcomers to the city, they wanted to start a business. She married a Bracebridge tannery worker and the couple had two children, but the First World War left her a widow. Bollo had emigrated from the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy in the 1880s as child. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Trudeau: And on lifting the world feeble economic growth, the G7 essentially pledged to continue with their own individual strategies, according to The Chronicle Herald. Heading into the summit, Trudeau had urged some of his more fiscally prudent counterparts to invest more government cash to generate growth. However, the ransom promise closely resembled a G7 pledge from three years ago, something experts say member countries didn't live up to. Still, while speaking to reporters in Shima, Japan, the prime minister said he felt the group moved forward significantly on a number of files during his first G7 summit. Each country will map out its own path, Trudeau noted. "Understanding that we do need to create a broad suite of measures to offset the challenges faced by low global growth is something that we are very much in agreement on," Trudeau said. "The concerted approach is to use the levers available to each of our economies in as fulsome a way as possible to create growth." The leaders vowed to use a more-balanced response to lift growth and agreed that monetary policy — such as benchmark interest rates — cannot alone create stronger, sustainable growth. On the economy, he said there was a broad understanding that monetary and fiscal policy, as well as structural reforms, are all important for enhancing global growth. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: The job also comes with a pay raise, Mayor Mike Savage said jokingly Thursday at the Maritime Museum Wharf, where Theodore officially received his new position, according to Metro News. Over the years, many people arrived here, many under difficult circumstances, and helped make Canada the greatest country in the world, Savage said. The Theodore Too – the life-sized replica of the famous television character – is the new Halifax Welcome Ambassador for new Nova Scotians and will serve as a learning tool for school groups. Welcoming and embracing diversity makes our communities better places to live, added provincial communities, culture and heritage minister Tony Ince. Every time I walk down on the wharf and see him, I smile, Legault said. Claudette Legault, director of programs and services at Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia, said the tugboat will help serve as a symbolic reminder of the city welcoming of Syrian refugees. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

summit: The G7 leaders largely focused their discussions on the global economy as the summit got underway. ____ Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is making a push at the G7 summit that will likely broaden a previous agreement by the leaders to stop paying ransom for the release of kidnapped citizens, according to The Chronicle Herald. Peter Boehm, Trudeau personal representative at the G7 summit, told reporters in Japan that there a growing sense around the table that the problem isn't going away and by paying ransom you are just aiding and abetting the terrorists. ____ Canada ambassador to Ireland, best known for his role in fatally shooting an armed assailant inside the Parliament buildings in 2014, has once again stepped into an apparent security breach. He said trade-intensive industries pay 50 per cent higher wages. Kevin Vickers, the former House of Commons sergeant-at-arms, tackled a protester Thursday in Dublin during a ceremony to remember British soldiers killed in the 1916 Easter Rising, which also claimed the lives of some 450 Irish republicans. They say the excesses add up to $100 million. A Canadian government spokesman says Vickers stopped a protester who ran up to the podium. ___ Federal auditors have found about contractors either overcharged the government or made excessive profits. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

classroom assessment: Students will be assessed on core math and writing skills during their graduation program years, according to CBC. More classroom assessment: instead of provincial exams, courses like science, social studies and language arts will be assessed in the classroom. The changes, which are due to take effect next year and this year during summer school, include: Fewer provincial exams: instead of five exams, there will be two. New course requirement for graduation: a course on career education will be required at the start of the 2017-18 school year. Education Minister Mike Bernier says Grade 10 math and Grades 10 to 12 literacy concepts will be the only subjects to be formally tested starting in the next school year. Potential changes to report cards: parents will be consulted on the content and format of report cards during June to October, with potential changes coming afterwards. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: Belly said he cancelled because he didn't want to share a stage with Trump and disagrees with the presumptive Republican presidential nominee views and beliefs. "I feel like the way I was raised was to be able to see through all the titles in this world -- from religion to race," Belly said in a statement. "I just didn't want to feel like I was a part of a celebration for somebody who has beliefs that majority of us don't agree with." Trump has been criticized by some political rivals and voters for his comments on topics including women, refugees, immigrants and Muslims, such as when he said some Mexican immigrants in the U.S. illegally are "rapists" and when he called for a ban on Muslim immigration into the United States, according to CTV. A Trump spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment on The Weeknd and Belly. The Oscar-nominated musicians were slated to record their performance Wednesday in Los Angeles for the late-night ABC show. The Jimmy Kimmel show had no comment, a representative said. The Weeknd won two Grammy Awards earlier this year, including best urban contemporary album for "Beauty Behind the Madness." Belly has co-written many of The Weeknd hits, including "Earned It," "The Hills," "Into the Night" and "Often." The Weeknd appears on Belly song "Might Not," which they were set to perform on Kimmel show. Representatives for The Weeknd didn't immediately respond to emails seeking comment. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Hindu funeral rites: She would have liked to embrace him, hold him close and tell him that she was proud of the life he had built for himself in Canada, and how he had supported his family back in India, according to Toronto Star. Instead, when the two were finally reunited on April 30 in his hometown of Mangalore, she rubbed his body with saffron, one of the first steps in Hindu funeral rites. By Robin Levinson King Staff Reporter Thu., May 26, 2016 It had been five years since Kumuda Shetty had last seen her son Sudesh. On April 14, Toronto police found Sudesh dead of an apparent drug overdose, according to his family. The last time Kumuda spoke to her son, on April 10, she says he seemed happy. Although little else is known about the details surrounding his death, police say the death is not suspicious. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

dead parrot: Elbowgate is over, almost forgotten, according to Rabble. It is, to quote Monty Python, a dead parrot. Chip in to keep stories like these coming. Dead and buried. How so Let step back a moment and consider the previous government, that of Stephen Harper. So why keep writing about it Well, one reason is that it reveals much about many Canadians' attitude toward Parliament and our democratic system of government. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Nova Scotia government news: Theodore Tugboat television program was a CBC hit for much of the 90s, according to CBC. Aboard Theodore — a tugboat with eyes and a ballcap — visitors can learn about the history of the waterfront as a multicultural port. According to a Nova Scotia government news release, Theodore will "help welcome visitors, including new Nova Scotians, to the community and serve as a mascot for the new Welcome Aboard program for school groups." Welcome Aboard The Welcome Aboard program includes a guided orientation of Halifax for newcomers from the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia, a family pass for several Nova Scotia museums and an optional harbour tour. The program is meant to foster a welcoming relationship between newcomer families and the broader community. "We are becoming a more diverse city and we need to be as welcoming as possible," Halifax Mayor Mike Savage said. "It doesn't mean saying 'Nice to see you,' but actually 'How can we help you and help people get settled '" Capt. It had millions of viewers in dozens of countries. Matt Conlin called Theodore the "happiest person in the harbour." "I'd say he right up there with Peggys Cove as one of the things that people say, 'If you go to Halifax, you have to see it,'" he said. "He probably the backdrop of every photo on the waterfront." Big star Theodore Tugboat, which ran from 1993 until the early 2000s, was produced in Halifax and featured several miniature tugboats plying the water of Halifax Harbour. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Gerri Gerson: The province revised health and physical education curriculum started in September 2015, according to CBC. One school in particular, Thorncliffe Park Public School, which runs from grade 1 to 5, saw a drop of enrolment of about 90 students. Thorncliffe Park school offers 'sanitized version' of sex ed for Grade 1 students "We don't know exactly why the drop has occurred," Gerri Gerson, TDSB trustee for Ward 13, Don Valley West, told Metro Morning on Thursday. "Our projections are usually quite accurate and we do feel that there some factor having to do with the sexual health curriculum." She said the TDSB expects its projections to be off by about one per cent, or 1,700 students, every year, but there was a loss of 2,083 elementary students in the 2015-2016 school year. Thorncliffe Park Public School is offering parents the chance to choose whether or not they want their children to learn specific names of genatalia as a way of religiously accommodating them. Some students are learning about "private body parts" instead of proper names for genitalia. Following protests by hundreds of parents in September, Thorncliffe Park began to allow some Grade 1 students to attend alternative classes on sexual health in May. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Obama: Obama offered his assessment of the presidential campaign on the sidelines of a Group of Seven advanced economies summit in Japan, the latest world gathering to be colored by global concerns about Trump, according to Metro News. Obama said foreign leaders at the conference were unsure how seriously to take his pronouncements."They are rattled by it — and for good reason," Obama said. "Because a lot of the proposals he has made display either ignorance of world affairs, or a cavalier attitude, or an interest in getting tweets and headlines."Trump, campaigning in Bismarck, N.D., lashed back at Obama, saying "he a person who done a terrible job." Referring to foreign leaders, Trump said, "If they're rattled in a friendly way, that a good thing, not a bad thing."Questions about the unpredictable Trump have increasingly trailed Obama when he travels overseas, with world leaders incredulously sizing up a leading presidential candidate who speaks of banning Muslim immigration, starting trade wars and spreading nuclear weapons to Japan and South Korea. Weighing in on the Democratic race to replace him, Obama also downplayed concerns that the protracted fight between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders is hurting his party chances, brushing off their escalating attacks as the inevitable "grumpiness" of a primary campaign. Obama has said that Trump now comes up in every one of his foreign meetings, with the president offering reassurances that he doesn't believe Trump will be elected. In addition to opposing the sweeping Asia-Pacific free trade deal that Obama brokered, Trump has threatened to renegotiate Obama nuclear deal with Iran and the global climate pact reached in Paris. Though Obama has generally avoided opining on the presidential race as the Democratic primary as it continues to play out, he made no secret of his distaste for Trump, whose election would mark a sharp departure from Obama in both tone and substance. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

media diversity: But appetite for digital upstarts show journalism isn't dead, according to Tyee. CBC, Canadaland, Ricochet... media diversity needed now, more than ever Read more: Media image: Sign Up for the Tyee Newsletter Victor Ho is used to cleaning up messes made by Canada mainstream media. Building a media voice for immigrants in Canada Do Canada Struggling Media Need an Intervention Dark days for traditional newsmakers. The editor-in-chief of the Vancouver edition of Sing Tao Daily knows that whenever English-language media break a controversial story involving the Chinese community, cultural misunderstandings will likely undermine the report quality. English-language media outlets just don't understand Vancouver Chinese community, he said. Ho said he frequently has to run follow ups in his Chinese-language newspaper to clarify mainstream media reports on subjects of interest to the Chinese community. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Greg Porter: EST. NEW YORK, N.Y. - R&B singer The Weeknd and rapper Belly have cancelled their performance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" because Donald Trump was set to appear on the episode, according to Brandon Sun. The Oscar-nominated musicians were slated to record their performance Wednesday in Los Angeles for the late-night ABC show. Trump made an appearance as a guest, along with musical guest Greg Porter on the late night show, which airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. Belly said he cancelled because he didn't want to share a stage with Trump and disagrees with the presumptive Republican presidential nominee views and beliefs."I feel like the way I was raised was to be able to see through all the titles in this world — from religion to race," Belly said in a statement. "I just didn't want to feel like I was a part of a celebration for somebody who has beliefs that majority of us don't agree with."Trump has been criticized by some political rivals and voters for his comments on topics including women, refugees, immigrants and Muslims, such as when he said some Mexican immigrants in the U.S. illegally are "rapists" and when he called for a ban on Muslim immigration into the United States.A Trump spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment on The Weeknd and Belly. Representatives for The Weeknd didn't immediately respond to emails seeking comment. The Jimmy Kimmel show had no comment, a representative said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

annual summit: Meeting at a seaside resort with expansive views of a scenic bay and emerald-green islands, G-7 leaders wrapped up their annual summit Friday in central Japan claiming a "special responsibility" for leading international efforts to cope with those challenges, according to Brandon Sun. They also committed to a co-operative approach in beefing up policies to stimulate and sustain growth of their sluggish economies."Weak demand and unaddressed structural problems are the key factors weighing on actual and potential growth," they said in a declaration. "We have strengthened the resilience of our economies in order to avoid falling into another crisis and to this end commit to reinforce our efforts to address the current economic by taking all appropriate policy responses in a timely manner.""We remain committed to ensuring that growth is inclusive and job-rich, benefiting all segments of our societies," it said. SHIMA, Japan - The leaders of the Group of Seven rich economies pledged Friday to "collectively tackle" major risks to global growth, including direct political threats to the international order from terrorist attacks, violent extremism and refugee flows. The wording of the leaders' declaration glosses over differences on the issue of fiscal stimulus by saying each will take into account "country-specific circumstances" in committing to stronger policies to support their economies. In a nod to such concerns, the communique includes a reference to the need to ensure debt is "on a sustainable path."While Japan is moving toward more public spending, and the likely postponement of a sales tax increase next year, to revive faltering growth, its own gross public debt is more than twice the size of its economy. Germany, in particular, has balked at committing to expansionary fiscal policy. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: And on lifting the world feeble economic growth, the G7 essentially pledged to continue with their own individual strategies, according to Brandon Sun. Heading into the summit, Trudeau had urged some of his more fiscally prudent counterparts to invest more government cash to generate growth. However, the ransom promise closely resembled a G7 pledge from three years ago, something experts say member countries didn't live up to. Still, while speaking to reporters in Shima, Japan, the prime minister said he felt the group moved forward significantly on a number of files during his first G7 summit. Each country will map out its own path, Trudeau noted."Understanding that we do need to create a broad suite of measures to offset the challenges faced by low global growth is something that we are very much in agreement on," Trudeau said."The concerted approach is to use the levers available to each of our economies in as fulsome a way as possible to create growth."The leaders vowed to use a more-balanced response to lift growth and agreed that monetary policy — such as benchmark interest rates — cannot alone create stronger, sustainable growth. On the economy, he said there was a broad understanding that monetary and fiscal policy, as well as structural reforms, are all important for enhancing global growth. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: Christians have a clear duty and calling to help those in need of shelter, food and safety from violence, according to Guelph Mercury. Muslims have the right and privilege to come to this country and practise their religion freely and openly. I believe Canadians have done well in their warm welcome of thousands of Syrian refugees. But Christians who follow news events around the world must not ignore the clear evidence of carnage and violence being carried out by radical Islamists in various parts of the world. I can only allude here to the virtual destruction of the Yazidi people of Iraq and the murder, rape, enslavement and killing of thousands of Christians in the Middle East and in many parts of Africa by groups such as ISIS, Boko Haram and others. Brussels, Paris, San Bernardino, Boston, and the collapsing towers of the former World Trade Center are burned into our collective consciousness. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: Both couples are represented by Jean-François Harvey, a Canadian immigration lawyer based out of Hong Kong, according to Globe and Mail. Mr. A source provided the names of the four individuals to The Globe and Mail under strict confidentiality. Harvey said that beyond the March letters, he has not received any other details supporting the Canadian government allegations against his clients. He said there is only one common denominator between them – Huawei. He said he finds the timing of the letters suspicious, given the fact that the couples' applications are unrelated. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

pyjamas: Lawrence River, according to CBC. It went down in just 15 minutes, killing 1,012 of the 1,477 passengers and crew on board. The ocean liner sank 102 years ago this Sunday, after colliding with another ship in the St. Passenger pyjamas To mark the anniversary, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 has unveiled a new donation to the exhibit — a pair of men pyjamas worn by passenger John Langley, who escaped the sinking ship by squeezing himself through a tiny porthole. "We think he never wore them much after the sinking," Conlin said Wednesday, standing beside a glass case displaying the white and blue pyjamas. "He kept them as a memory of his close call." These pyjamas belonged to John Langer, an Irish immigrant and survivor of the Empress of Ireland disaster. Immigrant snapshot "That why Empress of Ireland is so important to us in terms of immigration history. Conlin said Langley was an Irish immigrant who had come to Canada just the year before on the Empress of Ireland, set up a ranch in British Columbia and was going back to Ireland to settle some family business. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

average temperatures: For the month of March 2016, average temperatures over much of central Canada exceeded the 20th-century average by more than 4 degrees Celsius, according to Rabble. Canada was hardly unique in this regard: globally, March 2016 was the hottest March ever. Chip in to keep stories like these coming. Furthermore, it continued a string of 11 months in a row that set all-time temperature records. Alberta and Saskatchewan are as dry as a tinderbox, and the forest fire that has consumed portions of Fort McMurray appears to be unstoppable. This is climate change, no matter what definition you prefer. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Stephen Harper: Trudeau theme: government investment is better than belt-tightening, according to Metro News. This approach will sound different to G7 leaders than the message they likely heard from Trudeau predecessor, Stephen Harper. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will promote Canada growth-boosting plan to his Group of Seven counterparts this week in Japan. The ex-Conservative leader, who lost power to Trudeau Liberals last fall, regularly called upon the global community to apply budgetary restraint. Most of the leaders have supported the use of fiscal tools to foster growth, but countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom are likely to stick to their cost-cutting approaches. Trudeau approach is expected to be well-received by most of his G7 peers at the two-day summit, which begins Thursday in Japan Ise-Shima region. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

bilateral meetings: Trudeau will be holding bilateral meetings with both Merkel and French President Francois Hollande during the summit.___ Stephen Harper is going to step down as a member of Parliament and launch his next career as an advocate for international causes that dominated his foreign policy when he was prime minister, according to Metro News. Plans are slowly coalescing for a foundation or institute that would focus on advocacy for Israel and Ukraine as well as maternal, newborn and child health. Some G7 countries agree with that view, but not German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Harper may give some hints as to his future plans when he addresses the Conservative convention in Vancouver on Thursday night.___ The chief of the defence staff says Canadians need to accept that the days of decisive military victories are long gone. Jonathan Vance told a major defence industry conference in Ottawa that conflict prevention is going to be a key job for the Canadian military in an increasingly uncertain world. Gen. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Paris: His daughter Merna said her father had flown to France to surprise his youngest sister, who lived in Australia and who was meeting other family members in Paris, according to Huffington Post Canada. He was en route to Cairo to visit his in-laws at the time of the crash, she added. Medhat Tanious of Toronto was one of two Canadians to die when Flight 804 plunged into the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday en route from Paris to Cairo. Merna Tanious said she, her mother Gehan Erian and sisters Marina and Mariem are seeking solace for his death by remembering his impact on others. He married Erian in 1988 and the couple began raising their three girls there before deciding to immigrate to Canada in 2004. "He brought us here to try and give us the best life possible, and that what he did every single day,'' Merna Tanious said. Medhat Tanious and his wife decided to immigrate to Canada with their three daughters in 2004. "He had a heart of a child,'' Merna Tanious said in a telephone interview from Toronto. "He loved unconditionally, and he had an unbelievable ability to forgive all people that did him wrong.'' Medhat lived much of his life in Egypt, his daughter said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Beautiful Trouble: Idling No More Changing the course of Canada, and the planet -- before it too late, according to Tyee. Beautiful Trouble: Make a Mini Utopia Imagine bluer skies with 'prefigurative intervention.' Fourth in a series. First in a series on creative activism. Read more: Rights + Justice, Politics, Media image: Sign Up for the Tyee Newsletter Editor note: This is one of three excerpts The Tyee is publishing from 'I'm Right and You're An Idiot: The Toxic State of Public Discourse and How to Clean It Up' by James Hoggan, published by New Society Publishers. When we look at the miserable state of public discourse today and how we are polluting the public square, it plain to see that many people believe the problem derives from evil on "the other side." But this kind of pollution comes from all around the square -- including our side -- and as long as we think somebody else is the source of it, we're unlikely to ever see our way through it. A public relations expert who co-founded DeSmog Blog, Hoggan will speak at the Vancouver book launch May 25; details here. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.