DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION shouts the sign as you approach the intersection of Plaunt Street and Monroe Avenue in Renfrew.  It makes you ask yourself “Now why in the hell would I want to do that?”

It’s the other sign, the one above that one that I really comply with. The stop sign that governs traffic travelling along Plaunt trumps all else. And I, historically a conscientious motorist, perform a complete stop, every time.

You’d be crazy not to.

Honestly, what says Canada better than a snowplow filling in the end of your driveway moments after you’ve finished clearing it of the latest 25 cm dump?

I can’t possibly imagine what it’s like to be a municipal or township snowplow driver.  As an occupation, is there any accumulated burnout that comes from years of being loathed by driveway owners?  They say that being a dentist is rough because, well, who honestly likes going to the dentist?  It’s like that for the snowplow people, I’m sure.

I feel bad for Saab.  I really do.

The Swedish company just happens to make one of the best fighter aircraft in the world.  But try as they might, and they do try mightily, they can’t seem to get anyone to buy their planes.

Their planes are awesome.  Totally interoperable with NATO and compliant with NATO ammunition standards.  Same high battlefield networking standards.  A very complete multi-role fighter.

Some countries have bought a few Gripen NG, and a few others have reached licensing agreements to build the planes domestically.  But the big buys have all gone to the F-35, which can now out-compete its rivals just by the sheer economy of scale of its production.

Had Canada picked the Gripen, I’d have not cried.  I might have shaken my head, but I could live with it.

They once made some really cool cars too, but you don’t see them around much anymore.

Check out Vladimir Putin’s summer home on the Black Sea coast. As you can see, it’s quite the shack. You wouldn’t want to get all caught up in a game of hide and go-seek in this place or they may never find you. But then again, it’s Russia, and people disappear all the time.

Is there any reason why Ontario voters shouldn’t take new NDP leader Marit Styles seriously?

Bravo to Rexall Pharmacy, on Raglan Street, for their incorporation of Renfrew history into their new “look” unveiled several months ago.

That it was a surveillance rig, I have no doubt. And the data it was collecting is already gone, also no doubt.

Big question: Why would China do this?

Okay, my constant shitting on the Russians may be coming across as racism, and for that I apologize.

That was then and this is now.

For me, I’m glad they broke that promise. I think the F-35 was really the only way they could go, given previous investment, economy of scale, and industrial benefits. Not to mention it’s a top-shelf warplane with multiple role capabilities that’s inter-operable with those of our allies.

A worker standing in a Moscow liquor line says: “I’ve had enough, save my place, I’m going to shoot Putin.”

Two hours later he returns to claim his place in line. His friends ask, “Did you get him?”

“No, the line there was even longer than this one.”