Lack of post-secondary polling stations could weaken student vote

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Whoever gave the final order to leave dozens of contracted working service dogs behind in cages at Kabul airport cannot possibly have a soul.

This vile human, some useless military brass or an incompetent in the Biden administration, cannot be allowed to hide behind anonymity after pronouncing a certain agonizing death sentence on these dogs.

Expose and mercilessly, relentlessly shame this black heart. Fervently pray that whoever it is, and all who nodded in agreement, will come to be haunted for the rest of their wretched lives by what they did every time they see a dog on the street, TV, anywhere.

These beautiful, faithful creatures alerted soldiers to explosives and IEDs (improvised explosive devices) buried in the ground, saving countless lives.

They were companions that offered a sense of normalcy and affection to lonely, traumatized soldiers far away from home and family, trying to survive the ever-present physical danger and mental torment of the hellhole they were sent to.

The dogs obediently endured the heat, the dust, the deafening blasts of gunfire and explosions.

A pat on the head, a “good boy,” and a chest to rest their weary heads on was enough of a reward.

And they were simply left behind.

It’s hard to even think of the anguish the soldiers, already forced to follow orders of a depraved fool who calls himself president, felt when their planes took off without their dogs, knowing what would happen to them.

As if being ordered to succumb to the orders of Taliban barbarians, leaving behind Americans, Afghans who helped them, $83 Billion in U.S. military equipment, and their blood and sweat and tears in the dirt wasn’t enough.

If they’re lucky, the dogs will perish from starvation and thirst in the brutal heat.

More likely, expect to soon see videos of the jubilant Taliban beating and methodically torturing the dogs, simply left as helpless prey trapped in the cages and at their mercy.

The Taliban will take immense, depraved joy in both the acts of torture, and tormenting U.S. soldiers and Americans by showing them the suffering of the dogs and the depth of their brutality which makes them feel manly – much like beating, executing people, and raping children does.

The Taliban thinks dogs are filth and puts generous bounties on dogs. They’ve always viewed the capture of service dogs used by foreign troops as a great coup and an opportunity to unleash demonic rage.

The American Humane Society pleaded for the dogs to be loaded on available cargo space.

“These brave dogs do the same dangerous, lifesaving work as our military working dogs, and deserve a far better fate than the one to which they have been condemned,” said Robin Ganzert, Humane Society CEO.

“It sickens us to sit idly by and watch these brave dogs who valiantly served our country be put to death or worse.”

Anybody remember Brin? He was a stray, a brown mongrel who attached himself to British troops and learned to protect them from IEDs. The Royal Gurkha Rifles adopted him.

The Taliban captured him in 2010 and bragged about beating him almost to death, breaking his nose and ribs.

He wasn’t the only dog they captured and tortured. But he was one of the few saved when the Afghan National Army conducted a raid to successfully rescue him after he was held captive for a couple of months.

Chances of mounting a rescue operation to rescue the dogs left behind in Kabul are non-existent.

President Joe Biden refused to carry on rescue efforts and left countless American behind. So why would that wretched man care about a few dozen dogs?

Canadians were left behind too as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prances along the campaign trail.

When those videos of American dogs at the hands of the Taliban surface – and they will – to sicken and haunt us, do you think the disgraceful Women and Gender Equality Minister Maryam Monsef will still affectionately refer to the Taliban as “our brothers?”

Who knows? The deaths of 158 Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan at the hands of the Taliban didn’t appear to move her.

There’s no helping the dogs now. The Taliban took control of the airport when the last military flight left Monday.

The only thing left to do is pray these precious dogs die quickly.

Slobodian is the Senior Manitoba Columnist for the Western Standard

lslobodian@westernstandardonline.com

Interview: Andrea Mueller crafts jewellery to help carry people’s memories – Apartment613

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Andrea Mueller makes small, important jewelry. From her workbench, she creates engagement rings, redesigns heirloom gems, and fabricates earrings that brighten and bring meaning to their wearer’s daily lives. Mueller’s clients have given her a unique perspective into Ottawa’s changing relationship with gold and silver: she is frequently called upon to remake old or inherited pieces into new works. Whether original or reworked, all of Mueller’s jewelry has a smooth, tactile satisfaction: the rings may glint and gleam, but they are also comfortable and reassuring against the body.

Mueller was trained in metal craft, but she sometimes finds herself in the role of interpreter of person-object relationships: she helps clients create new narratives about small objects. These objects might have complex histories. Mueller makes fresh, meaningful, delightful objects that their owners love to wear and display.

Apt613: The past 12 months have been exhausting for everyone. What has it been like in your studio?

Andrea Mueller: The daily ritual of creating something helped me get through the year. Even though I had no idea what the future would hold, I felt a sense of purpose by keeping my hands busy. There are other artists in my building and as a small group, we managed to continue to work safely and also support one another through the dark days. I consider myself lucky because I have a private workspace, so once my kids were settled into their new routines, I was able to work with relatively few distractions.

Last spring, many people had to defer weddings and special events. Does jewelry play a different role in a private ceremony than a public one?

I had several clients who postponed their wedding more than once. Eventually, many decided to go ahead with a very small ceremony. When the time is right, they will host a big party. The wedding ring itself carries the same meaning of commitment even when additional loved ones cannot be at the ceremony.

Some small businesses have faced particular hardships as a result of public health restrictions. Has the growth of online shopping affected your business?

People have been very supportive of small and local businesses. The ease and safety of online shopping and buying local were a perfect combination for people during the pandemic. Instagram is such an easy way to look for inspiration, but I find searching on an artist’s webpage that you like helps to narrow the choices.

A significant share of your business consists of remaking old pieces of jewelry. Has that increased in the past 12 months? Have some people used their time at home to rethink the meaning of their jewelry collections?

I would say that there has been an increase in people wanting to redesign heirloom pieces. I think the pandemic forced people to think more deeply about their priorities. And yes, people have had more time to comb through old boxes and head down memory lane. A client told me with a sense of urgency, “I have been thinking about doing this for so long, and now I’m [really] doing it.” We’ve all been reflecting on the past. Recreating a piece of jewelry is a meaningful way to carry the memories of the past into the future.

Jewelry doesn’t have to be for a wedding or partnership ceremony. What other kinds of occasions or life-cycle events do you design pieces for?

We have all had more time to think about ways to create special events to spice up our days. It’s been an honour to help people mark milestones and celebrate the good stuff. I recently made a birthday pendant for a grandmother honouring her nine grandchildren. That’s something to celebrate. Also, people have been wanting to treat themselves and others to gifts to get through the hard times. Jewelry is for so many occasions.

You have now been working in the Rectory Art Building for quite a long time, and you are currently the only jeweler. What is it like to work surrounded by painters and photographers?

I have been at the Rectory for 10 years. There have been a core group of artists that have been together since its inception almost 11 years ago. I’m truly grateful to work with other inspiring and creative people across many media. Ultimately, it’s the shared commitment to a creative life that connects us. We talk about art, life and everything in between. Elizabeth Raymer Griffin, who has a studio upstairs from mine, took the photographs for this article.

While many of us are still lounging around in sweatpants, some people are decorating themselves for appearances on social media. Have you found that the demand for jewelry has changed?

Clearly we don’t have the same need right now for dressing up, but wearing jewelry and other accessories that make you feel good is so important. We need it more than ever!

Andrea Mueller’s work can be seen on her website. Her jewelry can be purchased at her studio, at the OAG shop and Wall Space Gallery on Richmond Road. Farther afield, her work is available at General Fine Craft in Almonte and Cornerstone Canadian Art and Craft in Kingston. Mueller’s studio and most stores are offering curbside and online service; check websites for hours and details.

Peoples Jewellers owner bought for US$1.4B in deal that could bring Kay Jewellers to Canada

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Peoples Jewellers owner bought for US$1.4B in deal that could bring Kay Jewellers to Canada Two of the U.S.' biggest diamond sellers — including the owner of Canada’s Peoples Jewellers and Mappins — have agreed to a multi-million dollar marriage of convenience

Article content Two of the U.S.’ biggest diamond sellers — including the owner of Canada’s Peoples Jewellers and Mappins — have agreed to a multi-million dollar marriage of convenience.