On the road today I saw on the side of a semi trailer truck one of those signs that stop you in your tracks. I made a double take when I saw what looked like Insult Tech emblazoned on the side of the truck. Here at last I thought I had caught sight of a Luddite. But it was only the installation truck for an insulation company. Here at last was physical proof of the Ottawa handshake--something that happens when some cuts you off on the road and then flips you the bird, or insults you and then tells you to have a nice day. Ah, but after all it takes all kinds.

Give us this Day is the online creative journal of Kurtis Kitagawa, PhD (Edinburgh), MPhil (Oxford), MA (Chicago), BA First Class Honours (Calgary), who, withal, considers himself a student of history. Check daily for freshly composed essays and offbeat creative writing inspired by a life spent in universities, government, and business. Job offers gratefully accepted. Alternative facts welcome, and will not be burned. Nor will their ashes be used as eye shadow!