Ben Atkinson, PhD
@benatkinsonphd.bsky.social
PhD Economics with 25+ years experience in public, private, and academic sectors. Expertise in International Economics and Industrial Organization, including transportation and retail gasoline pricing. Proud Calgarian and life-long lover of rock n' roll.
Chappell Roan and Wednesday leave Wasserman Music over CEO’s Epstein files connection faroutmagazine.co.uk/chappell-roa...
Chappell Roan leads boycott of Wasserman Music over Epstein ties
Chappell Roan and Wednesday have both quit Wasserman Music over the CEO and founder, Casey Wasserman, being named in the Jeffrey Epstein files.
faroutmagazine.co.uk
February 10, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Chappell Roan and Wednesday leave Wasserman Music over CEO’s Epstein files connection faroutmagazine.co.uk/chappell-roa...
"She’d be talking about a song with a really good guitar solo and demand we change it, make it heavier." The trailblazing metal singer who saved an influential band's career and inspired a generation of women in the process www.loudersound.com/music/albums...
"She’d be talking about a song with a really good guitar solo and demand we change it, make it heavier." The trailblazing metal singer who saved an influential band's career and inspired a generation ...
Arch Enemy were making waves in the metal underground, but they needed someone special to take them forwards
www.loudersound.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:41 PM
"She’d be talking about a song with a really good guitar solo and demand we change it, make it heavier." The trailblazing metal singer who saved an influential band's career and inspired a generation of women in the process www.loudersound.com/music/albums...
“When we purchase home insurance to protect ourselves from fire or flood, we do not then complain that our house never burned down or our basement is not under water.” wallsandbridges.substack.com/p/alberta-te...
Alberta Tends to Pay More into Confederation Than It Gets in Return. That Is a *Good* Thing.
We should not complain about being prosperous. We should also view our situation as paying into an insurance plan to protect ourselves from future tragedies.
wallsandbridges.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:55 PM
“When we purchase home insurance to protect ourselves from fire or flood, we do not then complain that our house never burned down or our basement is not under water.” wallsandbridges.substack.com/p/alberta-te...
The reason Albertans pay more into the federation than we get back from it is because we are so prosperous! It’s a good thing! That is why whenever I hear Albertans (especially politicians) complain about it, I think of this line from Chandler Bing. www.youtube.com/shorts/iBcK5...
Chandler: MY WALLET'S TOO SMALL FOR MY FIFTIES, AND MY DIAMOND SHOES... #shorts
YouTube video by Noureddine Alahyane
www.youtube.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:03 PM
The reason Albertans pay more into the federation than we get back from it is because we are so prosperous! It’s a good thing! That is why whenever I hear Albertans (especially politicians) complain about it, I think of this line from Chandler Bing. www.youtube.com/shorts/iBcK5...
Don Braid: “The PM gets a net approval rating of plus seven. Tied at plus three are former premier Jason Kenney and Forever Canadian leader Thomas Lukaszuk.
“NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi stands at plus one.
“Smith is way down below at minus 17.” calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
“NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi stands at plus one.
“Smith is way down below at minus 17.” calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Braid: Poll shows exodus from separate Alberta would make Quebec flight look minor
Angus Reid poll shows Alberta separation such an unpopular choice that people will leave the province if it goes ahead.
calgaryherald.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:54 AM
Don Braid: “The PM gets a net approval rating of plus seven. Tied at plus three are former premier Jason Kenney and Forever Canadian leader Thomas Lukaszuk.
“NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi stands at plus one.
“Smith is way down below at minus 17.” calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
“NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi stands at plus one.
“Smith is way down below at minus 17.” calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
"...grow a spine, show some integrity, and tell everyone what you really think about the separatist movement... If you truly are federalist, then you just might achieve what you think is the most important goal: getting...Poilievre elected Prime Minister" wallsandbridges.substack.com/p/a-call-for...
A Call for All Conservative MPs (But Especially Those from Alberta) to Make Their Views Clear on Alberta's Separatist Movement
This is not a time to keep quiet and hope the problem goes away by itself
wallsandbridges.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:12 PM
"...grow a spine, show some integrity, and tell everyone what you really think about the separatist movement... If you truly are federalist, then you just might achieve what you think is the most important goal: getting...Poilievre elected Prime Minister" wallsandbridges.substack.com/p/a-call-for...
"Borland’s recent posts, made Friday (February 6, which was also his 51st birthday), saw him commenting on Trump again, along with those dumb fuckers ICE, and some words for the Democratic Party." www.metalsucks.net/2026/02/08/l...
Limp Bizkit's Wes Borland Likens Trump Supporters to Devil Worshippers
Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland has doubled down on his previous statements against Trump supporters, this time comparing them to devil worshippers.
www.metalsucks.net
February 9, 2026 at 1:29 PM
"Borland’s recent posts, made Friday (February 6, which was also his 51st birthday), saw him commenting on Trump again, along with those dumb fuckers ICE, and some words for the Democratic Party." www.metalsucks.net/2026/02/08/l...
"Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has shed light on the involvement of Donald Trump in the imminent acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery." faroutmagazine.co.uk/ted-sarandos...
Ted Sarandos confirms Donald Trump's role in Netflix deal
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has shared that Donald Trump won't be involved in any "improper" way in the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger.
faroutmagazine.co.uk
February 8, 2026 at 12:44 PM
"Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has shed light on the involvement of Donald Trump in the imminent acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery." faroutmagazine.co.uk/ted-sarandos...
In Response to Trump’s Tasteless Meme, We Put His Face on the Body of a Known Rapist and Pedophile thehardtimes.net/blog/in-resp...
In Response to Trump’s Tasteless Meme, We Put His Face on the Body of a Known Rapist and Pedophile
It’s a sad state of affairs that we’ve all just gotten used to childish, wildly inappropriate behavior from our own president. He shares AI slop, calls reporters pigs, says a million things a day that...
thehardtimes.net
February 8, 2026 at 11:41 AM
In Response to Trump’s Tasteless Meme, We Put His Face on the Body of a Known Rapist and Pedophile thehardtimes.net/blog/in-resp...
“...not defending businesses for [tax avoidance], but it is reality. This is why one of my favourite [taxes] is a carbon tax with rebate: it works precisely *because* it motivates the taxpayer to legally avoid paying it! That is the *point* of the tax.” wallsandbridges.substack.com/p/my-views-o...
My Views on the Leadership Candidates for the Federal NDP, Mostly from an Economic Perspective
Whether or not I would vote for any of them, I care about having the most qualified person for the job win it.
wallsandbridges.substack.com
February 7, 2026 at 9:35 PM
“...not defending businesses for [tax avoidance], but it is reality. This is why one of my favourite [taxes] is a carbon tax with rebate: it works precisely *because* it motivates the taxpayer to legally avoid paying it! That is the *point* of the tax.” wallsandbridges.substack.com/p/my-views-o...
Reposted by Ben Atkinson, PhD
▶️ Head scratching. ▶️PEI Premier. ▶️Tech brands.
The 🇨🇦#cdnpoli 📰Roundup for SAT FEB 7
open.substack.com/pub/davidaki...
The 🇨🇦#cdnpoli 📰Roundup for SAT FEB 7
open.substack.com/pub/davidaki...
David Akin's Roundup: Head scratching. PEI Premier. Tech brands.
SAT FEB 7
open.substack.com
February 7, 2026 at 2:09 PM
▶️ Head scratching. ▶️PEI Premier. ▶️Tech brands.
The 🇨🇦#cdnpoli 📰Roundup for SAT FEB 7
open.substack.com/pub/davidaki...
The 🇨🇦#cdnpoli 📰Roundup for SAT FEB 7
open.substack.com/pub/davidaki...
A picture speaks 1,000 words: "Alberta separatist leaders Dr. Dennis Modry (left) and Mitch Sylvestre (right) with Premier Danielle Smith (centre) at the UCP fundraising dinner in Bonnyville in May 2025 (source: Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul UCP / Facebook)" daveberta.substack.com/p/whos-going...
Who’s going to stand up for Canada in Alberta’s separation referendum?
The time to stand up for a Strong Alberta within a Strong Canada is now.
daveberta.substack.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:25 PM
A picture speaks 1,000 words: "Alberta separatist leaders Dr. Dennis Modry (left) and Mitch Sylvestre (right) with Premier Danielle Smith (centre) at the UCP fundraising dinner in Bonnyville in May 2025 (source: Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul UCP / Facebook)" daveberta.substack.com/p/whos-going...
"To celebrate Women’s History Month, the foundation (GARF for short) is dedicating the entire month of March to honoring female filmmakers, writers, actresses, producers, and creators. ... #WIHScreamLikeaGirl." www.fangoria.com/garf-scream-...
The George A. Romero Foundation Encourages You To SCREAM LIKE A GIRL This March
The George A. Romero Foundation is encouraging you to SCREAM LIKE A GIRL next month with their new campaign celebrating women in horror.
www.fangoria.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:33 PM
"To celebrate Women’s History Month, the foundation (GARF for short) is dedicating the entire month of March to honoring female filmmakers, writers, actresses, producers, and creators. ... #WIHScreamLikeaGirl." www.fangoria.com/garf-scream-...
Don Braid: “...many Albertans would be furious to see a government they elected as federalist suddenly turn separatist.
“But the mere fact that Rob Smith talked about it shows how the governing party itself is engaged in long-range thinking about separation.” calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
“But the mere fact that Rob Smith talked about it shows how the governing party itself is engaged in long-range thinking about separation.” calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Braid: Is the UCP still a pro-Canada party? They might take a vote on it
At the top level of the UCP they're pondering whether to hold a vote on the party turning separatist
calgaryherald.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:59 AM
Don Braid: “...many Albertans would be furious to see a government they elected as federalist suddenly turn separatist.
“But the mere fact that Rob Smith talked about it shows how the governing party itself is engaged in long-range thinking about separation.” calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
“But the mere fact that Rob Smith talked about it shows how the governing party itself is engaged in long-range thinking about separation.” calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Theo Moudakis: ICE In Canada www.thestar.com/opinion/edit...
Theo Moudakis: ICE In Canada
Click here to view this article from www.thestar.com.
www.thestar.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Theo Moudakis: ICE In Canada www.thestar.com/opinion/edit...
The latest episode of this show features my hometown of Acton, Ontario! gem.cbc.ca/still-standi...
Still Standing | Season 11 | CBC Gem
STILL STANDING follows Canadian comedian Jonny Harris as he sets off across the country, to discover the hidden comedy in Canada’s small towns.
gem.cbc.ca
February 7, 2026 at 2:02 AM
The latest episode of this show features my hometown of Acton, Ontario! gem.cbc.ca/still-standi...
My Views on the Leadership Candidates for the Federal NDP, Mostly from an Economic Perspective wallsandbridges.substack.com/p/my-views-o...
My Views on the Leadership Candidates for the Federal NDP, Mostly from an Economic Perspective
Whether or not I would vote for any of them, I care about having the most qualified person get the job win it.
wallsandbridges.substack.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:40 PM
My Views on the Leadership Candidates for the Federal NDP, Mostly from an Economic Perspective wallsandbridges.substack.com/p/my-views-o...
"You will go on any show and talk shit about any number of things and smugly expect us to listen to you, but you will dig into a real artist that dwarfs anything you dream of doing for actually saying something that resonates with 100’s of millions of people...” faroutmagazine.co.uk/mark-ruffalo...
Mark Ruffalo tells Kevin O'Leary to 'STFU' for criticising Billie Eilish
Mark Ruffalo has come to the defence of Billie Eilish by slamming actor Kevin O'Leary, who has spoken out against Eilish's anti-ICE Grammy acceptance speech.
faroutmagazine.co.uk
February 6, 2026 at 1:20 PM
"You will go on any show and talk shit about any number of things and smugly expect us to listen to you, but you will dig into a real artist that dwarfs anything you dream of doing for actually saying something that resonates with 100’s of millions of people...” faroutmagazine.co.uk/mark-ruffalo...
Doug Ford: “I don’t direct companies to go sell military vehicles down south or around the world.”
So Ford does not interfere with the decisions of private companies, which leaves me with one question: “What about Crown Royal?” www.nationalobserver.com/2026/02/05/n...
So Ford does not interfere with the decisions of private companies, which leaves me with one question: “What about Crown Royal?” www.nationalobserver.com/2026/02/05/n...
ICE confirms armoured vehicle contract with Ontario company as Ford seeks distance
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed it will buy armoured vehicles made by a Brampton-based defence manufacturer to support its enforcement operations, as pressure mounts on Prem...
www.nationalobserver.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Doug Ford: “I don’t direct companies to go sell military vehicles down south or around the world.”
So Ford does not interfere with the decisions of private companies, which leaves me with one question: “What about Crown Royal?” www.nationalobserver.com/2026/02/05/n...
So Ford does not interfere with the decisions of private companies, which leaves me with one question: “What about Crown Royal?” www.nationalobserver.com/2026/02/05/n...
"Opinion: We Need To Go Back to the Good Ol’ Days When the Government Did Nothing and the Economy Grew Due to Factors Outside My Understanding" thehardtimes.net/blog/opinion...
Opinion: We Need To Go Back to the Good Ol’ Days When the Government Did Nothing and the Economy Grew Due to Factors Outside My Understanding
You know what I miss, fellow freethinkers? Having money and being able to get more, no matter where I went. Back before... Read more nonsense
thehardtimes.net
February 6, 2026 at 11:39 AM
"Opinion: We Need To Go Back to the Good Ol’ Days When the Government Did Nothing and the Economy Grew Due to Factors Outside My Understanding" thehardtimes.net/blog/opinion...
Reposted by Ben Atkinson, PhD
Please support me
February 5, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Please support me
If you are familiar with the 80s PEI band Haywire, this is not the same band! :-)
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"Among the highlights of the split project include the most recently released Dropkick Murphys’ ‘Citizen I.C.E.’ - a reimagined version of the 2005 classic ‘Citizen C.I.A.’" knotfest.com/blogs/news/d...
_____________
"Among the highlights of the split project include the most recently released Dropkick Murphys’ ‘Citizen I.C.E.’ - a reimagined version of the 2005 classic ‘Citizen C.I.A.’" knotfest.com/blogs/news/d...
Dropkick Murphys Repurpose A Classic with Haywire on "Citizen I.C.E."
Last month, Massachusetts lineage joined forces as Dropkick Murphys teamed with surging hardcore hitters Haywire to announce their split EP, New England Forever. Going from tourmates to comrades, the...
knotfest.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:57 PM
If you are familiar with the 80s PEI band Haywire, this is not the same band! :-)
_____________
"Among the highlights of the split project include the most recently released Dropkick Murphys’ ‘Citizen I.C.E.’ - a reimagined version of the 2005 classic ‘Citizen C.I.A.’" knotfest.com/blogs/news/d...
_____________
"Among the highlights of the split project include the most recently released Dropkick Murphys’ ‘Citizen I.C.E.’ - a reimagined version of the 2005 classic ‘Citizen C.I.A.’" knotfest.com/blogs/news/d...
This is satire, but it would not totally surprise me if true. thehardtimes.net/music/ticket...
Ticketmaster Adds Extra Charge if Artists Play Their Hits
Ticketmaster announced a new policy where they will charge customers an extra tax if their favorite acts play any of their hits at concerts.
thehardtimes.net
February 5, 2026 at 2:05 PM
This is satire, but it would not totally surprise me if true. thehardtimes.net/music/ticket...
Reposted by Ben Atkinson, PhD
Rising separatist sentiment could come with real risks to jobs and income. I estimate nearly 2 million jobs depend on interprovincial trade with Alberta and Quebec.
My latest for @TheHubCanada here: thehub.ca/2026/02/04/... #cdnecon #cdnpoli
My latest for @TheHubCanada here: thehub.ca/2026/02/04/... #cdnecon #cdnpoli
February 4, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Rising separatist sentiment could come with real risks to jobs and income. I estimate nearly 2 million jobs depend on interprovincial trade with Alberta and Quebec.
My latest for @TheHubCanada here: thehub.ca/2026/02/04/... #cdnecon #cdnpoli
My latest for @TheHubCanada here: thehub.ca/2026/02/04/... #cdnecon #cdnpoli
"...Jason Kenney on annexation threats, the unraveling of U.S.-Canada relations, and how Trump is forcing allies to rethink democracy, defense, and immigration. Plus: the Trump family’s astonishing UAE crypto deal and Sara Jeannette Duncan’s The Imperialist." www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/202...
Trump vs. Canada
Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney on annexation threats, the unraveling of U.S.-Canada relations, and how Trump is forcing allies to rethink democracy, defense, and immigration. Plus: the Trump fami...
www.theatlantic.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:56 PM
"...Jason Kenney on annexation threats, the unraveling of U.S.-Canada relations, and how Trump is forcing allies to rethink democracy, defense, and immigration. Plus: the Trump family’s astonishing UAE crypto deal and Sara Jeannette Duncan’s The Imperialist." www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/202...