Julie Penner
@julespenner.bsky.social
Musician, mother, arts worker. I play violin with Do Make Say Think, Broken Social Scene, JP Hoe, etc. Made radio/podcasts with The Vinyl Cafe and William Prince. I tend to post about Winnipeg, biking, urbanism, and politics.
https://linktr.ee/JuliePenner
https://linktr.ee/JuliePenner
Pinned
Julie Penner
@julespenner.bsky.social
· Nov 15
This is a great story - young folk finding joy in writing, performing and sharing music, bucking against the screentime. And Winnipeg’s We’re Only Here For The Snacks is featured! @julespenner.bsky.social
Globe and Mail gift article
Globe and Mail gift article
A garage band revival? Maybe the kids are all right
Tired of their smartphones, looking for connection and spurred on by Gen X parents, youngsters across the country are getting the band back together
www.theglobeandmail.com
My son’s band “We’re Only Here For The Snacks” is on the front of the Globe and Mail Arts Section! Thrilling.
Their album “Missed Our Stop” is out Nov. 21 and release party is at the WECC on Nov. 23.
Their album “Missed Our Stop” is out Nov. 21 and release party is at the WECC on Nov. 23.
Reposted by Julie Penner
Mayor Mamdani on daylighting and other street safety measures:
January 4, 2026 at 12:04 AM
Mayor Mamdani on daylighting and other street safety measures:
Reposted by Julie Penner
A tale of two neighbours.
January 3, 2026 at 11:39 PM
A tale of two neighbours.
Reposted by Julie Penner
Trump’s administration has decided the rules no longer apply - U.S. or international law.
Justice does not come from force. It comes from accountability under international law.
Maduro’s repression does not justify these actions and Canada must not tolerate any violations of international law.
Justice does not come from force. It comes from accountability under international law.
Maduro’s repression does not justify these actions and Canada must not tolerate any violations of international law.
January 3, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Trump’s administration has decided the rules no longer apply - U.S. or international law.
Justice does not come from force. It comes from accountability under international law.
Maduro’s repression does not justify these actions and Canada must not tolerate any violations of international law.
Justice does not come from force. It comes from accountability under international law.
Maduro’s repression does not justify these actions and Canada must not tolerate any violations of international law.
Wow. So many people failed this young girl - I don’t even know where to begin.
On the surface, David Wray was the perfect teacher.
Alone, afraid and betrayed
Family shattered as teacher’s obsession with young girl went unnoticed, unpunished
www.winnipegfreepress.com
January 2, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Wow. So many people failed this young girl - I don’t even know where to begin.
Reposted by Julie Penner
And part of it has to do with simply declaring Hitler to be ultimate "evil" to cast fascism as something foreign and strange, without truly explaining it as an ideology, so that when homegrown American fascism takes root, people can then read Hitler and find themselves agreeing with it.
January 2, 2026 at 2:22 PM
And part of it has to do with simply declaring Hitler to be ultimate "evil" to cast fascism as something foreign and strange, without truly explaining it as an ideology, so that when homegrown American fascism takes root, people can then read Hitler and find themselves agreeing with it.
(I know this is just the beginning, but)
It’s bizarre to me that we can’t watch Mamdani speak and imagine him as a future Presidential candidate. How many countries require Presidents to have been born there? Seems so limiting.
It’s bizarre to me that we can’t watch Mamdani speak and imagine him as a future Presidential candidate. How many countries require Presidents to have been born there? Seems so limiting.
they’re going to want to kill him for this but he’s so right, individualism as an ideology needs to end
January 2, 2026 at 3:12 AM
(I know this is just the beginning, but)
It’s bizarre to me that we can’t watch Mamdani speak and imagine him as a future Presidential candidate. How many countries require Presidents to have been born there? Seems so limiting.
It’s bizarre to me that we can’t watch Mamdani speak and imagine him as a future Presidential candidate. How many countries require Presidents to have been born there? Seems so limiting.
Reposted by Julie Penner
this is the most incredible interview i’ve ever read. the aei guy tries so hard to get sliwa to trash mamdani and he simply won’t. he also brings up flaco (rip) unprompted.
www.wsj.com/opinion/free...
www.wsj.com/opinion/free...
![How would you describe Mamdani's politics?
He's not a communist. People call him that. That's ridiculous. He is a democratic socialist. David Dinkins [New York mayor from 1990-93] was a democratic socialist. We've had a long history in New York City of socialism.
What's the biggest challenge Mamdani faces as mayor!
I don't think the Zohranistas totally understand the fiscal irresponsibility we just went through with the Adams years and how little money there's left.
There's not enough money to do all the things that Zohran wants to do.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ssxnmhdtz6le6nxu7jfhglz6/bafkreic7pxra6vmrjmqo4jmw4vdagiluj6xtkovqb3f4ex7fc55m7pzaxu@jpeg)
January 1, 2026 at 11:16 PM
this is the most incredible interview i’ve ever read. the aei guy tries so hard to get sliwa to trash mamdani and he simply won’t. he also brings up flaco (rip) unprompted.
www.wsj.com/opinion/free...
www.wsj.com/opinion/free...
Excellent piece by @mollycrabapple.bsky.social. Mamdani’s inauguration is such a hopeful start to the new year.
They tried to smear him as an antisemite – but Mayor Zohran Mamdani walks in a rich Jewish tradition | Molly Crabapple
They tried to smear him as an antisemite – but Mayor Zohran Mamdani walks in a rich Jewish tradition | Molly Crabapple
When I look at Mamdani, I don’t see some radical departure. I see him an heir to the Yiddish socialism that helped build New York
www.theguardian.com
January 1, 2026 at 10:06 PM
Excellent piece by @mollycrabapple.bsky.social. Mamdani’s inauguration is such a hopeful start to the new year.
Reposted by Julie Penner
Toronto is well loved by the rest of Canada and they all say nice things about it.
Do other countries have this weird notion that you’re not a “real” representative of the nation if you live in an urban center? Like do the French say Parisians aren’t really French? Are you considered not a real German if you live in Berlin? Or is this mainly a weird American thing?
January 1, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Toronto is well loved by the rest of Canada and they all say nice things about it.
Reposted by Julie Penner
Shoutout to songwriter socialist Yip Harburg
Yip Harburg - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 1, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Shoutout to songwriter socialist Yip Harburg
Reposted by Julie Penner
Mandy Patinkin singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow with PS 22 chorus at @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social inauguration
January 1, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Mandy Patinkin singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow with PS 22 chorus at @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social inauguration
Reposted by Julie Penner
One of my favourite parts of this whole Narduar joins the Order of Canada business is that he was alphabetized under "S" for Serviette: www.gg.ca/en/appointme...
December 31, 2025 at 7:51 PM
One of my favourite parts of this whole Narduar joins the Order of Canada business is that he was alphabetized under "S" for Serviette: www.gg.ca/en/appointme...
Winnipeg: On Friday, my husband, my son and my brother are playing a Portishead tribute with me (and others). It’s been so cool to learn their amazing songs. Come on out! Park Theatre at 9 pm.
January 1, 2026 at 1:06 AM
Winnipeg: On Friday, my husband, my son and my brother are playing a Portishead tribute with me (and others). It’s been so cool to learn their amazing songs. Come on out! Park Theatre at 9 pm.
My kid has discovered the music of Teke Teke via “Assassins Creed: Shadows”. He couldn’t believe I had heard of them, haha.
December 30, 2025 at 10:28 PM
My kid has discovered the music of Teke Teke via “Assassins Creed: Shadows”. He couldn’t believe I had heard of them, haha.
Reposted by Julie Penner
This is truly indefensible. And not in line with any of the Jewish values I was taught as a child in synagogue.
Israel says it will suspend several humanitarian groups, including Doctors Without Borders, in 2026 for failing its new vetting rules for groups working in Gaza. Some international organizations have said that Israel’s rules are arbitrary and could endanger staff.
Israel says it will halt operations of several humanitarian organizations in Gaza starting in 2026
Israel says it will suspend several humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, for failing to meet its new rules to vet international organizations working in Gaza.
bit.ly
December 30, 2025 at 4:23 PM
This is truly indefensible. And not in line with any of the Jewish values I was taught as a child in synagogue.
Reposted by Julie Penner
This mid-century beauty was torn down last week. Makes me wish there was a way to better connect homes deserving of preservation with sensitive owners.
December 29, 2025 at 4:11 PM
This mid-century beauty was torn down last week. Makes me wish there was a way to better connect homes deserving of preservation with sensitive owners.
Reposted by Julie Penner
I mean, if you’re a federal party leader in Canada and can’t articulate how the government can be the tool we use to work together as a community (rather than just the point of the application of state force) I’m just not into what you’re doing.
December 27, 2025 at 1:46 PM
I mean, if you’re a federal party leader in Canada and can’t articulate how the government can be the tool we use to work together as a community (rather than just the point of the application of state force) I’m just not into what you’re doing.
Reposted by Julie Penner
I appreciate that podcasts can make leaders accessible in deeper ways via long form interviews, but that deeper access can really cut both ways.
I listened to a 55 min interview with Pierre Poilievre this morning (on The Knowledge Project) and I’m really glad he’s not PM.
I listened to a 55 min interview with Pierre Poilievre this morning (on The Knowledge Project) and I’m really glad he’s not PM.
December 27, 2025 at 1:43 PM
I appreciate that podcasts can make leaders accessible in deeper ways via long form interviews, but that deeper access can really cut both ways.
I listened to a 55 min interview with Pierre Poilievre this morning (on The Knowledge Project) and I’m really glad he’s not PM.
I listened to a 55 min interview with Pierre Poilievre this morning (on The Knowledge Project) and I’m really glad he’s not PM.
Reposted by Julie Penner
Mira Nair is an incredible filmmaker. Go watch Monsoon Wedding, stat! What a family.
In less than a week, I will be sworn in as the next mayor of New York City. It was only possible because of the more than 100,000 people who volunteered on our campaign. Here’s a story about one of them, my mother.
December 26, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Mira Nair is an incredible filmmaker. Go watch Monsoon Wedding, stat! What a family.
10 year old: You’ve bugged me two times today already
Me (singing): 🎶 Bug me two times, I’m going’ away 🎶
10 year old: Is that some old song by an old band that no one listens to anymore?
Me: Yes, yes it is 😒
Me (singing): 🎶 Bug me two times, I’m going’ away 🎶
10 year old: Is that some old song by an old band that no one listens to anymore?
Me: Yes, yes it is 😒
December 27, 2025 at 12:19 AM
10 year old: You’ve bugged me two times today already
Me (singing): 🎶 Bug me two times, I’m going’ away 🎶
10 year old: Is that some old song by an old band that no one listens to anymore?
Me: Yes, yes it is 😒
Me (singing): 🎶 Bug me two times, I’m going’ away 🎶
10 year old: Is that some old song by an old band that no one listens to anymore?
Me: Yes, yes it is 😒
Reposted by Julie Penner
My college didn't have a ton of Jewish people. I was the first Jew many of them had met. Their minds were blown when I explained that to Jews there's no "Old Testament" because there is no "New Testament." They had never considered that basic idea.
I'm going to tell my favorite story again about reflecting the certainty of beliefs back at people who don't expect it.
A friend was one of the few Jews on faculty at a North Dakota University. Every year, his colleague in religious studies would invite him to come to his religious studies class...
A friend was one of the few Jews on faculty at a North Dakota University. Every year, his colleague in religious studies would invite him to come to his religious studies class...
December 25, 2025 at 8:43 PM
My college didn't have a ton of Jewish people. I was the first Jew many of them had met. Their minds were blown when I explained that to Jews there's no "Old Testament" because there is no "New Testament." They had never considered that basic idea.
Reposted by Julie Penner
I'm going to tell my favorite story again about reflecting the certainty of beliefs back at people who don't expect it.
A friend was one of the few Jews on faculty at a North Dakota University. Every year, his colleague in religious studies would invite him to come to his religious studies class...
A friend was one of the few Jews on faculty at a North Dakota University. Every year, his colleague in religious studies would invite him to come to his religious studies class...
December 25, 2025 at 5:35 PM
I'm going to tell my favorite story again about reflecting the certainty of beliefs back at people who don't expect it.
A friend was one of the few Jews on faculty at a North Dakota University. Every year, his colleague in religious studies would invite him to come to his religious studies class...
A friend was one of the few Jews on faculty at a North Dakota University. Every year, his colleague in religious studies would invite him to come to his religious studies class...
Reposted by Julie Penner
After all the fear and hand-wringing over opening P&M, “the effect on most drivers was roughly the same as missing, or hitting, a single red light on their commute. Meanwhile, about 3,500 people have walked across the intersection daily since the start of September.”
December 24, 2025 at 7:53 PM
After all the fear and hand-wringing over opening P&M, “the effect on most drivers was roughly the same as missing, or hitting, a single red light on their commute. Meanwhile, about 3,500 people have walked across the intersection daily since the start of September.”
Reposted by Julie Penner
Junius on Winnipeg opening Portage and Main w/o the feared traffic chaos..
Mayors need fight status quo bias cause future hard to predict and pessimists not always right. Plus, there’s a cost to doing nothing. So just try something. City can always backtrack
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
Mayors need fight status quo bias cause future hard to predict and pessimists not always right. Plus, there’s a cost to doing nothing. So just try something. City can always backtrack
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
Globe editorial: Cities need to overcome the fear of the first step in change
Critics will always claim the sky is about to fall. Those predictions too often get in the way of reforms
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 24, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Junius on Winnipeg opening Portage and Main w/o the feared traffic chaos..
Mayors need fight status quo bias cause future hard to predict and pessimists not always right. Plus, there’s a cost to doing nothing. So just try something. City can always backtrack
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
Mayors need fight status quo bias cause future hard to predict and pessimists not always right. Plus, there’s a cost to doing nothing. So just try something. City can always backtrack
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...