Journalism's bad week; Tom Mulcair on the CBC; Jocelyne Saucier; David Carr; Gin, Glorious Gin

Reflections on a bad week for the craft of journalism - Michael's Essay: (00:00:25)  This week saw the deaths of New York Times media critic David Carr, CBS News correspondent Bob Simon and former Toronto Star sports reporter Alison Gordon. NBC anchor Brian Williams was suspended, and Jon Stewart announced he will be leaving The Daily Show. Sun News closed, throwing 200 people out of work. 

Code Orange: (00:06:32) Tom Mulcair, Leader of the NDP and the Official Opposition, on his plan to restore funding to CBC/Radio-Canada; his opposition to Canada's anti-ISIS military mission, and to Bill C-51, the government's draft legislation to extend the power of Canada's security services; and about the NDP's plans to stimulate the economy  should it form the next government.

Mail about Ed Clark: (00:30:00) Listeners react to our interview last week, with the retired president and CEO of TE Bank Group. Formerly one of Canada's highest-earning executives, Mr. Clark is concerned about income inequality. 

And the Birds Rained Down - Jocelyne Saucier tells a story about her Canada Reads-nominated novel: (00:36:41) Ms. Saucier's aunt, Marie-Ange, was "put away" at the age of 16 in a psychiatric residence. She stayed "put away" all her life.  Ms. Saucier decided to create a character based on her aunt -- to "give her a life." When her aunt was dying at the age of 87, Jocelyne told her about the character, and that her book, And the Birds Rained Down, was dedicated to her.

Remembering David Carr: (00:43:03) David Carr, the funny, eccentric, insightful media columnist for The New York Times, died suddenly this past week at the age of 58.  A former drug addict, alcoholic and self-described "full-on maniac," Mr. Carr dared journalists to be mindful of their public responsibility, but worried about the fate of the industry. We re-broadcast Michael's interview with David Carr from 2012.

From Gin Lane to shaken, not stirred: (01:06:39) Olivia Williams traces the social history of Britain through changes in the status of the juniper-flavoured spirit. Her book is called Gin, Glorious Gin: How Mother's Ruin Became the Spirit of London.