Analysts and activists across the country are still trying to get a serious grip on the stunning rise in the polls of Jack Layton's NDP -- almost pinching themselves in the aftermath of fear and the loathing that characterized the first weeks of the election. How is it possible that Harper could stay in striking distance of a majority -- 39% -- when almost everyday some other outrage or scandal or dirty trick was exposed in the media? And then just as dumbfounding, how, in this atmosphere of seeming political unconsciousness, could hundreds of thousands of voters across the country -- in virtually every part of the country -- suddenly turn to the NDP?

The end of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics has marked two successes in Canada's pro-social housing movement.

Less than two weeks after opening the Olympic Tent Village, organizers announced that housing was found for 35 homeless persons staying at the Village. Village residents had previously stated that the action would continue indefinitely until housing was found for those in need. Activists also participated in a "tent-in" at BC Housing just hours before accommodation was announced.

While BC Housing claims that these persons would be housed regardless of the Tent Village, organizers are confident that it was instrumental in expediting the process.