On the night table: Lauren Hower

A bad trade deal in virtually all ways

You can’t fix stupid. And you can’t sign a contract — or a trade deal — with a proven liar, cheat and blackmailer. And sometimes, you end up having to fight.

Today’s horoscope

MOON ALERT: After 4:30 p.m. today, avoid shopping (except food and gas) and important decisions for the rest of the day. The moon is in Aquarius.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

This is an excellent day for a practical discussion with someone older or more experienced. This might happen by talking to a partner, close friend or member of the general public. It’s a positive day to shmooz. Check moon alert if spending money.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Letters, Aug. 26

Given the unholy (and wholly unacceptable) rhetoric coming from top administration officials in the United States of America, and now starting to be echoed by certain Canadian politicians, this is what I fear: the overwhelming goodwill that has existed between our two nations over the last 100-plus years will soon be completely eroded — largely due to the children in the White House and those who support them.

‘Buy Canadian’ takes on new meaning

The “Buy Canadian” push has re-emerged as the federal government rolls out tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of imports from the United States.

Premier Wab Kinew led the Manitoba charge Tuesday, hours after the federal government announced the retaliatory levies that will take effect Sept. 8.

“Whether you look at it as an affordability initiative, or you look at it as a way to support our economy here, buying local always makes sense,” Kinew said at an unrelated press conference. “It makes even more sense right now.”

Mark Carney’s government has responded to new 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the United States on $27.6 billion worth of Canadian products. Trade talks between the countries broke down late Friday.

Arts & Life team taste-tests new Kraft concoction

Prepare your tongue for the ultimate thrill, as Kraft Dinner has once again veered wildly out of its box and into new territory.

Just when we all thought the brand had peaked after unleashing its limited-run New York-style KD Mac & Cheesecake earlier this summer, the beloved pantry staple set its sights on dethroning another kitchen cupboard essential: instant noodles.

Emboldened by the rapturous reception of cheesecake lovers nationwide who had clearly been hankering for the savoury-sweet combo, the convenience food’s latest mashup pairs its infamous neon-orange cheese powder with classic ramen soup seasoning and dehydrated noodles.

The resulting bowl is a respectable attempt at creating a North American version of the South Korean trend of noodle lovers adding slices of processed cheese to their ramyeon to temper spice levels and added creaminess.