Earth Day trip into the mountains

This post is intended to share images on Earth Day 2022 of north central Alberta, near to where my family and I currently live. Driving west into the Canadian Rockies on Earth Day 2022. A sample of the fabulous photos I took. Driving that distance seems to contradict the observance of Earth Day. What did you do for Earth Day? We are very fortunate to live in a part of the world where things are relatively stable and safe. By ‘things’ I mean environment, government and the physical world around us. Our great fortune provides the ‘blinkers’ that prevent us … Continue reading Earth Day trip into the mountains

The Evil Empire didn’t leave

I grew up in an era where our parents openly worried about what the Evil Empire, would do to our hard won freedoms. The Evil Empire manifested itself first as The Third Reich and then as the USSR. Our parents lived with the effects of World War II, both during and after. Imagine their anxiety during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Now we worry that the invasion of the Ukraine puts us and our children back in the same place and mindset. As a grandfather this reality is very distressing. Is the Cold War back? The Cold war left … Continue reading The Evil Empire didn’t leave

Your hand in my pocket

Why do I find someone’s hand in my pocket ? It seems like everyone wants a bit of something; a handout, a contribution, a donation, sponsorship or validation that can only come through monetization, and they’re looking in my pocket. As I browse the web, surfing for information and guidance I find that nothing is free anymore. Everyone wants a contribution either in the form of straight up ‘gimme money’ or in the form of donation and subscription fees. There is no free exchange of information. People are trying to monetize their experience and insights using the vehicle of online … Continue reading Your hand in my pocket

Countdown to the holidays

In the countdown to the holidays there are a number of different markers. To begin with there is the profusion of lights. The winters here are very dark, with the shortest day of the year being in the forefront of the season. Once that marker is past and winter is officially declared the days get lighter as we head into spring, and the time of renewal. What marks your countdown to the holidays? There are festivals, parades, Christmas markets, religious observances and more. We have the end of the school term, which in my case results in more time with … Continue reading Countdown to the holidays

Before the October winds blow

Alberta colours before the October winds blow. As we make our way through rural Alberta at the end of September we can discover a world of colours that reflect the life and beauty of the terrain and the biodiversity. When the October winds begin to blow the foliage that is changing colour will go, leaving, in some places, bleak looking skeletal trees outlined against greys, browns and the white of snow and ice. The coniferous trees will desperately try to hold on to their greenery to provide a multihued green counterpoint, holding out hope for the spring and rebirth. Before … Continue reading Before the October winds blow

Weaponizing Language; Using the "D" word

We learn very early in life how to weaponize language. School yard taunts, the verbal abuse we hurl at our siblings and our peers, the calculated assaults by our bullies begin to show us how language can be a weapon. Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me. “ –English language childhood rhyme How very wrong we are. Missteps and misuse of language can have serious consequences and unforeseen repercussions. Current culture shows us how language can be politicized and weaponized. Here are a couple of links to sites that discuss it; Weaponizing language historically … Continue reading Weaponizing Language; Using the "D" word

Speed bumps, Detours and Traffic jams

Transforming your side hustle into a viable business is tough.  I know;  I’m trying to do it.  I’m hitting Speed bumps, detours and traffic jams. Moving Through the World is complicated enough without adding the challenge of a new business. That new business you’re trying to reach critical mass with is going to face speed bumps, detours and traffic jams. This isn’t going to be easy.  Just because during Covid that side hustle looked like a viable option doesn’t mean that it really is.  In fact, it’s going to take a huge amount of time and effort to make it … Continue reading Speed bumps, Detours and Traffic jams

Natural world versus technology

What do we deem important?  We’re coming to a showdown between the natural world and technology and the referee seems to be our need and dependancy to be part of a connected society. Ironically this photo was taken with a drone. Technology dominates everything. Take a look at the website for Woodpecker Drone Services. Continue reading Natural world versus technology