The "Small World Encounter" University Campus Edition
Feature image credit: Mike Beauregard, Replica of a 75 million year old "Archelon ischyros" from South Dakota, hanging in the Wallace Building on the University of Manitoba campus A quick stop on the McMaster campus today was a good reminder of just how small the world is, especially…
Ms. Mr. and My Mixed Use of Pronouns in My Speaking
A couple of months ago, I had my first request for the use of gender neutral pronouns. I used they/them/their. Tonight, at a meeting, I used the more formal Ms. [Last Name] to refer to someone with the goal of conveying the respect I have for them to…
The Greyhound Doesn't Go There Anymore
I love riding the bus, seriously. I sit back, read, relax, sleep, write, or just plain listen to podcasts. I couldn’t imagine losing time to driving. Losing time to driving? What do you mean? I’m productive on a bus, but if I were driving, I couldn’t do any…
Analog Public Clocks and New Build Retirement Buildings
Is it a trend anyone else is noticing? I’m noting that new build retirement apartments are including a functioning public analog clock as part of their design. It’s not something I see in any other kind of building; is this the barber shop pole of retirement homes? A…
The Risk of Being Known for Knowing
It’s an interesting dilemma I’ve encountered as a subject-focused journalist over the years: in order to get information, I have to earn a reputation as someone in the know. However, being known for being too much in the know results in sources assuming your aware of information, and…
BBS Joey Coleman, Before the Internet
1991 was a special year for me, it was the first time I heard the beautiful sound of a dial-up modem. Grade 4 started at Prince of Wales, and then I ended up at Hess Street School. (I moved a lot) Being at Hess was a transformative experience,…
Hey Joe, Remembering Joseph Rouleau
Photo: Joseph Rouleau (centre) in HSR vintage uniform with cap operating the HSR trolley replica for a wedding charter Opening the bus doors and shouting a loud "Hey Joe!", that’s how Joe Rouleau would greet me as I walked by his Delaware bus at Main and MacNab. His…
Children's Books as an Adult, and Crying at Charlotte's Web
I remember reading Charlotte’s Web as an eight-year-old, I was in a split grade 2/3 class, and the teacher let me read with the grade 3 students. I was really excited about the book, I didn’t know books could be so big. I loved books, I read every…
Ticats, Art Briles, and City-Wide (and beyond) Outrage
The Ticats degraced themselves today, and Hamiltonians overwhelmingly spoke up to force the cancellation of the hire of one of the most disgraced coaches in US college football. Hamilton Tiger-Cats CEO Scott Mitchell is known for his tin-ear, and for having the unwavering support of Ticats owner Bob…
2004 Called and Said My Website Sucks
Just a quick note to RSS followers that I’m redesigned my blog. 2004 called, said my website sucks, and I’ve gone back to the fundamentals of early blogging design. Of particular note, the BlogRoll is back, take a look in the sidebar by visiting on a desktop device,…