Innovation from the disco sector
Innovations are a dime a dozen. Ho hum. Most of them will lead nowhere. But every so often, an innovation comes along that makes you feel like dancing. This one is called “silent disco.” It’s the hot new trend, according to the New York Times. In a discotheque, patrons are connected to the music through […]
Forgotten history
There are countries with a history of wine that has been all but forgotten. Such is the case with India. Traders from the Persian Empire introduced viniculture to India as early as 4,000 BC—not long after wine was first produced in Georgia/Armenia. The indigenous people of India welcomed this new intoxicating beverage. Vineyards were planted […]
The five minute difference
You know how my columnist colleague and good friend Steve Campbell is always ranting about how the County should consider separating from the rest of Ontario? Not physically— although putting our shoulders to the wheel and moving it a little further away from Toronto does have a certain appeal, so long as we don’t end […]
For Julie
On August 4, my cousin sent me a message, via Facebook, about a Huron County triathlete named Julie Sawchuk. A CTV news story reported Sawchuk had been preparing for the cycling portion of the Goderich Triathalon when she was struck from behind. The motorist claims he didn’t see her. Sawchuk sustained multiple injuries, many of […]
The best medicine
Studies into mental health have made great strides. With a combination of medication and psychiatric support, people who suffer from serious mental health problems can lead the life they want. For more common mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety disorders, there are also opportunities for people to help themselves. Ways to change the negative […]
Bencic reigns supreme
The city of Toronto was abuzz with all sorts of sporting activities last weekend. The Blue Jays played host to the New York Yankees. Athletes from the PanAmerican countries were finishing up the ParaPanAm games. For thousands of tennis fans, the Rogers Cup at York University was the key event. For Canadian fans pulling for […]
Boundaries
This Friday will mark 70 years since the Allies’ victory over Japan and the end of the US involvement in WWII. On that day, as parades broke out on American streets, as they had months before in Canada, a photojournalist named Alfred Eisenstaedt captured the moment that would become most symbolic of that joy: the […]
Football night in Canada
Last Friday night was a perfect night for football. The skies were clear about an hour before the game as we entered Frank Clair Stadium, at the TD Place Field at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. I recommend two things before you go to a game there: get your tickets now, and park early. The game […]
401
“I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts. There they are a standing in a ….” We all have it happen, I’m thinkin’. Time to time, a song gets stuck in your head? Especially a song that’s out of the repertoire of songs you’re liable to sing: for my part, Bob Dylan or cowboy songs get […]
BHSIB Syndrome
I fell victim to Big, Heavy, Serious, Important Book Syndrome last month. You’ve probably experienced it too. BHSIB Syndrome is an affliction whereby you feel the need to acquire and conquer a BHSIB, deluding yourself with the false hope that this time you really will devote half an hour each morning and evening to reading […]