Defining East and Central Hamilton: One Conversation
In my 2015 column looking at localisms I tried to define the boundary between Central and East Hamilton; stating that I look at the boundary as being a cultural marker.…
Thoughts on Facebook's Local News Initiative from a Local Independent Journalist
We don't need to grovel in front of Facebook asking them to do fix our problems. We need to double our efforts to build local news that our neighbours read and value funding.…
8°C - As a Kid, I Defined It As Being Cold
Each time I see a forecast high of 8°C, I'm drawn back to a childhood memory of defining that as being cold. Why? Association. I was eight years of age, just learning about temperatures, and reading the newspaper. It was the beginning of a short obsession with weather. It…
My Beasley Neighbourhood Association Involvement, and Why I'm Not Remaining on Executive for 2018/19
As a journalist, I regularly encourage people to be engaged citizens, and lament when people do not engage. It is hypocritical to sit on my butt, not engage, and claim being a journalist as the reason for non-engagement. Be the example is one of my mottos. I'm involved in my…
On My Failures of Punctuality
Meet you for coffee at 2:15pm, I tell someone. Then I don't show up until 2:22pm. This is something I've done with regularity in the past few years, and something that I'm ashamed of. I once pride myself on my punctuality, my order. In high school, one could…
Will It Ever Be One Challenge Too Many?
One of my greatest fears is that one day I'll decide that I've reached one challenge too far. It's an odd fear because it seems that no matter the challenge that is placed in front of me, life prepares me for it and I'm ready to overcome it. Today came…
Small Steps Towards Personal Goals
Biting my nails is such a habit, I don't even notice when I'm doing it. In Grade 5, over 20 years ago, I first thought of stopping the habit. In September, I started a series of personal changes. I'm now at Phase III, and have succeeded for two months at not biting my nails.…
Ash Wednesday Ashes and Public Role
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in my faith as a member of the Roman Catholic Church. I use Lent as an opportunity for personal reflection, and change. I've already sent my personal goals, and begun on many of them. Ash Wednesday is traditionally the only day…