One way of looking at privilege

’There is no such thing as a "self-made man". We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the makeup of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success.’ George Matthew Adams, writer. Preview photo credit Toby Morris via https://brightside.me/article/what-you-should-think-about-before-you-judge-others-10155/ Hat-tip to Tanina Williams for the share.

Dr Gabor Maté on why “crazy”is a cultural construct

In this short video, aptly timed given it's Bell's Let's Talk Mental Health week,  Dr. Gabor Maté  explains how mental distress and pathology exists in a continuum and are largely a result of a materialist culture that rigidly “idealize individuality and ignores emotional needs,” prioritizing objects over people and well being. In other words, we've … Continue reading Dr Gabor Maté on why “crazy”is a cultural construct

UBC’s free MOOC on Reconciliation kicks off this week -and you can still register

Could you commit 2 hours a week, from your own couch, to advancing reconciliation? UBC’s Faculty of Education is offering Reconciliation through Indigenous Education, a free 6 week massive open online course (MOOC) running January 24 - March 7. It starts today, but the course is self-directed, with new modules dropping each week. It's free. You … Continue reading UBC’s free MOOC on Reconciliation kicks off this week -and you can still register

I see your Arctic outflow and give you a case of pineapples. Georgina Dan’s photo reminds us of winter’s magic, no matter the temperature

I've watched the creek behind my house transform utterly over the last few weeks - with a sense of fascination and awe (and granted, yes, a little disappointment that the ice melted, sure.) I think Georgina Dan is on the same watchful program. Last month, she was capturing Christmas trees draped in lights and snow. … Continue reading I see your Arctic outflow and give you a case of pineapples. Georgina Dan’s photo reminds us of winter’s magic, no matter the temperature

UPDATED: Winterfest is coming. (With fireworks! And the Hairfarmers!) But NO POLAR BEAR PLUNGE. It’s too treacherously slick at One Mile Lake.

Well, I admit I was wondering how the Polar Bear swim was going to go, back when everything, including my eyelashes, were frozen solid. Pineapple Express seems to have taken care of that... The genius organizers (I'm talking to you, Carlee Cindric), got a jump on the weather changes by hosting last weekend's pop-up Winterfest at … Continue reading UPDATED: Winterfest is coming. (With fireworks! And the Hairfarmers!) But NO POLAR BEAR PLUNGE. It’s too treacherously slick at One Mile Lake.

Counting Birds, Wrestling Hawks: All in a day’s work for John Tschopp

If a cold and hungry hawk is going to get itself entangled in the netting of your chicken coop, attempting to source itself a nice New Year’s Day dinner, the best possible scenario is to be John Tschopp’s neighbour. The 40-year Pemberton resident unwittingly designated himself as my go-to guy for any bird-related questions, when … Continue reading Counting Birds, Wrestling Hawks: All in a day’s work for John Tschopp