Blog

Reclaiming the Big Box Plaza

When I look at an ugly strip mall or a sprawling suburban development, I try to think of ways that it could be turned into a vibrant, compact neighbourhood. Though I don't agree with everything James Howard Kunstler says, I think he's right when he says that the decline of oil production will cause …

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We interrupt this program for a very important smoke break

I knew before coming to Switzerland that smoking was a much more significant part of the culture than it is back home. In Ontario, the provincial government has been on the offensive against smoking for years now. Banning it in schools, then all public establishments; preventing merchants from …

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Something good can work and it can work for you

Photos that I take at concerts usually turn out as a disappointing smear of blurred figures and blinding lights. The combination of a jostling crowd, dark atmosphere, and a cheap compact camera don't make for the best mementos. So I'm glad that these ones kind of turned out. I went to Les Docks …

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Bring out those silver bells, Richard

It's December! Time to bring out those silver bells... I'm a huge fan of Christmas music. Give me some Burl Ives or Dean Martin to listen to on repeat all day and I'm good. My favourites are the songs that are recorded from the Christmas TV specials, where you'll have Dean Martin soliloquizing …

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