As I’m watching the Bank of Canada rate increase, noting that the prices of gas and meat have never been higher, there’s a lot of talk about inflation and greedflation, but I’m surprised more people aren’t talking about shrinkflation as part of both. Reaching back to Economics 101, inflation is an increase in prices, when the purchasing power of money …
Good old days not so golden; but Woodstock-era might have been a ‘real trip’
Have you ever wondered if you would have fit in better had you been born in another era or culture? I’ve romanticized many a time and place in history that I think would suit me, however the truth is that in those eras I’d be dead by now. I love Vikings, with their strong warrior women, would rock the eyeliner …
Elephants and women have long memories
Elephants and women don’t forget. In mid-June, Reuters reported that Happy the elephant would remain confined at the Bronx Zoo. The “New York State’s highest court on Tuesday ruled against an animal rights group that said she deserved some of the same rights as humans and should be freed.” Nine days later, Mississippi’s abortion ban was upheld 6-3, and Roe …
Sniffing around COVID-19 concerns
Out of an abundance of caution when I thought I had allergies, before finishing packing for a work conference, I took a rapid test, and within a minute, tested positive for COVID-19. Now, a week later, I am finally feeling more like myself, but the experience has left me with lingering concerns. First off, I worry that two years in …
Sault pulls weight at strongman provincials
On a cool, windy, overcast morning in Perth, Ont., the announcer, Dr. Sam Dube, asked everyone watching the livestream of the World’s Strongest Disabled Man Competition: “What’s your excuse ladies and gentlemen?” Local competitors did Sault Ste. Marie proud at the recent 2022 Ontario Amateur Provincials Strongman Competition. In the heavyweight division, the Sault’s Nathan Edwards took second place, narrowly …
Bid au revoir to ‘comfort zone’ and see the world
I’ve been travelling as much as possible since the pandemic restrictions lifted, recognizing that life is short. It’s made me reflect on why I travel and what I can learn from it. First off, I travel to see, to experience, and to taste new things. Why? Because I want to know; I want to learn. I want to actually gaze …
Lifetime’s ’historical moments’ a mix of strides and setbacks
My son recently asked me what historic moments I’d lived through. I was waiting for the usual jab about my advanced years, but since he didn’t bring up me hunting dinosaurs, I put some thought to his question. Immediately my mind went to watching the space shuttle Challenger exploding in 1986. (I guess I could have also added that the …
Winning the Game of Life
When I was a tween, I remember playing the Game of Life board game. We’d cruise around the board in a convertible car, get married, have kids (sometimes twins) that would be represented by little pink and blue pegs in our cars. The goal was to retire with the most money. As I’m closer to retirement years than not, I …
Local Titan shines at Strongman Competition
The sun was shining down on 46 fierce competitors as they pitted themselves against inconceivable feats of strength in the Valhalla’s Mightiest 2022 Strongman competition on May 7 at Rebel Gym in Sault Ste. Marie. Eleven local competitors did not disappoint spectators, as they farmers carried away wins in four categories of the competition. Of note, Nathan Edwards had the …
Quarantine’s sensory deprivation allowed Greece’s treasures to truly come to life
After being stuck in a mandatory quarantine for six days in Athens, our freedom was delicious in every sense of the word. With heightened senses, we were released into the world, ready to experience everything. We drank in every view, contrasting ourselves in bright colours against the whites of the ruins and rocks. Our eyes, ready for anything different, saw …