I’m not sure where I first heard this word. I don’t do crossword puzzles often, so it wasn’t there. Paltering is defined as a true statement meant to mislead the listener. The first known use of palter to describe acting insincerely or deceitfully was in the 1580s. It is often used in negotiations. A person selling a…

I was taking a self-administered course on how structures stay up; buildings, bridges, etc. I’m glad there was no exam during or at the end! I am now much more observant about how essential triangles are to strengthen structures. This has returned memories of a ‘toy’ we bought for our young children. Winters are long…

I may have cheated a bit on the title. The ironclad beetle has the formal name ‘Phloeodes diabolicus.’ I thought your eyes might glaze over if I had been that formal with you. The little fellow can have a car drive over it and still get up and walk away. I was curious as to…

I have found, over the years, that when I break, lose or being denied access to something, I’ve had to rethink the value of that item. How can I meet the need it was fulfilling for me, but in another way? This has saved me a lot of futile mourning and rewarded me with renewed…

I’m so lucky. I came across this exciting story of these martyrs just in time to tell you about it a few days before Labour Day. Stay with me, now. Once Upon a Time, in a province not too far away, Ontario, to be more precise, several gravesite headstone names were recently recognized. This was…

I have been wondering lately why so many leaders in many fields have their decisions go so wrong; leaders in politics, religion, business and sports, for starters. I came across these three words somewhere, and they have stuck with me as a helpful starting point. Let’s unpack them – in today’s ‘speak’ and in the…

I am fascinated by how labelling changes our perceptions and then our behaviour. Yes. I agree. A few examples would be helpful. Winter. Edmonton is at 53 degrees latitude.  The 49th latitude marks our southern border with the USA in the country’s western half. Around June 21, the sun finally sets at 10:10 PM. Likewise,…

I recall several memories that have stayed with me for years. And they most likely will remain with me forever. In no particular order, I remember being in the arena to see Leonard Cohen on his world tour to recoup his financial losses due to the illegal activity of his manager. At one point, he…

I don’t recall hearing of this word before, but interestingly enough, I knew its meaning; a fear of the number 13. To be clear, the fear of Friday the 13th is another long word altogether – paraskevidekatriaphobia. Disclaimer: I’m not a very superstitious person by nature – but sometimes I prefer to hedge my bets…

I like walking, and not just the walks on a beach at sunset you might find popular in dating profiles. I enjoy the solitary walks that give me space and time to gather my thoughts and ground my emotions in reality. I also enjoy walks with others, especially with my wife. I have been fortunate…