Prior to moving from Kamloops in October 2022 I assisted one counsellor in her election and supported an unsuccessful mayoral candidate. So I have some of skin in the local Kamloops political game. I follow from a distance however, with a sick feeling in my stomach as the level of conflict and dysfunction continues to... Continue Reading →
Ed Sullivan Matters to Black History
Photo: Ed Sullivan and Coretta Scott King - Photo courtesy of SOFA Entertainment By Kevin Powell (from Facebook) Because he was such an icon, he was able to have Black artists on TV when they were often not welcomed nor wanted elsewhere. I cannot recall when I first heard the name Ed Sullivan, but it... Continue Reading →
An unsolicited review of a timely book
Following a flurry of online and in-person book launches, I was delighted to receive the following review of Partnership as Mission: Essays in Memory of Ellie Johnson by the Rev. Margaret Marquardt. Such a pleasant surprise from one who knows the tough road of advocacy, long before the word "justice" even entered my own vocabulary.... Continue Reading →
The Gift Farm Garden grows, gives, and teaches
The Rev. Canon Anne Privett introduced our readers to the Gift Farm Garden last year. Here is her May 2024 update. Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15) A blessed Ascensiontide to all! We so rarely hear Mark’s version of the Ascension where Christ... Continue Reading →
Notwithstanding Poilievre
Cards facing up on the table; I value compassion, conversation, collaboration; I abhor competition, collusion, and condescension. Call me wimpy; it’s what has worked best for me over the years. Readers of this blog are well aware that my own politics lean progressive and left, so a criticism of the Canadian federal opposition leader Pierre... Continue Reading →
A new take on a comedy classic
With thanks to RC de Winter If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, "Who's on First?" might have turned out something like this: COSTELLO CALLS ABBOT TO BUY A COMPUTER ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and... Continue Reading →
I cannot shop at Costco anymore – A rave about rants
Lots of people love rants; just ask Rick Mercer, who built a comic career around them. They can be a great way to let off steam. They can help us discover who our friends really are. They can be effective social commentary or pure entertainment. They can appear in text, audio, or video formats. Some... Continue Reading →
Come fly with me
When visiting Victoria recently I finally had the opportunity to watch and photograph parasailers. At other times, driving by Clover Point on Dallas Road, I would often glimpse brightly coloured sails that looked like miniature parachutes, a semi-circular chair cum hammock for an airborne sailor. As we were always going somewhere else and there was... Continue Reading →
Love letters
A sermon for Sixth Sunday of EasterSunday, May 5th, 2024St. Saviour, PentictonKen Gray "The great living God of heaven and Earth who made the sea and all that swim in the waters, the skies and their flying birds, the solid land and all the creatures that grow, slither, burrow, lumber, or walk upon it on... Continue Reading →
Bear, or Berra? – Juno is curious
Labradoodle Juno is a popular dog-blogger living in Summerland BC with her MaPaw and PaPaw, Ken and Kathie Gray “What was your name again?” Juno asked. “Yogi.” “That’s an unusual name. Reminds me of Yogi Bear, you know, Yellowstone Park and all that—don’t burn the forest down—a Saturday morning cartoon character.” “No I am not... Continue Reading →