May 8, 2026 - Review published on NPR Fresh Air by Justin Chang Some movies will forever change the way you look at plants. Unsurprisingly, many of them are thrillers and science-fiction films, like Little Shop of Horrors, The Day of the Triffids, or, more recently, the mind-controlling flower freakout Little Joe. You could probably... Continue Reading →
Josh Dawson - May 1, 2026 / Castanet // Photo: Castanet Kamloops photographer Jess Beaudin poses for a photo while setting up her exhibit at at the Old Courthouse at 7 Seymour Street West. Sagebrush, chokecherries, shells and salt water are all you need to develop film, thanks to a new process created by Kamloops... Continue Reading →
First published on Facebook [Phil Dwyer] When I was a youngster, my parents attended many local dances, and I heard repeatedly about how great a dance band Bill Cave and "The Cavemen" was. When I was in grade 7, Bill took over the music program at what was then Qualicum Middle School. From day one,... Continue Reading →
What is it about a painting? One image in two dimensions, a snapshot in this age of streamers – how can it compete for our attention? One answer could be the simple fact of genius compressed into a frame. The quote above, from a newsletter from The Observer, has me thinking about the photographic task,... Continue Reading →
"The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band embodies defiant beauty." - San Francisco Classical Voice "Julia Keefe came on with her big band and completely blew the roof off of the venue…" - Aisha Ahmad-Post, Newman Center for the Performing Arts Band Statement: Indigenous jazz musicians, ensembles, and big bands have their place in the contemporary... Continue Reading →
Once again, another Jazz Vespers service looms large. Information is on the poster, but allow me to add: Justin Glibbery on pianoStefan Bienz on bassLoni Moger on guitarEric Manuel on drums The announced theme is Joyspring, (I don't expect this to be played as we don't have a trumpeter on this gig), but you never... Continue Reading →
Reposted from The Independent Sunday 19 April 2026 NPR (National Public Radio/US) received its largest-ever donation from a living donor this week when billionaire philanthropist Connie Ballmer gave $80 million to the media organization. Ballmer — a former member of the NPR Foundation's board — told the Wall Street Journal that she poured money into... Continue Reading →
Ken Gray, with materials from CBC News, Apr 12, 2026 Jenna Benchetrit explores AI implications for writers. “Hi; my name is Ken.” “Hi Ken.” “I occasionally use AI.” “Wow; did you make that up yourself Ken? Or did AI help? And if it did, how did AI help you?” “No I did not use AI... Continue Reading →
How the first American pope is reclaiming Christian values from the Trump administration By Christopher Lamb at CNN Flying to Algeria at the start of his landmark tour of Africa on Monday, Pope Leo had a choice. He could ignore Donald Trump’s extraordinary overnight social media tirade against him, or he could tackle it head... Continue Reading →
By Hankookilbo - Published Apr 13, 2026 Hankook Ilbo, Korea Visitors crowd the Yeongnangho Cherry Blossom Festival around Yeongnangho Lake in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, April 11. Yonhap {Ken Gray - As a child growing up in Victoria on Harlow Drive my street was drenched in pink cherry blossoms every March of April. I have fond... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 