Wynton Marsalis just stepped down as the managing and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, which he founded nearly 40 years ago. He shares his thoughts on the state of democracy in the US presently using the craft he knows so well, Jazz, to illustrate his points. TRANSCRIPT (Generated; check against delivery) [Wynton Marsalis]... Continue Reading →
Published 8:00 am Saturday, February 21, 2026 by Sam Duerksen at Victoria News Gregor Craigie’s new book, Sticking to the Facts: 10 Ways to Fight Misinformation, illustrates the growing problem of misinformation and offers practical steps of how to fight it. As a Victoria-based journalist and a father of three teens, Gregor Craigie paid close... Continue Reading →
Originally published as “Christianity isn’t just in decline — it’s become obsolete, says sociologist -- The problem isn’t simply about belief. ‘[Traditional religion] doesn’t fit ordinary life,’ says Christian Smith.” by Julie McGonegal - Feb. 6, 2026 on Broadview Christian Smith says that traditional religion hasn’t merely lost adherents — it’s become culturally obsolete. That’s... Continue Reading →
From Facebook Every night, a history professor in Maine writes a newsletter explaining American politics. Over 2.6 million people read it daily. For many, her words feel like rescue from chaos. Midcoastal Maine, sometime after dark. Heather Cox Richardson sits at her desk near the ocean. Outside, America is screaming. Breaking news alerts flood phones... Continue Reading →
AI generated image by KJG Reading Phillip Toledano in the Washington Post has me thinking about my own photography. I wonder if it is time for me to up my game, to try something different, possibly to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into my workflow. While I try to avoid AI everywhere else — in word... Continue Reading →
The music says it all. Enjoy, and please share. https://youtu.be/GDaPdpwA4Iw https://youtu.be/e3o5FIXoK84 Visit the takenote.ca HOME page for a colourful display of hundreds of other blogs which may interest or inspire you
Michelle Cyca, The Narwhal — Via BC Assembly of First Nations [Michelle Cyca] "The latest power struggle over the future of the Canadian economy — a hypothetical new pipeline from Alberta to the B.C. coast — has devolved into a rote debate: are First Nations blocking economic progress? Coastal First Nations — an alliance of... Continue Reading →
Here is the full text of a speech by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Davos, Tuesday January 20, 2026. It's worth reading in its entirety. Possibly one for the ages, especially this particular age. "It’s a pleasure – and a duty – to be with you at this turning point for Canada and for... Continue Reading →
Keith Lacey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for the Penticton Herald [Keith Lacey] Several of the region’s most accomplished jazz musicians have once again teamed up to release a new recording featuring their favourite vocal jazz compositions. The Crawford/Crossley Group has been performing and recording together since 2015. At the heart of the ensemble’s work are... Continue Reading →
On New Years Day I typically share W. H. Auden’s poem New Year Letter, a truly imaginative and insightful piece I commend to you once again. This year however, I want to share something different, a sort of what I got for Christmas this year kind of report. I have almost finished "Joyride: A Memoir"... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 