I make no apology for my cheesy title; it is a contemporary re-working of a traditional children’s song: Old MacDonald had a farm; AI AI Oh. And yes, I thought it up all by myself! No AI involved—a product of my own warped imagination, more attuned to poetic scansion than content-rich technical analysis. You must... Continue Reading →
St. Paul's Cathedral, London, UK Guest Comment by Matthew LarkinSaturday, May 18, 2024 I have huge respect for Matthew Larkin. Our paths crossed briefly many years ago while he was director of music at St. John the Divine Church in Victoria BC. He is not only a brilliant musician who possesses a keen intellect which... Continue Reading →
A sermon for Pentecost Sunday 2024 -- St. Stephen Anglican Church, Summerland BC “So Ken, are you a charismatic Christian? “Not sure how to answer that question. Why do you ask?” “I used to hear about charismatic churches, especially twenty or so years ago. Don’t hear much about them now.” “What stuff?” “Speaking in tongues;... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 