I have always imagined a “fireside chat” as the place where two people enjoy conversation and libations in front of a roaring fireplace in an English country house. or a remote Canadian cabin. I have enjoyed both over the years, where the conversation included politics of all sorts and stripes, religion, photography, biography, literature, music.... Continue Reading →
By Lesley Clark, Hailey Fuchs, Corbin Hiar and Chelsea Harvey 07/15/2026 This blog is edited for length. For the entire history goto POLITICO here. It's well worth your time. It’s a rare occurrence for a private lawyer to be hauled before a congressional committee and be deposed. But in the sharply political world of climate... Continue Reading →
A Memory from Jim Palmer on Facebook About eighteen years ago a young woman named Rachel Held Evans contacted me because she was beginning to see Christianity differently and wanted to write about it. She sent me her manuscript, and we worked on her book together. She published four books in total. I got to... 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 →
From Adam Chan CHEK TV News Two pillars of the Victoria art scene are set to close down next month. Hermann’s Jazz Club and View Street Social will close their doors permanently on April 30, 2026. The Arts On View Society announced the upcoming closure on Thursday, saying the “difficult decision” came after extensive reviews... Continue Reading →
So you think stacking firewood is easy. You are right, but only if you know what you are doing. Depending on the tree species in your region — here, we have easy access to fir, alder, hemlock, and Western Red cedar — there are many things to consider before stacking, even before you venture into... Continue Reading →
During my recent trip to Victoria caught up with my longtime friend, Curt Bergen. Curt and I have known each other for most of our adult lives. We first met while organ students of Ed Norman in the 1970s in Victoria. We met at an organ concert at the downtown St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church though... Continue Reading →
I so enjoyed walking the corridors and some of the public spaces of the UVIC law building a few days ago. I was interested in the Indigenous program space, in part as a family member is a recent graduate of the JID program. At the same time I am researching the history of a faith... Continue Reading →
Another chapter in the series Stories from Somewhere, fictional reflections of an unidentified place at an unknown time. Other chapters are listed here. Our paths have not crossed for a couple of weeks now, so I am out of touch. Obviously, Ronni and a few others have been busy making plans, exactly for what, I... Continue Reading →
Another in the series: Stories from Somewhere, by Ken Gray “I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in him”—Stuart Townend Walking downhill towards the church on a crisp autumn evening, the retreating western sun infusing fluffy clouds with shades of orange and yellow, I see the lights on in the church. Did I... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 