March 2, 2018 Toronto Star article addresses ongoing local planning issues

A March 2, 2018 Toronto Star article, which by way of commentary I would describe as possessed of delightful and apt platitudes about the next steps in the way forward, is entitled: “The GTA’s population is booming – but not necessarily in the right places: There seem to be countless examples across the GTA of […]

After his defeat in Russia (1812), Napoleon Bonaparte lost for a final time at the Battle of Waterloo (1815)

Key considerations when preparing for a Committee of Adjustment or similar presentation

From time to time, I get inquiries from residents in communities outside of Long Branch – sometimes quite a distance from this community, in fact – asking for advice regarding Committee of Adjustment presentations. I always seek to reply at once, linking up inquirers with other residents in Long Branch, as there are many people […]

I much appreciate learning about the work of Stuart McGill (“Dr. Spine”) of Waterloo

I owe many thanks to Jacqueline Marie Murdoch of Toronto for her reference, some time back, to the work of Stuart McGill of Waterloo. Several books by Stuart McGill are available at the Toronto Public Library. As well, several YouTube videos are available online, in which McGill clearly and cogently outlines topics of interest, such […]

We had a great time (many entertaining stories!) at MCHS lunch meeting on Feb. 12, 2018 in Toronto

Marketing remains a key driving force, fueling the opioid crisis. That said, marketing can also serve positive purposes.

An Oct. 30, 2017 New Yorker article is entitled: “The Family That Built an Empire of Pain: The Sackler dynasty’s ruthless marketing of painkillers has generated billions of dollars – and millions of addicts.” It’s a good read. Click here for previous posts about opioids > Portugal’s unique approach to drug policy A Dec. 5, […]

Mindfulness is a great thing, as is human happiness – especially without the hype

I’ve written about my encounters (such encounters as continue, as I type this) with mindfulness, and will not bore you with a retelling of a tale about what I have learned, as a beginner practitioner (it’s been going on for over a decade now) of mindfulness. Click here for a previous post about mindfulness > […]

Update from Graeme Decarie, retired MCHS and Concordia history teacher: Three children in school, one at McGill, two at Concordia

I recently told Graeme Decarie that I would put together an update based on a recent email exchange with him. The update follows below. On Jan. 9, 2018, Graeme Decarie wrote: One of my boys, Nicholas, has been studying at university in Fredericton, and will graduate this year. Today, he got accepted for a master’s […]

Curated Decay (2017) argues that some things are worth preserving, whereas other things can’t be preserved; better by far to watch them rot

Change will come slowly despite OMB reforms: Toronto Star, Dec. 18, 2017

A Dec. 18, 2017 Toronto Star article is entitled: “Change will come slowly despite OMB reforms: Regulations put forward by Ontario on how to transition to a new planning tribunal mean hundreds of applications currently being considered by city could be appealed under old rules.” A page-6 article in the Dec. 19, 2017 print edition […]