Language usage, as I am using the term (others will have different ways of using it), is concerned with how we use language for specified purposes. My study of language usage includes an interest in how power at times distorts language, because it has the power to do so. Language usage also concerns itself with the distinction between rhetoric and reality. As well, the category is concerned with the formal, systematic study of rhetoric, and with humanity’s attempts to define reality.

Stand tall. Walk tall. And for prolonged sitting, keep changing your position.

In the course of my life, I’ve learned the basics of good posture. I am, that is, a graduate of Posture 101. Many people have been my teachers, over the years. State of near-collapse Early in my life, before I found my way, I was severely stooped over, my youthfulness notwithstanding. My ribcage was collapsing in […]

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

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 […]

Respect creates its own narrative

In the course of my life, I’ve faced the usual numbers of trials and tribulations. From time to time, I’ve learned things that have stood me in good stead. One of the things I have learned, with regard to life’s challenges, is that respect speaks its own language. Respect, that is. creates its own narrative. […]

On Wednesday, January 31, 2018, Toronto Council unanimously adopted the Long Branch Neighbourhood Character Guidelines with amendment by Councillor Grimes

The following message is from the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association: Another step towards thoughtful planning in Long Branch! On Wednesday, January 31, 2018, our City Council adopted the Long Branch Neighbourhood Character Guidelines with the following amendment by Councillor Grimes. “That the guidelines be used by home builders, the community, City staff, committees and appeal […]

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 > […]

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

From LRT construction to waterfront development, Mississauga appears to be surpassing Toronto when it comes to vision: Dec. 5, 2017 Toronto Star article

A Dec. 5, 2017 Toronto Star article is entitled: “Mississauga is starting to think past its suburban status: From LRT construction to waterfront development, the city appears to be surpassing Toronto when it comes to vision, writes Christopher Hume.” Citizen engagement I have been written previous posts about the contrast between Mississauga and Toronto, when […]

Richard J. Evans’s trilogy and related 2015 text offers a valuable historical overview of Nazi Germany

Richard J. Evans’s Nazi Germany trilogy along with The Third Reich in History and Memory (2015) is strongly evidence-based, and is presented within a framework that is well-reasoned and well-informed by the available historiography. A Jan. 4, 2016 review by Christopher E. Mauriello, Salem State University, of The Third Reich in History and Memory (2015), […]