Keeping It Fresh
It was interesting over the last few days seeing posts about the demise of Ben's bread. The once iconic Nova Scotia brand is being done away with. Then again, that it seemed to be harder to find over the past few years anyway. It isn't unusual to see smaller brands taken over by larger companies and be consolidated o...
19h ago
brookefuller / Depositphotos.com
How Many Billionaires Buy Lottery Tickets?
I'm guessing very, very few do. You've probably heard about the Cape Breton man who just won 1.5 million from a Scratch'N'Win ticket after he bought $200 worth of them. I'm astounded by that kind of purchase. I mean, I'm glad it paid off for him, but you only need one ticket to dream, right? Does $200 for scratch and ...
23h ago
Mike Mozart / CC
Pump Prediction April 25
Apr 25, 2024
Double Double With a Song and Dance On The Side
I've spent the morning trying to picture it. I'm still struggling, but I'm starting to think it might work. Are you ready for a Tim Horton's musical? No, seriously. A Tim Horton's musical. Apparently, the people at Timmie's decided they needed something special to help celebrate their sixtieth anniversary. Our belo...
Apr 25, 2024
livfriis / Depositphotos.com
Wet Cat Food Is The Worst!
As someone who has tried cat and dog treats just to see what they taste like, you know I don't care about much. However, years ago when we switched from dry cat food to wet cat food for our cats I realized that I can't stand the feel or the smell of the stuff. It doesn't matter whether it's solid or flaked, fish or fow...
Apr 25, 2024
Phoenix Wolf-Ray / CC
They're Back!
Not too long ago, I mentioned that the hummingbird migration map for this year was showing the birds well on their way for this year. At the time, they had been spotted in Pennsylvania as they were working their way north. Now, they are here. I haven't had any direct reports, but there have been Nova Scotia sightings...
Apr 24, 2024
Don't Believe Anything
This has been a bit of a confusing day. It started great. But now I'm not sure what to believe anymore. It's St. George's Day, the day to honour the patron saint of England. It's also English muffin day. So I was thinking I could honour St. George by having an English muffin. I like English muffins, so that would ...
Apr 23, 2024
robynmac / Depositphotos.com
Dishes I Haven't Had Since I Was A Kid
For years, I've been yearning to have some Newfoundland Corned Beef Hash. So a few months back I saw a can of Hereford Corned Beef on sale and picked it up. My wife thought I was "going through something" for wanting corned beef hash. She told me to find a recipe and make it myself when she was out of the ho...
Apr 23, 2024
The Showers Worked
I've been searching for a picture, but I forgot to take one this past weekend. I couldn't find one from past years. And a search of available images I could use turned up nothing. But there were plenty of mayflowers around over the weekend. We have access to various stock photos to use on here. Except if you search...
Apr 22, 2024
Crazy Flavour Combinations
Doritos have a new series of potato chip flavours called Collisions and their first is Dill Pickle with Cool Ranch, and I can't wait to try it. I guess I shouldn't be surprised considering how popular "All Dressed" is here in Canada. Other strange flavour combinations I've discovered over the years have been ...
Apr 22, 2024
Mustafa Bashari / Unsplash
Time To Burn Meat
I have a craving. And not for more cowbell. Unless the cowbell is attached to just a piece of the cow. Probably a very small piece, since I don't feel taking out a mortgage to purchase that piece of cow. But that's a whole other story. I just think it's past time to get the barbecue cranked up. I guess technically...
Apr 19, 2024
iodrakon / Depositphotos.com
Pump Prediction April 18
Apr 18, 2024
Looking For A New Face
A friend called me yesterday with a question. It wasn't a tough question, but I didn't have an answer. Have you seen any coins with King Charles on them? Last fall, there was a lot made of the transition to King Charles coins. The official portrait was chosen for the coins, facing left instead of right as the Queen h...
Apr 18, 2024
They Seem To Be Hanging In
Today is International Bat Appreciation Day. I'll admit. I'm a bat fan. And not because of Batman. Or Dracula. I just like bats. I just happen top think they are interesting. And I am also in favour of anything that wants to eat all the bugs. There are over fourteen hundred different bat species in the world. N...
Apr 17, 2024
max5128 / Depositphotos.com
More Sounds of Spring
I heard one on the weekend. It sounded a bit lonely, but I'm sure he will have friends soon. But it was just nice to hear one. The spring peepers have really stepped up the peeping. They went from a few voices in the wilderness to choruses of little frogs over the past couple weeks. The birds have certainly been ma...
Apr 16, 2024
Gustavo_Andrade / Depositphotos.com
The Yellow Is Starting
Good news over the weekend. At least as far as I am concerned. I glanced out the window and noticed yellow. What was once a pile of sticks is starting to turn yellow. At least one of them is. I have a few forsythia around the yard. One, in particular, seems to try to get a bit of a jump on his neighbours each year...
Apr 15, 2024
What Will We Drink When There's No More Coffee?
The impending demise of coffee has been talked about the last few years. Climate change is making bean growing tougher while demand is soaring. Already there are startups betting that substitutes made out of date seeds and chickpeas are the answer. Supposedly beanless coffee "gives you that legendary coffee taste...
Apr 15, 2024
Kanko* / CC
Famous Hamsters In History
Today is World Hamster Day, which, if you like hamsters is pretty special. I do like many rodents. Well, maybe not rats so much. I don't tend to socialize much with rats. Mice I get along with a little better. Provided we can come to an understanding that they live outside the house. There was one mouse who would ...
Apr 12, 2024
alexkalashnikov / Depositphotos.com
Who Designs Packaging and Do They Hate Humanity?
I shake my head at all the stupid packaging I run across day to day. Why are kids' toys packaged in rigid plastic while important foods like flour and sugar sold in paper bags? Is it to give the bugs a fighting chance? Condiment packets are dangerous things around your clothing and your car's upholstery. Could someone...
Apr 12, 2024
Mustafa Bashari / Unsplash
They're On The Way
It was a bit of a surprise, although it really shouldn't be. They usually arrive around the first of May. At least by Mother's Day. They have already been spotted in Pennsylvania, even as far north as Chicago and parts of Michigan. The hummingbirds are coming. Since it will only be a couple weeks before they arrive...
Apr 11, 2024
Spring Continues
I'm ashamed to say, I haven't checked the progress of some of the plants around the yard. In fairness, it has been pretty soggy. And the continuing wet has kept me from patrolling for dog presents. One simply does not walk freely around the yard until that chore has been done. And really, other than stick my head ou...
Apr 10, 2024
Time For A Change
I go through this a couple times a year. You hit that point where it's time to change to a different coat or jacket. The problem becomes, is it really time to change? The first of last week, I was almost ready to start digging in the closet, looking for something lighter. Something a bit more spring oriented. At le...
Apr 09, 2024
Turn That Off For A Bit
You know, that bright thing in the sky. Let's just turn it off for a few minutes. While we're not getting a total eclipse around here today, it should still be pretty interesting. Although there is care and caution that should be exercised during the actual event. It can get a little confusing, so I will encourage yo...
Apr 08, 2024
Animals Know Better
It had me thinking, I will admit. I kept seeing a Facebook post quite a bit over the past few days. The one about keeping pets indoors with curtains and blinds drawn during the eclipse on Monday afternoon. On the surface, it kind of makes sense. But when you think about it, if the eclipse effected the eyesight of ou...
Apr 05, 2024
Peter Corbett / CC
Buy That Expensive Concert Ticket!
I ran across an interesting discussion on Reddit the other day. Someone asked where you like to overspend in your budgets, and consider the inflated prices worth it. The general consensus is, If you're going to use it everyday, might as well make it lavish. And so people suggested overspending on mattresses, couches ...
Apr 05, 2024
Pump Prediction
Apr 04, 2024
But It's Good For Your Lawn
I have a rule I try to live by. I refuse to shovel snow after the first of April. It's my own little protest against nature. Just trying to let it know that I'm done with that stuff, so it can stop any time. Now, nature rarely pays much attention to me. But this little moment of protest does make me feel better. I...
Apr 04, 2024
Some Unhappy Frogs
I waited for them. I won't say patiently, because I haven't been patient. There are evenings I open the door, stick my head out and wonder where they are. They should be here by now. On Friday, I heard them. Not a lot. No where near the thousands that will likely be heard later in the month, but the spring peepers...
Apr 03, 2024
Ondreicka1010 / Depositphotos.com
Got Glasses?
We're less than a week away. The solar eclipse will be happening next Monday, starting just after 4:30 our time. Nova Scotia isn't in the total eclipse area. Well, except for around Meat Cove. The northern most tip of Cape Breton. Otherwise, most of us just get close. But close could still be an interesting sight....
Apr 02, 2024
Dumb Things I Believed As A Kid
When I was a kid, my parents were not always honest with my brother and me. Dad told us that steak and lobster was dangerous for kids to eat. I believed him when he told us that brown cows give chocolate milk. (That one took years for this city kid to find out was false) The worst one was when I was a pre-teen and a f...
Apr 02, 2024
Jennifer / CC
It Should Be A Holiday
I'll be honest, I'm usually not one of those people chomping at the bit, wanting to get on the water on the very first day of trout season. Not that I don't want to go. But it's usually pretty chilly this time of year and often the weather isn't the best, so I'm content to wait. For a few days anyway. But we don't ...
Apr 01, 2024
Pump Prediction for March 28
Pump prediction drama today! We are going with 4 cent drops as our most trusted sources have done the same. Note: some sources are predicting a drop of only 0.3 cents for gas and 0.2 cents for diesel. Either way, there will be an increase Monday with the carbon tax increase.
Mar 28, 2024
Don't Get Me Anything! Except Snacks, yeah, Snacks!
With my birthday or Christmas when someone asks me what I'd like, I always tell them "Don't Get Me Anything". And I really mean it. My attitude has always been if I really want something I buy it (if it's reasonably priced) And I really hate to see someone waste their hard - earned money on something I don't ...
Mar 27, 2024
One Is Not Like The Other
I saw something come in the other day comparing books to movies. It was a list of what were supposed to be the worst film adaptations of a popular book. Although I'm not sure you can compare the two. We've probably all had that moment when we were really excited for a movie. Maybe we had read the book. Maybe we had...
Mar 26, 2024
VadimVasenin / Depositphotos.com
Would You Say "I Do" To The Shoe?
I have one pair of Crocs. My wife bought them for me. Unfortunately they make my feet hurt, so I don't wear them. My wife is a huge fan of Crocs - She has some really dressy styled Crocs in addition to her "just kicking around the house" pairs. My take on "crocs" is if you find them comfortable, wea...
Mar 26, 2024
We Should Smell It
According to the forecast, it looks like a pretty damp week in the way. Showers or rain pretty much all then way through. But can you smell it? A lot of people say they can smell rain. Science in general agrees, although it is apparently easier to smell summer rain on the way. Before a lightening storm, we might pic...
Mar 25, 2024
Peas Replaced By Horseradish On My List
Have you ever eaten something and then got sick to your stomach and rightly or wrongly blamed it on what you ate? When I was preschool age I helped my mother and grandmother shell peas from the garden. I ate more than I put in the bowl. I got sick and couldn't touch a pea for almost 30 years after that. Now I'm fine ...
Mar 25, 2024
Anthony Crider / CC
Really Not That Puzzling
I got press releases on a regular basis. It comes with just working here. People try to get you to talk about them and their products, so they send out information in the hope you might mention them. There was a press release that I got today reminding me about a press release that came earlier. It was about how muc...
Mar 22, 2024
Pump Prediction for March 21
Mar 21, 2024
Searching For Signs
I've been searching for signs. Well, not too hard. I've really been hoping signs of spring will start jumping out at me. After all, spring is here. It should be happy about it's revival and telling everyone about it. Unfortunately, spring seems a bit more subdued. It's not really waving itself in everyone's face a...
Mar 21, 2024
Light My Fire
Provincial burn restrictions are in effect once again. It's a good thing, although it can also be a bit annoying for some. The easy way to check what restrictions for your county is to check the online map. Except if you happen to be in spot where you don't have internet access. Or you can call the phone number. Wh...
Mar 15, 2024
HayDmitriy / Depositphotos.com
Pump Prediction for March 14
Mar 14, 2024
I'll Take Mine A La Mode
Today is March 14. Or 3/14. Or possibly 3.14. Or, you may be seeing where I'm going here... pi day. 3.14 would be a rough calculation of pi, the mathematical constant that helps us discover the circumference of a circle. Or the area of a circle, sphere or cylinder. One of those things we all learn in school, but m...
Mar 14, 2024
David Wilson / CC
Duck, Duck... What's That On My Lawn?
Maybe it's just me, but there seems to be a lot of geese around over the past few months. It could be the effects of climate change. Maybe their wings are getting tired faster and they don't want to fly any further south. Maybe there is something truly delicious hiding in the grass around here. Or maybe there are ac...
Mar 13, 2024
Chiara Coetzee
I Predict A Cloudy Day In April
There will be at least one cloudy day in April on this year. There could be more, but there is likely to be at least one. April 8, to be exact. Why will there be a cloudy day on April 8, 2024? Because there's going to be a solar eclipse and every time something cool happens in the sky, it seems to get cloudy. Maybe ...
Mar 12, 2024
Peter Corbett / CC
What To Grill
Spring is in the air. There have even been a couple nice afternoons that have made me start to gaze longingly at the barbecue. Or grill. Whatever you want to call it. I use it for both. There is a difference. Grilling is cooking something over an open flame at a high heat. Cook it fast and get it done. Barbecue ...
Mar 11, 2024
Carl Mikoy / CC
Pump Prediction for March 7
Mar 07, 2024
Did Your Mom "Have A Cow" Over The Simpsons?
What tv shows were you not allowed to watch when you were a kid? It seems that moms the world over felt that the Simpsons was not a good show for us kids to take in. (Something about being disrespectful to parents) Most Dads could care less, unless they were forced to take Mom's side. I grew up before the Simpsons ca...
Mar 04, 2024
Paul Downey / CC
A Day Worth Remembering
Sunday is a big day for me. Sort of. It's certainly a day worth remembering. Or maybe forgetting. It could go either way. March 3, 2019 was a Sunday, the same as this year. You don't always have dates matching up with days like that, but throw in a couple leap years and it can happen over five years. But on Sunday...
Mar 01, 2024
Qfamily / CC
Tim's - Please Bring Back Roll Up the Rim!
I know, I know, beginning this Monday Tim Horton's is back with Roll Up To Win. It used to be called Roll Up The Rim but that hasn't happened in 4 years. They phased the changes in at the beginning of Covid in February 2020 with a partial move to digital. Then in 2021 they went full digital. Having an app to play just...
Mar 01, 2024
Random Retail / CC
Weekly Pump Prediction - February 29th
Feb 29, 2024
Taking The Leap
It's February 29, Leap Year Day. That extra day we get every four years, or so, because no one has quite figured out how to get a calendar to work. The problem is, in order to fix it, we would probably have to make a second just a little bit longer and the inner workings of every clock would then have to be adjusted. ...
Feb 29, 2024
Community Archives
One Of Your Newer Fairies
Today is Tooth Fairy Day. Which got me wondering where the idea of a tooth fairy came from. Or the concept of buying teeth for that matter. Fairies have been part of human folklore for many years. They aren't always benevolent creatures. Some aren't the sort you would want sneaking into you house at night. Thankfu...
Feb 28, 2024
wakefielddavid / CC
The Number You Have Dialed...
I feel sorry for some of the people who try to call here. They don't always get who they are looking for. In many cases, I have no idea who they are looking for. For some reason, we get a lot of wrong numbers. I'm not sure how. It could be something buried deep in the system of the phone company. But it's been hap...
Feb 27, 2024
Paul Long / CC
Shoes With Spikes
For several years, I have kept a pair in my car. They look a bit silly, laying there in the middle of summer. But I know full well that if I move them some other place I won't know where they are when I need them. And I certainly won't have them with me. While we might not have gotten the flash freeze that many fear...
Feb 26, 2024
Jorge Láscar / CC
Begin The "Couldn't Cut The Mustard Jokes"
I'm scratching my head over the decision by Subway to stop offering yellow mustard on their sandwiches. I wouldn't even consider a roast beef anything without mustard. I'm a mustard guy. I like mustard and relish on my hot dogs, and prefer mustard on my burgers. A little ketchup gets drizzled on my French fries, but ...
Feb 26, 2024
Mike Mozart / CC
Who Was The First?
It's one of those questions you see pop up every now and then. People wondering who might have been the first to try something. Like most of our food items. Who was the first person to take a chance and give them a try? It's an interesting question. At the time this popped into my head, I was throwing together some...
Feb 23, 2024
grassrootsgroundswell / CC
Weekly Pump Prediction
Feb 22, 2024
Problems With Powder
Today happens to be Chili Day. Or Chilli Day, if you prefer the British spelling. I will admit to being a fan of chili. Nothing beats a pot of chili on a cold day in my mind. But I do have issues with chili powder. You know. The spice that kind of makes it chili. Maybe it's my taste buds that have gone downhill ov...
Feb 22, 2024
Gwen / CC
They Almost seem Tame
Over the weekend, I almost gained a new hood ornament. A deer. I was headed up a narrow road, when out of the snow on one side a deer jumped out right in front of me. I slammed on the breaks, slid to a halt and stared the animal down an bit. It did not seem phased by almost getting hit by a car. In fact, it seemed ...
Feb 21, 2024
Alan Light / CC
Just A Gathering Of Little Black Dots
I wasn't a bad weekend for getting outside and walking in the snow. Yes, it would have been nice to turn the wind down a bit at times, but it wasn't bad as winter weather goes. In fact, I even spotted something I hadn't seen in a while. Mostly because I haven't seen too many little puddles of water in the snow. Beca...
Feb 20, 2024
Robbie Sproule / CC
More Than Just A Holiday
A long weekend is coming up for many, with Monday being Heritage Day in Nova Scotia. It's a day that isn't easy to keep track of in some ways. You often hear it referred to as Family Day, which it is in some provinces. But for us, it's Heritage Day, and each year it serves to recognize something different about our ...
Feb 16, 2024
zaphad1 / CC
Gas price adjustment prediction - February 15th
Feb 15, 2024
But What About Leftover Chocolate Day?
Today is Gum Drop Day. No one seems to know why. It just is. It really doesn't make a lot of sense. Most gum drops are eaten around Christmas, which I suppose is true for a lot of candies. But in the early 2000s, someone decided mid February would be a good day for gum drops. Gum drops were invented in the early 19...
Feb 15, 2024
Scott Robinson / CC
If It's Up In The Sky, Jeopardy Knows Why
Did you watch Jeopardy last (Wednesday) night? And did you fall out of your chair when a clue came up that said, "Meteorologist Cindy Day says that like an honest talk, thunderstorms do this when dry westerly winds are behind them" And did you know the answer? (Clear the air) Cindy says the show's producers c...
Feb 15, 2024
Karen / CC
Maybe Something... Practical
I will admit, I'm not really good at gifts for that special person. Which makes days like tomorrow a bit difficult at times. The special person in question does make things fairly easy. They don't want big expensive items. That would likely get me in more trouble than totally ignoring the occasion. But there is a b...
Feb 13, 2024
Jamie McGibbon / CC
Pancake Day Is Here!
It's Shrove Tuesday, Pancake day! How do you like your pancakes? In Britain they don't use baking powder in the batter and make them smaller and thinner like French crepes. Exceptions being Wales and Scotland where they are thicker. Americans always use baking powder to make thick pancakes. Generally Canadian pancakes ...
Feb 13, 2024
ポトフ / CC
What's In Your Flaps, Jack?
Tomorrow is one of my favourite days of the year. Shrove Tuesday. Or Fat Tuesday. Or Mardi Gras. Or the variation I like best, Pancake Day. The idea was to use up all your eggs and fat before you started to fast for Lent. Although I tend to not do much on the fasting side, I do participate in the eating of the pan...
Feb 12, 2024
Emma Forsberg / CC
The Snacks Are Just A Bonus
A certain football game will be coming up this weekend. I will admit, I enjoy watching football. For the actual game itself. Although I know not everyone feels the same. There are probably a large number of people who won't even bother watching. They will be looking for something... sometimes, anything... else to w...
Feb 09, 2024
Jeramey Jannene / CC
Gas price adjustment prediction - February 8th
Feb 08, 2024
Digging In And Under
I'll admit. The ten year old that hides inside me has been getting a little excited about the scenes of all the snow in other parts of the province. Yes, the grownup that pretends to be an adult (most days) is very happy he doesn't have to shovel all that snow. Especially his back. His back really is happy with not ...
Feb 08, 2024
Rebecca Siegel / CC
What Not To Believe
It may seem pretty strange, but I'm beginning to think Facebook did us all a favour by blocking news content in Canada. Mostly because anything that looks like a news story we see on the site, we should pretty much think of as fake right from the start. Most real news isn't allowed on there anymore. I'm not exactly i...
Feb 07, 2024
Jesper Sehested Pluslexia.com / CC
I Still Need Practice
I noticed that today is Chopsticks Day, honouring one of the world's oldest eating utensils. And with the Lunar New Year coming up on Saturday, I could probably use the practice. Every so often, I'll break out the chopsticks. Although I'll admit I'm not very good at using them. And since I'm reaching a point in my l...
Feb 06, 2024
Damian Gadal / CC
A Break Up Because Partner Won't Eat Properly?
I just read an interesting story on a Reddit subgroup from a 23 year old guy who's thinking of breaking up with his long time girlfriend because of her unhealthy eating habits. She won't eat fruits or vegetables or take multivitamins - just fast food and Mac and cheese. A year ago her health crashed and she struggled t...
Feb 06, 2024
Michael Tieso
Getting Lucky
It's one of those strange situations. I feel like I shoveled all weekend long, but yet we really didn't get that much snow. If you know people in Cape Breton, you probably realize we got pretty lucky as far as the amount of snow we got. I shoveled on and off all weekend, but I swear it was the same snow. I'd move it...
Feb 05, 2024
Scott Robinson / CC
Jobs You Wouldn't Do, But Have Huge Respect For Those Who Do
Besides radio, I've done a few other things for a living. One was teaching computer server configuration and administration. It was alright, but somewhat boring teaching the same thing every day. (They were one day courses) Believe it or not, I pumped septic tanks for a day, from digging the hole, pumping the tank an...
Feb 05, 2024
Seeing Sanitation / CC
There's Usually That One Thing
I happened on a post the other day where a person said they were obsessed with fork tynes. He hated to see bent ones. And he admitted it's a thing with him. When he sees bent tynes on a fork, he has to straighten them. I king of chuckled then realized, I have my own compulsions. Light switches, for one. I hate to ...
Feb 02, 2024
Ivy VanZanten / CC
Groundhog Day In Nova Scotia
Shubie Sam did not see her shadow, so an early spring. Here on the South Shore Lucy the Lobster saw her shadow, so six more weeks of winter. Did you know that even though the week after next we'll be celebrating Pancake Tuesday with the round little treats, that early Europeans would celebrate Groundhog Day with panca...
Feb 02, 2024
GPA Photo Archive / CC
Too Many Channels , Too Few Hammers
A coworker had an interesting question the other day - What do you have too many of? That's easy- for me it's streaming channels that we never watch. I get tricked into signing up for a year at a deeply discounted price and then forget at renewal time to cancel, and end up with another year of a streaming channel that ...
Feb 02, 2024
Kaitlyn Fisk / CC
The Missing Hole
I am really sort of surprised someone hasn't come up with the usual not so catchy name for it. Maybe Bagelgate, since every little scandal seems to end up as some sort of gate. But if you haven't heard yet, holes have gone missing from some bagels. The big deal is, it's messing with tradition. Although the hole thin...
Feb 01, 2024
liz west / CC
Shamed Into An Iphone
I remember being shocked when a friend told me that they had never owned a microwave. But then I realized that for many years I didn't own a cellphone. Eventually my family shamed me into carrying an Iphone with me. I didn't buy it, my wife gave me her old Iphone 6S and let me piggyback on her plan. I'm not a fan of sm...
Feb 01, 2024
Jan-Willem Reusink / CC
It's All Going Downhill
I just happened to glance out at the snow the other night, with the moonlight reflecting off it. It looked cold, but at the same time rather inviting. I really wanted to run out, find a toboggan and head for a hill. I think there's still a hill there. There used to be. Back in another century. It was out, across t...
Jan 31, 2024
simon.lebrun / CC
Groundhog Day and Other Superstitions
Friday is Groundhog Day. I don't put any stock in the superstition that if the rodent sees it's shadow it means 6 more weeks of winter, because, let's face it, shadow or no shadow we're getting six more weeks of winter. However, it's a fun thing to do in early February and it's harmless. I tried to think of superstit...
Jan 31, 2024
Dawn Scranton / CC
It's Back!
It's a day a lot of people have been waiting for. The return of the McRib. I know there are many who will say, "where's the pizza?" Let's take this one step at a time. In full honesty, I was never a huge McRib fan. Although I made one disappear for lunch today in record time. And the guy who handed it to ...
Jan 30, 2024
markni123 / CC
Empty Nest Coach?
I had never heard of an "empty nest coach" until I read a recent article in the Wall Street Journal. Turns out they exist and they aren't cheap! Like $250 an hour! Who's in need of an "empty nest coach"? Helicopter parents who have spent years shepherding their kids from one event to the next and n...
Jan 30, 2024
Jordan Staub / CC
Coal Shortage
I was a bit late getting in this morning. What with the snow and cleaning out the driveway and the walkway and being really tempted to make a snowman. The snow seemed almost perfect. Maybe even a bit too wet. But it will certainly stick together well. This is really good snowman snow. Or snowballs. If you happen ...
Jan 29, 2024
erin / CC
What's In Your Drawers?
I think it's been a while since we cleaned out some of the drawers around the house. In fact, I think it's been a while since anyone cleaned them out. If ever. For one thing, we found a can of Pepsodent tooth powder. That was kind of a double wow. It's been a while since I had even heard of the brand name. And too...
Jan 26, 2024
Ronald van der Graaf / CC
All My February Lunches Are Taken Care Of!
My all time favourite McDonald's menu item has been gone for 10 years in Canada. Next week, on January 30th it's back for a limited time. The McRib. The McRib was last seen in a Canadian McDonald's in 2014, but ever since its departure, it's been a sandwich we have been begging to bring back. The McRib is made of bone...
Jan 26, 2024
markni123 / CC
Gas price adjustment prediction - January 25
Jan 25, 2024
Got Haggis?
It's January 25, and I have not yet managed to find a haggis. January 25 is Robbie Burns Day, celebrating the day of the Scottish poet's birth. The traditional feast to mark the day is haggis. Only it hard to come by haggis around here. Proper haggis anyway. Although maybe that's for the best. If you've ever looke...
Jan 25, 2024
ScotGov Rural / CC
The Brew-Ha-Ha Over Tea
There's a bit of a trans-Atlantic controversy brewing over an American chemist's new book called "Steeped : The Chemistry of Tea In it, she advises that brewing the perfect cup of tea involves adding a pinch of salt. She claims that the sodium blocks the tongue's bitter taste receptors, improving the flavor of th...
Jan 25, 2024
Leon Brocard / CC
Skating Away
It's been a while since I put on skates and headed out on a nearby pond. I won't deny, I have been tempted the past couple of days. It's been cold, but not polar vortex cold. But enough to freeze, at least overnight. And we haven't had a lot of precipitation, so the ice looks pretty good. Years ago, back in the day...
Jan 24, 2024
ND Strupler / CC
This Teacher Was "The Goat"
There's a great story about a grade 8 math teacher who was puzzled by his students always saying "you are the goat" at the end of his classes. He thought it was just a silly joke that he didn't get, and would tell the students, "No, You are the goats!" Curious about the joke he wasn't getting, he t...
Jan 24, 2024
Arend / CC
Did You Celebrate Squirrels
If you are wondering, I did mark the day of Sunday, although I forgot to mention it. Sunday was Squirrel Appreciation Day, and since I like most squirrels, I gave them a bit of extra food on Sunday. Many people might refer to what I put out as bird food. I'm just a bit more realistic. You don't have to watch long to...
Jan 23, 2024
Barry Poole / CC
Caught In The Headlights
The evenings are getting progressively lighter, which is a good thing for those of us who have to take the highway home later in the day. Before too long, we won't have to be quite so concerned about oncoming headlights. Which will hopefully make things run smoother. Over the past couple of winters, it seems that the...
Jan 22, 2024
J Dimas / CC
The Brown Thumb
I don't do well with house plants. I'm not sure what it is, but we just don't get along. For a while, I put the blame on cats. They liked to excavate a few of the house plants, so I blamed them for killing them all. While they may have had something to do with the demise of the occasional plant, it wasn't all their ...
Jan 19, 2024
OakleyOriginals / CC
Frog Legs Are Delicious!
I'm reasonably brave when it comes to trying different foods. When down South in Louisiana I tried frog legs several times and really enjoyed them. Also squirrel gumbo, although I didn't touch the squirrel head sitting on top. I've had alligator meat and it was good. I tried haggis once but was sick afterwards. I won't...
Jan 19, 2024
Lou Stejskal / CC
Getting Hard To Keep Track
The Emmy Awards were handed out Monday night. Yesterday there were stories going around that the awards show itself got the lowest ratings ever. It seems people just weren't watching. There seems to have a bit of a downward trend in awards shows in generally lately. So it really isn't a huge surprise. But there als...
Jan 18, 2024
ITU Pictures / CC
Sorry. Wrong Cup.
It's a little confusing. I kept hearing and reading about people getting all excited about the Stanley cup. Seemed a little early in the season, but okay. Then I learned they were going crazy over an extra large travel mug. I will be the first to admit I'm starting to get a but over the hill. I haven't been keeping...
Jan 17, 2024
Roberta LaQuaglia / CC
Be Aware Of The Orange Peel Test
If your partner asks you to peel an orange for them, happily say yes and do it! The "Orange Peel Theory" is the latest relationship test to go viral on Tik Tok. As one person put it, "You see, It might not literally be about peeling the orange. They're asking you for a small favor to see your reaction, t...
Jan 17, 2024
waferboard / CC
Thanks For The Cones
It caught me by surprise, I will admit. Yesterday, as I was headed home, I pulled onto the 103 from Exit 12. As I crossed the river and looked ahead, I could see bunches of traffic cones. Or maybe they have a different name. They weren't the little cones, you know, the pointy ones. These were the bigger ones. Not ...
Jan 16, 2024
Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos / CC
Shrinking Discounts
It's been all over the news. Loblaw announced the end of the 50% off sticker. It seemed like a good idea that worked for everyone. Items that were getting close to their "best before" dates would be discounted. It would ensure a quick sale for the store and give the consumer a bit of a break on their budge...
Jan 15, 2024
Paul Benson / CC
Care For A Cuppa?
I happened to notice that today is Hot Tea Day, which, strangely enough, falls near the middle of Hot Tea Month. When you think of it, January is a good month for hot tea. It's a great way to warm up. If you're wondering why it is specifically Hot Tea Day, I would suspect it's because there are a few people, particul...
Jan 12, 2024
Kanko* / CC
Gas Price Update- January 11th
Tonight at midnight the price of gas will go dowwn 1.5 cents, while diesel is going up 2.1 cents!
Jan 11, 2024
More Hard To Find Old Timey Stuff
Every so often I seem to find myself searching for items that... well, the best way to describe it might be that the world has moved on. Like last year when I went on a search for a styptic pencil. As much as anything, it was sort of fun watching the look on people's faces when I asked about them. Although I did eve...
Jan 11, 2024
Stephan Ridgway / CC
Weird Treats and Food Combos
Have you got a love of a treat or a strange food combination that no one else seems to like? Perhaps it's a Nova Scotian or South Shore favourite like Dulse, Solomon Gundy or Lunenburg Pudding? I went through a phase where I'd have a Maraschino cherry chocolate with a beer. The two flavours seemed to complement each o...
Jan 11, 2024
Smabs Sputzer (1956-2017) / CC
Have They Been Saved Yet?
I just happened to notice that today is "Save The Eagles" day. Just to be clear, we're talking the bird, not the band. I like them both, but the band can save themselves if they like. The birds may or may not need help. Since I noticed it was Save The Eagles day, I looked into the history of the day. Back...
Jan 10, 2024
Richard Probst - Shot in a Frame / CC
Keeping The Heat On
I guess maybe it's time to think about getting off oil. At least for home heating. But it's one of those things that can get pretty confusing. Unlike a lot of politicians, I was not unhappy with the roll back of the carbon tax on heating oil. Although, strangely, I have no real problem with the carbon tax. I know. ...
Jan 09, 2024
Robert Ashworth / CC
Do I Really Need It
On Saturday, since we had predictions of snowmageddon about to hit us, I decided it might be a good idea to see of I could start the snow blower. I have one, tucked into the back of the garage, hiding behind other things that don't get a lot of use. We really haven't needed it much. Which is fine by me. I don't real...
Jan 08, 2024
Andrea Pokrzywinski / CC
A Whole Lot Of Dry
The start of the year seems to bring a whole lot of "dry" these days. Not that you might not think you need a good detox after the holidays. But you hear about "Dry January", which basically encourages people to avoid alcohol for the month. Then there's "Dry February". Same thing, only ...
Jan 05, 2024
Bart Lumber
Peak Stanley Cup?
No, I'm not speaking of our hockey trophy but the big colourful water bottles that virtually every teen and tween got for Christmas. There's a thing on Tik Tok where kids and young people do a quick video of their "haul" at Christmas and almost everyone featured a Stanley cup. The 40 oz Stanley cup is pricey ...
Jan 05, 2024
ajay_suresh / CC
Stay North, Old Man
I will admit that's it fun to think about, but I've never really been a "fly south" type of person. I know a lot of people are, but it never has really made sense to me. Part of that is I really don't mind winter that much. The older I get, the more I don't like being cold, but I still can't justify a trip ...
Jan 04, 2024
Pablo Fernicola / CC
My Favourite Scraper
There was a bit of frost on the car windows this morning. Not a lot, but enough to make me scrape. I sometimes will hit the remote start to melt things off, but I'll be honest. I feel a bit guilty. The whole unnecessary idling thing. But some times I do it anyway. But most times I scrape. There are a lot of things...
Jan 03, 2024
Ruth Hartnup / CC
Wait Five Minutes...
It's a common saying around here. If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes. It's a saying for a reason. We know one thing for certain about our weather. It will change. That was the reaction when I looked online yesterday and saw people posting about a big snow storm coming our way on Thursday or Friday thi...
Jan 02, 2024
AIRS, the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder is a spaceborne instrument onboard NASA's Aqua satellite whose data are being used to improve our understanding of Earth's weather and climate. / CC
The One Resolution I Kept
The big evening is coming up Sunday. New Years Eve. Again this year, I will be making my usual New Years resolution. It's the only one I've ever kept, which is one reason I keep renewing it each year. It's pretty simple. I resolve to not make any New Years resolutions. I never really kept them anyway. I tried maki...
Dec 29, 2023
Gunvor Bjerklund Røkke / CC
Their Days Are Numbered
It's that time of year when I start to feel bad for some of the outdoor Christmas decorations. Especially the inflatables. It's bad enough to see inflatable decorations during the day, when many of them are turned off and just laying there. Little bit of colourful plastic laying on lawns. Not really recognizable as ...
Dec 28, 2023
JuliaC2006 / CC
When To Take Down Christmas Tree?
Christian tradition dating back to the 4th century marks Twelfth Night, the end of Christmas and the Eve of the Epiphany as the time to take down your Christmas tree and pack away your decorations again. That means January 5th or 6th (also called Old Christmas) is the day. Unless, like me, you have cats. Then it's comi...
Dec 28, 2023
Elliott Brown / CC
The Joy of Working Over The Lost Days
It's that dead period between Christmas and New Years. Everything seems to have stopped. Some thing got finished up before the holidays kicked in, and it's to early to start anything major. And a lot of people seem to take the time off, if they can. Honestly, it's one of my favourite times of year to work. I suppos...
Dec 27, 2023
Kevin Dooley / CC
Turkey Leftover Timeline
It's that funny time between Christmas and New Years where many of us don't know what day it is. I have no problem during these days because I keep the date straight with turkey. Monday was turkey dinner, Yesterday was what I call Turkey 2.0 when we have a second turkey dinner made up of the leftovers. Today is hot t...
Dec 27, 2023
Kristie Moser / CC
Breaking Christmas Traditions
Over the years we tend to have Christmas traditions, mostly from our own childhood Christmases. However, the last couple of years I've let some of those traditions go. I used to search for that candy that no one eats but looks good in the candy dish - you know, the ribbon candy and barley toys from Robertson's. Licoric...
Dec 22, 2023
Cassowary Colorizations / CC
Whole Or Jelly - That Is The Question
When it comes to meals over the holidays, we're generally a pretty easy going bunch of people. We eat just about anything. So no big issues with allergies or even issues about traditions, that certain foods must happen at certain times. Sure, some of the younger ones might get a bit fussy, but there's usually somethi...
Dec 21, 2023
liz west / CC
My Christmas Stocking Science Experiment
When I was a kid I'd always look forward to emptying my Christmas stocking first thing Christmas morning. My brother and I would get a big Navel Orange, a big red Apple, a paperback or some comic books and best book of all - the LifeSavers Book - back when they had ALL the flavours included. One of those LifeSaver pac...
Dec 20, 2023
Gabe Kronisch / CC
It's In The Bag
The other day, I just happened to notice a meme that said, "Don't get down on the floor to wrap presents unless you have a plan to get up." I laughed. Because it was funny. And also true. I don't often have to wrap a lot of presents. Like... once a year, maybe. But my memory, although getting a little fu...
Dec 19, 2023
Conall / CC
It Could Be The Type of Tree
It's been three days, and the tree is still standing. Last year, we put up our artificial Christmas tree. The cats turned it into a Festivus Pole. Or pretty close to it. I should explain that I wasn't really a fan of the artificial tree anyway. We got it because I left getting a tree too late. It was just a couple ...
Dec 18, 2023
Helena Jacoba / CC
A Scented Candle I'd Buy
For you fans of Cow's Ice Cream, especially their waffle cones, you can now get a scented candle from the company that will make your room smell like a Cow's waffle cone. Having never had one, I'll have to take everyone else's word for how wonderful this is. Me, it would be a toss up between a "baking bread" ...
Dec 18, 2023
A.J.____ / CC
Not Looking Very Snowy
I've never really figured out where the whole "white Christmas" thing came from. Maybe it was from the movies and music of the past. But it doesn't seem to happen that often. And it's not looking great for this year. Extended forecasts really aren't much good in this area. The weather is likely to change ...
Dec 15, 2023
Ingvild Hunsrød / CC
Just When You Think You're Done
I almost thought I was done early. Not that getting ready for Christmas before the day actually arrives would really happen. But I had hopes. There are always those last minute things. That happens. I know better than to think I'm really done when I think I'm done. But this time, there are several members of the f...
Dec 14, 2023
Do They Come With A Warranty
Again this week, the Christmas tree hunt will continue. I know it's getting late, but we should be able to find something that will do. There are certain requirements for this tree that must be met. The big one, the one that must be kept in mind above all over considerations, is that this tree must be sturdy. Very s...
Dec 13, 2023
Orangeaurochs / CC
Those Crazy Christmas "Rules"
Growing up, a strict rule in our house was that presents were opened only on Christmas morning - no exceptions. My brother and I were able to modify that rule a little bit one Christmas,. My parents had friends over for some Christmas cheer on Christmas Eve and I think they may have stayed up too late. Which meant Dad ...
Dec 13, 2023
simpleinsomnia / CC
Right Up On Top
It was almost a major change. Almost. We almost switched from being an angel family, to being a star family. Not that it would have made a huge difference to me. I came from a star family. We always had a star on top of the tree when I was a kid. But the first year I was married, my wife found a really nice angel ...
Dec 12, 2023
Randy Robertson / CC
The Revenge Of The Math Teachers
I started getting some of the Christmas baking done over the weekend. I'm not sure how this happened, that I became the baker, but I will admit I enjoy it. Although it does make my head hurt a bit. Really I guess it started with a cookie exchange. Someone thought that would be a fun thing to do, so I made some cooki...
Dec 11, 2023
Timothy Vollmer / CC
Least Favourite Christmas Treat?
When I was a kid, my grandmother, who had spent the first 14 years of her life in Northern England came to live with us. That's when I found out that a British Christmas tradition is to have brussels sprouts as part of Christmas dinner. And to this day, it's my least favourite Christmas treat. I know some people who lo...
Dec 11, 2023
krgjumper / CC
The Search Continues
The time of year has once again rolled around. The time when I'm up against a time crunch and have to get Christmas baking done. Now, I really think this all began because I watch too many TV baking shows. They make baking seem so easy. Within a few short minutes they throw ingredients together and create these stun...
Dec 08, 2023
Wellness Wildflower / CC
Maybe I Should Have Renewed
I feel kind of bad. But maybe I'm to blame. In a way. Me and probably many others like me. I was a bit shocked to hear yesterday that Reader's Digest Canada will cease operations. I don't know all the details, but the thought of the world without Reader's Digest makes me a bit sad. Although I'm as much to blame as...
Dec 07, 2023
Steve Bowbrick / CC
But We Need More
We're getting pretty deep into the "whattheheckamIgoingtobuyforChristmas" season. I write it all as one word, mostly because that's how it's playing in my head. And mostly because I have no answer. So it has become all one big word, on a billboard with flashing lights in my head. Which is still not helpfu...
Dec 06, 2023
Jessica Fiess-Hill / CC
Secret Santa Gift Ideas... Under $50?
I'm part of a Secret Santa group this holiday season. It's a nice and thrifty way to give gifts to friends this year. I'm still debating what to get this person, but our spending limit is $50. If you're in the same boat, here are apparently some of the best gifts to give this year on a budget! Wirecutter has a great li...
Dec 06, 2023
Jennifer C. / CC
The Award Goes To...
There should be an award for the best road sign. I think the people of Broad Cove might have a winner. I was cruising through Facebook this morning and noticed a picture of the sign. Since it wasn't my picture, I don't feel right sharing it with you. But if anyone has a picture of it, feel free. It would seem, judgi...
Dec 05, 2023
TireZoo / CC
This Is The Weirdest Way To Make Mashed Potatoes...
I was on Tiktok last night mindlessly scrolling as you do when I came upon a video that really was quite interesting. It's a woman making mashed potatoes from a bag of Lays potato chips. Check this out.Have you tried this cooking hack? Maybe I'll try it sometime this week and see how it goes! Ben Holmes
Dec 05, 2023
Mustafa Bashari / Unsplash
Thanks For The Reminder
I generally try to avoid anow shovels this time of year. The little bits that we usually get don't tend to stick around much this time of year, so I tend to ignore it. Although I did drag the shovel out today. Not that I really needed it. There wasn't a lot around and it may have melted off. But I didn't want to ta...
Dec 04, 2023
Corey Taratuta / CC
Gathering The Leftovers
The season is upon us. I noticed this morning as I drove to work. 'Tis the season for salt to gather on the windshield. Which means we are at the time of year when you have to keep your windshield washer fluid topped up. For years, it was one of my pet peeves that many car manufacturers didn't make the washer fluid ...
Dec 01, 2023
Mike Mozart / CC
The Rise Of The Machines
I'm not even going to pretend to understand it all. It gets pretty confusing and there seems to be a lot to it that we might not see on the surface. But we have been hearing a lot about artificial intelligence lately. I can see the point of Hollywood actors and writers, not wanting computers to take over the jobs and...
Nov 30, 2023
rodgerspix / CC
But What Do They Taste Like?
Lobster season is getting underway. In some areas. Not just around here, but in other areas as well. I happened upon a story the other day about a person in Maine who caught a two colour lobster. Not your usual lobster by any means. This lobster was half normal lobster colour and half blue. The story actually calle...
Nov 29, 2023
Richard Wood / CC
A Day To Give
I'll admit, I was a little sceptical of the idea. Although it's been around for a while, it is a fairly recent thing. Giving Tuesday. The idea started about 2011, but never really took off until the following year. In 2012, the 92nd Street Y in New York came up with the idea of a day of giving. People had just been...
Nov 28, 2023
Marco Verch Professional Photographer / CC
Christmas Treats
For many of us, the best part of Christmas are the treats that only come out this time of year. Obviously candy canes are the most popular candy, even with all the crazy flavours they are coming out with these days. You can get pickle, bacon, caesar salad, ham, hot dog and sour cream and onion candy canes. I'll stick...
Nov 28, 2023
Pen Waggener / CC
Too Many Passwords
We're heading toward the end of another year, so I know it will start to happen soon. Some programs I have will start to ask me to change my password. Which I will quickly forget. Because that's what I do. It happens with a couple things every year, and even though for those couple things I may try to follow the rul...
Nov 27, 2023
Automobile Italia / CC
No Longer A Spectator Sport
It's Black Friday. The day we are supposed to be beating down the doors at retailers all over the country, trying to get the best deal. It wasn't that long ago that Black Friday was more of a spectator sport for most of us in Canada. Sure, there might be a few sales, but we didn't have to fight tooth and nail with ou...
Nov 24, 2023
Marco Verch Professional Photographer / CC
Searching For Berries
I haven't been asked yet, but I know it's coming. The annual search for red berries. Before too long I will end up standing in a ditch, knee deep in mud, fending off a flock of hungry birds and a rabid squirrel, trying to get a few red berries. I am fairly confident I can outrun the squirrel, but the birds will just ...
Nov 23, 2023
Nicholas_T / CC
Can't Have Real Christmas Tree?
I love a real Christmas tree, and I'm not saying that just because I live in the Balsam Fir Christmas Tree Capital of the World. I am pretty sure I'm allergic to them. Actually they think 7 per cent of the population are allergic - they call it Christmas Tree Syndrome. And we're not allergic to the tree, but to the mol...
Nov 23, 2023
Justin Russell / CC
The Smaller The Animal, the Louder the Footsteps
It is just one of the great mysteries of life. Smaller animals make more noise. I don't think there is a good explanation, it just happens. Yesterday, since it wasn't raining and we had spent the previous day doing inside things because it was raining, the dog and I decided it was a good day for a walk. So we headed...
Nov 20, 2023
slgckgc / CC
Pizza Toppings I Would Try
My pizza tastes in toppings are fairly humdrum and mundane. Sure, I like a Hawaiian pizza with pineapple to complement the ham, but I generally prefer a vegetable topping. However, I read something the other day which made me rethink my choices for pizza toppings. They said, if you have put something on bread or toast,...
Nov 20, 2023
whologwhy / CC
The Colour of Butter
Today is Butter Day. A day to celebrate butter. Nothing really wrong with that. At least, nothing so far this week that I've seen. Butter is one of those things like bacon. One day it's good for you, the next it isn't. Okay... so maybe bacon is never really good for you. Butter might be, though. It has saturated...
Nov 17, 2023
Musicman Loxton / CC
Getting A Grip
On rare occasions, I actually feel ahead of the game. Not often, but I feel that way now. Simply because my snow tires are on. I have not always been a snow tire user. There were many years when I have thought I just don't need them. They were an unnecessary expense, and all season tires were good enough. After al...
Nov 16, 2023
Oregon Department of Transportation / CC
A Love/Hate Relationship With Self Checkouts
I'm a big fan of gadgets and tech, so when self checkouts first came out I stepped right up. Unfortunately in the early days of stores using self checkouts there were a lot of problems. Especially if you had something from the meat or produce department that was marked down. Every time I used the self checkout I'd hav...
Nov 16, 2023
m01229 / CC
Mow Or No
For the past few days, I've been trying to ignore my lawn. It's trying to get my attention, letting me know it's getting a bit shaggy and could maybe use to be mowed on last time. But does it really? The fact is, it may. Even though we have started getting a bit of frost and temperatures are starting to cool off, my...
Nov 15, 2023
Kris Lord / CC
Butter on the Counter, Margarine in the Fridge?
I tend to leave the butter on the counter, because when it comes out of the fridge it's too hard. Spreading it on bread or toast just rips up the slice. Margarine in the tub as far as I can tell , seems to be designed for the fridge and yet be spreadable while chilled. My wife does it the opposite way - she leaves the ...
Nov 15, 2023
Joanna Bourne author / CC
Fancy A Cuppa?
The other day, while scrolling through things online, I happened upon a rather lively discussion on how to properly make tea. You might think the internet has brought out such discussions, and it was a rather lively discussion, but this is something I can remember from long before the internet. I had one friend who wa...
Nov 14, 2023
Aurelian Săndulescu (: / CC
This Might Make Me Like Egg Nog
I've never been a big fan of egg nog. It's too sweet and heavy for me. But I've seen a new product that might make me a fan, (of sorts) It's Signature Egg Nog Ice Cream Sandwiches. (I googled the Signature brand and it seems to be a Sobeys/Safeway brand) It says egg nog ice cream with flavoured wafers (not chocolate) T...
Nov 14, 2023
Isaac Wedin / CC
Time To Remember
Tomorrow is the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Remembrance Day. It is a day to say a simple thank you to those who were asked to perform some pretty difficult tasks on our behalf. Some were our grandparents. Our mothers and fathers and aunts and uncles. Our brothers and sisters, friends and neighbours. Many of...
Nov 10, 2023
hennasabel / CC
Dollar Tree is Coming
That's right - American dollar store chain Dollar Tree is coming to Atlantic Canada - One in Moncton and one in Halifax. I've always been fascinated by dollar stores and what they sell. I've seen knee, neck and arm braces that normally sell for $45 or more at the dollar store for four dollars. I'm sure gift bags, holid...
Nov 10, 2023
Mike Mozart / CC
What Your Cat Really Is Thinking
If you have ever wondered what your cat message your cat is trying to send, maybe you need a Facial Action Coding System. It's likely not something that is commercially available, but it was built by a couple researchers trying to decode cats. You might think dogs are far more expressive than cats. That cats are just ...
Nov 09, 2023
Jennifer C. / CC
Keeping It Old School
I don't like dishwashers. (the machine kind) I like to do the dishes old school - hand washing and drying. My car is a manual stick shift because I feel like I have more control over the drive train. I prefer talking on the phone as opposed to texting. (Damned AutoCorrect!) I'm the bread maker in our home and I do chea...
Nov 09, 2023
Kim Siever
Where's The Staff Discount?
It's no secret that self checkouts seem to be the new big thing in a lot of stores. And they have also become one of those things people love to hate. Some people won't use them. To the point I know people who have stopped shopping at some stores because they don't seem to have checkouts available with actual cashier...
Nov 08, 2023
Random Retail / CC
Have You Updated All The Clocks Yet?
It's been several days since Saturday night's time change as we rolled the clocks back an hour. And I did something I never do - I updated the clock in my car. Usually I just leave it as is for six months until the next time change. I figure it's good to do the mental math and subtract the hour when I look at it. Most ...
Nov 08, 2023
Denise Krebs / CC
Take A Look Inside
Today just happens to be the International Day of Medical Physics. A day to highlight how the science of physics has helped advance medical science with things like X-rays, CT Scans, ultrasounds and MRIs. We might not think of physics and medicine combining, but they have pretty much since the time Marie Curie notice...
Nov 07, 2023
Russell Bernice / CC
Searching For Warm Feet
I started searching for them last week. I know I have several pairs around somewhere. But I haven't seen them for a while. With good reason. They really aren't needed during the warmer months. When the chillier season rolls around, I really do need them. Wool socks. I will admit, in the past I was never a fan of ...
Nov 06, 2023
AnnaKika / CC
Another Change With No Change
Here we are again. Another time change weekend with no change to the change. Although some places have at least gone through the motions, nothing really gets done. When politicians get asked about doing away with the time change, you tend to get answers, like "It's really not a priority." Which really tran...
Nov 03, 2023
Mark Morgan / CC
Just A Little Pinprick
I got my flu shot today. It's my first high dose flu shot, which in some ways is good and in some ways bad. It's good to have the extra protection. Although the down side is, I am officially old. But that's okay. I figure part of the reason I got to this point is because of medical science, so I'll stick with them ...
Nov 02, 2023
NIAID / CC
Fall Back An Hour This Saturday Night
It's that time of year again - we mess with our regular routines and turn the clocks back an hour Saturday night (or Sunday morning) -The time officially changes at 2am Sunday morning. Just about every provincial and state government has had a lawmaker or two propose stopping this madness. Nova Scotia wouldn't drop t...
Nov 02, 2023
Joe Haupt / CC
More For Me
It wasn't a bad Halloween. We've had more, we've had less. All in all, it seemed about average, as far as numbers of Trick Or Treaters are concerned. I've been seeing various reports from people, some saying numbers were up a bit from past years, others saying they were down from previous years. I didn't keep a tall...
Nov 01, 2023
terren in Virginia / CC
Salt Or Sweet
It's always a subject for discussion around my place. What are the best Halloween treats? A lot depends on your personal preference. Some people are sweet people. They like sugar or pretty much anything sweet. Others, like myself, were born with more a salt tooth than a sweet tooth. So you tend to have those who a...
Oct 31, 2023
Kim Woodbridge / CC
All Dressed Up
Once again this year, time is getting away from me a bit. I haven't yet put together much of a costume. It's not that I spend Halloween out trick or treating any more. I'm usually the one staying home to man the door, reluctantly handing out the treats and hoping we have lots left over. And you don't really need a c...
Oct 30, 2023
Randy Robertson / CC
Candy Corn Really Isn't That Bad
For a Halloween candy, it's OK. I mean, it'll never win any popularity contests over Reese's Pieces, but in my books it's ok. I'm glad they put what it's supposed to be right in the name - candy CORN - otherwise I would have guessed old mangy dog tooth. I've also noticed a slightly chemical aftertaste to candy corn. Le...
Oct 30, 2023
TheCulinaryGeek / CC
Washing Rice
Last evening, as I was making rice to go with dinner, I remembered I had seen something online about washing rice before you cook it. So, while I was waiting for my unwashed rice to cook, I decided to look into the idea of washing your rice before you cook it. I will admit, I have never washed my rice before cooking. ...
Oct 26, 2023
aThemeArt
Off Center Heating
I happened to stumble on an article the other day, explaining how we are probably using the microwave wrong, simply by putting things in the center to heat. Putting food in the center of the microwave makes sense for most of us. Most microwaves have turntables that rotate the food for better heat distribution, but it ...
Oct 25, 2023
Jeremy Hall / CC
The Art of Candy Giving
We've reached the point. The point where it is almost safe to buy Halloween treats, and there are still treats available to be bought. It's a delicate balance. You have to time it properly. Or at least I do. If you buy the treats too early, there is an very real danger they could disappear before Halloween actually...
Oct 24, 2023
terren in Virginia / CC
Today I Learned Bologna is Just A Big Hot Dog
I don't know why I never put two and two together and figured out that bologna and hot dogs are the same meat, just in a different sized casing. Both are emulsified meat paste with bindings which has been cooked and spiced the same for the most part. Sometimes there's a bit more of a smoky flavour to hot dogs but many ...
Oct 24, 2023
Mike Mozart / CC
New Sports In The Games
There were some new sports announced for the 2028 Olympic games last week. Some are returning sports. Some will be new to the Olympics. But it's still not clear what, if any, will be dropped to make way for the new ones. For the 2024 games, surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing will all be returning, after being...
Oct 23, 2023
Patrick Doheny / CC
Beyond Pineapple Pizza
Even though it's a Canadian invention, Hawaiian pizza with ham and chunks of pineapple is considered by many pizza lovers as an abomination. Personally I like it a lot, especially if it's a good quality ham to go with the pineapple. Now, social media influencer Natalie Ludwig is promoting pepperoni pizza slathered in....
Oct 23, 2023
@joefoodie / CC
A Day To Shut Down
Today is Information Overload Day, a day when we are supposed to reduce our information input and output and take a break from all our devices. If possible. It's not something I've ever had a huge problem with. I spend most of my day stuck behind a computer so I tend not to spend too much of my spare time with them b...
Oct 20, 2023
Keera Russell ` / CC
The Rolling Stones New Album "Hackney Diamonds" Is Out! Sample It Here!
It's here! The new Rolling Stones album, 'Hackney Diamonds,' was released today! This is the first original album the band has released in almost 20 years. It's also the first album without their longtime drummer Charlie Watts. It really is already a classic Stones album mixed with a newer sound. It sounds great! It al...
Oct 20, 2023
Brandon Carson / CC
Unexpected Visitors
I've mentioned before that I follow the Nova Scotia Brid Society on Facebook. I'm not what you would call an avid birder, but I do like to have an idea what sort of things are around me. And sometimes it's fun to see what others are finding. And not just birds we might normally see around here. Not long ago, there w...
Oct 19, 2023
Don Miller / CC
Google's Top Searches For Dog Costumes
I love seeing dogs dressed up for Hallowe'en. Google keeps track of the public's searches for Hallowe'en costumes every year, and while we all know that Barbie is the most popular costume... What about our pets? Here are the top dog Halloween costume searches: Chucky, spider, cow, Scooby Doo and Stitch. Chucky and the ...
Oct 19, 2023
Eric.Ray / CC
Turning Up The Heat
I will admit, I like spicy food. Not to extremes, but I certainly don't mind a bit of heat. At any given time you are likely to find two or three different types of hot sauce around my house, just so we have a range. But I also like to taste what I am eating, so there are limits. Which is what had me asking why as I...
Oct 18, 2023
namestartswithj89 / CC
Snooze Away!
Are you one of those many people who rely on the snooze button on your phone or alarm clock? If you've ever wondered if it's bad for your sleep, stop worrying. Two recent tests by university sleep researchers could not find any difference in the quality of sleep of snoozers or non-snoozers. Do you like to hit the snoo...
Oct 18, 2023
John Lodder / CC
Leave The Leaves?
I don't like doing it. At least, not before I start. It's one of those chores I would probably rank pretty high on my really dislike doing list, if I had one. I'm talking about raking leaves. Although really, I'm like that with a lot of repetitive type tasks. I try to avoid them as much as possible. Until I start ...
Oct 17, 2023
Raymond Rossini / CC
Ghosts Popping Up Everywhere
It seems like ghosts and goblins and various other spooky things have been popping up all over the place. Almost like mushrooms. Although there's no shortage of those either. But the spooky things were almost a bit of a surprise. I was expecting them. It's the whole fall thing that seems to be coming faster this y...
Oct 16, 2023
Jennifer C. / CC
Should This Room Mate Pay More Rent?
When people share living space, it can result in some real dilemmas. For example, I thought this lease holder was out of his mind when he asked how much more he should charge a roommate who was working from home. I initially thought how petty is that? Sure, charge someone more if they have the master bedroom, but you d...
Oct 16, 2023
Tripp / CC
These Local Axe Throwers Dominated A Competition In Germany!
If you've never been to the Wild Axe Lumberjack Axeperience in Barrington Passage you're misssing out. Every Summer local compeditors and sometimes people from aroud the world take part in Axe throwing compitations and events. That's where champianss Suzy Atwood, John Buchanan and Felicia Townsend learned their skills ...
Oct 13, 2023
Did Your Iphone Make You Late Getting Up
I have an old Iphone but I don't use it as an alarm clock. I have a trusty battery-backed up clock radio antique that sits across the room and has an alarm that has to be ten times louder than any Iphone alarm. I don't use an Iphone to wake up because, for one thing, it's just not loud enough. Also, I need to be forced...
Oct 13, 2023
Next TwentyEight / CC
The Fall Game
My wife and I play a little game in the fall called "How long can we go before we turn on the heat" Last year we almost made it to November. However, I cheat a little bit. I keep a tiny electric heater under my computer desk and put it on low. Somehow that little bit of heat on my feet is all I need to feel w...
Oct 12, 2023
midnightcomm / CC
Too Much Turkey This Year
I overdid it this year - brought home a turkey too many times and this past week my wife and I decided that we were going to do a chicken, but still have all the extras - rolls, dressing, cranberry sauce and all the veggies with it. So, here's how the week has gone so far. We had the chicken dinner on Monday. Which m...
Oct 11, 2023
Scott Feldstein / CC
Where's The Colour?
There has always been some discussion around what might produce good fall colours on the leaves. The basics are pretty easy. The tree figures it's time, the leaves stop making food, and the chlorophyll in the leaves start to break down and cause other colours to appear. The chlorophyll is the green part. Once it s...
Oct 06, 2023
Anand Khatri / CC
More Thanksgiving Confessions
Now that you know I prefer the canned jellied cranberries to to the homemade, I can tell you my most disturbing Thanksgiving preference. I choose Stovetop Stuffing. It has the right amount of bread crumbs and spices . Now, I know for a fact that some of you sneak a box of Stovetop Stuffing home and use it for Thanksg...
Oct 06, 2023
slgckgc / CC
Plan B
I have decided it would be a good idea to have a Plan B. Just in case Philippe decides to show up for Thanksgiving dinner. We have enough to set another place at the table, but post-tropical storms are not always dependable guests. A few years ago, there was a nasty wind storm on Christmas Day that decided to mess wi...
Oct 05, 2023
Warren Krewenki / CC
It's Fat Bear Week!
I almost missed it. For some reason this year just seems to be moving fairly fast. I didn't realize that Fat Bear Week is already upon us. Fat Bear Week features the bears of Katmai National Park in Alaska, chowing down on salmon, mostly at a falls on a couple different rivers in the park. It can be fun to watch, al...
Oct 04, 2023
Jitze Couperus / CC
Mom Scammed Us All Every Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving weekend is coming and I've always looked forward to turkey, all the fixin's, cranberries and pumpkin pie. The only problem is, I wasn't eating pumpkin pie. It was pie, and it tasted like pumpkin, but it was squash! I didn't try real pumpkin pie until my thirties and I was not impressed. The texture wa...
Oct 04, 2023
chip_p / CC
Sticking With Turkey
There were some options discussed. With Thanksgiving coming up this weekend, we usually try to gather the family for a dinner before everyone gets busy heading into the fall and the holidays. Hopefully, we all get to gather once again at that point. But I'm sure a lot of people know what it's like. Lives tend to ge...
Oct 03, 2023
Kristie Moser / CC
Time To Move Inside
Temperatures are starting to drop a bit, particularly at night, so we seem to be coming up to the time when other things, like insects, seem to like to move inside with us. Just to stay nice and toasty over the winter. Since many of them probably don't live that long, they probably have other plans for how to spend th...
Sep 29, 2023
David Lee / CC
They Only Come Out At Night
I noticed a post earlier in the week from a friend who had spotted flying squirrels showing up to a feeder. She mentioned something about them being back, although they probably were never actually too far away. They are hard to spot. Since they are a kind of greyish colour and are nocturnal, and they are only around...
Sep 28, 2023
Judy Gallagher / CC
Rowing the Gourd: The Shelburne County Giant Pumpkin Festival Is Fast Approaching
It's back! One of the most unique and fun festival's in all of Nova Scotia! The Shelburne County Giant Pumpkin Festival and Regatta! If you missed it last year then you're in for some fun! This year it's bigger and better than ever with bouncy castles, new fall themed food vendors and of course lots of pumpkins! There ...
Sep 28, 2023