consumerism place nature community simple living

Nature Dance

I watched a nature dance today. As I drove past Nose Hill Park in Calgary, I noticed three deer sticking close together in a herd. Then I noticed two coyotes on this side of the deer, two more to the west of the trio, and one more behind the deer. I realized I was watching…

Mr. Radio

A few days ago I posted a blog entitled “On the Radio” which featured the lyrics of a song called “Radio” by Steep Canyon Rangers. Today, as a follow-up to that blog, I give you the lyrics to the song “Mr. Radio.” The song was written by Roderick Taylor and has been recorded by Linda…

The Consumerism of Calvin (yes, that Calvin!)

Tools and Tool Management

Those who regularly read this blog will know that I have a fascination with crows. I have repeatedly sung their praises as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet (see here; here; and here). So, when I read another paper about crows and tool use, I naturally wanted to write about it here.…

I Can’t Help Myself

Words and Music by Sandra McCracken; from the album “In Feast or Fallow” (Listen while you read) I confess the things I am afraid of: thorns and danger just around the bend I pray for tongues of fire and bands of angels to come and circle ’round me like a fence I lift my eyes…

Targum on Psalm 121:2

A targum (see the definition here) continued. Psalm 121:2. My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. The Lord, who has the resources The Lord, who is just The Lord, who has the power The Lord, who has the plan The Lord, who has shown His love The Lord, who knows me better…

Targum on Psalm 121:1

In the first century AD Jewish Rabbis would give spoken explanations and expansions of the Jewish scriptures known as targumim (singular: “targum“).1 A targum was given in the common language of the day because the Hebrew language was in decline and the people needed an explanation of material that they could no longer understand. There…

Longing To Reach Home

Part of what attracts me to the writing of C.S. Lewis is the transparency with which he writes. He was a person of immense intellect, but also, immense emotion. He shared these emotions in his writings and prompted his readers to experience similar sentiments. His awe inspiring book, Til We Have Faces, was published in…

Thomas Merton

When we are alone on a starlit night, when by chance we see the migrating birds in autumn descending on a grove of junipers to rest and eat; when we see children in a moment when they are really children, when we know love in our own hearts; or when, like the Japanese poet, Basho,…

Linus van Pelt or Ayn Rand

Philosophical arguments happen at Christmas time. It is one of those times when people ask questions about ultimate truth, the meaning of Christmas, and the meaning of life. Mark Gollom of CBC News recently interviewed Yaron Brook, a follower of Ayn Rand, to explore his thoughts on the true meaning of Christmas. Having read the…