You are presumed to be honest and responsible without evidence to the contrary beyond a reasonable doubt… on the balance of probablilties you are justified by 51 % likelyhood.
A few things to do one of the major things that could happen to you is your credit cards and debit cards may not be available for a time, so you may want to accommodate that with currency.
February is a month of transition, purification, and deep cultural roots. Despite being the shortest month of the year, its history is incredibly dense, spanning from ancient Roman rituals to modern global observations.
1. The Roots:
Purification and “Mud”The name February comes from the Latin word februum, meaning purification. * Roman Origins: In ancient Rome, Februa was a festival of ritual cleansing held on February 15th. Interestingly, February was originally the last month of the calendar year. It was seen as a time to purge the old and prepare for the new year (which began in March).
* Old English Roots:
Before the Latin name took over, Old English speakers called it Solmonath, which literally translates to “Mud Month.” This was a nod to the wet, thawing conditions of the late winter landscape in northern Europe.2. Culture and ObservationsFebruary 2026 is particularly vibrant, as it features several major religious and cultural “resets” overlapping. *
Black History Month:
Originally established in the U.S. and Canada, this month is dedicated to honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout history. * Lunar New Year (February 17, 2026): In 2026, the Year of the Horse begins. This is one of the world’s most significant cultural celebrations, emphasizing family reunions, red envelopes for luck, and traditional feasts. *
Ramadan (Beginning approx. February 19, 2026):
The Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection begins in mid-February this year, following the lunar cycle. * Mardi Gras / Shrove Tuesday (February 17, 2026): The “Fat Tuesday” celebrations precede the start of Lent (Ash Wednesday, Feb 18), a 40-day period of fasting and repentance in the Christian tradition. *
Valentine’s Day (February 14):
What began as a feast day for Christian martyrs (and possibly a Roman fertility festival called Lupercalia) has evolved into a global celebration of romantic love.
3. Three Notable People February is the birth or death month of some of history’s most influential figures.|
Individual | Significance | Event ||—|—|—|| Abraham Lincoln | The 16th U.S. President who led the country through the Civil War and abolished slavery. Born: Feb 12, 1809
|| Rosa Parks |
The “Mother of the Freedom Movement” whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery bus boycott. | Born: Feb 4, 1913
|| Steve Jobs |
The co-founder of Apple Inc. and a pioneer of the personal computer and smartphone revolutions. | Born: Feb 24, 1955
Other interest…
“Year of the Horse” predictions for the 2026 Lunar New Year, or perhaps more details on the origins of Groundhog Day?
The Merritt Hockey Junior B team the Centennials are now engaged in Junior A development. Brian Barrett a long time hockey expert in Merritt says the team is back to where it was before the reorganization that saw the half century old team go down to Junior b and change leagues to the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.
Transformation
Yes, they are! The Merritt Centennials are currently playing in the KIJHL (Kootenay International Junior Hockey League), which is a Junior A league.They made a big move recently, leaving the BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League) after 51 seasons to join the KIJHL as an expansion franchise starting with the 2024-25 season.Current Status (2025-26 Season) *
League: KIJHL (Junior A) * Division: Bill Ohlhausen Division *
Home Ice: Nicola Valley Memorial ArenaAs of January 2026, the Centennials have been playing quite well. They are currently sitting in the middle of the Bill Ohlhausen Division standings with a solid winning record, keeping the long-standing hockey tradition in Merritt alive under their new league affiliation.
Check the public link “schedule” above. For playing dates and results from previous games.
Photo KDG
Editors note: referring to the schedule link above will show place and home with authority:
There are reports from semi-officials or credible sources of ice conditions being a concern at local 💦 lakes.
” through the ice at Marquart lake, a person went, Lost his fishing gear but not his life.”
Kathy a bus driver with Merritt transportation also reports that search and rescue was out practicing recently for lake recovery.
Ad Hoc
We report this on and on official basis other than our credibility with our blogs. We always recommend you check with official sources when undertaking.
That that being said a reminder of being cautious is always good around ice.
One point for today always carry a rope or have access to sticks. Never try and pull somebody out at an ice hole, you may join him as you both panic….
So, sad, she had her time, and a following. So we must bear up and accept her last hurrahs…
RIP Catherine O’Hara
Oh Canada, we guard with thee…
We will remember!
With a giggle and a glee…
life and times.
Catherine O’Hara is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and influential figures in sketch comedy, having launched her career as an original cast member of SCTV (Second City Television). Sadly, today—January 30, 2026—marks her passing at the age of 71, but her legacy on SCTV remains a cornerstone of comedic history.The Origins:
From Waitress to Star
O’Hara’s journey with the Second City troupe in Toronto began in the early 1970s. Interestingly, her first job at the club was as a waitress. After an initially unsuccessful audition, she was eventually hired for the touring company by John Candy and famously replaced Gilda Radner in the main cast in 1974 when Radner left for New York.Career on SCTV (1976–1984)In 1976, O’Hara helped create SCTV alongside comedic legends like John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Martin Short. She was the show’s “resident funny woman,” known for her fearless commitment to physical comedy and complex character work. * Iconic Characters: * Lola Heatherton: Perhaps her most famous creation, Lola was a boozy, high-energy, and desperate-for-attention variety star whose signature catchphrase was, “I wanna bear your children!”
* Dusty Towne:
A clueless, middle-of-the-road comedian. * Katharine Timber: A self-absorbed talk show host who would never let her guests get a word in. * Celebrity Impressions: She was a master of mimicry, delivering legendary parodies of Meryl Streep, Lucille Ball, Elizabeth Taylor, Brooke Shields, and a deadpan Katharine Hepburn. * Writing Prowess: Beyond her acting, O’Hara was a key writer for the series. She won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1982 for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program.Impact and CollaborationsHer time on SCTV established a lifelong partnership with Eugene Levy, with whom she would later star in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries (like Best in Show) and the award-winning series Schitt’s Creek. Her SCTV training—honing her ability to use “just an intonation or a mispronounced word” for comedic effect—is often cited as the foundation for her later iconic role as Moira Rose.
You may want to know more about her famous film collaborations with Christopher Guest or her award-winning run on Schitt’s Creek?
So Thursday we are sitting in the A&W and I look out through the window across Voght Street thiking they put some impressionistic art in the window.
Wait a minute
I shook my head and gave it another look. Well, that is a reflection of one of the canopies twisted and impressed on the window by the angle of the earth and the deflection of the sun rays. What a blessed event. The universe was showing us/me some wonderful art. No charge.
January 29th is a notable day in the art world, marking the birth of several influential figures ranging from pioneers of American Abstraction to masters of French Impressionism.Here are three artists born on this day:
1. Barnett Newman (1905–1970)
A central figure in Abstract Expressionism, Newman was born in New York City to Polish Jewish immigrants. He is best known for his “zip” paintings—large canvases featuring fields of solid color interrupted by vertical lines. These “zips” were intended to create a sense of scale and a physical, emotional connection between the viewer and the space. * Famous Work: The Stations of the Cross series and Vir Heroicus Sublimis. * Fun Fact: He didn’t find major success until later in life; for years, he worked in his family’s clothing business and as a teacher.
2. Mary Cassatt (1844–1926)
While often associated with France, Cassatt was an American painter born in Pennsylvania. She moved to Paris, where she became the only American artist to officially exhibit with the Impressionists. Her work is celebrated for its intimate, tender depictions of the social and private lives of women, particularly the bond between mothers and children. * Famous Work: The Child’s Bath and Little Girl in a Blue Armchair. * Legacy: Beyond her own painting, she played a massive role in introducing Impressionism to the United States by advising wealthy American collectors.
3. Frederick Delius (1862–1934)
Though primarily a composer, Delius is often described as an “audio impressionist.” Born in England to a German family, his music is renowned for its lush, “painterly” textures that evoke landscapes and nature. His work often mirrors the aesthetic of the visual artists of his time, using harmony and tone color to create vivid atmospheric “pictures.” * Notable Work: Florida Suite and A Village Romeo and Juliet. * Artistic Tie: He lived in the French village of Grez-sur-Loing, a famous colony for painters, which deeply influenced his creative style.Note on Edward Lear: You might also see the name Edward Lear associated with this date; however, while he was a brilliant landscape artist and illustrator, January 29th actually marks the day he passed away in 1888 (he was born in May).
Would you like me to find some images of Barnett Newman’s “zip” paintings or perhaps a classic Cassatt portrait for you?
The rediscovered treasures emphasis (Silent Auction) show of the Nicola Valley Community Arts council ends Friday, that gives 2 days to come in and write your final bid on the silent auction of the rediscovered works.
A painting in the Gallery showing corner of Nicola and Voght, Merriitt BC, You never know…
Robin Humphries coming from a luncheon and back to his wares in the working room.
The Merritt Civic center hosted a Cooperative art collective on the weekend. Artists Robin, Humphreys, and others attended. The presentation of their wares was enlightening. The group also has a goal of well-being and restoration.
From the pr, we put these links public links on ad hoc basis, as reporting and journalizing and looking for input comments. Regards. Thank you for your time.
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 