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.
Is this another taking advantage in a vicious circle?
Note: We neither endorse nor deny this institute’s work. We just share it from YouTube in good faith and ask for your comments.
Our (prop review) research
Trauma
Dealing with trauma and its physiological “imprints” requires understanding that trauma isn’t just a memory of the past; it is a physical reset of how your brain and body perceive safety in the present.1. Trauma, Triggers, and Imprints * Trauma: This is the emotional and physical response to an event that overwhelms your ability to cope. It shifts the nervous system into a chronic state of “survival mode.” * Imprints: This refers to how trauma is stored in the body. The “body keeps the score” through a hyper-sensitive Amygdala (the brain’s smoke detector) and a suppressed Prefrontal Cortex (the logic center). Even if you don’t “think” about the event, your muscles may tense, or your heart rate may spike when the body senses a familiar pattern. * Triggers: These are sensory inputs (a smell, a tone of voice, a specific date) that the brain associates with the original trauma. A trigger causes the “imprint” to activate, making you feel as though the danger is happening right now.2. Who Should You Avoid?When healing, “social safety” is paramount. You may need to distance yourself from: * Invalidators: People who tell you to “just get over it” or minimize your experience. This prevents the nervous system from de-escalating. * Chaos-Seekers: Individuals who thrive on high-conflict or unpredictable behavior. A traumatized nervous system needs predictability to heal. * The Original Source: If the trauma was caused by specific people, “no contact” or “low contact” is often a clinical necessity to allow the brain to stop scanning for threats.3. Legitimate TreatmentsTraditional “talk therapy” is often not enough because trauma is stored in the “primitive” parts of the brain that don’t use language. The most effective treatments focus on the mind-body connection: * EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to “unstick” traumatic memories so the brain can process them into normal past events. * Somatic Experiencing (SE): Focuses on the physical sensations in the body. It helps you “discharge” the frozen energy of the fight/flight/freeze response. * DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Highly effective for learning “distress tolerance”—the ability to handle a trigger without spiraling. * Neurofeedback: A non-invasive “gym for the brain” that helps retrain brainwave patterns that have been stuck in high-alert modes.4. Where Self-Care Fits InIn the context of trauma, self-care is not a “treat”; it is nervous system regulation. It is the daily “maintenance” that keeps your baseline stress level low enough that triggers don’t cause a total collapse. * Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Simple acts like humming, deep rhythmic breathing, or splashing cold water on your face can physically signal your body to “rest and digest.” * Establishing “The Nest”: Creating a living environment that is physically and visually calm. * Routine: Because trauma is rooted in the “unexpected,” having a rigid daily routine provides a mechanical sense of safety to the brain.A High-Value Next StepSince you mentioned taking the word “dive” under advisement in your saved information, I have kept this response grounded in clear, actionable pillars.Would you like me to provide a list of specific grounding techniques you can use the moment a trigger occurs to “bring yourself back” to the present?
Trigger
When a trigger occurs, your brain’s “smoke detector” (the amygdala) has hijacked your system, convinced that a past danger is happening in the present. The goal of grounding is to mechanically force your brain to acknowledge the current physical environment, which signals to your nervous system that you are safe.Here are three tiers of grounding techniques, ranging from mental distraction to physical “shocks” to the system.1. The 5-4-3-2-1 Sensory MethodThis is the “gold standard” for pulling your focus out of an internal emotional spiral and back into the room. * 5 things you can see: Look for small details (the grain in wood, a speck of dust). * 4 things you can feel: The texture of your shirt, the hard floor under your boots, the temperature of the air. * 3 things you can hear: Distant traffic, a humming fridge, your own breathing. * 2 things you can smell: Coffee, old books, or even just the “scent” of the air. * 1 thing you can taste: If you don’t have food, notice the lingering taste of toothpaste or simply the roof of your mouth.2. Physical “System Resets”When the “imprint” is causing a high-energy panic (racing heart, shaking), you need a physical stimulus to break the loop. * The Dive Reflex: Splash ice-cold water on your face or hold an ice pack to your eyes/cheekbones for 30 seconds. This triggers a biological response that slows the heart rate and redirects blood flow to the brain and heart. * Weighted Pressure: Press your back firmly against a wall or use a weighted blanket. The deep pressure input (proprioception) helps the brain “locate” the body in space. * The “Humm”: Gently hum a low-pitched note. The vibration stimulates the Vagus Nerve, which runs through the throat and is the primary “off-switch” for the stress response.3. Cognitive “Anchors”If your mind is racing, give it a low-stakes mechanical task to perform. * The Categories Game: Pick a category (e.g., types of dogs, brands of tools, planets) and name as many as you can in 60 seconds. * Inventory Tracking: Look around and count every blue object in the room. Then count every square object. * Backward Subtraction: Start at 100 and subtract 7 repeatedly (100, 93, 86…). This requires enough “processing power” from your prefrontal cortex that it can help dampen the emotional flare-up.Comparison of Grounding Types| Method | Best For… | Why it works ||—|—|—|| Sensory (5-4-3-2-1) | Feeling “spaced out” or numb. | Re-establishes connection to the environment. || Cold Water / Pressure | Intense panic or racing heart. | Triggers a biological “forced” slowdown. || Cognitive Tasks | Intrusive thoughts or memories. | Diverts energy to the logical brain. |> Pro-tip: Don’t wait for a crisis to try these. Practice the 5-4-3-2-1 method when you are calm—like when you’re out at Monck Provincial Park looking at the stars. This builds the “muscle memory” so your brain knows exactly what to do when things get heavy.> Would you like me to create a simple, printable checklist of these techniques that you can keep in a wallet or on your phone for quick access?
Treatment/selfcare
This checklist is designed to be high-contrast and easy to read, even if your vision is blurred or your focus is scattered during a high-stress moment. You can take a screenshot of this on your phone or print it out.GROUNDING TOOLKIT: EMERGENCY RESETFocus on the present. You are safe. You are here.1. THE SENSORY ANCHOR (5-4-3-2-1)Acknowledge your surroundings one by one: * [ ] 5 SEE: Name 5 things you see right now (even small details). * [ ] 4 FEEL: Name 4 things you feel (feet on floor, fabric of clothes). * [ ] 3 HEAR: Name 3 sounds you hear (humming, wind, traffic). * [ ] 2 SMELL: Name 2 things you can smell (or favorite scents). * [ ] 1 TASTE: Name 1 thing you can taste (or your last meal).2. THE BIOLOGICAL “OFF-SWITCH”Force the nervous system to slow down: * [ ] ICE WATER: Splash ice-cold water on your face for 15 seconds. * [ ] VAGAL HUM: Hum a low note loudly; feel the vibration in your throat. * [ ] WALL PRESS: Push your hands or back against a wall as hard as you can. * [ ] BOX BREATH: Inhale 4s, Hold 4s, Exhale 4s, Hold 4s. Repeat 3x.3. THE LOGIC RE-ENGAGEMENTDivert brain power away from the “panic center”: * [ ] MATH: Subtract 7 from 100 repeatedly (93, 86, 79…). * [ ] CATEGORIES: Name 5 types of tools, 5 planets, or 5 car brands. * [ ] COLOR SCAN: Find and name every GREEN object in the room.> Reminder: Triggers are just “old data” being replayed by a brain trying to protect you. These steps prove to your body that the “data” is outdated and you are in the present moment.> Since we’ve talked about the “Planetary Parade” coming up on the 28th, would you like me to find a specific stargazing app or tool that can help you use the night sky as a regular grounding practice?
Check list sup /soft fascination
Stargazing is more than just a hobby; it is a powerful form of “Soft Fascination”—a clinical term for effortless attention that allows your brain’s “fight or flight” system to rest while your “rest and digest” (parasympathetic) system takes over.For a grounding-focused experience on February 28, I recommend Stellarium Mobile. It is widely considered the best for mental clarity because its interface is “no-frills” and highly realistic.Why Stellarium for Grounding? * Night Mode: It turns your screen red, which preserves your natural night vision and keeps your nervous system calm (blue light from phones can spike cortisol). * Sensor Control: You can point your phone at the sky, and it matches what you see. This acts as a “digital anchor,” connecting your hands, eyes, and the physical world. * The “Dive” into Deep Space: If you use the zoom feature, you can “dive” into a nebula or galaxy. Research shows that witnessing this type of “Awe” reduces the brain’s focus on the self and internal trauma-loops, providing immediate perspective.How to Use the Night Sky as a Mental “Reset”To turn the February 28 planetary alignment into a grounding session, try this “Star Bathing” routine: * Preparation: Go to Monck Provincial Park or even your backyard. Put your phone in Night Mode (Red) in the app settings. * Sensory Acclimatization: Sit in the dark for 15 minutes before looking at your phone or the stars. Let your eyes adjust. This period of stillness is a “buffer” for your nervous system. * The Planetary Anchor: Use the app to find the alignment. Identify Jupiter first—it will be the brightest “star” in the western sky. * Perspective Shift: Remind yourself of the mechanical scale. That light from Jupiter took about 40 minutes to reach your eyes. The trauma you are processing is real, but in the context of the cosmos, your nervous system is allowed to take a break from being “on guard.” * Soft Focus: Use your peripheral vision (looking slightly to the side of a star). This actually activates a different part of the brain associated with relaxation and spatial awareness, rather than the “focused” brain used for problem-solving and anxiety.Quick Access Toolkit| App | Best For | Vibe ||—|—|—|| Stellarium Mobile | Accuracy & Realism | Calming, scientific, clean. || SkyView Lite | AR (Augmented Reality) | Immersive, “video-game” feel, fun. || Star Walk 2 | Visual Beauty | High-end graphics and soothing music. |Would you like me to set a reminder for you on February 27th to check the weather forecast for Merritt so you can plan your trip to the lake?
Rural landowners, ones that don’t have access to a sewer system need to rely on percolation and the soils to condition their wastewater.
“Realtors may push to the buyer” the serious need to know “conditions,” paraphrased…
So, a couple of strategies to know the value of your land beforehand or before purchasing it. These can expedite permitting for living space or construction and not make a surprise that you are not able to live with.
The night sky from now through February 28, 2026, is particularly busy, featuring a rare “planetary parade” and a solar eclipse. While these events are spectacular to witness, their impact on Earth’s physical structure—geology, earthquakes, and tides—is often a mix of measurable physics and widespread myths.
Celestial Highlights: Feb 15 – Feb 28, 2026
February 17: New Moon & Annular Solar Eclipse: A “Ring of Fire” eclipse occurs today. It is primarily visible from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, with partial views in South America and Southern Africa. * February 18–19: Moon-Mercury Conjunction: A thin crescent moon will appear very close to Mercury low in the western sky just after sunset. * February 24: First Quarter Moon: The moon will be high in the sky at sunset, appearing half-lit.
* February 28: The “Planetary Parade”:
A rare alignment where six planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—cluster in the same section of the sky.Impact on Earth’s Systems
1. Tidal Activity
(The “Spring Tide” Effect)
The most significant physical impact occurs around February 17. During a New Moon (and especially a Solar Eclipse), the Sun, Moon, and Earth align. * The Physics: The gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon combine, creating Spring Tides. These are not related to the season but refer to the “springing forth” of the water. * What to expect: You will see higher-than-average high tides and lower-than-average low tides globally for a few days surrounding the 17th.
2. Geological Structure and Earthquakes
There is often speculation that planetary alignments or eclipses “trigger” earthquakes. It is important to distinguish between tidal triggering and planetary myths:
* Tidal Triggering:
Scientific studies (such as those published in Nature Geoscience) have shown a slight statistical correlation between very large earthquakes and peak tidal stress (New/Full Moons). The extra “squeeze” from the tides can occasionally act as the “last straw” for a fault line that was already under extreme stress and ready to snap.
* Planetary Alignment Myth:
Despite the “Planetary Parade” on Feb 28, the gravitational influence of other planets on Earth’s crust is negligible. Even when aligned, the combined gravitational pull of all the planets is thousands of times weaker than the Moon’s daily pull.
* The Reality:
There is no scientific evidence that the Feb 28 alignment will cause a “surprise” earthquake. Earthquakes are driven by internal plate tectonics, which operate on a much more massive scale than planetary gravity.
3. Summary of Impacts|
Event | Primary Impact | Magnitude of Effect ||—|—|—|| New Moon (Feb 17) | High Tides (Spring Tides) | Moderate (Noticeable at coastlines) || Solar Eclipse (Feb 17) | Local temperature/wind changes | Minor (Only in path of totality) || Planet Parade (Feb 28) | Visual Beauty/Stargazing | None (No physical effect on Earth)
To view
To witness the “Planetary Parade” on February 28 or the thin crescent moon following the solar eclipse on the 17th, you’ll want to find a spot away from the lights of Merritt. The Thompson-Nicola region offers some of the best dark skies in British Columbia due to its high elevation and low humidity.For the February 28 alignment, you should look toward the western horizon just after sunset. Most of the planets will be visible shortly after the sun goes down, though you’ll need a clear view of the horizon to catch Mercury and Saturn before they set.
Recommended Stargazing Spots
Monck Provincial Park is arguably your best local option, situated on the western shore of Nicola Lake. It is far enough from town to avoid significant light pollution while remaining easily accessible. * Offers wide-open views over the lake, which are ideal for spotting planets low on the horizon. * The large day-use area provides plenty of space to set up telescopes or blankets. * Its location in the Nicola Valley often benefits from clearer skies than the coastal regions.
Greenstone Mountain Provincial Park provides a much higher elevation for those willing to make a slightly longer drive toward Kamloops. The increased altitude puts you above much of the atmospheric haze, offering exceptionally sharp views. * Features “open 24 hours” access, which is perfect for late-night or early-morning celestial events. * The high-elevation plateau provides a panoramic 360-degree view of the sky. * It is a rugged location, so ensure you have a vehicle capable of handling the mountain roads.
Sagebrush Lakeside Retreat at Nicola Lake is a great alternative if you are looking for a more comfortable or private setting near the water. * Located directly on Nicola Lake, providing excellent visibility to the east and west. * The lakeside setting offers a peaceful atmosphere for long-duration viewing. * Its proximity to Merritt makes it a convenient choice for a quick evening trip.Overall,
Monck Provincial Park is the most reliable recommendation for most observers because it balances dark skies with a clear horizon over the water. If you are a serious photographer or observer, the trek to Greenstone Mountain will reward you with the darkest and clearest conditions in the immediate area.
I can’t physically show you the love of your life, but I can share the beautiful song “Love of My Life” by Queen. This timeless ballad, written by Freddie Mercury, captures the essence of deep love and longing. Perhaps listening to it will evoke the feelings you associate with your special someone. Remember, love is a unique and personal experience. Cherish the moments you share with your loved one and let your hearts connect on a deeper level.
According to Statistics Canada, a 70-year-old in Canada can expect to live another 15.2 years on average. However, this is just an average, and individual life expectancies can vary widely depending on factors such as lifestyle, genetics, and access to healthcare.
Insurance premium
While less common than smaller age gaps, relationships with a 20-year difference can certainly work. The key factors for success in any relationship, regardless of age difference, include:
* Shared values and goals:
A strong foundation built on shared beliefs and aspirations.
* Open communication:
Honest and respectful dialogue to address issues and maintain intimacy.
* Mutual respect:
Valuing each other’s perspectives and life experiences.
* Emotional maturity:
The ability to handle challenges and conflicts in a healthy way.
* Strong support system:
A network of friends and family who understand and support the relationship. It’s important to note that societal perceptions and potential challenges may arise with larger age gaps. However, if both partners are committed to the relationship, these obstacles can be overcome. Ultimately, whether a 20-year age gap relationship works depends on the specific individuals involved and their ability to build a strong, loving connection.
The downtown tourist information center in Merritt, BC has displays set up regularly. This one from January 7th, 2026, may just be a precursor for the next holiday or observance. It’s not generally a holiday. But you know I’m talking about Valentine’s Day.
It’s never too early to plan for something like that. You can also just go visit the Bailey House at 2202 Voght Street in Merritt, BC.
Labour does better when its trained and can reference.
A life to attain.
Plan pursue present:
Yes, March is an excellent time to apply for an apprenticeship in British Columbia.In the trades industry, timing your application with the “spring thaw” is a classic move. As the weather improves, the construction and resource sectors ramp up, making March a pivotal month for hiring and training registration.
Why March is a Strategic Choice
* The Spring Hiring Surge:
Most construction and outdoor-based companies (landscaping, roofing, heavy equipment) begin their peak season in April or May. By applying in March, you are hitting their desks just as they are finalizing their crews and looking for “green” apprentices to start on new projects.
* Academic Intake Alignment:
Many technical institutes (like BCIT, Camosun, or Okanagan College) have intake periods that start in late spring or early fall. Applying in March gives you enough lead time to secure a sponsor—a requirement for most apprenticeship registrations—before the next school term begins.
* Grant Deadlines:
March 31 is a significant date for provincial and federal fiscal years. While some grants have transitioned recently, keeping your paperwork aligned with this date ensures you don’t miss out on potential financial supports or tax credits that reset in April.
The Two-Step Application Process
In BC, “applying” for an apprenticeship isn’t a single form; it’s a two-part journey:
| Step | Action | Timing Note:
1. Find a Sponsor
| Get hired by an employer willing to “sponsor” your training. | March is peak season for this. ||
2. Register with Skilled Trades BC
Once hired, you and your employer register your apprenticeship online.
| Do this immediately after being hired.
|Key Industries Hiring in BC (Spring 2026)Based on current labor market outlooks, these sectors are particularly hungry for new apprentices right now:
* Construction:
Carpenters, Electricians, and Plumbers remain in high demand due to provincial housing initiatives.
* Motive Power:
Automotive Service and Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians..
* Industrial:
Millwrights and Welders, especially in the northern regions and the Interior.Tips for Success in March * Don’t just “dive” in—prepare: Before sending resumes, ensure you have your PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) ready. Mentioning in an interview that you already have your steel-toed boots and a valid driver’s license often moves you to the top of the pile.
* Use STEP:
The Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) is a free BC service that connects job seekers with employers. March is a busy month for them, so reach out early.
* Foundation Programs:
If you can’t find a sponsor immediately, look into “Foundation” programs at local colleges. These 6-month courses count toward your Level 1 technical training and make you much more hireable.Would you like me to look up the specific intake dates for a particular trade or college in your area?
Valentines day
Perhaps this year Valentine’s Day means something to you. It also means that we’re halfway through February and if you believe that March applications for step would be a benefit for you. Or the day reminds you that there is another person involved in your life that is special and a consideration. We wish you both good success in your life.
The Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast—including the Haida, Tlingit, Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw—developed one of the most complex and stratified non-agricultural societies in human history. Their culture was defined by the staggering abundance of the ocean and the towering cedar forests.Pre-Contact PopulationEstimating numbers before European arrival is difficult, but scholars suggest the Pacific Coast was one of the most densely populated areas north of Mexico. * Estimated Population: Between 200,000 and 500,000 people lived along the coast from Alaska to the Columbia River. * Density: Because the salmon runs provided such a reliable, “storable” food source, these groups could live in permanent winter villages rather than wandering as nomads.
Social Structure and Property
Unlike many interior tribes where land was often communal, Coastal First Nations had a highly developed sense of private and lineage-based property.Methods of Keeping Property SeparatedResource ownership was not about “territory” in a vague sense, but about specific functional sites. A high-ranking family didn’t just own a forest; they owned the specific spot where a salmon trap was placed or a particular berry patch. * Boundary Markers: While they didn’t use fences, geographic landmarks (rivers, specific rocks, or mountain peaks) served as clear borders. *
Heraldry:
Totem poles and house front paintings acted as “deeds.” By displaying certain crests (like the Raven or Bear), a family publicly asserted their ancestral right to the resources of that area.
* Oral Histories:
At gatherings, “speakers” would recite the lineage and history of a family, effectively renewing their legal claim to their lands and waters in front of witnesses.
Traditions:
The PotlatchThe Potlatch was the heartbeat of coastal culture. It was a massive feast used to mark births, deaths, or the raising of a totem pole.
* Wealth through Giving:
In this culture, status wasn’t measured by how much you had, but by how much you gave away. A chief would give away blankets, copper shields, and food to guests from other tribes. * Legal Validation: By accepting the gifts, the guests were essentially “signing” a contract, acknowledging the host’s new rank or claim to property.Hostilities and WarfareLife on the coast wasn’t always peaceful. The same wealth that allowed for great art also fueled intense competition.
* Motivations:
Warfare was rarely about seizing large swaths of land. Instead, it was about revenge (blood feuds), the acquisition of slaves, and the capture of prestige items or specific resource sites.
* Fortifications:
Many villages were built on “defensive sites”—steep bluffs or small islands with palisades—to guard against midnight raids. * The War Canoe: These were the “battleships” of the coast. Carved from a single cedar log, some could hold 50 to 60 warriors. They allowed for high-speed, long-distance raids along the “Inside Passage.”
Art
There are the specific artistic styles of the different coastal groups, such as the distinction between Haida and Coast Salish formline art.
Distinction
To understand the distinction between these groups, it helps to look at their Formline art—the sophisticated mathematical and aesthetic system that defines Pacific Northwest visual culture. While they share similarities, the Haida and Coast Salish represent two very different ends of the artistic and social spectrum.
Haida Art:
The “Northern” Style
The Haida (along with the Tlingit and Tsimshian) developed what is often called the “Classic” Northern style.
It is characterized by bold, interconnected lines and a strict adherence to traditional rules. * The Formline: This is the primary black outline that defines the subject. It flows continuously, varying in thickness to create a sense of tension and fluid movement. * Ovoids and U-Shapes: Almost all Haida art is composed of these two shapes. The Ovoid (a rounded rectangle) usually represents joints, eyes, or heads, while U-shapes represent feathers, ears, or fins. * Symmetry and Complexity: Haida art is often “packed,” meaning every available inch of a box, pole, or mask is filled with secondary and tertiary figures. This reflected their highly stratified social hierarchy—everything had its place.Coast Salish Art: The “Southern” StyleThe Coast Salish (from the area around modern-day Vancouver and Victoria) practiced a style that was historically more minimalist and spiritually focused compared to the bold, heraldic art of the North. * Primary Shapes: Instead of the Ovoid, the Salish used the Trigon, Circle, and Crescent. These shapes were often carved “out” of the wood to create negative space, rather than being painted as bold outlines. * Human-Centric:
Classic style
Southern
While Northern art focused heavily on crest animals (Ravens, Eagles, Wolves), Coast Salish art frequently featured human figures, often representing ancestors or spirit helpers. * Visionary Purpose: Much of this art was created for private spiritual use or to adorn functional items like spindle whorls (used for weaving) and house posts, rather than the massive public totem poles found further north.
Comparison
Haida (Northern)
Coast Salish (Southern)
The Cedar:
The Foundation of Both:
Regardless of the style, the Western Red Cedar was the “Tree of Life” for both groups.
* The Wood:
Rot-resistant and straight-grained, it was split into planks for longhouses or hollowed out for canoes.
* The Bark:
Women would harvest the inner bark in the spring, which was then shredded and woven into water-tight hats, baskets, and even clothing.
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 