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  • A real Canadian Personality

This woman was iconic to me in my youth, she broke the psychology of dominance by the elephant in the room of our US cousins.

I remember the view of Olympic gold belonging to the two World contending superpowers at that time. And our nice Canadians in the middle.

You know that we might get some scraps out of the overflow of whatever was going on but, to get gold and from a gal of the Kootenays not too far from where I was born. This was big stuff for me and I hope for you as well.

The Prize

Thanks Senator Green, retired…

Happy 82 in May.

New show at NVCAC..

Corner of Voght and Nicola in Merritt, BC

Feature fiber artist, Cindella Trent, look for her stylish wares…

Now that’s Bizarre.

All Roads lead to…

They were busy…

Roman roads were incredibly significant for the Roman Empire and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of their importance:
For the Roman Empire:
* Military Movement: The roads allowed for the rapid deployment of troops, crucial for controlling the vast empire and putting down rebellions quickly.
* Trade and Commerce: They facilitated the efficient transportation of goods, boosting economic activity and connecting different parts of the empire.
* Communication: The roads enabled faster communication, essential for administering the sprawling territories and maintaining political control.
* Unification: By connecting diverse regions, the roads fostered a sense of unity and helped integrate conquered peoples into the Roman system.
* Infrastructure: The roads were a symbol of Roman power and engineering prowess, showcasing their advanced civilization.
Beyond the Roman Empire:
* Continued Use: Many Roman roads remained in use for centuries after the empire’s fall, serving as vital transportation routes.
* Influence on Road Building: Roman road construction techniques influenced later road building, with their emphasis on durability and efficiency.
* Historical Significance: The remnants of Roman roads are still visible today, providing a tangible link to the past and offering insights into Roman civilization.
In essence, Roman roads were much more than just pathways. They were a crucial element in the empire’s success, facilitating military control, economic growth, political stability, and cultural exchange. Their legacy continues to this day, as some modern roads follow the routes laid down by the Romans centuries ago.

Good luck…

Photography and Ai and autofocus

Photography today. Ethics of using AI and the de-skilling that might eat in some people’s minds but is the picture worth it?.

Research an issue or event publish it for gain.

Write it up, there is profit in all work.

MLA  APA does a paper… Beat the fake stuff.

Let’s explore some different ways to research a topic!  I’ll break it down into categories and give examples.  The best approach often involves combining several of these methods.
1. Traditional Academic Research:
* Library Resources:
   * Books:  In-depth information, often peer-reviewed. Use library catalogs (online or physical) to find relevant books.
   * Academic Journals:  Scholarly articles, often presenting original research.  Databases like JSTOR, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and others are crucial. Your local library likely provides access.
   * Reference Works: Encyclopedias (like Britannica or specialized subject encyclopedias), dictionaries, handbooks, and atlases provide background information and context.
   * Special Collections/Archives:  Unique primary sources like letters, diaries, manuscripts, and photographs, valuable for historical research.
* Online Databases:  Beyond library databases, explore free or paid online databases relevant to your topic.  Examples include government data repositories, news archives, and specialized research databases.
2. Digital Research (Beyond the Library):
* Search Engines (Strategically):  Use advanced search operators (like quotation marks for exact phrases, minus sign to exclude words, site: to search within a specific website) to refine your searches.  Be critical of the information you find, as not everything online is reliable.
* Reputable Websites:  Look for websites of established organizations, institutions, government agencies, and experts in the field. Check for author credentials, sources cited, and potential biases.
* Digital Archives:  Many archives are going digital, making their collections accessible online.
* Online Communities and Forums:  While not always scholarly, these can offer insights into different perspectives and real-world experiences related to your topic. Be cautious about verifying information found in these spaces.
* Multimedia Resources:  Podcasts, videos (YouTube channels of experts, documentaries), and online courses can offer engaging ways to learn about a topic.
3. Primary Research (Gathering Your Own Data):
* Interviews:  Talking to experts or people with relevant experience can provide valuable firsthand information.  Prepare your questions in advance.
* Surveys:  Collecting data from a larger group of people through questionnaires.  Careful design of the survey is essential.
* Experiments:  If your topic lends itself to it, conducting experiments can help you test hypotheses.
* Observations:  Observing real-world situations related to your topic can offer valuable insights.
* Document Analysis:  Examining existing documents (letters, reports, contracts, etc.) to glean information.
4. Exploring Different Perspectives:
* Consider Multiple Viewpoints:  Don’t just rely on sources that agree with your existing beliefs.  Seek out different perspectives and arguments to get a more complete picture.
* Look for Bias:  Be aware that all sources have some degree of bias.  Consider the author’s background, potential motivations, and funding sources.
* Consult Diverse Sources:  Don’t just rely on sources from one country or cultural group.  Explore perspectives from different parts of the world.
5. Organizing Your Research:
* Note-Taking:  Develop a consistent system for taking notes.  Include source information so you can properly cite your work.
* Citation Management Tools:  Tools like Zotero or Mendeley can help you organize your sources and create bibliographies.
* Mind Mapping:  Creating a visual representation of your research can help you see connections between different ideas.
Example: Researching Climate Change
* Traditional: Read IPCC reports (academic), search for peer-reviewed articles on climate modeling (journals), consult an encyclopedia of environmental science.
* Digital: Explore NASA’s climate change website (reputable), watch documentaries on climate change impacts, follow climate scientists on social media.
* Primary: Interview a climate scientist, analyze local weather data, observe changes in your local environment.
* Perspectives: Read articles from different political viewpoints on climate change, consider the perspectives of developing nations.
Remember to always evaluate your sources critically and cite them properly to avoid plagiarism.  Good luck with your research!

Then make a video..

February night sky…

The planet parade continues into February .

Planet parade continues

February is a fantastic month for stargazing, with a planet parade happening! Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:
When to Watch:
* Early February: The planet parade is happening from February 1st to 9th. This is your prime time to see multiple planets lined up.
* Throughout February: While the main parade is early in the month, February offers other great stargazing opportunities, including the Full Snow Moon on February 12th and Venus at its brightest on February 16th.
What to Look For:
* Planet Parade: During the first week of February, you’ll have a chance to see six planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune) aligned in the sky.
* Moon and Planet Pairings: Keep an eye out for the Moon passing close to different planets throughout the month. These pairings make for beautiful sights.
* Venus: Venus will be particularly bright this month, reaching its peak brightness on February 16th.
Tips for Viewing:
* Find a Dark Spot: The less light pollution, the better. Try to get away from city lights if possible.
* Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential for stargazing. Check the forecast before you head out.
* Use Binoculars or a Telescope: While some planets are visible to the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope will enhance your viewing experience and allow you to see fainter objects.
* Be Patient: It takes time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, so be patient and allow yourself time to take in the night sky.
* Use a Sky Chart or App: A sky chart or stargazing app can help you identify planets and other celestial objects.
* Dress Warmly: February nights can be cold, so dress in layers to stay comfortable.
Specific Dates to Note:
* February 1st: The crescent moon will be close to Venus and Saturn.
* February 5th: The moon will be near Uranus.
* February 6th: The moon will be close to Jupiter.
* February 9th: The moon will be near Mars.
* February 12th: The Full Snow Moon will be visible.
* February 16th: Venus will be at its brightest.
Remember to check online resources or stargazing apps for the most up-to-date information on celestial events and their visibility in your location.
Enjoy the show!

Enjoy it for you and yours…K

Cop to Pop…

Safety, is everyone’s concern.

Canada’s police strength has been declining in recent years, reaching the lowest rate of police officers per 100,000 population since 1970. In 2023, there were 178 officers per 100,000 people in Canada. This is a decrease of almost 2% from 2022 and a significant drop from the ratio of around 203 officers per 100,000 people in 2010.
Despite the declining ratio, the actual number of police officers in Canada has increased over time. However, the population has grown at a faster rate, resulting in the lower ratio.
Staffing shortages are a concern for many police forces across Canada. These shortages can be attributed to several factors, including:
* Decreased recruitment: Fewer people are choosing policing as a career.
* Increased attrition: Officers are leaving the force due to factors like burnout, stress, and lack of job satisfaction.
* Aging workforce: Many officers are reaching retirement age.
Staffing shortages can lead to increased workloads for existing officers, potentially impacting their well-being and the quality of service provided to the public. It can also result in slower response times and reduced proactive policing efforts.
The provinces and territories with the highest rates of police strength in 2023 were:
* Northwest Territories (433.6 officers per 100,000 population)
* Nunavut (344.2 officers per 100,000 population)
* Yukon (324.6 officers per 100,000 population)
* Saskatchewan (200.8 officers per 100,000 population)
* Quebec (188.7 officers per 100,000 population)
The provinces with the lowest rates of police strength were:
* Prince Edward Island (132.9 officers per 100,000 population)
* New Brunswick (155.4 officers per 100,000 population)
* Newfoundland and Labrador (161.2 officers per 100,000 population)
It is important to note that these figures represent the overall police strength in each province and territory and may not reflect the specific staffing levels in individual communities.
The issue of police staffing in Canada is complex and multifaceted. Addressing the challenges of recruitment, retention, and workload management will be crucial for ensuring the long-term health and effectiveness of police services in the country.

Good luck Merritt as you negotiate your staffing levels. KDG

Full weight…

Well.

Is there any greatness in this…

Well

My head it clanged ding no dong.
Okay my sport is falling to clasp.
Missed never Wallenda,caught few.
Then praise went South, surround.
The  big top was far to raise.
O what glory posed to catch.
Triple swing West, caulk froz east
Not my Circus not my monkeys.
SPLAT

Flying  Wallenda

Kevin D Griffiths

Your Circus your monkies

TGIF – Avian Bounty

Always take care in food preparation and consumption.

Cook and be…

Here’s how to be safe around chicken eggs during an avian flu outbreak:
* Thorough Cooking:
   * Eggs: Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm. This means no runny yolks in scrambled eggs, and fully cooked omelets.
   * Poultry: Cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential virus.
* Proper Handling:
   * Wash Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling raw eggs or poultry.
   * Refrigeration: Refrigerate eggs promptly after purchase and store them at or below 40°F (4°C).
   * Avoid Cross-Contamination:
     * Use separate cutting boards, knives, and utensils for raw poultry and other foods.
     * Wash and sanitize all surfaces that come into contact with raw poultry or eggs.
* Source Awareness:
   * Buy from Reliable Sources: Purchase eggs only from reputable sources, such as grocery stores or local farms with good biosecurity practices.
   * Check for Signs of Contamination: Avoid eggs with cracks, dirt, or any signs of unusual discoloration.
Important Notes:
* Low Risk to Humans: The risk of human infection from avian influenza through properly cooked eggs is considered low.
* Focus on Food Safety: These precautions are essential for general food safety and are particularly important during an avian flu outbreak.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and guidance only. For the most up-to-date and specific advice, consult your local health authorities or the relevant agricultural agencies in your region.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Save the 🌹 Date.

Two winter storm warnings

Merritt

There are two warnings from Environment Canada for the Merritt highway areas. 5am January 31 2025…

Always check local conditions, drive BC is always a good place to check for your drive.

What to think.

How to Interpret Current Events to Your Best Interest.

Interpreting current events can be a valuable skill that helps you navigate the complexities of today’s world. Here are some strategies to help you assess news and events in a way that aligns with your personal or professional interests:

1. Stay Informed

  • Follow Reputable Sources: Rely on trusted news outlets to get accurate information.
  • Diversify Your Sources: Read a variety of perspectives to avoid bias.

2. Analyze the Context

  • Historical Background: Understand the history surrounding an event to grasp its significance.
  • Cultural Considerations: Assess how cultural factors may influence perspectives on the event.

3. Evaluate the Impact

  • Personal Relevance: Consider how the event affects your life or career. For instance, a new regulation may impact your industry.
  • Broader Implications: Reflect on how the event might influence society or the economy.

4. Develop Critical Thinking

  • Question the Narrative: Ask why the event is reported in a certain way and what agendas may be at play.
  • Seek Data and Facts: Look for statistics or data that support or refute claims made in the news.

5. Connect to Your Goals

  • Align with Personal Values: Determine how the news aligns with your personal or professional values.
  • Identify Opportunities: Think about how you can leverage current events for personal or business growth.

6. Engage and Discuss

  • Join Conversations: Participate in discussions with others to gain different perspectives.
  • Share Your Insights: Contribute your analysis to blogs, forums, or social media.

7. Reflect Regularly

  • Review Your Understanding: Take time to reflect on how your interpretations change over time.
  • Stay Open-Minded: Be willing to adjust your views as new information emerges.

By using these strategies, you can interpret current events in a way that empowers you to make informed decisions, capitalize on opportunities, and stay ahead in an ever-changing landscape.