Randy | April 27, 2014
Early on the morning of Wednesday, 23 October 2013, the remains of 62 year old Harley Lawrence were discovered inside a burning bus shelter in Berwick, Nova Scotia; a small town located in the primarily agricultural Annapolis Valley. Harley Lawrence was its only homeless resident, sleeping nightly in the town’s sole bus shelter. Emotionally troubled, […]
Randy | April 12, 2014
Nursie: “You’re so clever today, you’d better be careful your foot doesn’t fall off!” Queenie: “Is that what happens to people when they have brilliant ideas?” Nursie: “Oh yes! My brother had this brilliant idea of cutting his toenails with a scythe, and his foot fell off!” ~ Blackadder the Second ~ If you follow […]
Randy | April 8, 2014
Literacy is a set of skills based upon three legs; one passive, and the other two active. The passive one is Reading. It requires no output on the part of the participant, necessitating only the ability to comprehend the written word. The two active legs of the Literacy tripod are: Writing; and Speaking. Now, when […]
Randy | February 6, 2014
Yesterday I had the brief, though always delightful, opportunity to converse with Debbie Scottcrnec (click here to read the origin of the name) whose husband Zac has the delightful propensity to buy her sharp pointy things as gifts. Zac follows us here, mostly because of his interest in the Blade Arts and what we have […]
Randy | February 5, 2014
To many a modern fencer, the “weapon” in hand is no weapon at all, but an instrument of athleticism no different and more deserving of noble regard than a tennis racquet. In discussion with one who openly brings concepts of martial artistry into fencing practice, even accomplished fencers routinely ridicule any such idea as archaic […]
Randy | February 4, 2014
It was Jim Keating who brought this wondrously bloodthirsty ditty to my attention this morning, so thanks to him I’m sharing it with you, including the lyrics so you can sing right along if so inclined. Only 18 years old (as of publication), New Zealander Lorde (AKA Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O’Connor) is hitting ALL the […]
Randy | January 28, 2014
“Storytelling has a special place in indigenous culture. It’s a cultural torch passed from one generation to another, and from it flows teachings, lessons, and continuity. Storytelling is a powerful force for cultural survival and it can be many things – funny, profound, educational, a force of resistance, and a tool of reconciliation.” ~ Shelagh’s […]
Randy | January 25, 2014
On the subject of that famous Christmas confection called fruitcake, Johnny Carson once said, “The worst gift is fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other.” He appears to have had little of the sort to say of The Haggis, and that was wise of […]
Randy | January 23, 2014
Do what thy manhood bids thee do, From none but self expect applause; He noblest lives and noblest dies Who makes and keeps his self-made laws. ~ Sir Richard Francis Burton ~ If you’ve never heard of Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890), then you have been denied exposure to one of the greatest minds in […]
Randy | January 12, 2014
Once Wendell Phillips and a young friend were sitting by the fire. It was a memorable evening. Recollections had flushed the cheeks of the veteran campaigner. Memories of former heroic days had loosened his tongue. He had completely lost himself in the thrilling recital of the past. The young visitor sat enthralled. At last, when […]