Month: October 2017

Another Tribute…

A woman’s life was celebrated today. I was unable to attend the service, though it was at a Presbyterian church. I actually had never met her, though I had been in the city she lived several times in the past year. She was 91 and had not been well for a while. Her passing was […]

The Epistle of Q — Chapter Fifty-Three (Part D)

And what was SEAC all about this year? It was a great moment for the Society for Ethics Across the Curriculum this year. The annual conference was held in Grand Rapids Michigan and was tightly organized. What made this especially delightful is that the agenda was not overcrowded with fatuous presentations and droning-on ill-read papers. […]

The Epistle of Q — Chapter Fifty-Three (Part E)

Isn’t it great that Grandkids can help us be humble? I say this because during their autumn break, we visited the three American Grandkids who live in the Greater Phoenix Area (Chandler to be specific). They are a fun bunch of kids, although they are growing at a rate that suggests the term young men […]

The Epistle of Q — Chapter Fifty-Three (Part C)

How can one best describe meetings with one’s editor? This time, two days at Queen’s University were quite productive. The editor is not shy, and like some other reviewers of my unfolding mini-tome, was fairly direct in what needs to be done if the book is really going to take shape in a way worthy […]

The Epistle of Q — Chapter Fifty-Three (Part B)

Why must work sometimes be set aside? After Alumni Homecoming Weekend, I remained in Edmonton to do some work with colleagues at CUE (Concordia University of Edmonton). It’s a small university, but one with lots of potential. At the same time it needs considerable extra effort if it is to survive the challenges most inadequately […]

The Epistle of Q — Chapter Fifty-Three (Part A)

Why does one go to a university Homecoming Weekend when it isn’t a particularly special year? This year I decided to return to the UofA for its renowned Alumni gathering. It wasn’t my fiftieth or fortieth or anything that significant in terms of the program either. But for me it was a unique moment to […]

In Memoriam — Elmer Derrick

Today has become a dark day in my life. I’ve just found out that a long time friend, colleague and thoughtful sage has passed away. Elmer Derrick, a hereditary chief of the Gitanyow People in the Gitksan Nation, has been a friend of mine before I even met him: he died this past weekend in […]