June 19, 2014 Issue#383
Summer Solstice
Photo By: Cathie Archbould
On a recent visit to a friend’s place I noticed that his axe handle had a 10 to 15 centimetre warp, and the head was loose and rusty. I’ve never seen a warped handle, but all the problems were a result of lack of care. Swinging an axe with a loose head is very dangerous …
He wakes up as one person and goes to bed as someone else completely; that’s what Bob Dylan said about himself in a long-ago interview. I’m Not There, released in 2007 and available on DVD at the Whitehorse Public Library, is a fittingly non-linear journey “inspired” by some of those lives, and the music Dylan …
Radiohead’s 1995 album The Bends clocks in at just over 45 minutes. I know that because my cassette tape that featured it would cut-off and flip over to “Crooked Rain Crooked Rain” by Pavement halfway through The Bends’ ultimate track, “Street Spirit (Fade Out.)” Allegedly inspired by Ben Orki’s novel The Famished Road, “Street Spirit” …
Dr. Maya Angelou lived her life like she wrote her poems: fearlessly, with inner grace and free spirit. When she died on May 28, at the age of 86, humanity lost a poet, a novelist, an actress, a dancer, a singer, a mother, a civil rights activist, a three-time Grammy-winner — the list goes on. …
I took the baby robins nesting in on of our spruce trees in our Christmas Tree Farm. Mommy robin was high above me in a poplar tree chirping and watching very carefully. I was very respectful of the little darlings and shot the photo quickly using a Nikon D90 at F5.6, 1/20 sec, ISO 400, and a 55 …
The last Au Naturel column looked at the sudden appearance of birds during spring migration. Today, when you walk along the Millennium Trail, look out for a white bird with pointed wings and a forked tail. It should be flying buoyantly over the river. At first glance you may think it’s a gull, but look closer …
The World’s Greatest Migrator: the Arctic tern flies over 45,000 kilometres each year Read More »
I was shopping at my local free store the other day when I stopped in the middle of a wave to a fellow browser. He peered at me, and I at him, for a good minute before I said tentatively, “Dom?” His grin affirmed my suspicions and as we caught up we shared a chuckle …
Summer camp offers a lot to young people that classrooms don’t — canoeing, crafts, campfires, and no homework. However, what sticks out the most for kids are the relationships formed with the people at camp. A five-day summer camp can lead to a new level of friendship and community. After eating every meal together, sleeping …
Learning Beyond School: Braeburn Lake Summer Camp offers community, leadership and fun Read More »
In the previous two weeks, this unattached Yukon man described the circumstances that led him into the world of Yukon online dating and discussed some suggestions for tailoring the narrative part of the online dating profile. This week, he’ll take a look at the profile photograph. Many dating profiles don’t include photos; I’m guessing there …
This year’s Canada-Wide Science Fair took place in Windsor, Ontario from May 10 to 17, and representing the Yukon were three Grade 8 students with a zest for innovative science. Sophia Ross, KC Mooney, and Isabel Magsucang were selected as finalists to compete in the fair. Competition from the rest of Canada was stiff — …
In windy Skagway, the boat people make their way from the cruise ships into town several times a day, clogging the streets and shops. I meet them or walk among them on the seven-minute stroll from my trailer to the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, where I have been attending my fourth edition of the annual North …
His name is Gerald Nukon From Old Crow Yukon. He always says “Hi!” An’ he’s a pretty cool guy. Gerald is such a great lad and I never see him mad. Even if he gets stuck with a raft you’ll still see Gerald laugh. he respects old folks and he tells funny jokes. He’ll lend …
Move over Victoria Day, there’s another holiday in town. Before all you Queen enthusiasts spill your tea and choke on your crumpets, you will be happy to know that this particular holiday has exclusive rights and won’t hamper your royal three-day weekend in any way — unless you live in Old Crow. On this long …
When I was a kid I would visit my grandparents at their home in Burnaby, B.C. Their property was three-quarters of an acre and featured exotic treats like apple trees, blackberry bushes, rope swings, and a large garden. The rear of the property bordered a lush, west coast gulley. These surroundings afforded me the opportunity …
