AT A TIME WHEN WE NEED TO RISE UP TO CHALLENGES WE FAIL

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the 2020 U.S Presidential Elections, Climate Change, Social Justice, Income Inequality…all very solvable problems. Yet through a combination of inaction, and sheer stupidity, we turned them into global crises. Instead of rising up to meet the challenges, we seem to fail miserably…

Author’s note

This article is neither about race or race relations; nor about the culture and/or political system of the Russian Federation. But the quotes referencing both will be pertinent to the central thesis of this essay.

“Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial, we have always been…

A RETURN TO NORMALCY OR THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

The inauguration of Joseph R. Biden Jr. as the 46th President of The United States of America was hailed by the world as America’s return to the world’s stage. A return to the rules of international diplomacy, consensus-building and “normalcy”. But if past is prologue, January 20, 2021 could mark the beginning of a dangerous period in American history…

an·te·bel·lum

/ˌan(t)ēˈbeləm/

adjective

Occurring or existing before a particular war, especially the American Civil War. i.e. “the conventions of the antebellum South”

Antebellum South

The Antebellum South (also known as the antebellum era or plantation era) was a period in the history of the…

CNRL & SUNCOR ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ENTITIES IN NORTH AMERICA

Governments around the world used every financial tool at their disposal to stave off disaster as a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Soon, the bills will become due. The Alberta’s Oil Sands represent Canada’s Economic National Security. They are the country’s best chance to get Canadians back to work and the national economy moving again, but Ottawa MUST act quickly & decisively.

Author’s note

Bold & underlined text, and subscripts⁰ are external hyperlinks to additional resources related to the subject in question. Clicking/tapping these links (from within the mobile app) opens a modal window with the external content. Click the close icon/button…

IT TURNS OUT THERE IS NOT MUCH NEW UNDER THE SUN

After reading several music theory books and watching the pre-requisite YouTube videos, I felt I had a good idea about the basic techniques for creating a melody and writing a chord progression to go along with it. I wanted to create something unique, but ended up with just that — a common chord progression. It turns out, after all, there is not much new under the sun.

Eight to the bar

The end result from my daily practice today was so bad, I almost gave up and started from scratch — but just as I was about to delete the recording, I decided…

SHOCKING REVELATION ON THE PERMANENCE OF CREATIVITY

It MUST be that creativity is ALWAYS ON — Being not a matter of finding a “creative moment” or a “sweet spot”, but rather of finding ways to “silence” the distractions, the other “voices” vying for attention. If this is so, it means creativity is always there. Always accessible, always looking for a way to reach out & break free…

A Rare & Delicate Flower

If I am being objective, I would describe myself as creative. Yes, there are others, less illustrious adjectives that would also fit, but for now creative would suffice. …

IT MAY NOT BE NEXT WEEK #1 SPOT ON SPOTIFY BUT I DID IT

The creative process, be it software & computer engineering, words & prose, music & poetry, or physical objects, is daunting. It is one that is equal parts hair-pulling and unadulterated joy. Where the initial inspiration comes from, and how the different elements come together, are still a mystery to me. But the journey from conception to realization is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever enjoyed. This is was no exception.

Background

Full Disclosure

I will NEVER be a professional musician, a music composer or a lyricist – that ship has sailed. I am not conceited enough to believe that after…

HAPPINESS IS WITHIN. ENDEAVOUR TO FIND HAPPINESS WITH YOU

It dawned on me, save for a few bumps & bruises, I‘ve managed to keep ME on an even keel — for the most part. Nobody will escape 2020 unscathed, least of all me, but all things considered, everything under the hood is so far so good.

Author’s Note: I have taken a voluntary hiatus to “recharge” my emotional batteries. There is no particular reason for this, as I am still inspired, have suffered no writer’s block, and have continued writing as prolifically as ever — albeit on a more private & deliberate manner. …

RICE BEANS BBQ’D PORK POLITICS AND RHUM — LOTS OF RHUM

Did you see the young girl? Asked Candy. Did you see how happy and carefree she looked? She asked again forebodingly. The young lady probably thought she was safe among her friends. She probably didn’t realize one or more of her ‘pals’ could turn against her and rape her at any moment...

Background

This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to actual persons and/or events is purely coincidental. The main character — and narrator — is Alejandro Zurita, a twenty-two year old bon vivant, studying Business Administration at Vanier College in Montréal in the early spring of 1996, just as…