The Donkey Trail 3: A view to die for

Eskişehir, Türkiye Friday 31 May 2024 Above: Mount Säntis, Switzerland Here is my problem. Two problems, actually. I have the workings of a plot, but I cannot decide what details to include or exclude from the story. I also want to capture the emotions of the characters by showing, not telling, what they are feeling.… Continue reading The Donkey Trail 3: A view to die for

The coldest night of the year

Eskişehir, Türkiye Thursday 21 March 2024 An emotional evening yesterday. A student, proficient in his Encounter (the name of my school’s oral examination of a Unit), checks his messages on his phone as I search for a time slot wherein I can schedule the engineer’s next appointment.. He begins to cry as he learns that… Continue reading The coldest night of the year

Canada Slim and the Last Battle

Eskisehir, Switzerland, Sunday 19 September 2021 As the dates below will show, this blog (The Chronicles of Canada Slim) (one of two) has suffered from neglect. I offer only one explanation: I have been….distracted. The purpose of The Chronicles of Canada Slim is to capture in writing my adventures prior to the calendar year. Generally,… Continue reading Canada Slim and the Last Battle

Canadian home sickness and the Excited States of America

As a Canadian resident in Switzerland there are many things I miss about life in Canada: I miss old friends and family. I miss the magnificent splendour of my home and native land. And I miss small things too: Food like Habitant pea soup, poutine, tourtiere, Canadian breakfast, perogies, microwave dinners, beavertails… Comedians like Lorne… Continue reading Canadian home sickness and the Excited States of America

Hope for the Hopeless: Electronic Charisma

This particular post is one of the hardest for me to write as it runs counter to many deep set feelings I have towards the modern tendency of increased computerization in so much of our lives. So often I feel that folks focus so much on what is gained by technology without the remotest consideration… Continue reading Hope for the Hopeless: Electronic Charisma

All you need is cafuné

Earlier today I mentioned that everyone has, or ought to have, a list of ten books they would rescue from their burning building. I have already named two: Ronald Gross’ The Independent Scholar’s Handbook and Richard N. Bolles’ What Color Is Your Parachute?. (See Hope for the Hopeless: Brave New World and Underdog University of… Continue reading All you need is cafuné

Confessions of the Batman

A fortnight ago, before the breeze off Lake Constance turned brisk, Ute and I were visited by a denizen of the dark, a creature of the night. A bat had somehow found its way into our apartment. It was an hours-long struggle to get the helplessly lost and confused little fellow out. His visit (I… Continue reading Confessions of the Batman