Agency and Identity in the Internet Age

Last week I had the pleasure of addressing the Presqu’ile Probus Club, and what follows here is my talk. It’s considerably longer than my usual blog posts; the talk lasted 50 minutes. It was well received there, and I hope it’s useful here as well. _________________________ Today I want to talk about agency and identity.Continue reading “Agency and Identity in the Internet Age”

Political Analysis, Punditry, and Gossip

As I write this, we’re flooded with political questions at every level. Internationally, we’re hearing analysis about which parties can support peace (or war) in Gaza and Ukraine, or getting details about the indictment of the President of South Korea, not to mention the non-stop speculation about what incoming US President Donald Trump will doContinue reading “Political Analysis, Punditry, and Gossip”

Do You Want to Join Council?

I’m not yet over my sadness at the loss of Councillor Faretis, but I am nonetheless happy that Brighton is in the process of choosing a new councillor to serve out the remainder of the 2022-2026 term. The details of the appointment process will be confirmed on a special meeting on December 24th at 9am,Continue reading “Do You Want to Join Council?”

Filling a Vacant Council Seat

As much as I’m still uncomfortable with saying that there’s a vacant council seat in Brighton, especially with Councillor Faretis’ celebration of life still to come this Saturday, council was required to declare his seat vacant within the first two council meetings after his passing. That was this past Monday. Council postponed determining how hisContinue reading “Filling a Vacant Council Seat”

Farewell, Byron

Councillor Byron Faretis recently and suddenly passed away, and it’s a big loss to our community. There’s been a lot of other things going on that I’ll blog about eventually, but today I’d like to reflect on the impact Byron had on our council, and on me personally. When I first heard about Byron’s nominationContinue reading “Farewell, Byron”

What Elections Tell Us About Ourselves

One of the worst things about American elections is that, even when they’re over, they’re never over. Even though we’re not American, our news and social media have been deluged with American politics for the past two years; we’ve weathered the spectacle of the primaries, the spectacle of the campaign, and now we’re stuck inContinue reading “What Elections Tell Us About Ourselves”

Update

Three short updates this week: First, we’ve just wrapped on the 50th Applefest, and it was a HUGE success. Many, many thanks to all of the volunteers, staff, and supporters who have kept this annual event going for half a century. Our little town nearly doubles in size, one day a year, and it takesContinue reading “Update”

Legacy, Heritage, and Community

Today I attended a small ceremony just behind the bustling Codrington Farmer’s Market. We were there to plant two apple trees in commemoration of this year’s 50th Applefest: one to remember the apple growers of the past, and one to dedicate to the apple growers of the future. While there are certainly fewer apple growersContinue reading “Legacy, Heritage, and Community”

Housing Update

After a restful summer break, September is refreshingly brisk — both in the cool morning breeze and in the pace of change. It is the Monday of the year, when most people get back to work in earnest. And I have some things to report after last Monday’s council meeting with regard to the stateContinue reading “Housing Update”

Much Ado About Nothing

I try not to write about things that are currently unfolding; I don’t want to accidentally spread half-truths about matters that are not yet settled, or worse yet, accidentally say something publicly that I’m obligated to keep private. But council’s agenda tonight includes a matter that has been subject to an awful lot of misinformation,Continue reading “Much Ado About Nothing”