Category: product endorsements

Where are LIBRARIES headed?

I spend a lot of time in libraries. They are good. But could be much better.

Eric Klinenberg spent a year researching libraries for his book Palaces for the People.

How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life

Social infrastructure is the glue that binds communities together, and it is just as real as the infrastructure for water, power, or communications, although it’s often harder to see.

But Eric Klinenberg says that when we invest in social infrastructures such as libraries, parks, or schools, we reap all kinds of benefits. We become more likely to interact with people around us, and connected to the broader public. If we neglect social infrastructure, we tend to grow more isolated, which can have serious consequences.

Calgary Public Library

I heard Klinenberg interviewed on the 99% Invisible podcast. His argument was compelling.

I’d love to see libraries expand their programs. Increase the hours they are open.

Libraries are unofficial sanctuaries for street people, at least during daylight. That should be formalized.

Libraries could be much, much better.

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I’m now a GoPro guy

Finally.

And I tested it skiing Sunshine. Works as advertised. Perfect for me, I think, as it’s quick, durable and simple.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Gorgeous day. Perfect, in fact. I do love Spring skiing.

In fact, this was only my second day skiing for years. I was also testing the new boots and skis I bought last year.

There was a full moon over the Rockies on the shuttle bus up from Calgary.

So far, I’m super happy it. Of course GoPro has a huge range of mounts and accessories. I’ve already bought the tripod and bike mounts.

For video it replaces the Canon Elf I lost on my last trip. For photos I’ll mostly use my iPhone X.

related – GoPro Hero 7 Black Review

With its new gimbal-like stabilisation and live-streaming powers, the GoPro Hero 7 Black is the best action camera we’ve seen so far…

Pod room in a hostel

I’ve stayed in a couple of airport pod hotel rooms. An excellent idea. You can rent for 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours or more depending on the amount of time you have between flights.

But in Púcon, Chile I stayed for the first time in a pod room in a hostel.

$15 / night. No breakfast. Shared washrooms and excellent kitchen. You keep your stuff in a locker outside the room.

But here’s the view just outside my door.

This is the French Andes hostel.

cordless vacuum cleaner for Christmas

I gave my parents a  Makita 18V LXT Vacuum Cleaner.

It works well for small, fast clean-ups.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

You need clean it frequently.

3 Ah is the best battery.

If you don’t already have a Makita battery or charger, the whole set-up will cost about C$200.

Thanks Markos and Keith for the idea.

I love Sultana Biscuits

My favourite cookies are most often called Sultana Biscuits.

In Vancouver you can find them in speciality Asian food stores.

Superstore no longer stocks them. Walmart no longer stocks them.

Update. Superstore in Calgary had them in the foreign food speciality aisle December 2018. 

You can buy Sultanas online from Amazon.com. But not Amazon.ca.

 

my NEW rolling backpack carry-on

I’m super happy with my new MEC 40L Rolling Continent Carry-On which fits the overhead compartment of even the crappiest Bombardier jets.

Click PLAY or watch a video on the same pack in 60L on YouTube.

My last two similar bags were both Samsonite MVS Spinners. Durability was poor, especially the wheels.