The Quiet Cost of Distraction

Cell phone distraction

When was the last time you had a conversation while your phone was completely out of sight? Not face down on the table. Not buzzing quietly in your pocket. Not within arm’s reach just in case. Most of us cannot remember. We have grown so accustomed to living within a constant field of alerts, updates,…

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Fifty Shades of Green: The Unlikely Story of St. Patrick

Colourful St. Patricks Day decorations. Calgary, alberta, Canada

Everyone likes a good holiday celebration. It gives us a break from our daily routine and an escape from our current reality. Some holidays offer a chance to wear silly clothes or costumes. Others are celebrated with parades and parties. These special days have a magical way of unlocking the inner child who is tired…

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Lessons from the Ugliest Dog in the World

Petunia blog

Every summer in Sonoma County, California, there’s a contest where “winning” has nothing to do with perfect teeth, glossy hair, or symmetrical features. The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest crowns the canine who most boldly, joyfully, and unapologetically owns their unique look. This year’s winner, Petunia, two-year-old hairless English-French bulldog mix, has the kind of face that makes…

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April Fools’ Day: Spaghetti Trees and Deep Fakes

A cheerful little girl glues a paper fish to her mother's back at home in the kitchen, a young woman has breakfast, in her hands is a mug of tea. Funny family jokes, April Fool's Day celebration

April Fools’ Day pranks trace back to 16th-century France. When the Gregorian calendar replaced the Julian one, New Year’s Day was moved from April 1 to January 1. Unfortunately, 1500s communication wasn’t exactly lightning fast, so some folks missed the update and kept partying in April. These calendar-challenged souls became the punchline of springtime jokes…

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