Weekly Report: February 24th - March 2nd 2025
The Week in Summary:
- Let's talk about the weather, but more specifically, the climate. Putting aside the bone-chilling cold snap that kicked off February, our winter has been very mild. As we move into March, daytime temperatures have been absurdly warm relative to what we expect this time of year. Consequently, as this week comes to a close, the snow is melting fast, the river ice is breaking apart, and the patios along 17th Ave are packed. It is fair to feel rejuvenated, after all, Spring is right around the corner, but friends, we are living through a climate crisis and this is not ordinary. An early spring might have been celebratory a few decades ago, but there is a foreboding warmth in the air. Fire season is upon us and a continued drought could usher in higher food prices (if the tariffs don't beat the poor harvests there first). With the federal and municipal election coming up this year, make sure your vote puts the planet before profit. In any case, given the warmer temperatures, I got my condo's balcony cleaned and set-up earlier this season.
- As far as the week goes, I got to spend quality time with my dear friends! On Tuesday, Taylor and I invited Ang and Katelyn over for dinner and to play Root. This time, I played the Woodland Alliance. I lost, but at least Taylor edged out a victory in the end! On Wednesday, Amy and I went to the Coup for dinner (but mostly the hot chocolate) and the nearby Korean cafe (again for hot chocolate). On Thursday, I played No Man's Sky and chatted with Avery on Discord. And on Sunday, Taylor, Alexis, and I went to Vegan Street Kitchen in Inglewood (then shopped afterwards).
- Other than that, Taylor and I went to Maven for a Friday brunch, I went to Oolong Tea House to read on Saturday (I adore their patio behind the shop), and Taylor and I went birding for the first time of 2025 at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (our favourite spot!).
- Like last week, I continued playing No Man's Sky. I finished the main campaign and the recent Autophage questline. The story and its lore is really interesting, but unfortunately, the immersion is weakened by the constant barrage of fetch quests. Thankfully, the worlds are beautiful and fun to explore nonetheless. And I can fish!
- YYC Hot Chocolate Fest has finally come to a close. For myself, the 2025 winner was Element Cafe's Orange Dream-sicle! The Coup's Sesame Citrus Bliss was a close second. Earnestly, the best thing about YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is the communal excuse to enjoy some fantastic (over-priced) sweet chocolatey beverages from around the neighbourhood.
- I already talked about global affairs to start this post, but I do want to summarize that the AfD's electoral success in the recent German federal election, the Trump/Vance ambush on President Zelensky in the Oval Office, the thug-like attacks on US federal agencies (notably the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration), and continued tariff threats against Canada are all causes for concern. Without belabouring the anxieties, let's cut it short: put down the phone, drink a tea, and find meaning through taking care of each other and bettering our community (whether that is by playing Backgammon with a friend or joining an environmental advocacy group).
The Week in Images:
Maven / Mik Coffee and Shop / The Coup (YYC Hot Chocolate Fest)
The Week in Links:
PKK declares ceasefire with Turkey after more than 40 years of conflict
Kurdish militant group responds to call from its jailed leader Abdullah Öcalan to lay down arms
Ruth Michaelson
NATO, EU, other leaders agree to provide security guarantee for Ukraine peace deal
Sunday’s summit in London, attended by world leaders including Prime Minister Trudeau, was aimed at demonstrating a united front for Ukraine after a tumultuous meeting between the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders
Paul Waldie