Weekly Report

Weekly Report: May 6th - May 12th 2024

Good Morning Magpie

12 May 2024 — 4 min read

The Week in Summary:

The work week was fairly standard, though I got to learn and deliver a new program about empathy for wild creatures within our community, which was a lot of fun (especially because I like being outside). I got to hear a lot of red-winged blackbirds doing the program, so I am enjoying that.
During the week, police officers attacked peaceful pro-Palestinian student protestors on the University of Calgary campus. It is absolutely shameful how aggressive the local police and the University of Calgary's leaders conducted themselves. Student protests are fundamental to our national democracy and suppressing them with brute force is wrong. We should expect free inquiry and civil disobedience on university campuses, not flashbangs and riot shields.
On Friday afternoon, Taylor and I met up with some of our wonderful friends for dinner at Mumbai Bites for curry, saffron rice, naan, and some wine. Afterwards we spent the evening at the Inglewood Night Market exploring the market stalls and enjoying the good vibes. Seeing how packed these events are make me appreciate Calgary's vibrancy even more.
On Saturday, Taylor and I walked along the Bow River to the Eau Claire Mall Farewell Party. We explored the mall a bit and hung out for a while, taking in the festivities. It is sad to see such an iconic part of our downtown core nearing its end, and it kind of felt like being in a 90s-era mausoleum. That being said, I am excited to see a new public plaza (and Green Line station) being built in that same area. Afterwards, we went down to the Alberta NDP leadership debate at the BMO Centre. Like the Lethbridge debate from a couple weeks ago, I really appreciated what Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse and Naheed Nenshi had to say throughout the debates (especially Jodi's focus on water security). The debate seemed more combative as there was a more duel-style format. There was a lot more disrespectful and uncivil behaviour this time for that reason, especially from Sarah Hoffman and Gil McGowan. Afterwards, we went to the Porch on 17th Ave for dinner, which has amazing patio seating.
On Sunday, I spent most of the day relaxing around the house (there was wildfire smoke outside much of the day). Taylor and I listened to an audiobook and played backgammon.
Over the past few years, I have grown increasingly worried about the seasonality of wildfires in western Canada. It seems like every year the situation deteriorates further. For myself, I started feeling a bit anxious about the wildfires on the weekend when I saw reports of wildfires in the countryside of Grande Prairie (where I was raised) and watched as the smoke roll into the city on a sunny afternoon. I think we are heading into a rough summer, so it might be time to start preparing for it.

Recommendations:

Park Cruising: What Happens When We Wander Off the Path by Marcus McCann (Book): An exploration into cruising culture, public policy issues related to public sex, the history of cruising (especially in Toronto), and an examination of cruising as it pertains to shame and consent.
A heartfelt goodbye to Eau Claire Market and all it could have been by Lily Dupuis (Article): A retrospective of Eau Claire Market, what it meant to be, and how it met its demise.
Calgary Branded: The Blue Sky City? by Everday Tourist (Blog Article): A blog post on the recent rebranding of Calgary to Blue Sky City and the past attempts to brand the city. Personally, I really like the rebranding effort, but I appreciate the insights here.