Saturday, August 1, 2015

Are you a caregiver for an elderly relative? Then you need to watch this.



Many of us are caregivers for elderly relatives. As patient needs increase, demands on caregivers can rise to extreme levels. But what happens when caregivers burn out? Here's a story about how a clever Alberta doctor recognized caregiver burnout and helped avoid a horrible outcome.

I conducted this interview in my role as Editor in Chief of Alberta Doctors' Digest for the Alberta Medical Association. My guest was blogger and author of The Reluctant Caregiver, Bobbi Junior.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Researchers working on "bionic eye" implants



These researchers are working on retinal implants that will eventually help some people with vision loss regain their sight. Check it out.

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Got a bird problem? Here a simple solution, right to the point



Problem: birds land on your stuff and leave their droppings behind, creating a big mess that you need to clean up. Sometimes they even build nests where you don't want them (causing a fire hazard, for instance). Solution: put some pointy things where the birds like to land. As gadgets go, it doesn't get any lower tech, inexpensive and effective as this.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Mossom Creek fish hatchery rises from the ashes


A few weeks ago I mentioned that we were producing a video about the remarkable resurrection of the volunteer-run Mossom Creek fish hatchery after a devastating fire. Thanks to Lafarge, other supporters and numerous volunteers, the hatchery is now back and better than ever.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Lily introduces a selfie-drone



Drones are hot stuff right now. But you have to learn how to fly them. Check out this solution from Lily. It's like a selfie-drone!

Friday, May 29, 2015

Bull's eye! Organic greens and biodegradable plastic packaging.



I don't know about you, but when I buy organic greens (which is all time time), I don't feel good about the plastic packaging. Organic food and traditional packaging is an unfortunate contradiction. So I was pleased to find this organic produce from Kildara Farms that's packaged in biodegradable plastic bags. Also, kudos to Thrifty Foods for carrying this produce and Richmond Plastics for manufacturing the bags.

Yes, recyclable plastic packaging is a good thing. But biodegradable is even better. It makes me want to burry the plastic in my garden and see what happens. I can't say I've ever wanted to try that with normal plastic.

More information: kildarafarms.com

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Niche is a French word. So is fleur de sel.



Problem: you move to Canada from France and can't find locally made fleur de sel that's up to your standards. Solution: learn the craft, start your own business and serve a niche. It can't hurt that the name of the island you live on has the word "salt" in its name. Well done, Philippe. For more information, visit saltspringseasalt.com.