Book Review: The Economy of Sparrows

by Trevor Harriot Published by Thistledown Press Review by Shelley A. Leedahl  $24.95 ISBN 9781771872461 I’m considering what I enjoyed most about award-winning Regina writer, grassland conservationist, and naturalist Trevor Herriot’s first foray into fiction. His debut novel, The Economy of Sparrows, conveys the story of pensioner Nell Rowan, a Saskatchewan born birder and researcher who, after earning a biology...

Time to cut the gas tax, Mr. Moe

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the federal and provincial governments to cut gas taxes to save drivers money. “Saskatchewanians are now paying two carbon taxes they can’t afford,” Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director, said in a news release. “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to stop piling more costs on families and scrap both of his carbon taxes that...

The benefits of music lessons

 • It builds language skills. As they learn their instrument, children become accustomed to different sounds that they would not have recognized before. This practice trains their ears for the nuances and subtle sounds of language. • It makes them stronger academically. Researchers have found connections between music lessons and nearly every measure of academic achievement: SAT scores, high school...

Top scholars contribute to USask’s strong international rankings

An increase in the number of highly cited researchers attributed to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) contributed to a strong performance in the ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). USask achieved a ranking of 301- 400 globally in the ARWU in 2023 out of more than 2,500 institutions around the world. According to USask’s calculations, the institution achieved...

Karlsson will add ‘power’ to Pens’ power play

Like a poker player pushing all his chips into the centre of the table and declaring “all in,” new general manager and president of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas of the Pittsburgh Penguins is going for the gusto in the approaching National Hockey League season. Scanning the birthdates of players on his roster, Dubas, 37, the former Maple Leaf wonder kid...

What is Physiotherapy and Is it Right for Me?

What Is Physiotherapy? Physiotherapists study the science of movement and learn how to find the root cause of pain and how to resolve it. Physiotherapy involves providing treatment to reduce pain, restore, maintain and improve a person’s mobility, function, strength, and overall quality of life. The main approaches that a physiotherapist may use include education/advice, movement exercises/ tailored exercises, and...

5 ways to promote brain health

(Family Features) When it comes to staying healthy, there is a natural emphasis on physical fitness. However, it’s important to know that nurturing and maintaining brain health is also important for leading a fulfilling life. The brain is the command centre of the human body and as such, influences every aspect of life. Maintaining brain health requires providing it with...

Boosting Nitric Oxide the Antidote to Getting Older

The French existentialist, Gabriel Marcel, asserted “Life is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be experienced.” Nevertheless, scientists remain intent on figuring it out. The cells in our bodies are susceptible to damage. A sunburn is a visible example. Ultraviolet rays scorch skin cells, causing rapid death. Damage occurs at a slower pace from poor diet,...