One of my favourite trips during the Society of American Travel Writers convention in El Paso was a visit to the Samalayuca Dune Fields in the northern part of the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The desert exists because the prevailing winds drop sand particles on the protected side of the Sierra Samalayuca. Composed of almost pure quartz, the sands are...
El Paso: Boot Hill among the must-see sites
El Paso is a U.S.–Mexico border city with a rich heritage that dates back 400 years. For the last four years it has been named the safest city in the U.S. It is also the only city that has a majestic mountain range running through it. My first visit was to Boot Hill, now known as Concordia Cemetery. This Texas...
Iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel the Perfect Location to Enjoy Victoria
The Fairmont Empress Hotel overlooks the inner harbor of Victoria so you can walk to many amazing restaurants, enjoy the culture that the city offers, and rest in the gorgeous parks and gardens. I was astonished by the quality of the hotel and the hotel’s philosophy — to turn every moment into memories — rang true with my stay at...
Alcatraz a nice place to visit… but I wouldn’t want to stay
“If you’re going to San Francisco be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.” And be sure to visit Alcatraz, with or without flowers in your hair. During a recent visit to San Francisco, three travelling companions and I took a tour of Alcatraz, arguably the most famous prison in North America. The tour begins at Pier 33, just...
A lump of coal for newspaper copy writer
A tweet from Michael Landsberg tells you all you need to know about Mike Babcock: “He represents the intersection of two of my worlds; sports and mental health. Mike called me six years ago and said, ‘I want to help’ and he has. He’s become a huge voice in destigmatizing mental illness. He’s a really good man.” • How much...
In shape for everyday life
Why should you work out regularly? For big muscles? To lose weight? To beat your brother-in-law at golf? Sure, all of those are good reasons for some people. But what about working out so you are better prepared for the activities of everyday life, like carrying in groceries and putting them up? Like having the stamina for a busy day...
Best Books to Give this Season
100 Things Roughriders Fans Should Know & Do Before They Dieby Rob Vanstone (Author), Dave Ridgway (Foreword) Most Roughriders fans have attended a game at historic Taylor Field and the newer Mosaic Stadium, taken a photo in front of the George Reed and Ron Lancaster statues, and proudly belted the lyrics to “Rider Pride” on game day. But even the...
It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas
For nearly a half-century, the Saskatoon Fireside Singers have entertained and inspired audience members of all ages with their annual holiday shows. This year’s Christmas Memories concerts are scheduled for Dec. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., marking the 47th year artistic director Marilyn Whitehead has organized the popular productions. Taking to the TCU Place stage this year will be...
Use ozone machine to remove smoke smell
Dear Reena, I just bought a house and it smellslike cigarette smoke. We took out the carpet, washed the walls and the smell is still there. Do you have any quick solutions to solve this problem? — Ben Dear Ben, Rent or purchase an ozone machine. Use it according to the directions when you arenot home. This little machine is...
Prepare yourselves for a year of election campaigns
It’s that time of year again — a time when pundits and generally-opinionated folks like to look back on the previous year and prognosticate on what’s going to happen in the next. I’ve never actually gone back and read any of the columns I’ve written on this theme, but I’m presuming they weren’t particularly on-point, so go ahead and take...