All Of The Above - Duncan's Blog

Travelling at 70 - Day 2

I’ve been to many places with majestic landscapes, temples, monuments and the like. Taj Mahal springs to mind. Do I remember much about it? Not really. We spent a day there with a knowledgeable guide. At least I think he... Read more →

Travelling at 70 - at the very least, the font is bigger

As far as birthdays go, this one was significant. Seventy is a big number and for years I tried to convince myself, not with much enthusiasm, that I wouldn’t live this long. Surprise! It’s particularly big because of what’s been... Read more →

My Dead Friends - Taking Stock at 70

When I turned 65, I wrote a few lines describing the values and principals that were going to accompany me into the future. They were very basic. Simple. I used words like "accepting, inclusive, compassion, forgiveness" and so on. I... Read more →

Letter to one of my oldest friends...lives on Gulf Islands

Dec. 21, 2016 R. Dale. As someone who lived in the same era as me, I ask you, can you think of a year that has unsettled our lives more than 2016? In fact, can you think of a more... Read more →

My Father Voted CCF, But Had To Keep It Secret

In 1962, me being the dumb 12 year old that I was, I playfully asked my father how he voted when he left the community hall voting booth at the foot of our road in a rural community in Northern... Read more →

Pluto and God

As the news about the Pluto planet photos is spread, I sit here wondering what it all means? What am I supposed to think? to feel? How should I react? When I get this confused about something, I reach for... Read more →

Manifesto of a Wizened Old Bugger

Published on Facebook yesterday! Today is my 65th birthday. Thanks to everyone for your birthday wishes. Once I complete the paper-work, I'll begin collecting my $80 per month from the Musician's Pension Fund. Thank you CBC for the gift that... Read more →

Evolution of a Blogger

Eight years ago when I started blogging, I thought it would lead, quite naturally, with little effort, to an on-line conversation of sorts. In my mind, I thought I'd write something, perhaps someone would read it, and who knows, they... Read more →

8 Years A Blogger

Two months ago, I celebrated my 8th blogging anniversary to subdued acclaim. No press release was drafted and I didn't go out to dinner with myself to celebrate. Lately, my offerings here have been spaced well apart, not for lack... Read more →

Bucket List Springs a Leak

Forgetaboutit! That's the general tone of the article recently published in The Guardian. "These are the things you should avoid before you die" writes the author, Jessica Reed. I'm a keener generally, eager to try most anything. But when I... Read more →

Nixon Reign Ends, Part II

As a follow up to my last post, my pal Bob Harris sent me this and with his permission, here it is to read and enjoy. What a great story! Monday, August 11, 2014 - 1:30 PM Vancouver I was... Read more →

A Walk Around English Bay and Defunct Presidents

I returned recently from a short trip to Vancouver. While there, I enjoyed a couple of long discussions with my thoughtful friend, Bob Harris. Bob is an old music associate (from the management side) from over 30 years ago and... Read more →

Give To The Cause Or Give To The Person Behind The Cause

When we were in India a few years ago, we were working side by side with an Indian fellow, Ravi Kumar Tantepudi. During our time there, we witnessed Ravi in his role as the leader of his local Christian charity,... Read more →

Forbidden... in Quebec!

I've enjoyed many an interesting dinners and long walks with my good friend Dr. Murray Waldman over the years. He is a learned and thoughtful man who has been writing books and articles for most of his life. He's been... Read more →

Wise Words From A Governor General

I don't know our Governor General personally. A friend knows David Johnston quite well and tells me that he's a good guy and will do right by the office that he holds. He is a pretty good hockey player and... Read more →

Great Game To Play At Parties

I invented a new game. It's not copyrighted. It's in the public domain and will remain there. It's not played on a board so you don't need dice or anything like that. You can play it with 2 others but... Read more →

Lloyd Fleguel, Visionary

In the 1970's when I first started learning to play the banjo, I was asked to teach a banjo course for a night school program at a local high school. It was sponsored by the Toronto Board of Education and... Read more →

What If Harry Haller Had A Hand Held Device?

I really don't want to use this blog to talk about "the good old days". I certainly don't want to sell myself as an old poop who yearns for the days when everything about our world was better, even though... Read more →

Remaining Current Is Key

I meet quite often over a coffee with a pal of mine, Gary Beechey. He's a professional photographer and has been at the top of his game, photographing the rich and famous for a very long time. Like the rest... Read more →

Spend More Time Looking Back

As the end of each year approaches, we're all frantically trying to commit to a new future, one that will make us happier, skinnier, healthier or whatever. We do this by making New Years' Resolutions. Give it up. You're just... Read more →