On Your Worst Day
I think it’s important that we also take the time to recognize that in some circumstances, defeat is inevitable and we need to reckon with it. You can be a great leader and still lose. As a person of faith, this memory is appropriate on Good Friday. I hope it is for you as well.
Why I Bought A Gun
"Hey buddy, how was school today?" I ask my son as he gets into the car. At the time, my son was in Kindergarten, and I have expected him to tell me about a station he enjoyed playing at or something funny, one of his friends said.
"Good, Dad, we had a lockdown drill today."
Smoky Kashmiri Spiced Wings
Hey, so in the spirit of my last post; I’m going to put myself out there a bit and share a recipe. This is a bit of a break from my usual content, but this is also a blog about hospitality and I can think of no better snack to share with guests when they come over for a visit. Hope you give these a try.
Yes… Take that chance
Lessons here, listen to your wife and swing for the fence. If you enjoy doing something, share your talent. Take that chance!
Making Space
In light of the attack that occurred on Friday at the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga, I’d like to share a story I wrote nearly seven years ago. I realize there is an ongoing investigation taking place, so I don’t want to pretend I understand the entire context. However, violence like this experienced by some in the Muslim community is a reminder that we have a lot of work to do. I believe the story I’d like to share here represents the Canada we need to become.
Fight Like Heaven
There is a different phrase we could use. It's not as marketable as "Fight like Hell," but I think it has the power to make a difference. Let's try "Let's fight like Heaven."
There Are No Extras
Years ago, I was in Juarez, Mexico, along the Rio Grande and the US and Mexican border. While I was there, I took a photo of the area, and as I snapped the photo, something unintended happened…
The Picard Maneuvers
If you were to ask me which leader I admire the most, I might surprise you because, without a doubt, the leader I aspire to be is fictional. Of all the leaders I aspire to be like, it is Jean-Luc Picard , Captain of the starship Enterprise…
Ukraine, Thinking of You
…I'm not an expert in foreign policy. I don't know the history, and I don't know where this will go. But I find myself asking myself, how does it feel to be in one of those cars?
Cooking & Cast Iron
The sound of meat searing against a hot cast iron pan is exceptionally gratifying. It starts with a distinct hiss and then transforms into the sound of applause…
Pass the Mujadara
I'm an explorer at heart. My hope for you today is that if you have the chance to sit down and enjoy a meal and conversation with someone different from you, you seize the opportunity. The world will open up and become a bigger place.
Dear Parent: Your Son or Daughter works with me.
Dear Parent,
Likely, we'll never meet, but your son or daughter works for me. I realize you probably don't spend a great deal of time thinking about who your child works for, but I'd like you to know a few things about the kind of workplace I aspire to lead…
Tuning for Black History Month
February is Black History month in the United States and Canada. A fantastic opportunity to celebrate Black History. If our Canadian culture is a symphony, heritage months are like solos.
Travel God
The world we live in today makes us ask questions about nearly everything about our identity. For people of faith, there's a real fear of moving beyond what they were taught and learning to live in new philosophical and political landscapes.
Love to the 22nd Century
Someday, in the early 22nd century, this head will wake up on a pillow in a very different world than the one we're living in today. It is possible that in that time, people may be facing similar challenges to the ones we're facing today. Perhaps even a worldwide pandemic.
The Ones Who Go Before
…An hour later, you're at your bus stop. You're dressed for the cold, but at -40°, you'll only have a few minutes before the cold succeeds at penetrating your many layers of clothing. While you're standing alone in the dark, your only thoughts are of escaping these arctic conditions…
Atari, Turkey & Christmas
For some, this season is painful. It's memories of an empty tree, no turkey dinner or family to keep company. If this is you, I am genuinely sorry. However, Christmas is meant for you.
Book Review: Why Is There Suffering?
When it comes to one of the big questions in life, like, "Why is there suffering?" the answers are never straightforward. If anything, I've found the answers to be frustrating and sometimes downright insulting. (read more)
Edmonton City Of __________
If you had the chance to give the city of Edmonton a nickname or slogan, what would it be? I know this idea gets revisited every once in a while, but hear me out.