Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 30/09/2026... but it always seemed that the Canadian variety of politics and current events was more boring and less consequential than the American type. All this to say: I was missing out. I'm glad that, decades later, I can get caught up on this story. 14/15 100
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Also, most of the progress in establishing Gwaii Haanas happened under a Conservative federal government. It's really a reflection of how far conservativism has lurched to the hard-right, destructive end of the spectrum when BRIAN MULRONEY looks like an environmentalist/ally. 12/15 100
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Here I need to credit May, whose general cheerfulness leavens this tale. Her genuine appreciation/affection for others involved and her infectious delight (and concern) propels the narrative and makes this book hard to put down. (We need more Elizabeth Mays in this world!) 11/15 100
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Also, advocates continually adjusted tactics, including: a book to tell the world about this jewel of a place; blockades; protests; ignoring "rules" at environmental conferences to get the word out and generate support; and securing assistance from the most elite political back rooms. 10/15 100
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 30/09/2026So that was the challenge. And this book documents how individuals - both Haida and settler - came together to protect these precious forests, lands, and waters. 7/15 100
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Add into this mix: - loggers' grossly inflated estimates of the economic value of the timber - tensions between the provincial and federal governments - possible sabotage of the park plan by anonymous civil servants - our shameful history of breaking our promises with Indigenous peoples 6/15 100
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 30/09/2026... the effects on the Haida people ("What is at stake is our survival as a nation. We can't survive in a land of stumps." - Miles Richardson, then president of the council of the Haida Nation). 5/15 100
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 30/09/2026And in the 1970s and 1980s, it was being clearcut by foresters. It wasn't just about the felling of giant old growth trees, but the devastating secondary environmental impacts, such as the resulting erosion that would fill and muddy streams that are spawning habitat for salmon, and ... 4/15 130
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Gwaii Haanas protects the southernmost part of the Haida Gwaii archipelago off the coast of British Columbia. Sometimes compared to the Galapagos Islands for its unique and rich biodiversity, this area is also culturally priceless for the Haida people who have lived there for millennia. 3/15 120
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 30/09/2026So here, for your consideration, I offer: "Paradise Won - The Struggle to Create Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve" by @elizabethemay.bsky.social (now the leader of Canada's federal Green Party). 2/15 100
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 30/09/2026NEW BOOK REVIEW In times like these, it's vital to cultivate ***hope*** that's grounded in the experience of people working for change and actually succeeding at it. These stories are everywhere but the algorithms aren't going to serve them up, so I actively seek them out. 1/15 130
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 27/07/2026The tulle (gauzy white fabric) is to keep the plants from being a cat’s salad bar. (It works! And Maggie would otherwise be a very enthusiastic grazer.) There is a cozy woolen cat bed at the far end and it’s always so cute to see Molly enjoying it. 7/8 100
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 27/07/2026It feels a little bit miraculous that I have this balcony haven again this year. It’s not perfect, and this year I needed help for a month or so to water it and train the pole beans. 1/8 130
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 26/07/2026Books I've read in the last few months (with a couple left out that I wouldn't recommend). 140
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 26/04/2026New book review - The Culting of America: What Makes a Cult and Why We Love Them by Daniella Mestanyek Young (@knittingcultlady.bsky.social) 1/4 130
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 21/04/2026I have a new reinforcing loop: I read ▶️ Molly expects lap time ▶️ I read 000
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 19/04/2026Saturday night for a nerd 🤓 Important topic any day of the week! @keirgiles.bsky.social 010
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 15/02/2026NEW BOOK REVIEW - "Drystone: A Life Rebuilt" by Kristie De Garis 1/13 141
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 30/01/2026It's about time for another book review. Prophet Song, a novel by Paul Lynch is the 2023 Booker Prize winner. Its tension slowly grinds and increases, even as we are spared (most of) the grisly details of the fictional fascist takeover and civil war in modern-day Ireland. 1/3 150
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 20/01/2026Just finished "The Island of Sea Women" by Lisa See, historical fiction about Jeju Island and its tradition of women sea divers. This novel taught me about a tragic period of South Korean history I hadn't known about. It's a story about friendship, surviving some terrible times, and being human. 240
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 28/11/2025I saw 1 of Canada's national treasures, @charlieangus104.bsky.social (+ panel), speak last night. Charlie continues to be a catalyst for conversation & conviction about Canadian sovereignty, oligarchy, and our urgent need to work together to hold the line and fight for a fair and equitable future. 💗 1494
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 05/10/2025(Another lesson is to reserve enough sauce to better weigh down the top layer of gluten-free noodles that I used for the larger dish ... sheesh!) Now ... what to do with all the leftovers ... lol 11/11 000
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 05/10/2025Canadian Thanksgiving is next weekend, and if you have vegans in your life you want to please while making something everyone will enjoy, this might be the post for you! Or if you enjoy a good culinary project and expanding your range of dishes, read on ... 1/x 120
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 19/09/2025I don't pick the beans on my balcony garden on a daily basis, but I'm still pleased with this morning's haul. 050
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 12/09/2025Centenary Hospital (Scarborough) - 8:30am Wednesday - 486 ppm!!! Hardly a new hospital. Also: Princess Margaret - CO2 never went above 540ppm. Granted, these weren't in wards ... but still. Impressive. 050
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 13/07/2025Book rec: The Natural Treasures of Carolinian Canada (2007). Despite being born and raised in southwestern Ontario, I truly had no idea what a special region it is in terms of its wildlife, ecological niches, and natural history. This book is a quick overview with beautiful photos. 110
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 22/06/2025I'm not sure why my cats decided this year to be murderous jerks, but parts of my garden are in protective custody now ... 😆 030
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 19/02/2025Fiction reading that is perfect, maybe even necessary, for these times: the science fiction novella “Unauthorized Bread” by Cory Doctorow. It is a blend between technological thought experiment and feel-good underdog story. 1/6 100
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 31/01/2025A suggestion, a thread, and a meditation: In the midst of daunting and unprecedented challenges, a truly worthy read is the 2010 book, "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer" by Siddhartha Mukherjee. 1/21 110
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 08/12/2024"Only the wisest and the stupidest of men never change." - Confucius (From some light Sunday evening reading...) 010
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 21/11/2024My current read. Investigative work by @garethgore.bsky.social on Opus Dei. Reads like a thriller. Powerful evidence how (for good or, frankly, evil) coordinated efforts of small groups of people to effect change. Highly recommended. 1102
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 27/10/2024Another book rec: "Lives of the Stoics" by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman. toronto.overdrive.com/media/5215474 Pointedly relevant series of short biographies of the ancient stoics - how their beliefs were forged and tested, and what we can learn from their lives about how to do the right thing. 010
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 27/10/2024Finished this book today, would recommend: toronto.overdrive.com/media/3034014 It's good to question the dominant narratives about poverty, what constitutes a meaningful and satisfying life, etc. It's essential to have positive alternative models and visions for our future. Check this book out. 000
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 20/10/2024Screenshot from the Bad Place ... Look at how infections in healthcare settings were dramatically decreased back when we had universal masking requirements! And - per Barry's point - they could be virtually eliminated with other tools we have but are choosing not to implement. Penny-foolish. 110
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 11/09/2024It's been a while since I made a curry; I forgot how much sauce one can of coconut milk + one can of coconut cream makes. I'd already pressed and fried the tofu, and rescued packages of shrimp and scallops from the depths of my freezer. Then: a full-court press to get enough veggies for balance. 👍👍 010
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 04/09/2024I really should take my SLR out with me more. But since I didn't today, here's the crappy phone camera version of a glorious sunset taken tonight from my hometown. 030
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 31/08/2024One thing this many leeks will tell you IN A HURRY is whether your knife needs to be sharpened. 010
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 31/08/2024For me, 2017 was a "year of grief", and in 2018, I was still mired in loss, hurt, and anger. But 6 years ago today, these two sweet babies joined my household and instantaneously changed the vibe. So grateful. 020
Cindy B. @eclecta.bsky.social · 04/03/2024So interesting! I have two tuxedo cats, and they are low-shed as well! They are sisters but only one has the plushy coat (but the other has the adorable chin smudge) ... including goofiest pics possible for entertainment value. 020