While I am proud of all my work on the Rowanwood Chronicles, this collection brings together some of my favourite essays. These selections are deeply personal and, perhaps, a little sentimental, reflecting moments and ideas that resonate most with me. I hope you find as much enjoyment in reading them as I have in writing them.

A Love Affair in a Glass – LDV Red Rocket Spiced Imperial Espresso Stout
Sawdust City’s LDV Red Rocket Spiced Imperial Espresso Stout isn’t just a beer – it’s a sultry, full-bodied seduction in a glass.

Why my ‘70s NAIM Audio HiFi still Hits the Right Notes
In an age of slick streaming platforms and high-tech gadgets, I’m still loyal to my ‘70s NAIM Audio stereo system. This vintage setup, revered for its unmatched sound and no-nonsense durability, delivers a listening experience that many modern systems struggle to emulate.

My Love Affair with the Northumbrian Smallpipes
The Northumbrian smallpipes are a traditional folk instrument from Northeast England, known for their sweet, melodious sound, and are distinguished by their closed-finger holes, allowing for a staccato playing style unique among bagpipes.

F-35A vs Gripen E: Why Canada Needs a Mixed Air Fleet
While the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II has dominated the headlines and procurement process, many analysts and defence strategists continue to argue for a more balanced approach that reflects Canada’s non-aggressive, defence-oriented military posture. Enter the JAS 39 Gripen E, Sweden’s cost-effective and resilient multirole fighter.

It’s Time for a Global BBC iPlayer: Why International Access Is Long Overdue
In an era of global media consumption, the iPlayer is still geo-blocked. The BBC should offer a subscription-based version of iPlayer to international audiences.

Jeff Beck: Redefining the Electric Guitar
Jeff Beck’s claim to the title of the finest modern guitarist rests on four pillars. He altered the vocabulary of the electric guitar. He bridged genres without compromise. He proved, live and on record, that virtuosity can serve melody.

Highschool History Textbook from 2050
Today, I stumbled across an old Canadian high school history textbook from 2050 in a used bookstore. Chapter 14 tells the story of the Canada-US War of 2026–2028, what we now call The War for the North. 

Elim Garak: The Enigmatic Thread of Deep Space Nine
Elim Garak, the exiled Cardassian spy-turned-tailor, is one of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s most compelling characters. Portrayed masterfully by Andrew Robinson, Garak’s role in the series transcends mere espionage or political intrigue; he embodies the moral complexity of DS9.

Celebrating Two Giants of Science Communication: Bob McDonald and James Burke
In the world of public science education, Bob McDonald and James Burke stand as exceptional figures, each with a distinctive voice and approach that have resonated globally.

Alberta, the Treaties, and the Illusion of Secession
It is a curious feature of Canadian political discourse that every few years, the spectre of Alberta separatism re-emerges, yet few of its proponents seem to understand the constitutional, historical, and moral terrain on which they stake their claims.

The Duality of Dr Joseph M’Benga
Dr. Joseph M’Benga stands out as one of the most compelling franchise characters. A brilliant healer haunted by the scars of war, a scientist navigating the grey areas of survival, and a father whose love transcends the boundaries of science.

Steeleye Span’s Present: A Timeless Celebration of Electric Folk
Steeleye Span’s Present (2002), a huge favourite of mine, stands as a majestic tribute to the band’s golden years, a celebration of their 35-year journey in the folk rock movement.

Why Can’t the Replicator Just Scan the Damn Cake?”: A Senior Trekker’s Rant
In the grand pantheon of Star Trek mysteries; why redshirts never survive, why Klingon foreheads changed mid-century, why nobody uses seatbelts on the bridge, one lesser-discussed, but utterly maddening question remains: Why is programming new food into the replicator such a colossal pain in the nacelles?

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