Craft Stouts Come of Age

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The craft beer world has never been shy about pushing boundaries, but few styles have matured with as much creativity and flair as stout. Once seen as a niche offering dominated by roasted malt bitterness and heavy textures, the stout has blossomed into a playground of innovation. From barrel aging to infusions of bold flavors like coconut, coffee, and even cayenne pepper, craft stouts are stealing the spotlight in the beer scene, offering drinkers an experience that is as indulgent as it is complex.

The Evolution of the Craft Stout
Over the last decade, craft brewers have taken stouts to new heights, fueled by a consumer base hungry for unique, premium beers. Enter the “pastry stout” phenomenon, where dessert-like flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and marshmallow dominate. These beers are bold, sweet, and unapologetically decadent, designed to mimic the profiles of brownies, s’mores, and even birthday cakes.

But the evolution of the stout isn’t just about sweetness. Brewers have fine-tuned their techniques, creating stouts with layers of flavor that go beyond the basics. The result? A more polished, balanced style of beer that caters to seasoned drinkers and newcomers alike.

The Allure of Barrel Aging
If there’s one technique that screams sophistication in the craft stout world, it’s barrel aging. By aging their beers in barrels that once held bourbon, whiskey, rum, or even wine, brewers are adding depth and complexity to an already rich style.

Barrel Aged Titania

The process is not just about waiting for the beer to develop; it’s about creating layers. Bourbon barrels bring warm notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Rum barrels add a touch of spice and tropical sweetness, while wine barrels contribute tannins and fruity undertones. The time spent in these barrels transforms the beer, creating a velvety, layered drink that feels indulgent and rare.

For breweries, barrel-aged stouts are a way to stand out. Limited-edition releases drive excitement and bring a sense of exclusivity. For drinkers, these beers are an opportunity to explore something artisanal, often saved for special occasions or shared among friends.

Flavors That Go Beyond the Glass
Modern stouts are not just about tradition; they’re a canvas for creativity. Brewers are embracing unique ingredients to elevate their stouts into uncharted territory. The nutty sweetness of toasted coconut pairs beautifully with a stout’s inherent chocolate and coffee flavors, creating a tropical dessert in a glass. A natural match for stouts, coffee adds a roasted edge that ranges from nutty and fruity to dark and bitter, depending on the bean and roast profile. For those of us who love a little heat, cayenne adds a spicy kick to the finish, creating a beer with sweet, roasted notes upfront and a lingering warmth at the end..

A Toast to the Future
Craft stouts have come a long way from their humble beginnings, evolving into a sophisticated and endlessly creative category. Whether it’s a coconut-infused pastry stout, a coffee-forward breakfast beer, or a barrel-aged masterpiece, today’s stouts are redefining what beer can be.

I do have my personal favourites which include Sawdust City’s Titania, Tooth and Nail’s Fortissimo, and Evil Twin’s Even More Jesus; so next time you’re at your local brewery or bottle shop, don’t skip the stout. You might just find your new favorite drink—and a story worth savoring.

Asimov’s Warning Is Just As Valid Today 

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Isaac Asimov’s assertion about the “cult of ignorance” in the United States, where the false equivalence of ignorance and knowledge undermines democracy, is disturbingly evident in many elected U.S. leaders. This trend, marked by anti-intellectualism and the rejection of expertise, is not only a historical thread, but also a contemporary issue with serious consequences. When political leaders prioritize personal beliefs or populist rhetoric over evidence-based decision-making, the nation’s progress is stymied.

“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” – Issac Asimov, Newsweek January 21, 1980 

One glaring example is the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which several federal leaders publicly rejected scientific consensus and medical expertise. President Donald Trump, for instance, consistently downplayed the severity of the virus, promoted unproven treatments like hydroxychloroquine, and suggested bizarre remedies such as injecting disinfectant. His administration’s frequent clashes with public health experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, showcased a dangerous preference for misinformation over evidence-based policy. This rejection of expertise delayed critical responses, contributing to the unnecessary loss of lives and eroding public trust in institutions.

Climate change denial is another prominent example of Asimov’s warning in action. Despite decades of scientific research and warnings about the catastrophic effects of global warming, U.S. federal leaders like Senator James Inhofe have openly dismissed the issue. Inhofe’s infamous act of bringing a snowball to the Senate floor in 2015 to mock climate change science epitomized the rejection of intellectual rigor in favor of simplistic and misleading arguments. Under President Trump, the United States withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord in 2017, a decision that disregarded global consensus and expert recommendations. This move not only hampered international climate action, but also showcased a willingness to prioritize political posturing over long-term environmental sustainability.

Education policy also reflects this strain of anti-intellectualism. Federal and state leaders have fueled culture wars over curricula, targeting topics like evolution, climate science, and systemic racism. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, for example, has led efforts to restrict discussions of race and gender in schools, framing them as “woke indoctrination.” His administration’s actions, including banning Advanced Placement African American Studies, reflect a fear of critical thinking and a broader trend of politicizing education. Such measures not only undermine intellectual growth, but also perpetuate ignorance by denying students access to nuanced perspectives.

Another aspect of this “cult of ignorance” is the weaponization of populist rhetoric. Politicians like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert frequently champion “common sense” over expertise, dismissing intellectual rigor as elitist. Greene’s baseless claims about space lasers causing wildfires or her rejection of vaccine science exemplify how some leaders amplify misinformation to appeal to their base. This rhetoric undermines trust in institutions, promotes conspiratorial thinking, and fosters a climate where ignorance is celebrated over informed debate.

The Trump administration’s broader approach to governance further illustrates Asimov’s critique. From rejecting intelligence assessments on foreign interference in elections to downplaying the impact of climate policies, the administration often sidelined expertise in favor of politically convenient narratives. This pattern was not limited to one administration. Leaders across political spectrums have, at times, embraced anti-intellectualism, whether through denial of scientific consensus, opposition to educational reform, or a reluctance to address systemic issues.

Asimov’s warning resonates because it touches on the core principle that democracy requires an informed citizenry and leaders willing to engage with complex realities. Yet, when leaders dismiss expertise and elevate ignorance to a virtue, they erode the foundations of democratic governance. The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change denial, and educational censorship demonstrate how the conflation of ignorance with knowledge can have dire consequences for public health, global stability, and intellectual progress.

Reversing this trend demands a renewed commitment to intellectual integrity and informed leadership. Politicians must prioritize evidence-based policymaking, foster trust in expertise, and resist the allure of populist rhetoric that sacrifices long-term progress for short-term gains. Only by respecting knowledge and promoting critical thinking can the United States counteract the “cult of ignorance” Asimov so aptly described and ensure a democratic future guided by reason and understanding.

Let’s Talk About Villeneuve’s Dune Universe 

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I love the two Dune movies by Denis Villeneuve, and I am totally looking forward to the next chapter, but while I understand the need to simplify the story thread in order to make it work on the big screen, there are some things that need to be either clarified or expanded upon because the North American cultural filter really does distort the true message of Frank Herbert.   

Paul is much more than a manipulative noble. He’s a unique blend of influences: Mentat logic, Bene Gesserit discipline, Atreides honor, Fremen resilience, and Harkonnen cunning. His motivations go far beyond revenge; they stem from a profound awareness of humanity’s need to evolve. Paul doesn’t see his followers as mere tools, but as a complex mix of dangerous power and familial bonds.

Chani, meanwhile, isn’t just a warrior or a symbol of resistance. As a priestess and the daughter of Liet, her identity is deeply tied to the dream of transforming Dune into a flourishing paradise – not merely freeing the Fremen from oppression. She takes on the responsibilities of sisterhood and motherhood with Jamis’s widow and children, embracing them as her own. Chani supports Paul in his journey, urging him forward rather than standing in his way. Her love for Jessica and Alia, as well as her strategic acceptance of Paul marrying Irulan to help curb violence, highlights her strength and adaptability in a survivalist society. She’s a powerful figure shaped by her world, not a reflection of modern individualist ideals.

The Emperor, far from being a frail figure in decline, is rejuvenated by spice, and fully intent on ruling for decades. His ascension to the throne wasn’t simple or clean; he and Count Hasimir Fenring conspired together to poison his older brother thus seizing power. Irulan was never meant to be his heir or confidant; her marriage to Paul was a calculated move to pacify a rival, not that he had much choice. The Sardaukar, his elite soldiers, were formidable warriors, and used to almost destroy the Atreides because the Emperor saw that their martial training could put Duke Leto on the throne.  

Baron Harkonnen is no brutish simpleton. His villainy is sharp and calculated, and his control over his family is absolute. He wouldn’t allow his nephews to act out of turn or be blindsided by an Emperor’s arrival. The film adaptation misses much of his cunning and cruelty, leaving him underdeveloped despite ample material in the books.

The Dune universe isn’t a story of Western saviors reshaping a foreign land. Instead, it’s an intricate tale of a galactic empire steeped in Islamic and feudal traditions, where Western influences have been absorbed into a deeply anti-technological society. Power revolves around the Bene Gesserit, the Noble Houses (the Landsraad), and the Throne, with capitalism playing a significant role especially among the Harkonnens, the Ixians, and the Combine Honnete Ober Advancer Mercantiles (CHOAM). The Fremen represent a mystical and fiercely independent branch of this society, not a passive population waiting for rescue.

Other key elements also feel underexplored in adaptations: the Mentats, the Spacing Guild (which holds immense power by controlling interstellar travel), and Count Fenring, a character rich with intrigue. Perhaps the developing streaming channel shows on HBO will explore these important groups and individuals, using the prequel books as a guide?  The timeline compressions in the movie, where Paul’s journey from exile to commanding a planetary rebellion happens in the span of a pregnancy, lose the gradual buildup that Herbert carefully crafted.

Herbert’s story also draws a clear distinction between feminine and masculine power in his universe. While Jessica and Chani represent different approaches – Jessica wielding the strategic, subtle power of the Bene Gesserit and Chani embodying the pragmatic strength of the Fremen; modern retellings often blur these lines. Herbert’s narrative thrives on the tension and synergy between these power dynamics, especially in characters like Paul and Alia, who combine both elements. Modern interpretations sometimes lose this balance, favoring a more uniform portrayal of power that doesn’t fully reflect the original story’s complexity.

Ultimately, the developing Dune franchise is an epic achievement in storytelling and filmmaking. While adaptations might not capture every nuance, they still offer a breathtaking vision of Herbert’s world. The beauty and ambition of these films are undeniable, even if certain character dynamics or narrative layers are simplified. It’s worth watching and appreciating the scope of what it achieves – even as we continue to discuss what it leaves out.

Honesty vs Transparency

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In my world, there is a strong push towards total interpersonal transparency these days. It’s a hard marketing sell by the “authentic living” leadership and coaching community – “Tell it all, be proactive, share everything, spare no detail, be vulnerable”.  As you can imagine, this doesn’t sit well with me, and while I am all for honest, open, clear and direct communication, I am also for keeping parts of my life private, and the lives of my close intimate friends and partners too. 

As I evolve and mature, it’s becoming easier to maintain my personal boundaries, although they are often seen by the uninitiated as rules, and please remember this is my social circle, not necessarily my close or particular friends, and yes, there is a difference. Before moving on to exploring the difference between honesty and transparency, let’s do a quick side bar, and clear up personal boundaries vs rules. 

My Personal Boundaries are empowering and enforceable because they are all about my actions, my choices, and there are consequences for others; whereas Rules are disempowering and often unenforceable, because they are about you and therefore out of my control. Perhaps I need to write a dedicated post of this subject. I will think more!  

As I have said, my privacy is very important to me, as is the privacy of my partners and particular friends, so for me the difference between honesty and transparency is that honesty is what I share with people as my perceived truth, whereas transparency is what others feel they need to know about me.  A good example of this would be how we share our tombstone data.  I like to share the minimum possible such a name, address, email and perhaps phone number (this is honesty), whereas many social media apps want all of the above plus DoB, hair colour, gender and inside leg measurement (for sake of transparency).  For me, the issue is that, if you’re transparent, you may not succeed in educating people as to what they really need to learn about you, whereas my truth is my truth and it informs people about my reality. When I am accused of being secretive, I am often simply exercising my right to privacy. People frequently dress up their invasive demands for information about my life as a need for “full transparency and disclosure”.  

This happened this week, when someone asked me why I wasn’t willing to attend a social event? I had already answered that I wasn’t available, and yet they pushed for full transparency demanding more disclosure, including what exactly I was doing with my time and with whom? My honesty was that I wasn’t available, and that’s a hard “No”, which is all they really needed to understand to access my truth; whereas if I had fully disclosed how I was engaged during that time, this information would have opened up a conversation about social and friendship priorities, which I wasn’t prepared to explore. My choices are my choices!    

There is a concept called a Disclosure Agreement that can be made with partners and particular friends about what we will and will not disclose about our relationships with other people. Perhaps it’s time for this concept to become a more common practice, especially in the days of megacorporation-controlled social media where anything and everything can be disclosed and shared on the InterWeb in an instant? 

Hydrogen Vehicles will Win the Day in Canada

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While Electric Vehicles (EVs) are currently leading in urban and passenger markets for green energy cars, hydrogen is going to be the future in heavy-duty transport and regions, like Canada, where cold weather, and long distances make battery limitations more apparent.  Government policies and subsidies in Canada, in an effort to address climate change, have prioritized EV adoption, yet there are already rumblings that Canada’s aging electrical distribution grid does not have the capacity to support a growing population of EVs. 

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs) perform well in cold climates, as their energy systems are not as affected by extreme temperatures. Unlike EV batteries, which lose efficiency and range in sub-zero conditions, FCEVs maintain consistent performance. Hydrogen vehicles can be refueled in minutes, similar to gasoline cars, making them more convenient than EVs, which can take hours to charge, especially at home.

Hydrogen refueling stations could be strategically placed along highways, eliminating the need for dense urban networks that EVs require, which use highly valued real estate. Perhaps this is an opportunity for the traditional gas station chains, especially if future vehicles use the hydrogen portable cartridges or onboard tanks currently being tested. As of today, there are very few such stations in Canada compared to the expanding EV charging network, but this might quickly change as commercially available vehicles enter the market.  

It’s clear that industry believes that there is a growing market for FCEVs. Toyota, Hyundai and Honda all have commercially available hydrogen-fuelled cars, while BMW, General Motors, and Land Rover are test piloting such vehicles. Other specialist manufacturers including Nikola and Riversimple are focused on the logistics and freight sectors. 

Currently, producing green hydrogen (from renewable energy) is expensive, and most hydrogen today is derived from fossil fuels, reducing its environmental benefit, yet as the market grows, the cost of green hydrogen will decrease. 

The future of FCEVs looks promising as advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing continue to evolve. With global commitments to reduce carbon emissions, FCEVs offer a clean and efficient solution for both personal and commercial transportation, especially for long-range and heavy-duty applications. 

As governments and industries collaborate to overcome these challenges, FCEVs are poised to play a significant role in the transition to sustainable mobility.

Finally, I do wonder if anyone is looking at the issue of water, which is the only waste product of FCEVs, pouring onto our winter roads? 

Suppressing Political Protest is the Thin End of the Wedge

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In recent years, Canadian municipalities have introduced bylaws aimed at limiting political and social protests, raising serious concerns about free expression. In Calgary, for example, a 2023 bylaw was passed that restricts “targeted protests” near certain facilities, such as libraries and recreation centers. Similarly, the City of Windsor imposed rules on protests in public spaces, citing the need for safety and order during events like the trucker convoy protests of 2022. While these measures are often justified as necessary for public safety, they risk suppressing legitimate dissent and silencing marginalized voices.

Ottawa is considering a bylaw aimed at restricting protests near schools, churches, and other “vulnerable institutions” in response to rising hate crimes and incidents like protests at LGBTQ+ events. This initiative, supported by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, would establish buffer zones, limiting protests to protect marginalized communities. However, critics argue it may infringe on free speech rights. A balanced alternative could involve clear guidelines and designated protest areas to ensure safety without fully limiting the right to protest. 

These bylaws undermine the democratic principle of free expression, enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Restricting peaceful protest under the guise of maintaining public order opens the door to governmental overreach. Moreover, marginalized groups—often the most reliant on public protests to bring attention to their causes—are disproportionately affected. When governments prioritize the convenience of public space over the expression of dissent, they erode the foundations of a healthy democracy.

In Canada, public protests are managed under existing laws, which criminalizes unlawful assembly, riots, and acts of violence during protests. Municipalities can enforce local bylaws on noise control, traffic obstruction, and permits for large gatherings. For example, cities like Ottawa already require permits for protests that involve blocking roads or using sound amplification, ensuring public safety without infringing on freedom of expression.

These laws are sufficient because they balance the right to protest with public safety concerns, penalizing unlawful behavior while protecting peaceful dissent. Rather than additional restrictions, enforcing these existing measures effectively addresses disruptions without eroding civil liberties.

My Love Affair with the Northumbrian Smallpipes

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I want to share my love of Northumbrian smallpipes with you. Yes, it is partly because I was born and raised in that part of the world, but I have always been a huge fan of the folk music and instruments of the British Isles.  In my late teen/early twenties, I was a member of an electric folk band called ‘Pastime with Good Company’ playing a variety of the ‘fill’ instruments such as mandolin, crumhorn, and bodhran, along with the odd backing vocals. We were paid in beer for the first year or two, and it was just great fun seeing the same friendly faces at the Blackbird, the King’s Arms or a Working Men’s club. 

The Northumbrian smallpipes are a traditional folk instrument from Northeast England with a rich and varied history. These small pipes are known for their sweet, melodious sound, and are distinguished by their closed-finger holes, allowing for a staccato playing style unique among bagpipes.

Dating back to the 17th century, their evolution was heavily influenced by various cultural and musical trends over the centuries. The modern version, with its distinctive closed chanter and keyed system, emerged in the early 19th century, thanks to innovations by pipemakers such as John Dunn and Robert Reid.

Throughout its history, the Northumbrian piping tradition has been shaped by many notable musicians. One key figure is Billy Pigg (1902-1968), renowned for his virtuosic playing and composition. Pigg’s influence on the Northumbrian piping repertoire is profound, with many of his compositions still widely played today. He was a central figure in reviving interest in the instrument during the mid-20th century, often performing at folk festivals and on radio broadcasts.

Another significant figure is Richard Butler, an old work colleague and friend, who served as the Duke of Northumberland’s Piper for four decades until his death in 2022. I remember watching and listening to Richard practice most lunchtimes, while I munched on my date and cream cheese stottie, drinking tea from one of the lab’s old enamel mugs. Butler was an esteemed piper and educator, known for his deep knowledge of the instrument and his contributions to Northumbrian music. He played at many high-profile events, including performances for British royalty, as well as producing educational materials for the pipes, ensuring the tradition’s continuation through his teaching and published works. 

The history of the Northumbrian smallpipes is marked by the role of ducal piper at Alnwick Castle. This tradition dates back to the 18th century, with pipers playing at various ceremonial and public functions. Notable past pipers, before Richard, include William Green and Tom Clough, both of whom made significant contributions to the repertoire and technique of Northumbrian piping. Andrew Davison is the current official Piper to His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, and Chairman of the Northumbrian Pipers’ Society.

Kathryn Tickell, a modern-day ambassador of the Northumbrian smallpipes, has further elevated the instrument’s profile. Born in 1967, Tickell learned to play from her family and local pipers. Her career has seen her perform internationally, collaborate with various artists, and release numerous acclaimed albums. Tickell’s contributions have been pivotal in bringing the Northumbrian pipes to new audiences and ensuring their ongoing relevance in contemporary music. Her work with Sting and Jon Lord has always been favourites of mine, but it’s her ability to blend the pipes with more modern instruments and the human voice that pleases me the most.

The Northumbrian smallpipes continue to build their storied history, enriched by the contributions of many talented musicians including Ian Gelston, Alice Robinson, and Andrew Lawrenson. From the early pipers who developed the instrument to modern virtuosos like Kathryn Tickell, the tradition continues to thrive, bridging the past with the present. Richard Butler’s legacy exemplifies the dedication required to preserve and advance this unique musical tradition.

When I get a moment, I will update this post with links to some of my favourite pieces.

Assigning Ontarians a Primary Healthcare Provider is a Win-Win

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When writing my blog posts, I don’t normally take on a single person’s point of view, rather I do my research, and integrate it with my own thoughts, laying out a structured argument. In this case, I however I find myself significantly aligned with an experienced, medical academic, and politician. 

Dr. Jane Philpott, Dean of Medicine at Queen’s University, and a former federal Minister of Health, has been an advocate for innovative solutions to improve healthcare accessibility and continuity. Her thinking aligns well with the concept of automatically assigning primary care providers, as she has highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms to address Canada’s primary care shortages and patient access issues. Just as the system automatically assigns schools for our kids when we move, or as they age, we need to assign a primary care provider to each family member. Dr. Philpott has emphasized the critical role of primary care in managing population health and preventing unnecessary use of emergency services, noting that consistent access to primary healthcare can significantly reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes across communities.

Philpott has been vocal about the necessity of rethinking how healthcare services are delivered and organized, especially given the increasing number of Ontarians without a primary care physician. She has stressed that to meet rising demands, Canada needs to adopt more accessible, team-based approaches and integrate technology more effectively to bridge gaps in care. An automatic assignment system could serve as an important structural change to support the patient-centred and accessible healthcare system she envisions. For instance, automatic assignment, combined with integrated electronic health records, could streamline access to primary care by matching patients with physicians who can access their medical histories immediately.

Philpott’s support for interprofessional healthcare teams also enhances the feasibility of an automatic assignment model. She has argued that Ontario should move away from the traditional, individual-doctor model towards team-based care where primary physicians work in collaboration with nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and mental health professionals. Such teams could accommodate the additional patient load an assignment system might create, ensuring new residents receive timely and comprehensive care.

Dr. Philpott’s insights underscore that for Ontario to effectively manage an automatic assignment system, the government would need to address physician shortages and create incentives for healthcare professionals to practice in underserved areas. This, paired with increased support for virtual healthcare, could mitigate the challenges posed by Ontario’s geographic diversity and high urban-rural patient disparity. Embracing such reforms, as Philpott suggests, would reflect a proactive step toward equitable healthcare access in Ontario and a sustainable solution to the primary care crisis.

Sources:
CBC News, (2023). “Canada’s Family Doctor Shortage: How Did We Get Here?”
Queen’s University, (2022). “Rethinking Primary Care: Team-Based Solutions for Canada’s Health System,” Philpott, Jane.
CMAJ, (2022). “The Role of Primary Care in Canada’s Health System,” Thorpe, Kevin.

Dr. Phlox – The Polyamorous, Nuanced, Enterprising Physician

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In my humble opinion, Dr. Phlox from Star Trek: Enterprise is one of the greatest characters in the Star Trek franchise due to his unique perspective, compassionate nature, and nuanced approach to ethics and culture. As a Denobulan, Phlox’s background adds richness to the series, offering insights into alien cultures while serving as a mirror for humanity’s struggles and growth.

Phlox’s unflinching optimism and humour are essential in balancing the darker, more perilous tone of Enterprise. In “Dear Doctor,” his moral dilemma about whether to cure a pre-warp civilization’s genetic condition highlights his deep commitment to the principles of non-interference, even at great personal cost. His reasoning forces Captain Archer and the audience to grapple with the complexities of the Prime Directive, even before it was formally established.

In “Doctor’s Orders,” Phlox’s resilience and ingenuity shine as he singlehandedly pilots the Enterprise through a dangerous region of space. The episode showcases his resourcefulness and unyielding commitment to his crewmates, even when isolation and stress threaten his sanity.

Phlox’s open-mindedness about relationships and culture provides a refreshing counterpoint to the often-rigid human norms. His polyamorous family life, discussed in episodes like “Stigma,” challenges human biases and promotes acceptance, underscoring the franchise’s core values of diversity and understanding.

Dr. Phlox embodies compassion, intellect, and moral courage, qualities that resonate with Star Trek’s aspirational vision of the future. His distinctive personality and profound contributions to Enterprise make him a standout character in the Star Trek universe.

We Need A Hard Keyboard iPhone 

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Confession time – I love my Apple products. The smooth integration of data across devices, and the consistency of the user interface offsets the small number of negatives for me, such as the fixed memory size, yet I still miss my BlackBerry’s hard keyboard.  Even today, with all the capabilities available, I tend to use my phone for messaging and transactions, while my tablet is for content creation and consumption.

The success of BlackBerry in the early 2000s demonstrated the appeal of a mobile phone with a hard keyboard. At that time, BlackBerry dominated the business and professional markets, not to mention the U.S. Congress, partly because its physical keyboard provided users with unparalleled accuracy, along with its encrypted messaging via dedicated servers. 

There was a time when I used two BlackBerrys, one on each hip, a personal unit and a client phone sitting in their hard shell holsters, and I truly miss the feel of the keys rocking under my thumbs, so I wonder whether it’s time to bring a physical keyboard back? 

Like many iPhone users, I have not really been impressed with yearly upgrades in the cameras, or a slightly faster CPU, although I do welcome the USB type C connector. I have seen the new ‘Clicks’ protection cases with integrated hard keyboard, selling for around $150, and I have yet to meet anyone who is using them. I feel the Clicks design, while a novel concept, makes the phone too long and unbalanced.

With BlackBerry long gone from the smartphone market, and I don’t count the current Indian knock offs as they only support 3G, Apple has an opportunity to fill this void by introducing an iPhone with a hard keyboard in 2025.

Such a move would not only appeal to former BlackBerry users, who value the productivity benefits of a physical keyboard, but also to professionals, older users, and those with accessibility needs. Apple’s design expertise could transform the concept while enhancing its functionality. By tapping into this market, Apple could differentiate itself from its competitors and offer a product that caters to an underserved client base.

I, for one, will be putting my hand into my pocket for a future hard keyboard iPhone!