Is an AI chatbot a substitute for real human connection? The rising popularity of AI companions has me concerned for the future of humankind. This week’s edition of The Sunday Spark looks at the disturbing AI companion trend, along with three electric vehicle innovations that show the promise of green energy.
Say NO to Black Friday and YES to Buy Nothing Day
Are you ready for the silly season to kick into high gear? Black Friday is coming up next week. This day best known for retail mayhem is also Buy Nothing Day—an opportunity to rethink out-of-control consumerism. Today, I look at the origins of Buy Nothing Day, and offer alternatives to heading to the malls on Friday.
Fall reading update – The road to 1000 books
Cooler weather and dark evenings are here. Is there any better time to curl up with a good book? In my fall reading update, I share my favourite reads of the past three months, and an update on progress toward my lofty goal of reading 1,000 books.
The Sunday Spark – True creativity is to be cherished not automated
In recent months we’ve seen AI infiltrate every area of the entertainment industry. This dismays me because we need to cherish true creativity…not try to automate it.
Learn more in this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, along with why booze-free drinks are so expensive, how to chop onions with no tears, and how a solar panel mural revitalized an aging building.
Throwback Thursday – Restore calm with simpler holiday celebrations
Today’s Throwback Thursday post from 2023 has a roundup of tips and ideas for simpler holiday celebrations. Make this the year you restore calm and get back to the true meaning of the holidays.
The entertainment industry’s power to drive environmental change
This month’s lead post in the Climate Change Collective series comes from Alison at A Sustainably Simple Life who looks at Formula 1’s sustainability initiatives. Alison’s post, and a piece I saw recently about upcycling music artist merchandise, prompted me to consider the power of the sports and entertainment industries to drive environmental change.
The Sunday Spark – Using situation modification to overcome smartphone addiction
Smartphone addiction is a growing problem in society. Could a technique called situation modification be the key to overcoming it? Find out in this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, along with information on Ontario’s upcoming recycling changes, good news for sea turtle conservation, and even better news on green energy adoption from Australia.
Frugal living tips to simplify your life and save money
November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada and this week is Talk Money Week in the U.K.—a terrific time to dive into the advantages of frugality, and share a roundup of frugal living tips to simplify your life and save you money!
It’s time for my October 2025 goals update
The transition from October to November is always difficult for me. October is my favourite month of the year—and November is by far my least favourite. Less daylight and dreary weather take their toll, and the sparkle and joy of Christmas feel far away. Enough complaining, though! It’s time for my October 2025 goals update.
The Sunday Spark – What are your 3 magic genie wishes?
If a genie granted you three wishes, what would you wish for? Along with my magic genie wishes, this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark has a battery saving hack for your phone, information about the surprising evolution of potatoes, and a reminder about Polar Bear Week.