AI is everywhere. But this week, I learned of an application that takes AI creepiness to a whole new level! Along with the AI creepiness factor, this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark looks at improving sleep with cognitive shuffling, reducing dementia risk by cycling, and simplifying life with mindfulness.
The Sunday Spark – Choosing memories over photos
Cellphone cameras make it so easy to capture and share every moment of our lives. But research shows we create better memories by putting down our phones and being present. Along with choosing memories over photos, this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark looks at the non-linear progression of aging, protein requirements for older women, and the origins of the word boycott.
It’s Rain Day – How will you celebrate?
Rain Day on July 29 celebrates the importance of rain for survival and the pleasure it brings. The post shares interesting facts about rain, such as its varied amounts globally and its unique aroma, petrichor. It also suggests fun activities to enjoy on rainy days, enhancing appreciation for this essential element.
The Sunday Spark – Mired in customer service sludge
I try to keep things positive here on The Sunday Spark. But spending endless hours mired in the customer service sludge of Canada’s two largest telecom companies inspired a bit of a rant in today’s post. Along with customer service sludge, today’s post looks at cutting food waste, rejecting excessive packaging, and building walking into your day.
The Sunday Spark – Would you want to know your expiry date?
As my birthday approached, I wondered how life might be different if we knew how much time we had left. Would knowing our expiry date change how we live? Along with birthday pondering, this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark looks at plastic that biodegrades in saltwater, generating electricity from the power of waves, and staying hydrated with water.
10 super easy decluttering and organizing tips
Regular readers know I’ve been decluttering on and off for several years. Through two rounds of the 52-Week Decluttering Challenge, I’ve purged thousands of items, yet there’s always more to do. Today’s post is a roundup of my top 10 decluttering and organizing tips.
Can the gift economy slow down the consumption treadmill?
Today’s post explores capitalism’s impact on society and the planet, questioning consumerism’s role in happiness. It suggests the gift economy, as advocated by Robin Wall Kimmerer, offers an alternative rooted in reciprocity and gratitude. Emphasizing sharing rather than hoarding, the piece presents examples of gift economies to inspire a shift towards sustainable living.
The Sunday Spark – Create or consume? What’s your thing?
An inspiring sign recently prompted some thought about the positive impact of creative endeavours as opposed to passive consumption. This week’s edition of The Sunday Spark explores this create or consume question, along with foods that protect us from microplastics, a new YouTube channel to educate kids about climate change, and degrowth as an alternative to consumption.
The big lie of convenience culture
Convenience. On the surface, it sounds so appealing. But have the things that promised to simplify life delivered on their pledges? Or has convenience culture just complicated our lives and put our happiness, our relationships, and ultimately our lives, at risk?
Today’s post has 10 ways you can reject convenience culture and regain control of your life, your health, and your time.
It’s National Iced Tea Day – Sweet or unsweet?
Here in North America, we love iced tea. June 10 is National Iced Tea Day — part of National Iced Tea Month in the United States and Canada. To celebrate, today’s post looks at the history of this refreshing summer drink. And, as a bonus, I share my simple iced tea recipe.