My What?

If you live on the West Coast, it is still October 15th, so I might just get this post up in time.

Then again, I’m in Alberta right now, which is why my post about the environment is, well, about the environment in Alberta. Or more specifically, the oilsands in Alberta.

I grew up in oil country and was still a child when earlier oil booms led to the creation of architectural wonders (or blunders) such as the Butterdome and the manmade waterfall coming out of the High Level Bridge.

In other words, in my experience, oil money has always represented extravagent spending and limited longterm planning.

After being away for eight years and then returning to Edmonton earlier this year in the middle of the housing boom, I was shocked to see how much the city of my childhood had changed. Yes, the Butterdome and the manmade waterfall are still there. As is “The Mall”. But, the feeling had changed.

Edmonton was suddenly about money, in a way it had never been before, or at least not in a way that I remembered. New housing developments were popping up and so many McMansions were being built that you could not go anywhere without getting into a conversation about real estate and money and oil and economic growth vs. the inevitable collapse.

Today, shortly after reading about blog action day, I happened to read Oilsands’ newest project: a greener image.

FWIW, I thought it was a fitting link to share today.

I went snorkling near La Paz today (in Baja, Mexico), and gave a ride into town to a Brazilian girl who has been studying in Kamloops, BC for the last two years. We talked about some of the culture shock she experienced.

“Canadians are so polite.” She said. Then she laughed and told me that she and her friend had figured out the easiest way to get a Canadian to say “I’m Sorry.”

Just step on a Canadian’s foot.

Warning: Do not attempt this experiment outside of Canada. Results may vary.