Opinion

Comedian Louis C.K. recently remarked on the desensitizing effect he found digital communication — be it through texting or Facebook — had on his children.

We have entered the period of New Year’s resolutions. Psychologically this is a good time to begin improving our lives. There is a sense of rebirth everywhere, a feeling of a fresh start.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you Barrhead. Well, belated wishes at this point. I have returned from my journey to the homeland of Dundas, where I had a marvelous Christmas holiday. I was reunited with my family and friends.

I have a neutered cat that is eight years old and has had the freedom to come and go as he pleases. He has been able to do the town and the residents of our neighbourhood a favour by catching a lot of unwanted rodents.

It’s never easy to deal with a high-profile death in the community.

Early indications are that next year will be dominated by solid, weighty subjects — in both senses of the word. Athabasca’s town and county councils are set to get down to brass tacks early in 2014 on a couple of major infrastructure projects.

Well, what a year it was. And what a year beckons. As the clock ticks over from 2013 to 2104, it is natural to be in a reflective and forward-thinking mood. Think of 2013 and one event shines like a glorious beacon.

It’s been quite a year. There has been all kinds of excitement in the Westlock area in 2013, and the changes we’ve seen will certainly set the stage for more excitement in 2014.

Seen for so long as the stragglers on the path to a new aquatic centre, Barrhead County Council made some movement last week. However, it is unlikely the municipality impressed many pro-pool frontrunners.

Dear Editor: It is with extreme sadness and disbelief that we read in the December 12-13 Edmonton Journal that Manmeet Bhullar will not call an inquiry into the deaths of the many children placed in this province’s care.