Ostensibly there isn’t much today to talk about. I didn’t go for a tricycle ride in the subterranean basement (though admittedly that hardly petitions a heated discussion).  We did however go to the grocery store. Our project was to collect a few things.  We ended filling the trunk; and using all the synthetic grocery bags.  Then I went to the car wash and afterwards to Renfrew County and along the 416 before turning back home. My new car (that I took delivery of on Tuesday, February 17th last) now shows 3,044 Kms (from its 8 Kms off the truck).

Back home – aside from being spoiled with the usual afternoon treat of apple sauce and sour cream along with a mug of iced herbal tea – I noticed for the first time that the river is melting. And my partner cleaned the balcony so it awaits the first hint of afternoon sunshine to draw me thither. All of which is to say, as we contemplate the commencement of Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, March 8th next at 2 a.m. local time, we collectively think about earlier mornings, brighter evenings and most importantly the advent of springtime. Daylight saving time – in case you’re uncertain – is the eight month period between March and November. Notably, a study has found that DST “can interfere negatively with sleep regulation (the circadian – from the Latin circa dies – rhythm)”. I might also add that, “Not all Canadians adhere to daylight saving time. Yukon, most of Saskatchewan and some parts of Quebec, Ontario and B.C. stay on standard time all year round.” And one last historic notation:

Michael Antle, a psychology professor at the University of Calgary, previously told Global News that during wartime in the early 1900s, DST was also used to save energy. By shifting work schedules, employers wouldn’t have to turn on incandescent lights until workers were almost finished with their shifts.

My dear friend Fiona in Toronto emailed me this morning to advise she is so enthused by the prospect of Spring that she has already chosen a suitable costume – something, if I recall correctly – resembling short pants.  Which reminds me too that I much prefer short to long pants.  I likewise look forward to examining the clothes closet and the dresser drawers – though for the time being I remain committed to my customary outfit of long trousers, cardigan sweater, undergarment and silk scarf.

While I could pretend not to have much else to discuss, I cannot dispute the allure of “world affairs”. Everything points to universal upheaval. Nor can one escape the curiosity to know whether we expect far too much of our world leaders; and that, after centuries of wars, you’d think we’d retail something less than bombing. Yet I suppose this Pollyanna approach means nothing. Being entirely philosophical about the matter, the changes in the world appear to anticipate universal amendment, involving complete shifts. The hemispheres are changing.

There was one minor interlude. In response to a corporate email to about 25 lawyers (from Prof. Daniel Laprès in Paris, France – my former housemate at law school), I side stepped the economic topic at hand and dealt instead with the collateral subject of Artificial Intelligence.  I summarized my brief by saying that AI has unfathomable influence – while also postulating that lawyers are among those who notoriously resist change in the name of tradition and precedent.