# Various Contrivances > Follow @mroutley on Micro.blog. --- # 2026-10-17 *2026-10-17* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/17/im-excited-to-see-bruce/ I'm excited to see Bruce Cockburn tonight at Massey Hall 🎶 --- # 2026-10-17 *2026-10-17* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/17/poor-management-of-my-library/ Poor management of my library holds resulted in three books arriving simultaneously. I’ll do what I can 📚 A stack of three books titled Look to Windward by Iain M. Banks, The Daughters' War by Christopher Buehlman, and The Tyranny of Faith by Richard Swan is placed on a marble surface.

A stack of three books titled Look to Windward by Iain M. Banks, The Daughters' War by Christopher Buehlman, and The Tyranny of Faith by Richard Swan is placed on a marble surface.

--- # 2026-10-17 *2026-10-17* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/17/finished-reading-the-wall-by/

Finished reading: [The Wall](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9780811231954/) by Marlen Haushofer is hard to describe. Very little happens and, yet, it is a compelling story. I’m glad to have read it 📚 --- # 2026-10-16 *2026-10-16* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/16/i-really-like-the-new/ I really like the new [blog audit](https://www.manton.org/2026/10/12/new-feature-blog-audit.html) feature on Micro.blog. After twenty years of posts, it found many broken links, missing images, and other detritus. Even better, it fixed almost all of it! --- # 2026-10-15 *2026-10-15* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/15/a-quality-of-life-improvement/ A quality of life improvement I'd like to see in the next iOS update is that Safari Reading List remembers that I want to see unread only by default. I have to change this every time! --- # 2026-10-14 *2026-10-14* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/14/raised-the-new-flag/ 🇨🇦 Raised the new flag A Canadian flag is waving on a flagpole surrounded by trees with autumn foliage under a clear sky.

A Canadian flag is waving on a flagpole surrounded by trees with autumn foliage under a clear sky.

--- # 2026-10-14 *2026-10-14* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/14/watched-neil-peart-no-ones/

Watched: [Neil Peart: No One's Disciple](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1747920) is a great tribute. Fun to see the four drummers enjoying themselves so much with Geddy and Alex 🍿 --- # 2026-10-13 *2026-10-13* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/13/first-time-ive-used-a/ First time I’ve used a winch to winterize a dock. Seems to have worked. Guess we’ll find out in the Spring A metal cable system with a pulley is installed near a lakeside dock surrounded by autumn foliage and a person standing by the water.

A metal cable system with a pulley is installed near a lakeside dock surrounded by autumn foliage and a person standing by the water.

A large wooden ramp structure extends from a stack of wooden planks near a lakeshore, with trees and a small dock visible in the background.

--- # 2026-10-13 *2026-10-13* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/13/we-had-a-great-thanksgiving/ We had a great thanksgiving weekend with family. Our first of many family gatherings at the new cottage A group of seven people of different ages and a golden retriever are posing together in front of a wooden cabin door with autumn leaves scattered on the ground.

A group of seven people of different ages and a golden retriever are posing together in front of a wooden cabin door with autumn leaves scattered on the ground.

--- # 2026-10-06 *2026-10-06* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/06/when-the-watch-makes-the/ 🔗 [When the Watch Makes the Call - Steve Magness](https://www.stevemagness.org/p/when-the-watch-makes-the-call) > We’re all entering an era where we get to decide what level of automation we want for just about anything. Do we want the free flowing unmediated experience of just running and feeling it all. Do we want feedback, agency, or even at the extreme, the work done for us? It’s all possible now, unlike at any point in history. Second only to note-taking apps, my phone is full of fitness trackers. Magness makes the important point that we have a choice to make about our own agency in fitness. I’m deciding to not take this any further than using these analytical outputs for seeing the broad rhythms of my training. My main motivation for even doing [these things](https://matt.routleynet.org/categories/fitness/) is to be active and healthy. In part, this surely has to be staying aware of my perceived fitness and capacity for training. My watch can provide some perspective, but I won’t cede control to it. (via [The Morning Shakeout](https://themorningshakeout.substack.com/p/the-morning-shakeout-issue-569)) --- # 2026-10-06 *2026-10-06* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/06/finished-my-quarterly-review-i/ Finished my [quarterly review](https://www.macsparky.com/pfg/). I appreciate the opportunity to reflect on how things went, recognize the achievements, learn from the challenges, and prepare for the next few months. Always time well spent. --- # 2026-10-05 *2026-10-05* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/05/song-of-the-week-for/ 🎵 Song of the week for my daughter — [Don't Think Twice, It's All Right](https://music.apple.com/ca/album/dont-think-twice-its-all-right/190758914?i=190759866&uo=4) by Bob Dylan from The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan. We had to get to Dylan eventually. Hard to pick one song {{< apple-music url="https://music.apple.com/ca/album/dont-think-twice-its-all-right/190758914?i=190759866&uo=4" >}} --- # 2026-10-04 *2026-10-04* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/04/watched-star-trek-strange-new/

Watched: [Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/103516/season/4) is a lot of fun. Maybe one too many novelty episodes, but I did like each of them individually 📺 --- # 2026-10-04 *2026-10-04* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/04/next-up-in-the-reading/ Next up in the reading queue. Sure to be thought provoking 🇨🇦📚 Two books focused on Canadian political issues, one titled Reclaiming Canadian Sovereignty in a Ruptured World edited by Bob Rae, and the other Breaking Free of Neoliberalism: Canada's Challenge by Alex Himelfarb.

Two books focused on Canadian political issues, one titled Reclaiming Canadian Sovereignty in a Ruptured World edited by Bob Rae, and the other Breaking Free of Neoliberalism: Canada's Challenge by Alex Himelfarb.

--- # 2026-10-04 *2026-10-04* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/10/04/finished-reading-the-tainted-cup/

Finished reading: [The Tainted Cup](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9781399725354/) by Robert Jackson Bennett is great. An interesting mystery in a compelling fantasy world 📚 --- # 2026-09-28 *2026-09-28* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/28/song-of-the-week-for/ 🎵 Song of the week for my daughter — [Deer Creek Canyon](https://music.apple.com/ca/album/deer-creek-canyon/546413455?i=546413495&uo=4) by Sera Cahoone from Deer Creek Canyon. A good song about nostalgia for where you’re from. {{< apple-music url="https://music.apple.com/ca/album/deer-creek-canyon/546413455?i=546413495&uo=4" >}} --- # 2026-09-27 *2026-09-27* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/27/finished-reading-two-wheels-good/

Finished reading: [Two Wheels Good](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9780804141512/) by Jody Rosen is a fun read. Looking forward to my ride to work tomorrow 📚 --- # 2026-09-27 *2026-09-27* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/27/the-new-place-has-nice/ The new place has nice sunsets A tranquil lake reflects the vibrant colors of a sunset sky, bordered by dark silhouettes of trees and hills.

A tranquil lake reflects the vibrant colors of a sunset sky, bordered by dark silhouettes of trees and hills.

--- # 2026-09-26 *2026-09-26* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/26/george-is-content/ George is content A golden retriever is lying on a wooden dock overlooking a calm lake during sunset.

A golden retriever is lying on a wooden dock overlooking a calm lake during sunset.

--- # 2026-09-24 *2026-09-24* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/24/finished-reading-other-minds-the/

Finished reading: [Other Minds: The Octopus and the Evolution of Intelligent Life](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9780008226282/) by Peter Godfrey-Smith is fascinating. Cephalopods are such strange creatures and a useful contrast to us when thinking about consciousness 📚 --- # 2026-09-20 *2026-09-20* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/20/song-of-the-week-for/ 🎵 Song of the week for my daughter — [Salesmen, Cheats and Liars](https://music.apple.com/ca/album/salesmen-cheats-and-liars/1442338693?i=1442338702&uo=4) by Lowest of the Low from Shakespeare My Butt.... Great Canadian indie rock {{< apple-music url="https://music.apple.com/ca/album/salesmen-cheats-and-liars/1442338693?i=1442338702&uo=4" >}} --- # 2026-09-20 *2026-09-20* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/20/a-reliable-signal-of-fall/ 🎧 A reliable signal of Fall: a new season of [Quirks and Quarks](https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/dino-feather-flood-math-9.7349370) --- # 2026-09-20 *2026-09-20* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/20/build-canada-has-a-useful/ [Build Canada](https://www.buildcanada.com/toronto) has a useful resource for the upcoming municipal elections in Toronto --- # 2026-09-18 *2026-09-18* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/18/got-some-wood-guitar-picks/ Got some wood guitar picks from [Tree Picks](https://web.archive.org/web/20260918222328/https://treepicks.com/). Sound good and feel nice Seven wooden guitar picks with various tree engravings and the word TREE PICKS are displayed beneath a card that reads TREE PICKS PLANTS A TREE FOR EVERY PICK WE SELL.

Seven wooden guitar picks with various tree engravings and the word TREE PICKS are displayed beneath a card that reads TREE PICKS PLANTS A TREE FOR EVERY PICK WE SELL.

--- # 2026-09-18 *2026-09-18* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/18/a-large-coffee-kind-of/ A large coffee kind of day A hand is holding a white disposable coffee cup with a red lid and a cardboard sleeve that features a colorful circular logo with the text Vereda Central, inside a bright, modern shopping mall.

--- # 2026-09-16 *2026-09-16* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/16/i-like-the-new-recaps/ I like the new Recaps feature in [Everlog](https://everlog.app/). It uses on-device AI models to create monthly and annual summaries of journal entries. Works well and the mechanics are carefully explained to provide comfort about privacy implications --- # 2026-09-16 *2026-09-16* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/16/cheap-beer-by-fidlar-got/ 🎶🚴 [Cheap Beer](https://music.apple.com/us/music-video/cheap-beer/1449898943?uo=4) by FIDLAR got me through a tough interval on the bike this morning --- # 2026-09-15 *2026-09-15* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/15/action-shot-from-my-coach/ 🏃‍♂️ Action shot from my coach at this morning’s track workout Several people are running on a track during a vibrant orange and purple sunset.

Several people are running on a track during a vibrant orange and purple sunset.

--- # 2026-09-15 *2026-09-15* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/15/match-head-girl-by-iceage/ 🎵 [Match Head Girl](https://music.apple.com/us/album/match-head-girl/1880484160?i=1880484177&uo=4) by Iceage is some good pick-me-up punk rock. The whole album keeps up the energy --- # 2026-09-13 *2026-09-13* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/13/a-short-test-swim-in/ 🏊‍♂️ A short test swim in the new lake. I’m looking forward to exploring the shoreline A scenic lake with surrounding trees under a partly cloudy sky is shown, accompanied by swim tracking data indicating a 600m swim completed in 12 minutes with an average pace of 1'55'' per 100m.

A scenic lake with surrounding trees under a partly cloudy sky is shown, accompanied by swim tracking data indicating a 600m swim completed in 12 minutes with an average pace of 1'55'' per 100m.

--- # 2026-09-12 *2026-09-12* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/12/finished-reading-i-enjoyed-jack/

Finished reading: I enjoyed [Jack the Bodiless](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9780307776099/) by Julian May. A fun premise and interesting mystery📚 --- # 2026-09-12 *2026-09-12* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/12/km-of-trails-in-the/ 🏃‍♂️ 400km of trails in the [Haliburton Forest](https://www.haliburtonforest.com/things-to-do/hiking-trails/) to explore A peaceful forest scene in Haliburton Forest with a marshy area, surrounded by tall trees under a clear sky, accompanied by fitness tracking details showing a 14.04 km distance covered in 1 hour 43 minutes.

A peaceful forest scene in Haliburton Forest with a marshy area, surrounded by tall trees under a clear sky, accompanied by fitness tracking details showing a 14.04 km distance covered in 1 hour 43 minutes.

--- # 2026-09-09 *2026-09-09* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/09/nice-to-see-apple-starting/ Nice to see Apple starting to put [more effort into generating health insights](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-advances-health-and-fitness-capabilities-using-apple-intelligence/), like readiness. I have much of this already via other products, but they’re scattered about and don’t integrate well together. --- # 2026-09-08 *2026-09-08* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/08/song-of-the-week-for/ 🎵 Song of the week for my daughter — [The Night Starts Here](https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-night-starts-here/259166019?i=259166223&uo=4) by Stars from In Our Bedroom After the War. The two singers work well together {{< apple-music url="https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-night-starts-here/259166019?i=259166223&uo=4" >}} --- # Notes on the week of August 31 2026 *2026-09-08* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/08/notes-on-the-week-of/ Some highlights from last week, as recorded on the following Tuesday. [Queen‘s Engineering](https://smithengineering.queensu.ca/programs/undergraduate/index.html) [Casa Domenico](www.casadomenico.com) [2026 Blue Mountain Spartan race](https://www.spartan.com/en/races/blue-mountain)

Transcript --- # 2026-09-05 *2026-09-05* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/05/dropped-kid-off-at-queens/ Dropped kid #2 off at Queen’s University to start engineering. Very excited for him! Now my wife and I need to sort out a new rhythm in a house without our kids A group of three people stands smiling together in front of a Queen's University welcome sign on a sunny day.

A group of three people stands smiling together in front of a Queen's University welcome sign on a sunny day.

--- # 2026-09-03 *2026-09-03* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/03/unplug-america-is-a-great/ [Unplug America](https://unplug.todmaffin.com/) is a great site from [@todmaffin.com](http://todmaffin.com) that lists Canadian alternatives to US tech products 🇨🇦 --- # 2026-09-03 *2026-09-03* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/03/my-daughter-passed-along-some/ My daughter passed along some impressive footage from yesterday’s storm

--- # 2026-09-03 *2026-09-03* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/03/new-running-shoes-day/ 🏃‍♂️ New running shoes day! A pair of white and orange athletic shoes are being worn with red and orange socks standing on a wooden floor.

A pair of white and orange athletic shoes are being worn with red and orange socks standing on a wooden floor.

--- # 2026-09-03 *2026-09-03* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/03/aftermath-of-last-nights-big/ Aftermath of last night’s big storm A large fallen tree is blocking a suburban street, with broken branches scattered around.

A large fallen tree is blocking a suburban street, with broken branches scattered around.

--- # 2026-09-02 *2026-09-02* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/02/im-glad-to-have-supported/ 🎧 I'm glad to have supported [Designed in California's](https://relay.fm/designed/) Kickstarter. The podcast has been great so far, though I have to be careful not to binge all of the episodes at once. I have particular nostalgia for the OS X transition in the current series. --- # 2026-09-02 *2026-09-02* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/02/although-the-whole-lake-of/ Although the whole "Lake America" thing is nonsense and frustrating, I agree with [Michael Geist](https://www.michaelgeist.ca/2026/09/be-careful-what-you-wish-for-why-asking-google-maps-to-defy-the-u-s-on-lake-ontario-would-undermine-canadian-digital-sovereignty/) that we want the large internet companies to follow government direction: > While critics may respond that Google was under no legal obligation to make any change since the executive order changed the official U.S. designation rather than imposing duties on private companies, the real digital sovereignty risk comes from Internet giants that disregard national laws and official designations and decide for themselves which to follow. Google could have ignored the U.S. designation, just as it could ignore a Canadian designation or law. But the better approach is to ensure that national laws and policies are respected and the services are tailored to national legal frameworks. In other words, when offering a service to Canadians, abide by Canadian law. But just as U.S. designations should stop at its border, so too should Canadian designations at ours. --- # 2026-09-01 *2026-09-01* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/01/augure-had-added-an-ai/ Augure had added an [AI memory feature](https://augureai.ca/switch) to help with migration and interoperability --- # 2026-09-01 *2026-09-01* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/09/01/get-along-great-paul-wells/ 🔗 [Get along great - Paul Wells](https://paulwells.substack.com/p/get-along-great) > The President says he doesn’t want Canadian anything. Fine. Let’s keep our honour, and not let him have any. Sounds good to me 🇨🇦 --- # 🇨🇦 Early thoughts on digital sovereignty *2026-08-31* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/31/early-thoughts-on-digital-sovereignty/ I've been thinking (perhaps too much) about digital sovereignty recently. As a Canadian, the idea that we need to have independent, domestic control over our digital infrastructure, data, and policy has been a widely debated topic with fresh urgency. As an individual, I think there are three reasons for considering the location of our technology choices: 1. Canadians' quite reasonable dislike for Trump and MAGA trolling of our country. This is all intertwined with our trade war and various boycotts. 2. Concerns about being vulnerable to having our access revoked to important digital services. This came up in a different context a few months ago, when I [worried about my vulnerability to losing my Apple ID](https://matt.routleynet.org/2025/12/22/backup-solutions-for-an-iosonly/). 3. Interest in supporting new Canadian providers that could, ultimately, help enhance Canada's competitive advantages and economy. The first reason is both totally understandable and the least important in the long run. Adopting [Indie Web principles](https://indiewebispunk.net/) and good technology practices (like reliable backups) mostly take care of the second reason. I own my own domain name and use it for my blog, social networking, and email. The domain registrar is [Hover](https://www.hover.com/), a Canadian company based in Toronto. I can readily swap out backend providers for my blog or email without too much trouble. The [Micro.Blog](https://micro.blog/) service that I'm using does have an option to use EU servers, instead of US ones, but that's only swapping one foreign government for another (though one of them is much more reliable these days). So, a nice feature to have available that I won't enable for now. Given I like tinkering with technology, the third reason has some appeal. I'm trying two specific services for this reason. I've switched to [Augure](https://augureai.ca/) as my AI service. Not only is it Canadian-made, it also has been specifically tuned for Canadian context, which also often makes its answers more useful. Although the iOS app isn't quite as polished as Claude's, I've found the actual responses to be absolutely suitable to my needs. That said, I don't use AI for any complex coding, so can't comment on how well Augure works for this. I'm [dabbling](https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/05/31/gander-is-an-interesting-experiment/) with [Gander.Social](https://gandersocial.ca/) as a social network. In addition to being Canadian owned and operated, they also have many good ideas about how to do social networking properly that are worth supporting. These seemed like two good places to start and I'm keen to keep exploring. I've found [Michael Geist](https://www.michaelgeist.ca/tag/digital-sovereignty/) to be a useful resource on the policy side of this topic.

--- # 2026-08-30 *2026-08-30* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/30/finished-reading-i-like-the/

Finished reading: I like the idea of [Origin Uncertain](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9780197664919/) by Anatoly Liberman. The book really demonstrates well the fluidity and creativity of the English language. The chapters do get daunting though. Lots of details that are hard to keep track of and a bit of a slog 📚 --- # 2026-08-28 *2026-08-28* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/28/resistance-is-never-futile-by/ 🔗 [Resistance is never futile by Jen Gerson](https://www.readtheline.ca/p/jen-gerson-resistance-is-never-futile?triedRedirect=true) > Resistance in the face of bad faith and coercion is a moral end in and of itself. 🇨🇦 Of the _many_ reasons to resist America’s bullying, this one is particularly important --- # 2026-08-27 *2026-08-27* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/27/approaching-the-time-of-day/ 🏃‍♂️ Approaching the time of day when, having run into work this morning, I debate if I should just take the train back. The return run seemed like a much better idea this morning --- # 2026-08-27 *2026-08-27* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/27/finished-reading-children-of-time/

Finished reading: [Children of Time](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9780316452502/) by Adrian Tchaikovsky was a fun read. Tchaikovsky is great at creating interesting aliens and having humans struggle to understand them 📚 --- # 🏡 Our Haliburton cottage *2026-08-26* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/26/our-haliburton-cottage/ After fifteen years of renting various cottages in the area, my wife and I are very excited to have purchased a property in [Haliburton](https://www.haliburtoncounty.ca/). Auto-generated description: A smiling couple stands on a wooden dock by a lake with a golden retriever sitting in front of them on a sunny day.

Auto-generated description: A smiling couple stands on a wooden dock by a lake with a golden retriever sitting in front of them on a sunny day.

This had been our long-term retirement plan: sell the Toronto home and move up there year round. So, we've been keeping an eye on the market and happened to find the right place at the right price. After renting seven different places on seven different lakes, we had a very clear sense of what we wanted and this one had all the right attributes. We're just about ten-years earlier than planned. Our rental experience always felt very contained. We'd go up for two or three (glorious) weeks. Then pack all of our stuff back up and plan for the next year. Now we're in this new circumstance of being able to go up north on any particular weekend. This flexibility really extends the experience which infuses our weekly planning with the potential of getting out of the city and up to the lake. I'll confess that it is very surreal to reach what seemed like an unattainable goal and I don't want to take this for granted. We are very fortunate to be able to do this. That said, I do now have a whole new list of projects, decisions, and expenses to manage. This is both exciting and daunting. All that aside, we're looking forward to [welcoming friends and family to our cottage](https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/23/we-really-enjoyed-having-so/) and to building a new community. Auto-generated description: A golden retriever stands on a wooden dock near a stone staircase leading to a house partially hidden among tall trees and lush greenery.

Auto-generated description: A golden retriever stands on a wooden dock near a stone staircase leading to a house partially hidden among tall trees and lush greenery.

--- # 2026-08-26 *2026-08-26* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/26/im-both-inspired-and-dumbfounded/ 🏃‍♂️ I’m both inspired and dumbfounded by someone running an [ultramarathon everyday for 250 days](https://youtu.be/x2QuTQKGe7Y) --- # 2026-08-25 *2026-08-25* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/25/song-of-the-week-for/ 🎵 Song of the week for my daughter — [Lovers In A Dangerous Time](https://music.apple.com/ca/album/lovers-in-a-dangerous-time/1799366389?i=1799366794&uo=4) by Bruce Cockburn from Stealing Fire (Deluxe Edition). “Got to kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight” is a great line {{< apple-music url="https://music.apple.com/ca/album/lovers-in-a-dangerous-time/1799366389?i=1799366794&uo=4" >}} --- # 2026-08-23 *2026-08-23* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/23/we-really-enjoyed-having-so/ We really enjoyed having so many friends and family join us for our fifth, and final, year renting the Torch Lake cottage. Such a special place! Three people wearing casual summer clothes are standing together on a path by a lake with trees and a bench in the background.

Three people wearing casual summer clothes are standing together on a path by a lake with trees and a bench in the background.

A multi-generational family, accompanied by a golden retriever, poses smiling together outdoors near a lake on a sunny day.

A calm lake reflects a partly cloudy sky during sunset, with a floating dock in the water and a wooden pier on the right side.

A group of five people and a golden retriever are posing together outdoors near a lake with trees in the background.

A smiling young man and woman stand barefoot on sandy ground outdoors, with trees and greenery in the background.

A group of six people and a golden retriever are posing together outdoors near a body of water with trees in the background.

A group of eight people and a golden retriever dog are standing together outdoors near a lake, smiling for a photo on a sunny day.

A group of six women and one man stand together outdoors on a sunny day, smiling with a golden retriever lying on the ground in front of them.

--- # 2026-08-20 *2026-08-20* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/20/as-our-vacation-gets-near/ As our vacation gets near the end, I’ll miss this view A serene lake reflecting the early evening sky with scattered clouds, bordered by a dark tree line and featuring a small floating dock.

A serene lake reflecting the early evening sky with scattered clouds, bordered by a dark tree line and featuring a small floating dock.

--- # 2026-08-20 *2026-08-20* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/20/song-of-the-week-for/ 🎵 Song of the week for my daughter — [Feather, Fur & Fin](https://music.apple.com/ca/album/feather-fur-fin/275426033?i=275426055&uo=4) by Danny Michel from Feather, Fur & Fin. A conservation biologist’s theme song with a fun horn section {{< apple-music url="https://music.apple.com/ca/album/feather-fur-fin/275426033?i=275426055&uo=4" >}} --- # 2026-08-20 *2026-08-20* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/20/at-m-my-watch-tells/ 🏃‍♂️ At 335m, my watch tells me this is the largest elevation gain of the year A gravel road surrounded by dense green trees is shown along with running statistics including distance, time, average pace, location, date, and temperature.

A gravel road surrounded by dense green trees is shown along with running statistics including distance, time, average pace, location, date, and temperature.

--- # 2026-08-19 *2026-08-19* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/19/finished-reading-aubrey-mckee-by/

Finished reading: [Aubrey McKee](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9781771963121/) by Alex Pugsley is a delight. Great writing and quirky characters, along with nostalgia for my own childhood. Recommended via [Paul Wells](https://paulwells.substack.com/p/the-summer-reading-club-2026) 📚 --- # 2026-08-18 *2026-08-18* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/18/thanks-to-my-sister-for/ Thanks to my sister for bringing these whiskeys from the Elora Distilling Company. I’m starting with the Royal Amber Three different bottles of whiskey liqueur from Elora Distilling Company, labeled as Limited Edition Release Maple Brulee, Royal Amber, and Sugar Maple, are displayed on a kitchen counter.

Three different bottles of whiskey liqueur from Elora Distilling Company, labeled as Limited Edition Release Maple Brulee, Royal Amber, and Sugar Maple, are displayed on a kitchen counter.

--- # 2026-08-17 *2026-08-17* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/17/vacation-continues-to-go-well/ Vacation continues to go well A serene lake reflects the cloudy sky at sunset, with a floating dock in the middle and a small pier on the right side.

A serene lake reflects the cloudy sky at sunset, with a floating dock in the middle and a small pier on the right side.

--- # 2026-08-16 *2026-08-16* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/16/dont-become-a-productivity-tourist/ 🔗 [Don't Become a Productivity Tourist - by JA Westenberg](https://www.joanwestenberg.com/p/dont-become-a-productivity-tourist) > Because the only metric by which you can actually judge a productivity system is this: did it allow you to produce something or not? A good reminder for those of us that spend too much time adjusting our systems --- # 2026-08-15 *2026-08-15* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/15/the-lake-was-like-glass/ 🏊‍♂️ The lake was like glass for this afternoon’s swim A calm lake reflecting trees under a clear sky accompanies a health app recording an afternoon swim of 1,742 meters completed in 32 minutes at an average pace of 1 minute 50 seconds per 100 meters.

A calm lake reflecting trees under a clear sky accompanies a health app recording an afternoon swim of 1,742 meters completed in 32 minutes at an average pace of 1 minute 50 seconds per 100 meters.

--- # 2026-08-15 *2026-08-15* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/15/my-daughter-captured-me-in/ My daughter captured me in full cottage vacation mode: a beer in one hand and book in the other A man is relaxing shirtless on a beach chair by a lake, wearing sunglasses and holding a cup and a tablet, surrounded by trees and outdoor gear.

A man is relaxing shirtless on a beach chair by a lake, wearing sunglasses and holding a cup and a tablet, surrounded by trees and outdoor gear.

--- # 2026-08-15 *2026-08-15* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/15/after-hearing-my-son-and/ 🎶 After hearing my son and nephew rehearsing [Is What It Is](https://music.apple.com/ca/album/is-what-it-is/1759609731?i=1759609733) by Chance Peña, I’ve been a bit obsessed with it. They were practicing for an upcoming campfire concert at their summer camp, where there was recently a tragedy. Watching the campers comfort each other through the tragedy seemed resonant with the song’s lyrics --- # 2026-08-15 *2026-08-15* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/15/finished-reading-the-justice-of/

Finished reading: [The Justice of Kings](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9780316361583/) by Richard Swan is a compelling story about justice and the law. A great start to the series 📚 --- # 2026-08-15 *2026-08-15* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/15/finished-reading-to-say-nothing/

Finished reading: [To Say Nothing of the Dog](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9780575113121/) by Connie Willis is a fun and zany time-travel mystery. Although I enjoyed the story, it does get a bit frenetic 📚 --- # 2026-08-13 *2026-08-13* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/13/misty-morning-run/ 🏃‍♂️ Misty morning run Foggy marsh run in Minden: 19.68 km, 2 hr, 6'07''/km pace with route outline.

Foggy marsh run in Minden: 19.68 km, 2 hr, 6'07''/km pace with route outline.

--- # 2026-08-12 *2026-08-12* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/12/another-good-day-at-the/ Another good day at the cottage A glass with a golden liquid is placed on a wooden surface with sunlight reflecting off a body of water in the background.

A glass with a golden liquid is placed on a wooden surface with sunlight reflecting off a body of water in the background.

--- # 2026-08-11 *2026-08-11* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/11/pizza-on-the-bbq/ Pizza on the BBQ A homemade pizza topped with cheese and fresh basil leaves is baking on a pizza stone inside an oven.

A homemade pizza topped with cheese and fresh basil leaves is baking on a pizza stone inside an oven.

--- # 2026-08-11 *2026-08-11* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/11/lined-that-up-surprisingly-well/ Lined that up surprisingly well, if accidentally A scatter plot shows data points with blue circles representing heart, lungs, temperature, and oxygen levels from high to typical, and a pink circle representing sleep quality in the low range.

A scatter plot shows data points with blue circles representing heart, lungs, temperature, and oxygen levels from high to typical, and a pink circle representing sleep quality in the low range.

--- # 2026-08-10 *2026-08-10* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/10/swimming-in-a-haliburton-lake/ 🏊‍♂️ Swimming in a Haliburton lake is so much nicer than a Toronto pool A serene lake surrounded by forest under a partly cloudy sky is shown with details of an afternoon swim including distance, time, and average pace.

A serene lake surrounded by forest under a partly cloudy sky is shown with details of an afternoon swim including distance, time, and average pace.

--- # 2026-08-09 *2026-08-09* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/09/finished-reading-surprising-no-one/

Finished reading: Surprising no one, [Alias Grace A Novel](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9780385490443/) by Margaret Atwood is very well written📚 --- # 2026-08-08 *2026-08-08* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/08/getting-dinner-ready-with-my/ Getting dinner ready with my sous chef Six seasoned raw steaks and a foil tray filled with seasoned roasted potatoes are cooking on a gas grill.

Six seasoned raw steaks and a foil tray filled with seasoned roasted potatoes are cooking on a gas grill.

A golden retriever is lying down on a wooden deck in front of a house.

--- # 2026-08-08 *2026-08-08* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/08/song-of-the-week-for/ 🎵 Song of the week for my daughter — [Midnight Rider](https://music.apple.com/ca/album/midnight-rider/1469554531?i=1469554755&uo=4) by The Allman Brothers Band from Idlewild South (Deluxe Edition). An easy-going song about freedom and resilience {{< apple-music url="https://music.apple.com/ca/album/midnight-rider/1469554531?i=1469554755&uo=4" >}} --- # 2026-08-08 *2026-08-08* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/08/after-experimenting-with-many-different/ After experimenting with many different apps and approaches, I’m back to integrating everything into [Reeder](https://reederapp.com/). I like the clean, consistent aesthetic, easy gestures for actions, and ease of integrating diverse sources. --- # 2026-08-08 *2026-08-08* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/08/im-glad-to-have-finished/ 🏃‍♂️ I’m glad to have finished this run before the big thunderstorm rolled through A calm, overcast scene shows a large body of water surrounded by dense green trees, with running statistics from a HealthFit app overlaying the image.

A calm, overcast scene shows a large body of water surrounded by dense green trees, with running statistics from a HealthFit app overlaying the image.

--- # 2026-08-06 *2026-08-06* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/06/turned-into-a-nice-day/ Turned into a nice day A calm lake at sunset reflects the sky with soft clouds, surrounded by trees, and features a small dock and a floating platform.

A calm lake at sunset reflects the sky with soft clouds, surrounded by trees, and features a small dock and a floating platform.

--- # 2026-08-06 *2026-08-06* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/06/finished-reading-titanium-noir-by/

Finished reading: [Titanium Noir](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9780593535370/) by Nick Harkaway is a fun noir detective mystery📚 --- # 2026-08-06 *2026-08-06* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/06/finished-reading-the-casino-shift/

Finished reading: [The Casino Shift](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9781443473590/) by Brian Goldman is a rather sobering look at the poor state of emergency medicine in Canada. Seems like a disaster waiting to happen through neglect, partly motivated by ERs’ amazing ability to adapt and get by with less, until they can’t anymore 📚 --- # 2026-08-05 *2026-08-05* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/05/finished-reading-the-will-of/

Finished reading: [The Will of the Many](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9781982141189/) by James Islington was a fun read: think Roman senators in Hunger Games at Hogwarts 📚 --- # 2026-08-04 *2026-08-04* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/04/george-is-delighted-to-be/ George is delighted to be back in a lake A golden retriever is standing in a shallow, clear lake while holding a blue and red frisbee in its mouth, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.

A golden retriever is standing in a shallow, clear lake while holding a blue and red frisbee in its mouth, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.

--- # 2026-08-03 *2026-08-03* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/03/much-better-weather-today/ Much better weather today 😁 A serene lake reflects the sunlight with a forested shoreline under a clear blue sky.

A serene lake reflects the sunlight with a forested shoreline under a clear blue sky.

--- # 2026-08-02 *2026-08-02* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/02/at-least-running-in-the/ 🏃‍♂️ At least running in the rain keeps the heat down A calm lake surrounded by dense trees is shown on a rainy day, with overlay text indicating a 7.18 km run taking 42 minutes at an average pace of 5 minutes and 54 seconds per kilometer.

A calm lake surrounded by dense trees is shown on a rainy day, with overlay text indicating a 7.18 km run taking 42 minutes at an average pace of 5 minutes and 54 seconds per kilometer.

--- # 2026-08-01 *2026-08-01* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/08/01/arrived-to-our-cottage-vacation/ Arrived to our cottage vacation in a torrential thunderstorm! That’s okay though. Still better than being at work and the storm won’t last --- # 2026-07-29 *2026-07-29* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/29/a-fun-mindscape-interview-with/ 🎧 A fun [Mindscape interview](https://preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2026/07/27/362-luis-bettencourt-on-the-universal-properties-of-self-organizing-cities/) with Luis Bettencourt on scaling laws in cities. Bettencourt inspired some of my [research on pollinator networks](https://matt.routleynet.org/2004/09/12/pollinator-networks/). So, this was also nostalgic --- # 2026-07-28 *2026-07-28* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/28/song-of-the-week-for/ 🎵 Song of the week for my daughter — [Angeles](https://music.apple.com/ca/album/angeles/313302066?i=313302077&uo=4) by Elliott Smith from Either/Or. Although _Waltz, No. 2 (XO)_ is a slightly better song, I think _Angeles_ is a better first listen song. {{< apple-music url="https://music.apple.com/ca/album/angeles/313302066?i=313302077&uo=4" >}} --- # 2026-07-27 *2026-07-27* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/27/as-a-small-gesture-of/ 🎧 As a small gesture of support for independent podcasts, I’ve switched from Apple Podcasts to [Overcast](https://overcast.fm/) ([again](https://matt.routleynet.org/2024/08/09/given-the-rewrite-of-overcast/)). Overcast is certainly a better app and I’m happy to support it with another year of subscription revenue --- # 2026-07-25 *2026-07-25* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/25/the-hemispheric-views-juneboree-was/ 🎉 The Hemispheric Views [June-boree](https://grepjason.sh/2026/june-boree-trophees) was tremendous fun! I’m delighted to have achieved third place and received a fantastic trophy. ![A 3.5 floppy disk labeled with Hemispheric Views, JUNE BOREE, and 39 DAYS / THE GAUNTLET Ver. 2026 is displayed standing on a wooden stand.](https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/6287/2026/d97284d746.jpg) --- # 2026-07-25 *2026-07-25* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/25/finished-reading-the-notebook-by/

Finished reading: [The Notebook](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9781771966290/) by Roland Allen is a comprehensive look at how physical notebooks have affected culture over centuries that was more interesting than I'd expected. I've been using physical notebooks, with varying levels of enthusiasm, for decades. These days, I mostly use a [Field Notes notebook](https://matt.routleynet.org/2025/07/17/new-notebook-day/) as my primary capture. I use a light structure of an underlined date and Patrick Rhone’s [Dash/Plus system](https://patrickrhone.com/dashplus/). Then I have a Shortcut that takes a photo, transcribes the text, and sends it to other apps for further use on my iPhone. Works well for me and I like relying on the physical notebook while still having the benefits of the digital 📚 --- # 2026-07-25 *2026-07-25* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/25/the-false-promise-of-sovereignty/ 🔗 [The false promise of sovereignty economics - The Hub](https://thehub.ca/2026/07/24/the-false-promise-of-sovereignty-economics/) > The insight generalizes into a first principle that sovereignty economics gets backwards: countries do not become rich chiefly by owning things. They become rich when their people are productive. A Canadian nurse, farmer, or machinist working with the world’s best AI tools is better off than one confined to a domestically owned but inferior alternative. Forty-one million Canadians equipped with frontier technology will generate more prosperity than a handful of protected national champions ever could. --- # 2026-07-25 *2026-07-25* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/25/fun-ride-with-the-morning/ 🚴 Fun ride with the Morning Glory crew A group of cyclists is stopped at a red light on a sunny road, preparing to continue their ride.

A group of cyclists is stopped at a red light on a sunny road, preparing to continue their ride.

--- # 2026-07-25 *2026-07-25* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/25/looks-like-a-good-morning/ 🚴 Looks like a good morning for a ride

--- # 2026-07-24 *2026-07-24* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/24/the-ios-beta-has-been/ The iOS 27 Beta has been very stable on my iPhone 17. Everything is much snappier and, as widely reported, Siri AI actually works well. _Finally_. --- # 2026-07-19 *2026-07-19* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/19/so-much-better-and-a/ So much better and a good reminder to not take air quality for granted. I don’t have fond memories of the regular smog days we had when I was a kid. The air quality index in Canada is 3, indicating low health risk and an improvement compared to yesterday at the same time.

The air quality index in Canada is 3, indicating low health risk and an improvement compared to yesterday at the same time.

--- # 2026-07-18 *2026-07-18* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/18/i-like-the-new-calendar/ I like the [new calendar view](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/) of my books in micro.blog. My vacation in August is certainly distinct --- # 2026-07-18 *2026-07-18* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/18/why-has-venus-obsessed-so/ 🔗 [Why has Venus obsessed so many astronomers? | Aeon Essays](https://aeon.co/essays/why-has-venus-obsessed-so-many-astronomers) > I think what’s missing is the obsession, the sense of wonder that made those expeditions feel like cultural events rather than technical exercises. The instruments around me in the gallery made this contrast sharp. The telescopes and clocks of the 18th century were made of warm brass and wood, etched with flourishes and gilded corners that served no functional purpose except to be beautiful. Today’s instruments are made of cold steel and glass, efficient and practical. Perhaps that’s progress, but perhaps it’s also part of what we’ve lost – the sense that science can be an object of beauty in itself, not just a tool for achieving results. --- # 2026-07-18 *2026-07-18* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/18/air-quality-still-isnt-great/ 🚴 Air quality still isn’t great. So, back to Watopia in the basement --- # 2026-07-15 *2026-07-15* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/15/getting-apocalyptic-out-here/ Getting apocalyptic out here A smartwatch displays an AQHI (Air Quality Health Index) of 9, indicating a high health risk.

A smartwatch displays an AQHI (Air Quality Health Index) of 9, indicating a high health risk.

Tall skyscrapers with prominent signs for Scotiabank Arena and TELUS stand under an orange-tinted sky, likely due to atmospheric conditions.

--- # 2026-07-13 *2026-07-13* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/13/finished-reading-storm-of-locusts/

Finished reading: [Storm of Locusts](https://matt.routleynet.org/books/9781534413535/) by Rebecca Roanhorse is a fun sequel to [Trail of Lightning](https://matt.routleynet.org/2022/03/21/finished-reading-trail-of-lightning/) 📚 --- # 2026-07-11 *2026-07-11* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/11/watched-i-enjoyed-star-city/

Watched: I enjoyed [Star City](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/252107) as a sort of cold-war thriller to the For All Mankind series 📺 --- # 2026-07-09 *2026-07-09* — https://matt.routleynet.org/2026/07/09/the-addition-of-a-watch/ The addition of a watch app in the [Finalist beta](https://www.finalist.works/beta/) really elevates the app for me. Having access to essential calendar and task data from my wrist, while leaving the phone tucked away, is very helpful. Of course, I can get that via the default Apple apps. I prefer Finalist's approach