Category Archives: Sunday Stuff

Sunday Stuff

Short and Fleeting Summer

A Short and Fleeting Summer in Saint John

   Summer in Saint John has always been a bit unpredictable, but this year it feels like we hardly had one at all. The warmth came late—July felt more like early June, with fog rolling in off the Bay and more gray days than golden ones. When the sunshine finally arrived, with its heat it felt like a relief, a quick reminder of how beautiful this city can be when the weather cooperates.

   But just as quickly as it came, it seems to be leaving. The evenings have already cooled, the breeze off the water has a bite to it, and a few early leaves are starting to change. Walking through the uptown or along the Harbour Passage, you can feel that quiet shift—the season is turning before we’ve had the chance to really soak it in.

   It’s always bittersweet. Saint John summers may be short, but they’re filled with a kind of magic: patios packed with laughter, markets buzzing,cruise ships dotting the harbour, and the simple joy of seeing the city in full light. Maybe that’s what makes it special—it never overstays its welcome, and we treasure it all the more because of its fleetingness.

Here’s hoping September surprises us with a few warm, lingering days to carry us into fall.

 

Sunday Stuff

A Read For A Sunday

The Perfect Job: A Life in Flowers

   For over fifty years, I have been blessed to work in what I believe is the perfect job—bringing beauty, comfort, and joy through flowers. In retail and wholesale, I have delivered blooms for every occasion imaginable: birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, births, and, yes, even the difficult moments like farewells and condolences.

   From the very beginning, I realized that flowers have a universal language. A simple bouquet can celebrate life’s happiest moments, offer comfort during sorrow, or mark milestones in between. Whether it’s a radiant spray for a wedding, a cheerful bunch for a birthday, or a gentle arrangement to honor a loved one’s passing, each delivery carries emotion and meaning.

   What makes this work so special is the reaction I see when I arrive—smiles, tears, laughter, and heartfelt thanks. No matter the reason for the delivery, people are always glad to see me. I’m not just bringing flowers; I’m delivering memories, love, and connection.

   Over the years, I’ve worked with every corner of the flower world—wholesale, retail, and personally delivering them into people’s hands. I’ve met countless families, celebrated generations of life events, and built relationships that span decades.

   Even after half a century, I still feel the same excitement as I did on my first delivery. The joy of making someone’s day never fades. I have no plans to stop—because as long as people have something to celebrate or remember, there will be flowers to deliver and smiles to share.

   In this job, every day is different, every customer has a story, and every bouquet carries a piece of my heart. That’s why, after all these years, I still believe I have the perfect job.

The 'Brittany' in Rothesay New Brunswick, Sandra Miller Floral Designs

Click For Sandra Miller Creations

 

Sunday Stuff

CNN’s Ratings Hit Rock Bottom

CNN’s Ratings Hit Rock Bottom: Is the Network on the Brink of Collapse by 2025?

Once a titan of cable news, CNN is now facing what many are calling its most turbulent period in history. With historically low ratings, a shrinking audience, and mounting credibility issues, the network is struggling to stay afloat in a rapidly changing media landscape. Could this be the beginning of the end for CNN? Some insiders believe a collapse by 2025 isn’t out of the question.

Plummeting Ratings

CNN’s audience numbers have reached record-setting lows, with some programs barely scratching the surface in viewership. In certain time slots, CNN’s competitors like Fox News and even smaller outlets are leaving the network in the dust. This sharp decline in ratings raises serious concerns about its future viability, especially as advertisers gravitate toward platforms with higher engagement.

To make matters worse, the network’s struggles aren’t confined to ratings alone. Reports have surfaced of internal shake-ups, staff layoffs, and key personalities quietly jumping ship. “The rats are fleeing the sinking ship,” as one anonymous insider put it.

A Legacy of Mistrust

One of the biggest hurdles CNN faces is its eroding trust among viewers. Over the past decade, the network has been called out for publishing misleading stories or pushing narratives that later turned out to be false. A list circulating online highlights over 100 pieces of “fake news” CNN has published in recent years. Examples range from botched stories about political events to highly publicized retractions following public backlash.

Here are a few notable examples:

  • The infamous Russia collusion hoax, where the network spent years pushing an unproven narrative.
  • A report that President Trump had advance knowledge of WikiLeaks releases, which turned out to be entirely false.
  • Misleading coverage of high-profile trials and events, often criticized for bias or selective reporting.

Critics argue that CNN has prioritized sensationalism and ideological narratives over journalistic integrity, leading to an erosion of trust even among longtime viewers.

The Changing Media Landscape

CNN’s woes are emblematic of a larger issue plaguing traditional media outlets. As audiences increasingly turn to independent content creators, podcasts, and decentralized platforms, the appeal of cable news is rapidly fading. Younger viewers, in particular, are flocking to YouTube, TikTok, and other digital-first platforms for their news.

Even former CNN loyalists seem to be abandoning ship, citing frustration with the network’s editorial slant and repetitive coverage. Trust in mainstream media is now at an all-time low, and CNN has arguably become the poster child for this growing skepticism.

Looking Ahead: Will CNN Survive Past 2025?

The question on everyone’s mind is: can CNN survive this crisis, or is it too late for a turnaround? While some believe the network can still reinvent itself, others argue that its reputation and audience base are too far gone. With competition growing fiercer by the day and public trust dwindling, CNN faces an uphill battle to remain relevant.

If things don’t improve soon, 2025 could mark the end of the road for what was once a dominant player in the media industry.

 

 
Sunday Stuff

Remembrance Day Ceremony at Sackville Heights Elementary

Sackville Heights Elementary School in Middle Sackville has reversed a recent decision that initially asked military members to attend its Remembrance Day ceremony in civilian clothing rather than uniforms. This request, shared in a newsletter to families, was intended to foster an inclusive environment for students from conflict-affected regions who may feel uneasy around military imagery.

The decision, however, faced considerable online backlash. Critics voiced concerns that the request diminished respect for military members and the significance of Remembrance Day in honoring their service and sacrifices.

After listening to the feedback from families, veterans, and community members, the school has decided to allow military members to attend in uniform. The school’s goal remains to create a supportive space for all students while also recognizing the importance of the day.

This adjustment aims to balance respect for those who have served with sensitivity toward students who may have different experiences with military symbols. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important conversation.