Douglas Cassan's Cassan-o-Gram

05/04/2026

A cautionary tale.

Ontario's highest court has ruled a part-time dog walker who was bitten on the job cannot sue her clients for damages because, under provincial law, she's considered to have been the "owner" of the animal at the time.

05/03/2026

For readers only.

List of 15 websites where you can download unlimited books for free: 1. planetebook .com 2. oceanofpdf .com 3. freecomputerbooks .com 4. zlibrary .to 5. bookboon .com 6. gutenberg .org 7. manybooks .net 8. pdfdrive .com 9. digilibraries .com 10. openlibrary .org 11. standardebooks .org 12. librivox....

05/03/2026

Amazing photos,

This mother fox and her cubs have taken to using the end of our garden to feed and play in the morning and evening. We’ve seen them eating rats, so they’re earning their keep! Andrew Dalziel, Southampton

04/23/2026

A fascinating glimpse into marketing strategy and human behaviour.

Why the “Cat Lady Effect” might be a you problem.

04/22/2026

Interesting

Friendly reminder that sunscreen is a scam.

04/18/2026

04/14/2026

Time to get your garden on.

🌱 10 Vegetables That Thrive in the Shade

Not every garden space gets full sunlight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow healthy, productive crops. Many vegetables actually do well in partial shade and cooler conditions.

🥬 Kale — A hardy leafy green that grows well in low light and even develops a sweeter flavor in cooler environments.

🌿 Parsley & Cilantro — These herbs thrive in partial shade, staying fresh longer without intense sun exposure.

🥗 Lettuce — Perfect for shaded areas, as too much sun can cause it to wilt or turn bitter quickly.

🥬 Cabbage — Grows steadily in cooler, shaded spots, making it ideal for balanced garden conditions.

🌱 Arugula — A fast-growing green that prefers mild temperatures and partial sunlight.

🧅 Chives — Easy to grow and low-maintenance, they adapt well to less sunny spaces.

🥬 Bok Choy — Thrives in shade and cooler weather, producing tender and crisp leaves.

🥬 Spinach — One of the best shade-tolerant vegetables, growing well without direct sunlight.

🫜 Beets — While the roots develop underground, they can still grow effectively with limited sun.

🥕 Carrots — Adaptable and resilient, they grow well in partial shade with proper soil conditions.

Choosing the right vegetables for shaded areas allows you to maximize your garden space while maintaining a healthy and productive harvest.

04/14/2026

Good idea

What if empathy was taught as early as math?

French primary schools introduce lessons on pet care and animal respect 🇫🇷🐾

A new educational program in France is introducing primary school students to the importance of caring for pets and respecting animals. The lessons, which start in the first year of primary school, are part of the broader moral and civic education curriculum. This initiative aims to teach young children about empathy, responsibility, and how to understand the needs of animals.

Educators believe that fostering empathy for animals at a young age can create a positive shift in children’s attitudes, encouraging them to act with kindness and care. By promoting respect for animals, the program aims to also cultivate a deeper appreciation for human relationships, where empathy plays a crucial role in social interactions.

This initiative marks a pivotal moment in education, where understanding animals’ needs is seen as a vital part of children’s development. Could this educational model encourage other countries to adopt similar programs that teach empathy and care for all living beings?



References:
BBC: France Expands Education Programs on Animal Welfare
Reuters: France Promotes Respect for Animals in Schools
The Guardian: Teaching Children Compassion for Animals
National Geographic: Why Humane Education Matters

04/12/2026

Sudbury Sunday morning 6:30 am. Shot from my hospital room on the 8th floor of Ramsay Lake Hospital.