Ian Vander Meulen

Unexpected side-effect post-grad studies is that I have trouble enjoying old hobbies. There's a little gremlin constantly whispering "but that's not productive." Any tips for slaying the guilt gremlin and chilling out?

Coffee, straight out of my nose.

Unfortunately, no "guarantee of a reasonable job offer" (GRJO) for me. I was told my WFA was due to "discontinuance of function," so no such possibility.

I'll land on my feet, but I'd rather never have needed to jump.

With a heavy heart, I've signed the paperwork agreeing to leave Environment Canada. I adore my colleagues and the work they do. Carney gov't is making mistakes shedding science expertise, but that's their lesson to learn.

🇨🇦 Believing that half my fellow citizens have "bad" morality and ethics couldn't be a more foreign concept to me.

It's much easier to bridge divides and arrive at reasonable compromise when you start from the premise that *most* people are, in fact, acting in good faith.

Glad to see that reflected

We're excited to welcome you all to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for the 52nd Annual Canadian Ecotoxicity Workshop, October 4 to 7, 2026!

Stay tuned to LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/cana...) and our website (ecotoxcan.ca) for the latest information.

#CEW2026 #Saskatoon

Carney’s government is cutting hundreds of environment and science jobs. Here’s what that means for Canadians | CBC Radio Scientists and labour leaders are warning that cuts to Environment and Climate Change Canada could significantly impact the health and safety of Canadians as well as Canada's wildlife and environment.

www.cbc.ca/radio/whaton...

Just saying - Canadian environmental science was already hurting. I predict some regrets in 3-5 years about how deep these cuts go.

Environment Canada is "discontinuing my function" as a part of ongoing workforce adjustments. If there are any opportunities for a dynamic, coachable environmental professional in Canada, I would be glad to learn about them.

As I ask myself why I live where I live, I repeat, "no hurricanes, no earthquakes, no tsunamis, no alligators."

Frodo: I wish so much unbelievably stupid shit had not happened in my time Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. This is all exceptionally stupid, though

Alberta oil and gas royalty income surged as oil sands projects shifted from pre- to post-payout royalty rates and both global crude prices/WCS differentials held strong.

When I started undergrad, an old teacher of mine asked if I'd ever consider becoming a teacher. Rather than taking that as a compliment (kudos, teachers), I mentioned how I didn't appreciate how teachers got so frequently politicized.

So instead I became a public servant. D'oh.

Addendum: ❤️ winter-rated chain lube. Friction increases through the bike's entire drivetrain in the cold. Cold-weather chain lubricant is a leg-saver

8. Try to enjoy it. Even though it's hard, it's a good way to work regular exercise into otherwise sedentary routines. I've found it helpful to think about how much better I feel at other times off the bike b/c of all the time I've spent on it. Cardio is worth it.

7. Ski helmet, preferably with closeable vents (again, thermal management).

It's not a question of "if," but "when" a car will run into you. I've had two close calls this winter already. Slips happen too. Protect your brain.

6. Svelte snow pants. Same reason as the boots - it's tough to find something that's weather-resistant, but won't get caught in gears. I've been loving mountaineer-style hiking pants (with zipper vents). Wind-resistant, slim at the ankles, and able to dump heat. 🤌

5. Good footwear. Personally, for ease of dressing up/down pre & post-commute, some sort of winter-rated insulated Chelsea-style boot has been awesome. It's terrible trying to bike in huge, chunky boots.

4. Studded tires - in Saskatoon, ice is more often a safety challenge than is deep snow (though deep drifts can and do form). YMMV on choice between studded vs fat tires, but I've loved studded tires for the traction.

3. Ski gear generally - it's the same challenges of keeping warm, but wanting to be able to manage your temps. If you're biking for an extended period, you don't want to get too sweaty (and subsequently freeze up) before arriving.

2. Ski goggles - huge quality of life improvement over riding without, especially when snow is falling. It cuts a ton of wind-chill off the face.

1. Make yourself visible. Bright colours, lights, reflective anything. Never give drivers the opportunity to say "but I didn't see them."

Drivers are impulsive and constantly in a rush. Make uncharitable assumptions about drivers and their awareness (or attitudes) to try and keep safe.

Ever wanted to be a winter cycling commuter, but don't know where to start?

I've been winter cycling the last two years in Saskatoon, and have some thoughts about what's essential and how to survive.

Re-watching "Bones," and the lack of PPE is positively stunning.

Just finished coding & graphing a dataset 10 min ahead of a meeting. Does this teach me to do better next time, or that I can get away with regular last-minute rushes?

I suspect the latter.

Philosophy major? I couldn't hack it. Philosophy minor? Just right. The "partially-examined life" is still plenty rich.

This felt better than it should have.

Going to get the "bilingual bonus" yet

Convocation was more fun than I imagined it would be. I'm especially glad my kids prepped me to have fun with dress-up 🙂

Now it's Dr. Dad forever and always.

"No matter how hard I work, every year it seems more difficult to get by"

Agree: 64%
Neutral: 19%
Disagree: 15%

Innovative / Oct 27, 2025 / n=2500 / Online

Headline reads: Altman says ChatGPT will soon allow erotic for adult users.

You gently run your hand through the rack. You can feel it—pure cotton, rich wool, Irish linen. The plump buttonholes are handsewn; the buttons attached with a firm shank. You flip the price tag over. It's affordable

You buy the jacket and go home, which is only 15 mins away. Your apt is $600/month