Category Archives: Work and Life

A New Year Means New Hope

Posted on by
Reply

As the calendar turns to 2026, there is always a familiar sense of a clean slate. For me, this year is about finding renewal in what I build and how I live.

First, I have a major update for the fans of my gaming series, Creative Engineering. After a lot of work behind the scenes, the Creative Engineering Season One modpack is officially available for public download. You can find the link right here on the blog (under My Downloads). I am excited to see what you all build with these tools, especially since I am already preparing for the future—the next pack will be its own world and not in this one, so now is the perfect time to dive into this version.

On a more personal note, I am making a change to how I handle my time, my budget, and my health. I’ve recently received a diagnosis of minor arthritis in my knee and some slightly elevated cholesterol. It means a few more meds, but it also means I need to be more intentional. I have officially decided to give up on ordering in via delivery apps. To tighten my purse strings and ensure I am actually staying active and enjoying the experience of food someone else has cooked, I am restricting my dining out to a specific ritual.

I will only be going out to eat after Mass on Saturday or Sunday when I attend in person. As long as I am not sick and the weather isn’t too cold to make the trip, that will be my time to sit down and appreciate a fresh meal. It is about reclaiming the experience and making it a deliberate choice rather than a habit of convenience.

Whether you are downloading the new pack to start your own engineering journey or making your own small shifts in daily habits, I hope this year brings you a sense of fresh momentum.

f you enjoyed this blog post and the other content here on Swagnilla Ice, consider becoming a member. Members get to comment on posts as well as communicate directly with me and each other via a Discord server. Your support is what will keep this blog alive.

Locked Out: Why I’m Done with the Golden Arches

Posted on by
Reply

I have spent years stopping by the golden arches for a quick meal between shifts, but lately, something has felt off. After some reflection, I have decided to officially move on from McDonald’s, and it is honestly a bigger relief than I expected.

The breaking point happened on Christmas Day. I checked the official app and Google Maps, both of which confirmed the location was open 24/7 for walk-in customers. However, after making the effort to get there, I was met with locked doors and a sign stating it was drive-through only. As someone who doesn’t drive, I was left standing in the cold with no way to get service despite the glowing Open signs.

What made the situation even harder to swallow was the weather. It was freezing outside, and a big part of the plan was to step inside for a few minutes to warm up before the walk back home. Standing there in the cold on Christmas, staring at a Drive-Thru Only sign while the app insisted the lobby was open, felt like a slap in the face. When a billion-dollar company can’t keep its own digital hours accurate, it shows a lack of respect for a customer’s time and effort. It is one thing to have a technical glitch; it is another to leave a customer out in the elements because your business model only accounts for people in heated cars.

The kicker? I’m walking away from nearly 3,000 McDonald’s points, but honestly, it’s a small price to pay for my peace of mind. When I look at the competition, the choice is easy. Starbucks actually serves hot chocolate that tastes like chocolate, not watery sugar. Tim Hortons and Subway offer fresher, more diverse food options that don’t leave me feeling sluggish. To top it off, the rewards system at Tim’s actually feels like it respects my wallet—I earn freebies way faster there than I ever did at McDonald’s.

Missing out on that meal ended up being a blessing in disguise. Instead of settling for fast food, I had a proper brunch yesterday: two egg, ham, and spread cheese sandwiches, a hot glass of apple cider to shake off the chill, and some vanilla-flavoured almond milk. Not only did it taste better, but using eggs with Omega 3 is a win for my heart health, too.

It isn’t just about a missed meal; it is about the principle of the matter. This experience reminded me that my time and my patronage are better spent elsewhere—somewhere that actually values accessibility for everyone, not just those behind a steering wheel. From now on, I will be taking my business to places that keep their doors open and their digital promises honest.

The BAT Scale: Why a 28/30 Score Means I’m Never Going Back

Posted on by
Reply

The Unofficial BAT Score Breakdown

Before we get to the rankings, you need to know how I judge these jobs. The BAT Scale is my own unofficial system, which evolved from simply assigning letters (B, A, or T) as misery popped up. If a job started or progressed to a T, it was time to leave.

Now, the system rates every job factor from 1 (Totally fine) to 10 (Absolutely catastrophic). The scores for B, A, and T are calculated independently, and simply add up to a final score out of 30.

The letters also represent a common escalation, but remember the crucial rule: A high T-score can kill a job right off the bat, regardless of the B and A scores.

B is for Boring (The Tedium Factor)

This score measures how mind-numbing the core tasks of the job are.

  • Low Score (1-3): The work is varied, challenging, or involves engaging interaction. You check the clock and you’ve somehow lost two hours.
  • High Score (8-10): The work is soul-crushing in its repetition. Time slows to a geological pace.

A is for Annoying (The Nuisance Factor)

This score tracks all the persistent, petty irritations that drain your energy.

  • Low Score (1-3): Minor office noises or a slight chill. Totally manageable.
  • High Score (8-10): This is where you find the frustrating environmental factors, broken or inadequate tools, and high-pressure monitoring.

T is for Terrible (The Disaster Factor)

This score is the most critical, measuring genuine risk and psychological distress.

  • Low Score (1-3): Safety protocols are clearly followed, management is reasonable, and you feel zero sense of dread coming in.
  • High Score (8-10): This score spikes when safety is ignored, when management is actively hostile, or when the job causes massive stress or anxiety. Even if a job is not boring or annoying, a high score here is an instant dealbreaker. A 10 here is my personal red flag.

🥵 Case Study 1: The Heat Exhaustion Disaster (28/30)

This job highlights the necessity of the Terrible score… This past summer, I took an assignment that started with sweeping a dusty road in the sun and moved to vacuuming a subfloor with a broken machine inside the un-tiled swimming pool room which had lots of windows.

The Scores

  • B is for Boring: 9/10. Extreme physical and mental tedium from sweeping a dusty road followed by subfloor vacuuming.
  • A is for Annoying: 9/10. This was fueled by intense heat and the dust, compounded by the constant struggle of using a broken vacuum cleaner. The glare and heat trapped by the numerous windows amplified the discomfort. Everything felt like a fight.
  • T is for Terrible: 10/10. The work conditions—sweeping a road in the intense heat and then working in that sun-drenched, glassed-in room—resulted in symptoms close enough to heat exhaustion that I knew I couldn’t risk returning.

The Verdict

The combined 28/30 score is a catastrophe. I took the next day off to recover. When I contacted the agency after work that day to pick up my pay, I informed them that I would only accept assignments from the manager I trust (the one I am currently working for). The BAT Score confirmed the instinct: When the Terrible score maxes out at 10, it is my personal red flag, and I visited the agency in person to decline any further assignments at that specific site. The risk simply isn’t worth it.

🍍 Case Study 2: The Pineapple Sorting Workout (17/30)

This warehouse assignment from two years ago is a textbook mid-range score that was miserable in the moment but proved structurally sound.

The Scores

  • B is for Boring: 6/10. The work was repetitive, but the need to quickly identify and sort three different types of pineapple mixed in the truck prevented the job from being completely brain-numbing.
  • A is for Annoying: 8/10. High physical strain from constantly lifting heavy cases of cans onto pallets. Rest periods naturally occurred while waiting for one of the multiple pallet jack operators to return to my door, which kept this score from hitting the max.
  • T is for Terrible: 3/10. The warm break room, the quick job duration, and the unintentional rest periods created by the high volume of work and limited pallet jack availability meant stress and physical danger were kept low.

The Verdict

The total score of 17/30 shows a job that was tolerable because the low T factor (3/10) compensated for the high B and A scores. It was physically taxing and repetitive, but since my health and safety were fortuitously protected by the way the warehouse was run, it earned a passing grade.

🌞 Case Study 3: The Low-Score Utopia (6/30)

This job is the gold standard—a rare find in temporary assignments, and one I told my agency I would definitely return to.

The Scores

  • B is for Boring: 1/10. I was consistently kept busy and got to learn something new almost every day.
  • A is for Annoying: 2/10. The job lacked a break room, but the weather most days was nice enough that eating outside was a pleasure and not a hardship.
  • T is for Terrible: 3/10. This score was kept low by excellent management. The guys in charge planned carefully, explained in detail, and worked alongside us. The risk was managed proactively: when it rained, we usually got to go home early, and even high-risk tasks like climbing the ladder were secured.

The Verdict

The combined 6/30 score is the best-case scenario. It proves that a job can be safe, engaging, and worth returning to. This assignment was the perfect counterpoint to the high-score disasters.

🏁 Conclusion: The BAT Score Verdict

The BAT Scale isn’t just about rating misery; it’s about protecting your time and health. As a temporary worker, you need a quick system to judge whether a job is worth your effort.

Job ExampleBAT ScoreKey Takeaway
The Heat Exhaustion Disaster28/30The T score is non-negotiable. A maxed-out 10 in Terrible instantly signals a permanent decline to the agency.
The Pineapple Sorting Workout17/30High B and A scores are tolerable, but only if the T score is low and the workplace offers some unintended relief.
The Low-Score Utopia6/30Proactive, engaged management is the key to a low score. This creates a great environment that I would definitely return to.

When a job scores high, especially in the T for Terrible category, let your agency know in-person you won’t return. You will not regret your decision!

My Accident on Remembrance Day and It’s Aftermath

Posted on by
Reply

Hello everyone. I need to take a moment today to share a challenging experience I had recently. On Remembrance Day, I had an accident, and the immediate aftermath—and the recovery I’m going through now—has been tough. This story is ongoing, so if you could send some prayers or good thoughts my way, I would be incredibly grateful.

Just before noon that day, I decided to take a relaxing bath, as it was a holiday and I wasn’t rushing anywhere. I filled the tub with warm water, got in, and proceeded to bathe. When it was time to get out, I pulled the plug and stood up. Instantly, I felt light-headed, so I dropped down to my hands and knees to try and avoid fainting. I thought the feeling had passed and tried to stand up again, but that’s when I passed out and fell down hard.

A few seconds later, my eyes opened to a sickening sight: a large pool of blood on the floor. My head and neck were throbbing with pain. When I was finally able to get up and look into the mirror, I gasped. The left side of my face was coated in my own blood, and I had two visible gashes in my head—one right above my left eye, and another hidden higher up in my hair. Reaching up, I even pulled out a small clump of hair from the higher wound.

My next priority was cleanup. I turned on the water and used toilet paper to try and clean myself and the room as best as I could. I then got dressed, using a rag to stop some of the bleeding, and looked up transit directions to the nearest hospital: the Royal Alexandra on Kingway Avenue. With my keys, phone, and wallet, I began the painful walk to the bus stop. Along the way, strangers noticed my state and asked if I was alright, suggesting an ambulance after I told them what happened. I arrived at the Emergency room shortly before 1 PM.

It took about fifteen minutes for the triage nurse to see me. After asking me several questions and wrapping my head in gauze, I was directed to sit in the waiting area until a bed was ready. I was also informed that I’d be receiving a tetanus shot, since it had been over 20 years since my last one. I sat there, bored, for the next three hours. I passed the time occasionally reading on my phone and sending updates to my dad, supervisor, and boss. By 4 PM, my hunger became overwhelming—I hadn’t eaten since 5 AM—so I got directions to the Tim Hortons nearby. I bought myself a wrap and an orange juice and returned to the Emergency Room. I was lucky enough to finish eating just before a nurse came and finally escorted me out of the waiting area and to one of the beds inside the department.

Inside the department, the nurse asked me to change into a nightgown. I got onto the bed and was soon connected to the monitoring equipment and given a call bell. The waiting continued; about an hour later, I used the bell just to go to the washroom. Boredom was still a major factor, and I tried to conserve my phone’s battery since I’d forgotten my charger or power bank in the rush.

Soon after, a doctor-in-training assessed me. He asked for the gauze to be removed so that pictures could be taken of my two head gashes and then new gauze and wrappings (that were moistened in a saline solution) were applied. During the assessment, I was completely honest and did my best to follow his requests, supplying all the information I had—including what my smartwatch had recorded about my heart rate immediately after the fall.

Around 7:30 PM, the night nurse, who had replaced the daytime staff, brought me some applesauce with crushed Tylenol, which was a welcome relief. Shortly before that, I had finally received the tetanus shot. An hour and a half after eating, I was placed into a neck brace and then wheeled away to get a CT scan.

Around 11 PM, the doctor-in-training approached me and asked if I was ready for sutures, which I definitely was. He started with the gash above my left eye, which had narrowly missed my eyebrow. After applying freezing, he began closing the wound. He complimented me on taking it “like a trooper,” but being in the neck brace—and having a very stiff, sore neck—actually made it hard to move anyway! I barely felt most of the sutures, except for the ones closest to my nose, which he confirmed are typically not frozen due to potential complications.

Once his work on the first injury was approved by the attending ER doctor, he moved on to freeze and suture the upper wound. I was incredibly relieved when he mentioned that the membrane surrounding my skull had not been ruptured and wouldn’t require additional sutures!

Shortly after he finished, I got the best news of the night: my CT scans came back clean—no concussion from the accident! They immediately removed the neck brace. Shortly after midnight, I was discharged and sent home. I booked an Uber, got home, and finally went to bed.

Moving forward, I am scheduled to see my family doctor next Tuesday, the eighteenth, for a re-evaluation and possible suture removal. I also have to discuss the fainting episode with him, along with my other existing health issues. The most immediate challenge is the lingering physical aftermath: my neck is still stiff and sore, which is definitely affecting my quality of life. Simple tasks are suddenly harder—for example, I now have to kneel down just to access the freezer compartment in my fridge, and getting out of bed in the morning is much tougher. I’ve already taken Wednesday and Thursday off work, and may need today off as well, knowing that taking time away means I don’t earn money. If this accident leads to any long-term consequences, your support of me via my blog will become even more crucial going forward.

Finally, I am deeply grateful to the staff—the nurses and doctors—at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for their care and dedication during a long and stressful 13 hours in the ER. I would also like to thank all of my readers for their support going forwards.

Remember the Fallen: More than Just Warriors Who Fell

Posted on by
Reply

Tomorrow, our nation pauses to pay tribute to the men and women who paid the ultimate price in defense of our country. Yet, our obligation to them is not fully discharged by a moment of silence or a flag lowered to half-mast. To truly honor their sacrifice, we must ask the deeper question: what, precisely, did they die defending? It was not simply a government, a political party, or the momentary policies of the day. It was the enduring ideals of freedom in all its forms, respect, and dignity. This is where our vigilance begins, because as Benjamin Franklin famously warned: “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” This truth has never been more relevant than it is today.

The ideals our veterans defended are often challenged today by actions justified in the name of security. We must distinguish between true vigilance and unwarranted government interference. Take, for instance, the alarming prospect of legislation granting a Minister the power to unilaterally and secretly cut off a citizen’s essential services, such as Internet access, without any requirement to inform them of the reason or provide judicial review. This is a profound overreach that undermines the fundamental principles of due process.

Our society has no place for kangaroo courts. The danger is not limited to historical totalitarian regimes; it also appears today in systems that bypass traditional judicial protection. Many argue that institutions like Human Rights Tribunals—which often operate without the strict rules of evidence, the right to silence, or the due process protections found in criminal and civil courts—function as modern-day kangaroo courts. We need only look to the Nazis’ so-called People’s Court (Volksgerichtshof)—a system where the verdict was predetermined, and the goal was political purge, not justice—to understand the ultimate threat of allowing executive power to bypass constitutional checks.

It is crucial to understand that defending these freedoms does not mean advocating for chaos. Free speech, for example, has always had recognized boundaries; it does not cover obscenity, incitement to violence, defamation, or other illegal content. Our system already possesses established legal mechanisms, involving law enforcement and the courts, to address these genuine threats. Trading the judicial process for the constitutional protections for a ‘so-called’ security that deserves neither our liberty nor our trust.

Tomorrow, as we pause to honor those who fell, let our remembrance be more than just a passive tribute. The deepest respect we can pay to those who sacrificed their lives is to become active, informed defenders of the ideals they secured for us: freedom, respect, and dignity. When governments trade due process for convenience, replacing traditional courts with secret executive powers or kangaroo courts, the battle to protect liberty continues. We must challenge the false promise of security that chips away at our rights. The fallen did their part; they paid the price of freedom. Now, it is our unending duty to ensure that their sacrifice remains meaningful by vigilantly protecting the foundational principles they died defending.

Beyond the Potholes: The Top 5 Priorities the New Edmonton Council MUST Address

Posted on by
Reply

On Monday, Alberta’s 2025 municipal elections are being held to elect the people who will lead our cities, towns, counties, and school boards for the next four years. Here in Edmonton, many people are feeling uncertain about the direction our city is going. With potholes lining our streets and affordable housing in short supply, it’s clear that our new Council has a lot on their plate. But what exactly should they prioritize?
To fully understand what the new Council can achieve, we must acknowledge the ultimate constraint on all municipal action: the Alberta Municipal Government Act (MGA). This provincial legislation dictates the powers of every city council in Alberta. The MGA is why the city has broad authority over things like land use, bylaws, and municipal services, but it also creates limits. I mention this because when it comes to social issues like housing and poverty—which are major priorities this election—the new Council’s ability to act is often restricted to what the MGA allows and where the province provides funding. We need a Council willing to aggressively use every power granted by the MGA, while simultaneously pushing back against its limitations.
It is vital to remember the kind of government we are electing. Edmonton operates under a weak mayor system, meaning the mayor is essentially just one vote among the thirteen members of Council. This highlights why it is so important to look at the whole Council picture and not just the mayoral race. Furthermore, this is the first election in decades where candidates are officially allowed to run as part of a political party. While most candidates are still running independently, the presence of parties like Better Edmonton and PACE introduces a completely new dynamic. This means for the first time, voters can potentially elect a voting bloc that is organized around a shared agenda—and that unified agenda is what could finally push through big changes on core services, taxes, or housing accountability.
One crucial priority for the new Mayor and Council will be to demand real accountability from those tasked with managing our affordable housing solutions. I’ve seen that Civida, Edmonton’s largest affordable housing provider, has a lot of public dissatisfaction—even its Google reviews are overwhelmingly negative. I believe our new municipal leadership must put immediate pressure on Civida to address this, ensuring their financial resources are being used wisely and efficiently. The new Council needs to be a strong, unified voice for Edmontonians, demanding transparency and proof that Civida is making real, measurable progress in getting and keeping vulnerable residents housed and addressing their legitimate concerns.
In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into the top five priorities the new Edmonton Council must address to ensure our city thrives in the years to come. Stay tuned to find out what these priorities are and how the new Council can make a real difference.
The polls are quite clear: the top two priorities for Edmontonians right now are public safety and addressing homelessness. With reports of increased disorder in the city core and on public transit, many residents are feeling unsafe. But how should the Council address these issues? Is the solution simply to deploy more police officers, or is a more balanced approach needed?
A balanced approach that includes social workers and community presence could be more effective. For example, programs that integrate mental health support and community outreach with law enforcement have shown promising results in other cities. By addressing the root causes of disorder, such as mental health issues and substance abuse, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
The Council should also consider innovative solutions. In a previous blog post, I suggested using landscaping to deter begging in high-traffic areas. By strategically placing planters and greenery, we can create barriers that make it more difficult for individuals to solicit money or goods from passersby. This approach not only improves the aesthetics of our city but also helps to reduce the perception of disorder and enhances public safety.
Earlier in this post, I mentioned the need for the Council to hold Civida accountable for the public funds it receives. This accountability can be extended to other areas as well. By working closely with provincial authorities, the Council can ensure that we have enough affordable housing and that the funds allocated for this purpose are used effectively. This collaborative effort can help address homelessness, which is closely linked to public safety issues.
What do you think? Should the Council focus on increasing police presence, or do you believe a more holistic approach is necessary? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The next priority for the new Council is managing our taxes. According to polls, seventy-five percent of voters want low residential taxes, but eighty percent want better road maintenance and public safety.
The new Council needs to conduct a thorough review of the budget to identify any inefficiencies that can be addressed. For example, they could explore opportunities for cost savings in administrative processes, procurement, or energy management. The goal should be to maintain core services without resorting to massive tax hikes each year. This is not just about cutting costs but about optimizing resources to ensure that every dollar spent delivers maximum value to residents.
Voters and all residents and visitors to Edmonton expect solid services in the capital city. They expect the road network to be well-maintained, the buses and LRTs to run on time, and emergency services to be reliable and responsive. The Council will need to demonstrate competence in delivering these basics. This means not only ensuring that services are provided but also that they are provided efficiently and effectively.
One area to consider is the use of technology to improve service delivery. For instance, implementing smart city technologies can help monitor and maintain infrastructure more efficiently, reducing long-term costs. Additionally, data-driven decision-making can help identify areas where resources are being underutilized or misallocated.
What do you think? Are there specific areas where you believe the Council can cut costs without compromising service quality? Have you noticed any inefficiencies in our current municipal services? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Before diving into the next priority, I want to be upfront: my viewpoint is shaped by how I move around Edmonton. As a regular transit user and someone who doesn’t drive at all, my focus is naturally on reliable bus and LRT services, safe sidewalks, and well-maintained pedestrian infrastructure. My personal priorities regarding road maintenance for vehicles, traffic, and parking might be quite different from someone who commutes by car daily. I believe this perspective is crucial because a strong city needs a reliable transportation system for everyone, not just those who drive.
The new Council will need to prioritize a reliable transit system that is safe and expanded from the current system. Finishing the west expansion of the Valley Line is key, and then expanding the Metro Line past NAIT and considering more expansions in the future is something they need to look at. Making sure that the Arc card system is reliable and works every day is another priority, as many people use it now that paper tickets have been abolished. I should probably mention that fifty-four percent of voters see this as a priority, so it’s not a minor issue.
To achieve these goals, the Council could explore partnerships with private sector companies to fund and implement these expansions. Additionally, they could look into innovative financing models, such as public-private partnerships or grants from higher levels of government.
I personally demand that the Council ensure that all sidewalks are cleared in the winter after every snowfall as per the current bylaws on the books. I also demand that they keep walking paths and sidewalks in good working order – without them, it is sometimes impossible to safely get from point A to point B without risking getting hit by a vehicle coming by at high speed!
What do you think? Are there specific transit improvements or pedestrian infrastructure enhancements you believe the Council should prioritize? Have you encountered any issues with our current transit system or pedestrian infrastructure? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
To recap: the new Council that will be elected on Monday has some major issues to deal with once they officially take office, ranging from public safety to transit. If you didn’t vote in advance, take the time to carefully consider the candidates for mayor and ward representative on the Council. Vote for the ones you feel will best handle these critical issues. As I said in my last post on municipal elections, if you don’t vote, you don’t get to complain about the decisions they will be making over the next four years!
The new Council and Mayor will also need to ensure that they get the basics right and rebuild public trust in our local government. This is our city, and our future depends on the choices we make today. So, let’s make our voices heard and elect a Council that will work tirelessly to address these priorities and create a better Edmonton for all of us.

Acclaimed to Silence? Why Skipping Local Elections Voids Your Right to Complain

Posted on by

We all love to complain about the government, but most of us forfeit the right to do so. I’m not talking about the big federal or state/provincial races. I’m talking about local elections: the ones for cities, towns, counties, districts, and school boards. These are the races that directly shape our daily lives—yet they are the ones we skip the most. If you choose to be silent in these local races, you forfeit the right to complain about the decisions made by those put into office. With turnout often in the twenty to thirty-three percent range, this level of apathy is unacceptable. That needs to change.

I went to vote in the municipal elections this week and, after receiving my ballots for mayor and councillor, I asked about the Catholic school board. I had marked down that I was eligible to vote for that race, but the worker told me the seat was won by acclamation—elected without a vote—because only one person filed to run. Needless to say, I was disappointed. More than that, I was genuinely angry. That is the worst kind of silence: when an entire community cannot even field a second candidate to offer a choice. That level of civic apathy is simply pathetic.

Let me ask you this: who sets the property tax rate that affects your rent and local housing costs? Local government. Who determines the curriculum your child is taught and what books are in the school libraries? That’s the school board. Who handles essential services like police, fire, water, and sewage? Once again, it is local government. We are talking about critical issues that are often decided by as little as ten percent of the eligible voters! Want to complain about potholes and new bike lane construction? Then consider participating in the municipal elections first.

Journalists who write about local government should put their ballot where their pen is, and vote. The traditional view is that not voting helps them maintain impartiality or objectivity. I believe, in the age of the secret ballot, that is simply a false excuse. A journalist who doesn’t vote is not “neutral”—they are merely disengaged from the civic process they are paid to cover. How can you write a critical story about failing infrastructure or acclamation on the school board without having participated in the basic act of citizenship that shapes those very issues? If you don’t vote, your opinions and news articles should be taken the same way as a non-voting citizen’s complaint—completely disregarded and forgotten.

You might say, “I don’t vote because I don’t like any of the candidates,” or “I don’t like the system, so not voting is my protest.” In my humble opinion, this is completely wrong. Didn’t like any of the candidates? Then you should have actively helped someone else to run, or volunteered to help ensure the voting process goes smoothly. Don’t like the system? Find a candidate who is committed to changing it—and then vote for them! Your vote matters, especially in municipal elections where a candidate can win by a margin of just a few votes. Your vote (or lack thereof) is far louder in these local races than in any national one.

The municipal vote is not a luxury, but the key tool you have to change your local conditions. Stop seeing it as optional and start viewing it as a mandatory part of your civic duty to your fellow citizens. Don’t like the crowds on election day? Go and vote early, just as I did, and ignore the election news until the results come in. Always remember that in a local election, every single vote is worth more because so few people choose to participate. Therefore, the choice to be silent is the choice to forfeit your voice. If you want the right to complain, you must first earn it through the ballot, or by actively working to improve the system.

Thanks for reading this article here on Swagnilla Ice.

If you enjoyed the discussion, please consider joining the Swagnilla Ice community via the “Become a Citizen of the Kingdom” link in the sidebar. Even a free Peasant membership gives you access to the comments section and the member-only discussions on my Discord server. Your participation encourages me to keep producing content like this!

Levelling Up My Hobbies (and My Content!)

Posted on by

Hi everyone,

I’m getting ready for the weekend and thinking about something that’s a big part of my life: my hobbies. From reading a good book to making art, these are the things that recharge me and spark a lot of the creativity you see in my content.

You might know that a lot of my time goes into Creative Engineering and A Few Moments with God. But what you might not see as often are the moments in between—the ones where I’m just enjoying a passion project. For me, these are things like getting lost in a good book, writing new ideas down, or getting my hands dirty with some pottery. I’ve also been getting back into playing some old favourites, like modded Minecraft and Factorio on my PC, and even dusting off some classic Wii or GameCube games using the Dolphin Emulator for the latter. These aren’t just ways to pass the time; they’re ways for me to learn and experiment. Reading, for example, has taught me a lot about storytelling, which has been super helpful for my own video series. Gaming has helped me see things from new perspectives and has trained my eye to notice small details that can make a big difference.

I often think about how cool it would be to share more of these things with you. Imagine a series of posts about the new pots I’m making or a deep dive into the latest mods I’m playing with. Right now, it’s a challenge to find the time and resources to do that justice. That’s where you come in.

Your support through Swagnilla Ice helps me turn these small passion projects into something more. It helps me invest in things like art supplies or new equipment. More importantly, it gives me the freedom to dedicate more of my time to these creative outlets. By becoming a member, you’re not just supporting a blog; you’re helping me grow as a creator and bring even better content to you.

So, if you enjoy what I do and you’re excited about the idea of seeing more, please consider joining one of our membership tiers. Even the Peasant membership is a great way to show your support, or if you want full access, the Squire tier is a fantastic option. The more paid members we have, the more time I can dedicate to hosting events on the Discord server. For example, once we hit five paid members, I’ll host a bi-weekly voice chat, with each session focusing on a different topic. At ten paid members, I’ll start a weekly live stream on Discord. And if we can hit fifty paid members, I’ll host a monthly community gaming night with games like Jackbox and Golf with Your Friends. I’m certain that I can also continue to find ways to provide even more content for higher numbers, so please consider becoming a Squire or higher today!

Thank you for being here and for helping me make all of this possible.

Talk soon,
Nathan Pinno (aka Swagnilla Ice)

My long-term goals are…

Aside

My long-term goals are simple and personal. First, I want Swagnilla Ice memberships to cover my monthly bills. This would give me the freedom to focus fully on creating content for you.

Second, I’m saving up C$5,000 to purchase a lifetime Paid Memberships Pro Plus membership. This upgrade will allow me to give you a better experience on the blog.

Finally, and most importantly, I hope to one day launch my charitable organization, Project Green Light. My goal is to help others break free from the chains of addiction, just as I have.