Allison Markin

1 day ago | castanet.net | Allison Markin

On occasion, especially when I have a mild case of writer’s block, I’ll pull up an artificial intelligence writing tool and ask it what I should write about. Usually, the suggestions are not super surprising but can give me a slight creative poke in one direction or another. This exercise can also tease my technical interests, as I ponder what algorithms are picking up out there on the vast interwebs. So, when this AI idea came up, I was a bit taken aback.

2 weeks ago | castanet.net | Allison Markin

Many studies and surveys have been tabulated in recent years that track changing consumer habits when it comes to alcohol consumption. To sum things up in very general terms, most of us are drinking less booze. Some studies indicate millennials and generation Z are leading this sober-curious trend due to several factors—the cost, possible health impacts, various lifestyle choices and an overall desire to understand an individual’s motivation to drink alcohol.

4 weeks ago | castanet.net | Allison Markin

The unofficial kick-off to the Okanagan’s annual season of signature events and stepping out for a day of savouring local sips is here—the spring (Easter) long weekend. With three or four days to enjoy, there is plenty to do. However, a bit of planning might be helpful. On top of a number of events, advancing polls for the upcoming federal election will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 18 to 21 and some familiar facilities in your area may be in use by Elections Canada.

4 weeks ago | castanetkamloops.net | Allison Markin

The unofficial kick-off to the Okanagan’s annual season of signature events and stepping out for a day of savouring local sips is here—the spring (Easter) long weekend. With three or four days to enjoy, there is plenty to do. However, a bit of planning might be helpful. On top of a number of events, advancing polls for the upcoming federal election will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 18 to 21 and some familiar facilities in your area may be in use by Elections Canada.

1 month ago | castanet.net | Allison Markin

If you are of a certain age, the following may evoke feelings of nostalgia. If your shopping experiences have mostly ranged from big box to bargain outlets and online, you’ve probably missed out on a few iconic experiences. Full disclosure, I recently grabbed an HBC Stripes scarf online before all of the HBC Stripes merchandise was gone. I picked it up in person in Penticton where the staff was jovial, albeit somewhat downcast at the same time.