Neil Burnside
@neilburnside.bsky.social
Tax Lawyer, Calgary AB. Previously a civil engineer. Passionate about sustainable development, urban design, and the energy transition. Proud dad to a disabled daughter. Views are my own and not my employer's.
Reposted by Neil Burnside
Today on Volts: a solo pod! This is just me talking, pulling together the strands -- the bits and pieces I've covered on pods over the last few years -- into a coherent narrative. Data centers, utilities, rising demand, politics ... this is, in my words, what's going on in energy world right now.
What's going on in electricity world?
Some thoughts on where we are in the electricity sector -- data centers, rising rates, etc. -- and a way forward that can benefit everyone.
www.volts.wtf
November 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Today on Volts: a solo pod! This is just me talking, pulling together the strands -- the bits and pieces I've covered on pods over the last few years -- into a coherent narrative. Data centers, utilities, rising demand, politics ... this is, in my words, what's going on in energy world right now.
Reposted by Neil Burnside
General bookings for COVID-19 vaccines opened — in theory — three weeks ago in Alberta.
I still haven't been able to book any for my children.
Just tried again this morning and got hung up on again by Alberta's 811 HealthLink, with an automated message blaming "higher than expected call volume."
I still haven't been able to book any for my children.
Just tried again this morning and got hung up on again by Alberta's 811 HealthLink, with an automated message blaming "higher than expected call volume."
The only way to book COVID vaccines for young children in Alberta is by calling 811 / HealthLink.
Bookings opened Monday.
It’s now Friday and the system is still saying call volumes are too high and auto-hanging-up on callers. 🙃
(They also cost $100 a pop, if you can ever get through.)
Bookings opened Monday.
It’s now Friday and the system is still saying call volumes are too high and auto-hanging-up on callers. 🙃
(They also cost $100 a pop, if you can ever get through.)
November 10, 2025 at 4:24 PM
General bookings for COVID-19 vaccines opened — in theory — three weeks ago in Alberta.
I still haven't been able to book any for my children.
Just tried again this morning and got hung up on again by Alberta's 811 HealthLink, with an automated message blaming "higher than expected call volume."
I still haven't been able to book any for my children.
Just tried again this morning and got hung up on again by Alberta's 811 HealthLink, with an automated message blaming "higher than expected call volume."
Reposted by Neil Burnside
Hey, congrats to @natefor8.bsky.social for winning his election! Amazing job!
October 22, 2025 at 5:18 AM
Hey, congrats to @natefor8.bsky.social for winning his election! Amazing job!
Took 90 minutes to vote in the middle of the day, what the heck? Hate to see the lines for after work.
October 20, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Took 90 minutes to vote in the middle of the day, what the heck? Hate to see the lines for after work.
Reposted by Neil Burnside
‘We need some inspiration’: Halifax pilot draws Blue Jays logo in sky
‘We need some inspiration’: Halifax pilot draws Blue Jays logo in sky
Dimitri Neonakis spent two and a half hours sketching out the Jays logo in the skies over Nova Scotia.
www.thestar.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:26 PM
‘We need some inspiration’: Halifax pilot draws Blue Jays logo in sky
Reposted by Neil Burnside
i will vote for anybody who fixes the headlight brightness situation
October 9, 2025 at 4:11 AM
i will vote for anybody who fixes the headlight brightness situation
Reposted by Neil Burnside
Why are we endorsing Nathaniel Schmidt for City Councillor in Ward 8?
Check out our full endorsement page to learn more about Nathaniel Schmidt: https://calgarysfuture.ca/endorsements/nathaniel-schmidt/
#YYC #YYCCC #Calgarysfuture #VoteReframe
Check out our full endorsement page to learn more about Nathaniel Schmidt: https://calgarysfuture.ca/endorsements/nathaniel-schmidt/
#YYC #YYCCC #Calgarysfuture #VoteReframe
September 23, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Why are we endorsing Nathaniel Schmidt for City Councillor in Ward 8?
Check out our full endorsement page to learn more about Nathaniel Schmidt: https://calgarysfuture.ca/endorsements/nathaniel-schmidt/
#YYC #YYCCC #Calgarysfuture #VoteReframe
Check out our full endorsement page to learn more about Nathaniel Schmidt: https://calgarysfuture.ca/endorsements/nathaniel-schmidt/
#YYC #YYCCC #Calgarysfuture #VoteReframe
Reposted by Neil Burnside
An open street isn’t just a place without cars, it’s a place with people. Music, kids playing, neighbors meeting. Streets can be more than corridors for traffic; they can be the heart of a community.
📍Open Newbury, Boston
📍Open Newbury, Boston
August 17, 2025 at 10:00 PM
An open street isn’t just a place without cars, it’s a place with people. Music, kids playing, neighbors meeting. Streets can be more than corridors for traffic; they can be the heart of a community.
📍Open Newbury, Boston
📍Open Newbury, Boston
Reposted by Neil Burnside
Reposted by Neil Burnside
Trying to explain Calgary’s mayoral race is like trying to catch a small swarm of butterflies with your bare hands.
But I had to try: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
But I had to try: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
ANALYSIS | Next Calgary mayor? An undecided city will have to decide soon | CBC News
A vulnerable incumbent. Transformed contenders. Untested partly leaders. This race has everything but clear front-runners.
www.cbc.ca
September 11, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Trying to explain Calgary’s mayoral race is like trying to catch a small swarm of butterflies with your bare hands.
But I had to try: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
But I had to try: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
I was refreshing volts.wtf (go subscribe!) all morning because of David's teaser, and I have to say I did not expect the "so f-ing technical and nerdy" episode to be about synthetic inertia.
September 5, 2025 at 5:02 PM
I was refreshing volts.wtf (go subscribe!) all morning because of David's teaser, and I have to say I did not expect the "so f-ing technical and nerdy" episode to be about synthetic inertia.
Reposted by Neil Burnside
AISH recipients despair over province’s changes to disability programs.
“It's been made very clear that I'm a burden on this government, that they view disabled people as burdens, that we don't have any worth or value unless we're working. It’s gut-wrenching.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
“It's been made very clear that I'm a burden on this government, that they view disabled people as burdens, that we don't have any worth or value unless we're working. It’s gut-wrenching.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
AISH recipient, advocates worry about Alberta's new disability benefit program | CBC News
A new discussion guide about the upcoming Alberta Disability Assistance Program reveals that many Albertans with severe disabilities will receive lower personal benefits after the program launches nex...
www.cbc.ca
August 21, 2025 at 3:01 PM
AISH recipients despair over province’s changes to disability programs.
“It's been made very clear that I'm a burden on this government, that they view disabled people as burdens, that we don't have any worth or value unless we're working. It’s gut-wrenching.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
“It's been made very clear that I'm a burden on this government, that they view disabled people as burdens, that we don't have any worth or value unless we're working. It’s gut-wrenching.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Neil Burnside
It's always been part of the national vision.
The barriers are still there, waiting to be overcome.
But the benefits---and urgency---have grown.
Forget America; it's time to build the east-west power grid.
By me, in Macleans today:
macleans.ca/economy/forg...
The barriers are still there, waiting to be overcome.
But the benefits---and urgency---have grown.
Forget America; it's time to build the east-west power grid.
By me, in Macleans today:
macleans.ca/economy/forg...
Forget America. Build an East-West Power Grid. - Macleans.ca
For decades, we've prioritized electrical trade with the United States. It's time to reduce our dependence on them.
macleans.ca
May 16, 2025 at 4:56 PM
It's always been part of the national vision.
The barriers are still there, waiting to be overcome.
But the benefits---and urgency---have grown.
Forget America; it's time to build the east-west power grid.
By me, in Macleans today:
macleans.ca/economy/forg...
The barriers are still there, waiting to be overcome.
But the benefits---and urgency---have grown.
Forget America; it's time to build the east-west power grid.
By me, in Macleans today:
macleans.ca/economy/forg...
"They'll need elements to all line up in their favour to rack up multiple wins here, in a city which has been represented by a grand total of three Liberals MPs in all elections since the 1970s."
Wowza! Political trivia nerds, read Jason's article.
Wowza! Political trivia nerds, read Jason's article.
Astonishing fact I found while researching Liberal fortunes in Calgary:
If George Chahal wins re-election in Cal-McKnight, he’ll be the first two-term Calgary Liberal MP … ever.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
If George Chahal wins re-election in Cal-McKnight, he’ll be the first two-term Calgary Liberal MP … ever.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
ANALYSIS | Red ripple in blue Calgary? Liberals eye record gains in Conservative stronghold | CBC News
Calgary has never elected more than two Liberals at once. With Trudeau gone, party hoping for record-breaking success in Conservative heartland.
www.cbc.ca
April 25, 2025 at 2:01 AM
"They'll need elements to all line up in their favour to rack up multiple wins here, in a city which has been represented by a grand total of three Liberals MPs in all elections since the 1970s."
Wowza! Political trivia nerds, read Jason's article.
Wowza! Political trivia nerds, read Jason's article.
Reposted by Neil Burnside
Bonne Journée internationale de la Francophonie!
Le français est la langue maternelle de près du quart des Canadien(ne)s, et elle fait partie de la foisonnante diversité de nos collectivités.
Le français est la langue maternelle de près du quart des Canadien(ne)s, et elle fait partie de la foisonnante diversité de nos collectivités.
March 20, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Bonne Journée internationale de la Francophonie!
Le français est la langue maternelle de près du quart des Canadien(ne)s, et elle fait partie de la foisonnante diversité de nos collectivités.
Le français est la langue maternelle de près du quart des Canadien(ne)s, et elle fait partie de la foisonnante diversité de nos collectivités.
Reposted by Neil Burnside
Please support this GoFundMe by donating or sharing—every bit of help makes a difference: gofund.me/430f0275
(More details about Emily here: calgaryherald.com/life/parenti...)
(More details about Emily here: calgaryherald.com/life/parenti...)
Donate to Emily's Mobility Van, organized by Christina Ryan
My name is Emily, and last August my wheelchair van was decimated by hail the size of chicken eggs… Christina Ryan needs your support for Emily's Mobility Van
gofund.me
March 17, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Please support this GoFundMe by donating or sharing—every bit of help makes a difference: gofund.me/430f0275
(More details about Emily here: calgaryherald.com/life/parenti...)
(More details about Emily here: calgaryherald.com/life/parenti...)
Happy "can't wait to commute directly into the sunrise again" week for those who celebrate.
March 9, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Happy "can't wait to commute directly into the sunrise again" week for those who celebrate.
Timeline cleanse!
Hawaiian crows are extinct in the wild and are found nowhere else on Earth. Now, a small group, safeguarded in captivity, has been released in the forests of Maui.
This rare, intelligent species of crow is taking flight in Hawaii again
Hawaiian crows are extinct in the wild and are found nowhere else on Earth. Now, a small group, safeguarded in captivity, has been released in the forests of Maui.
www.npr.org
February 23, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Timeline cleanse!
Reposted by Neil Burnside
While the news cycle out of the US can feel chaotic and overwhelming, the facts of climate progress happening around the world are the antidote to pessimism. Read more from Institute president @rjcsmith.bsky.social's first monthly column in Corporate Knight
www.corporateknights.com/category-cli...
www.corporateknights.com/category-cli...
The facts of climate progress are the antidote to pessimism | Corporate Knights
OPINION | Don't let defeatism obscure the truth: major progress is happening on climate and clean energy around the world
www.corporateknights.com
February 21, 2025 at 7:04 PM
While the news cycle out of the US can feel chaotic and overwhelming, the facts of climate progress happening around the world are the antidote to pessimism. Read more from Institute president @rjcsmith.bsky.social's first monthly column in Corporate Knight
www.corporateknights.com/category-cli...
www.corporateknights.com/category-cli...
Reposted by Neil Burnside
In my opinion, more than 75% of every urban planning, architecture, and landscape architecture program today should focus on “SPRAWL REPAIR”.
The work is endless.
And virtually nobody is teaching it.
The work is endless.
And virtually nobody is teaching it.
February 10, 2025 at 3:08 PM
In my opinion, more than 75% of every urban planning, architecture, and landscape architecture program today should focus on “SPRAWL REPAIR”.
The work is endless.
And virtually nobody is teaching it.
The work is endless.
And virtually nobody is teaching it.
Reposted by Neil Burnside
SCOOP: Danielle Smith's government fired the head of Alberta Health Services two days before she was to meet with the Auditor-General to discuss her internal investigation into procurement contracts and deals for private surgical facilities. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... #abpoli #ableg
Alberta ousted health services CEO amid probe into medical contracts, document alleges
Athana Mentzelopoulos was dismissed two days before a meeting with province’s auditor on her investigation, according to letter
www.theglobeandmail.com
February 6, 2025 at 3:50 AM
SCOOP: Danielle Smith's government fired the head of Alberta Health Services two days before she was to meet with the Auditor-General to discuss her internal investigation into procurement contracts and deals for private surgical facilities. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... #abpoli #ableg
Reposted by Neil Burnside
The news getting you down? I invite you to stare at this chart of solar and wind deployed capacity in China.
They blew past their ambitious 2030 target... last July.
They blew past their ambitious 2030 target... last July.
February 4, 2025 at 10:44 PM
The news getting you down? I invite you to stare at this chart of solar and wind deployed capacity in China.
They blew past their ambitious 2030 target... last July.
They blew past their ambitious 2030 target... last July.
Reposted by Neil Burnside
January 31, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Reposted by Neil Burnside
Hi Bluesky! Just thought we'd introduce ourselves. We help #Alberta workers with issues like improper pay, job loss, discrimination, illness, injury, disability and much more. As a charitable organization, our services are always free.
Tell a friend! #Calgary #Edmonton #RedDeer #Lethbridge #Airdrie
Tell a friend! #Calgary #Edmonton #RedDeer #Lethbridge #Airdrie
Workers’ Resource Centre - Free Help For Alberta Workers
The Workers’ Resource Centre provides free support for workplace and employment issues like job loss, discrimination, disability, unpaid wages, and more.
helpwrc.org
January 22, 2025 at 8:02 PM