Published Columns

Recently a friend bombarded me with news and opinions – including his own – about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its root causes. His view differs from some of mainstream opinions, and my own. […]

Amber Bracken is an award-winning photojournalist based in Western Canada. Her photography has been published widely in The Globe and Mail, the New York Times, Reuters, Canadian Geographic, and by numerous publications that are members […]

It’s been two years since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in Ontario, marking the beginning of the pandemic here. Rather than write some ominous recap of the past two year period, a […]

Travel has always been an important part of my family’s activities. First it was day trips and then as finances and time permitted, longer trips were undertaken. Travelling with kids is a worthwhile adventure, even […]

This year voters are blessed with two opportunities to go to the election booth. Ontario’s general election is June 2 and the municipal election is October 24. Voting is important and as someone who follows […]

This year is almost over. At the start of 2021, it looked to me like we’d be on our way out of this pandemic. Hope, optimism, and all that jazz. Now as my fingers tap […]

Telling stories is an important part of the Christmas tradition, or at least they are in my family. Family stories or reminiscences are part of that tradition. Remembering an uncle who mixed up the chocolate […]

I worked at a self-serve gas station for a couple of years when I was in high school. It was one of the most boring jobs I’ve ever worked. My shifts consisted of pushing a […]

I dislike giving gift cards as presents for close family members and friends. It’s impersonal. Unless the gift card is for an experience I think the gift receiver might like, those plastic cards are taboo. […]