We’re all humans who matter and deserve to feel worthy

Canada is grappling with having found a mass grave at one residential school of 215 indigenous children. On June 1, Oklahoma began to dig to identify mass graves from the 100-year anniversary of the Tulsa massacre, where an affluent black community was levelled by mobs of white residents. “Heartbeat” abortion bans have also been passed in several Republican-led states, and …

Tips to help book your very own ‘nearly painless’ process

Thursday I received my first vaccination for COVID-19, and I feel like I have joined a secret club; that of those who beat Sault Ste. Marie’s vaccination registration system. It’s frustrating when you know that other regions and provinces aren’t facing the same difficulties, and when you learn that your twin city across the border has vaccines available … if …

Try ‘treading lighter upon the earth’ and eat less meat

Four years ago, I started going meatless once a week. It was a strange shift because I usually started my meal prep with: “What meat shall I thaw?” and then I’d go from there. Then, when the lockdowns began, I went meat free other than fish or shellfish (pescatarian) for close to a year. Now, I’ve reversed my original stance …

I gotta do it my way … Or no way at all

Communication is not easy, especially when there is something difficult to say. Even if we are excellent communicators, we can all use a reminder now and again about how to have tough conversations with our bosses, co-workers, lovers, friends, and children. I selfishly want to share these tips for difficult conversations because they work equally well if you don’t agree …

Fitting dudes for denim much more seamless

Some people might think that it would be impossible to write a column about jeans, but that person would likely be a man. For women, there’s lots to talk about, including: everchanging styles, pockets (or the lack thereof), vanity sizing, and jean gender GAP differences. Why my new interest in opining about denim wear? I’ve been looking for a pair …

We’re only human — and do not always notice red flags

In an effort to stop binge-watching television, I have been peppering my entertainment routine with some non-fiction books. Most recently, I picked up the audiobook Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know, by Malcolm Gladwell. As a student of human behaviour, I’ve always been a fan of Gladwell’s work. He talks about three main human …

Healthy complement of veterinarians would be the cat’s whiskers

Nadine Robinson and Reese had a “good experience” with the emergency vet on call. “We’re not taking new patients,” is something I’ve heard friends facing when dealing with trying to get a family doctor, but didn’t realize it was a pet issue until this last month. I know that humans are supposed to be a priority, but lately, I like …

2020 not such a bummer of a year after all

Dear 2020, You’ve been getting a lot of flak, but I want to say that I see method in your madness, and I am choosing to focus on the positives you’ve brought us. Firstly, I’d like to thank you for an even closer bond with my teens. I didn’t think it was possible, but our quarantine time strengthened us as …

Liars should get their just deserts

I hate being lied to. I rarely use the word hate, but I do feel that strongly about honesty or the lack thereof. If my history is any indication though, I have to caveat that statement because there were times in the past that I wanted to believe a lie, because it was easier and meant I wouldn’t have to …

Show respect and keep Christmas frills shelved until Remembrance Day wraps

As soon as Halloween and fall decorations come down, they appear to be replaced overnight with Christmas ones, but not in my house. I think it is only respectful to wait until after Remembrance Day to even consider putting up the Christmas tree. My grandfather, John William Setchell, who was in bomb disposal in the Second World War, deserves that. …