I enjoy a good mystery, but I don't typically read mystery novels. While I like piecing together the clues, I'd rather not read about murder and other forms of violence. I especially don't need the gory details or the insight into a serial killer's thoughts and motivations. I'm always on the lookout for books that […]
Sometimes we all need a little reassurance and comfort. Something to help us escape our everyday lives for a little while. Or to remind us that there are still good things in the world. Even our regular, go-to book genres might feel a little too heavy sometimes. If you're someone who enjoys science fiction and […]
The autistic community is a beautifully diverse community made up of people from all walks of life, including people of all ages. Despite this, conversations about autism often focus exclusively on children. Autistic adults frequently face barriers to accessing vital support because they are only for minors. It also means they are rarely consulted about […]
There are a lot of misconceptions about Down syndrome. About what it is, how it affects a person and what that person is capable of. Down syndrome is an intellectual disability, but it is not a birth defect. The Canadian Down Syndrome Society defines it as "a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always existed […]
On February 11, 2023, the United Nations and scientists around the world celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Although the inclusion of women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields has improved significantly in recent years, there is still a long way to go. According to the UN, women in […]
"It's the most romantic time of the year!" Ok, that's not actually how the song goes but, for many people, there's something inherently romantic about this time of year. The sparkling lights, the coziness of a roaring fire, the sense of anticipation in the air. It all adds up to a certain kind of warm […]
"Spring Forward, Fall Back." It's that time of year again! On November 6, we all had to set our clocks back an hour as we mark the end of daylight saving time. Every year, there are debates about whether we should cancel the practice. Admittedly, I've never really had a strong opinion, other than maybe […]
October 16-22, 2022 is Invisible Disabilities Week. This is a week intended to raise awareness of invisible disabilities and the barriers people living with this type of disability experience. But what exactly does the phrase "invisible disability" mean? Perhaps a more accurate description is disabilities that are not immediately obvious. Most often, this refers to […]
Arr me hearties! September 19th is one of my favourite days on the calendar: International Talk Like A Pirate Day! The day was originally started in 1995, by friends John Baur and Mark Summers, otherwise known as Ol' Chumbucket and Cap'n Slappy. It was mostly a joke amongst friends until 2002, when Dave Barry, a […]
It's summertime and, for many Torontonians, that means spending more time outside! And what better way to enjoy the company of friends and family outdoors than around a roaring campfire? Whether you're off to a cottage, a campsite or staying at home this summer, get your marshmallows ready because it's time to make s'mores and […]