Columns

It has been said throughout the years that the English language is one of the hardest to learn. Those of us who speak the language, for the most part, think it is easy – most of the time, anyway.

Late on Dec. 18, I read a police report that made me stop in my tracks.

In 2023 I looked for hearts. What started as a fun little picture taking adventure with my kids, end-ed with a collection of hundreds of pictures of all different kinds of hearts.

2023 was a tough year. Not just for me personally, but for our health systems.

If you cast your attention at all to the app TikTok, then I am sure you have seen the recent trend circulating about math and all its variable forms.

Welcome to the first edition of 2024 for the Blitz. Based on my headline this week, as usual I’m getting into the same hard-hitting subjects as you’ve come to expect from past entries, which have included such controversial topics as wacky inflatable arm-flailing tube men, singing in the shower, and

Long after the food is gone. Long after the warmth of gatherings with friends and family has faded. Long after the decorations are dismantled and the lights are out. Even long after the presents are worn out and forgotten.

In November, voters in Argentina elected as their new president a political outsider who promised to inflict painful shock therapy to the nation’s stagnant economy and who carried a chainsaw to campaign rallies as a dramatic symbol of his plan to slash the size of government.

Over the Christmas holidays, which were all too brief, one of the most popular topics family members had to discuss with me was Sept. 15 – the day that Metroland Media declared bankruptcy and announced plans to cease printing of its weekly newspapers, going to an online-only model.

The start of a new year brings with it the promise of wonderful things to come.

As you may have read in my recent columns, I have had a good life. However, in October 2013, I had a brain scan which indicated a potential problem with my brain. I didn’t take this too seriously, but I did recognize that the results of the scan do indicate that the end of my life is due sometime. M

Declining life expectancy for Canadians. Plunging math scores among Canada’s high school students. Fewer doctors. And longer wait times for emergency care.

It seems like it was only yesterday we were all celebrating the end of 2022 and welcoming 2023 with open arms.

Bravo! Three cheers! Thank you to the unsung heroes of the holidays – the elves.

Here in Canada, December tends to be a dark month – with short days, fog and snow, and sometimes unpleasant cold rain. Many of us crave light this time of year. So, is it any surprise that the image of Jesus coming as the Light of the World resonates with many in the Northern Hemisphere at Christmas