NAOC discusses global order as Canada copes with the pandemic — There is little consensus on what a new “normal” would be post-COVID-19, but there is no doubt that the pandemic will have far-reaching implications for the global society. …

The most embarrassing mistake I have ever made in my journalism career — It happened during my very first assignment at a local community newspaper. It was one of the very first articles I have written for the paper, and, actually, one of my favorite articles to have worked on. The newspaper shares a building with an office of a Canadian Ukrainian youth…

Or how I learned what my favourite chocolate bar was — I was in grade 12, and, parallel to that, in my last year of sea cadets. It so happened that only I was chosen to go on a seamanship deployment to British Columbia out of my unit. Being a timid introvert, I found the prospect of going on the trip…

A love letter — I will take you up the river So it could drain your worries. I will tell you stories Until a wistful shiver Runs down your back. And in our shack On a starry August night I’ll kiss your lips. And we’ll turn off the lights, And listen to the horns…

A poem — It’s sunrise. The plane has finally landed And my waiting has ended - I’m here to see you. * The prize (you). I’m here to seize you, To feel your touch on my skin, And blush like on cue. * “Surprise!” I cheer from around the corner. Your smile becomes warmer, And you’re happy too. * Blue skies. We stare at them together, In good or bad weather, While eating fondue. * Apple pies - You feed them to me at the Waterfront;

It is not monitored as strictly as it should be I mean really, no one wants to see all your 100500 selfies, unless you have pictures of your dog there, too — that I’m interested in. …

Elephants? In Toronto? In winter??? — I guess we all need to stop and listen to the elephants once in a while. “It’s elephants!” she exclaimed. “Can you hear them?” My thoughts were interrupted, and that phrase caught me off-guard. Elephants? I thought. That’s ridiculous. I was on my way home when we heard the trumpets…

Rest in Peace, love — I had my first panic attack three days after he died. Furball was the most understanding cat I’ve ever met. It took only one look from me and he knew exactly what I wanted him to do. We would spend hours laying on the floor, watching TV together, doing yoga…

Coffee lemonade and other tricks from a certified coffee expert — Have you ever tried coffee lemonade? It sounds bizarre, extraordinary, perhaps a tad peculiar. You wouldn’t think that this combination works, right? But it does. Adding lemonade to your iced coffee creates a bold, tangy and delicious drink that tastes like Laura Secord Chocolates, the one with a lemon cream…