Columns

Local Shout Out—Red Deer

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) estimates potential permanent closures of up to 222,000 small and medium-sized businesses, depending on how the situation evolves.  That’s 21 percent of all Canadian businesses.  The corresponding job losses would range between 962,000 and 2,951,000 Canadian workers. While most of us are struggling financially right now,… Read more »

Beyond Literary Landscapes—Disability Literature

From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge.  Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile. From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and… Read more »

Fly on the Wall—Taking Toxicity out of Xmas

December holidays can be a wondrous and positive time.  Also, holiday cheer can be an oxymoron.  Participants are implored to be joyful and to keep the Christmas spirit while still being themselves.  And, well, it’s not so easy to feel festive all the time.  Likewise, we’re asked to remember the reason for the season (family,… Read more »

Dear Barb—In-Law Interloper

Dear Barb: My husband and I have been married for three years.  We are very happy, except for his mother interfering in our lives.  Everything was good when we were dating and engaged, and even the first part of our marriage.  For the last year she is critical of everything I do.  She “suggests” different… Read more »

Beyond Literary Landscapes—Journalistic Writing, Part II

From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge.  Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile. From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and… Read more »

Homemade is Better—Stuffing

With the holidays around the corner, many of us will head to the store and buy ingredients for a most delicious holiday meal.  It might be turkey, or goose, or even prime rib, but then you’re going to travel down an aisle with shelves full of stuffing in a box, and you might think to… Read more »

Music Review—Stay Home

Artist: Still Insane Single: Stay Home Quebec City punk rock band, Still Insane, has released a single from their upcoming album—their first-time releasing music since 2017.  The single is titled “Stay Home”, although the name of the new EP is still under wraps.  The band will be releasing the full album February 2022. Still Insane… Read more »

Dear Barb—Christmas Crisis

Dear Barb: It’s that time of year again and my anxiety is through the roof.  I hate family get-togethers at any time of year, and Christmas just seems to make it all that much worse.  Everyone was so upset last year about not being able to get together with family at Christmas, but not me. … Read more »