Columns

Dear Barb—BFNFs

Dear Barb: Hi, I have had a friend since grade school.  Through the years we have had a lot of fun and did a lot of things together.  Now that we are in our late twenties, our relationship doesn’t feel the same anymore.  For example, when I text Jasmine she takes forever to answer me,… Read more »

Fly on the Wall—We Are What We Read

Whatever we put into our bodies goes into the makeup of our being.  Years ago I attended a restaurant in Nelson, BC, specializing in delicious garlic dishes.  The glory of that mighty plant was on full display and for months after I enjoyed roasting garlic cloves with a little salt and olive oil.  Garlic, like… Read more »

The Reading List—April 2021

Like most people, I cannot believe it is April.  With the warm weather returning, many of us look forward to the spring and summer where hopefully things will improve, and life will get a little bit closer to normal.  In the meantime, try some of these recommended reads for April! Selfie by Will Storr Personally,… Read more »

Homemade is Better—Hash Browns

Until I worked in food sales, I always admired hash browns at restaurants.  They were usually crispy, perfectly shaped, and golden brown.  Then I got into cooking and food sales and realized that most restaurants use a premade product from McCain’s or Cavendish.  Pretty much the only two companies that make foodservice quantities of cubed… Read more »

Dear Barb—Refilling the Nest

Dear Barb: My wife and myself and our two kids recently had to move back in with my parents.  Because of the pandemic, we both lost our jobs and couldn’t afford our rent.  We feel bad about having to do this.  My parents are retired and have good pensions so finances are not an issue… Read more »

Fly on the Wall—Discovering The Real You(s) at AU

Ever wake up feeling like a different creature than you were yesterday?  We at AU emerge from the cocoon states of our less educated selves every day; the learning is ongoing and that’s why it’s called continuing education.  As we study harder and glean faster, we may see the world anew and feel our essence… Read more »

Music Review—Talk Show Host

Artist: Talk Show Host Track: Blood in the Sand Toronto power-pop punk trio Talk Show Host has released a new single “Blood in the Sand”, now streaming everywhere, along with a new music video.  The single is one of the tracks on Talk Show Host’s upcoming album, Mid-Century Modern.  The band’s first full length album… Read more »