Category Archives: MISC.

Life Lessons: Privacy Please

Posted on February 28, 2017 | Leave a comment

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A few weeks ago an odd occurrence brought me to my elbows, perched in front of Google and primed to ask some questions. I typed, ‘Is my smartphone listening to me all the time?’ followed shortly by ‘Should I convert to asceticism, move to the woods, and bury my iPhone in a shallow and forgotten grave?’. I’ve heard the myths, read the unsubstantiated claims in semi-reputable publications, and delved deep into the extensive reddit threads, but I have never actually thought my phone was eavesdropping on me.  Continue reading →

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Posted in CULTURE, MISC.

Your True Self(ie)

Posted on October 5, 2016 | Leave a comment

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The Jekyll and Hyde of the 21st century is not a mad scientist struggling with split-personality disorder, but more likely, a savvy millennial struggling with whether or not they should post something online. I often feel that there’s an inner battle taking place in my psyche — between the part of me that strives to be an enigma, and the other, that’s cool with oversharing even if it’s TMI. The past few months have been justifiably hard for me, and during that time, I felt this uncomfortable disconnect on the regular. This feeling of wanting to share what was going on through a photo, or post, but finding that my finger stalled as soon as I actually had to click ‘share’. Continue reading →

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Posted in CULTURE, HEALTH&BEAUTY, MISC.

Galentine’s Day Bingo!

Posted on February 10, 2016 | Leave a comment

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Whether you’re single, betrothed, or completely against the entire capitalist Valentine’s Day agenda – one thing is certain – there is no reason why you shouldn’t celebrate Galentine’s Day! Galentine’s Day is a day for ladies to celebrate their friendships, perhaps dish on their latest romantic forays, curse love, and/or guzzle rosé bubbly. Whatever it is you choose to do, it’s a fun and fabulous excuse to get together with your gal pals and make some memories. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching – so be sure to make some time in your calendar for you and your squad to share in some fine charcuterie. I’ve created a bingo card for you to make use of during your Galentine’s celebration. Each time something on the card happens, mark it off. First person to get BINGO? Well, you can come up with a glamorous prize, or you can just accept that as winner you will receive my undying respect – a priceless commodity. Enjoy your Galentine’s Day m’dears – YA YA! Continue reading →

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What’s Your Sign, Baby?

Posted on January 27, 2016 | Leave a comment

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I’m no Miss Cleo, and certainly can’t hold a light to Susan Miller’s Astrology Zone, but I do like to dabble in the fine art of horoscope crafting. Am I spiritually in touch with the cosmos? No, not really. Am I qualified to predict your future? Not any more than the next guy. Do I think that reading a positive horoscope may help you to approach the upcoming year, month, week or day with a little more pep in your step? Most definitely. The first month of 2016 is about to come to an end – and in a lot of ways it has thus far felt like the same old shit, just a new year. Leave the *NEW YEAR NEW ME* codswallop in the dust – you’re fine just the way you are. Instead, turn to the stars and demand that they start working for you, honey!  Continue reading →

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Little Ol’ Me

Posted on November 27, 2015 | Leave a comment

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Being a girl means being many different things at once. It means that at a certain age you discovered the joys of covering things in glitter and colourful stickers. It means feeling rad as hell when holding an electric guitar in your arms, despite your level of talent. It means loving getting your nails done just as much as you love carrying a canoe on your back (and perhaps chipping said nails). It means having a closet full of your favourite colour, whether that be pink, black, or plaid, and rocking it on the daily. It means being able to do an impressive number of push-ups, but not always being able to open the jar of almond butter you so desperately crave. It means benefitting from an emotional intelligence many boys will sadly never know, while also having that same sensitivity devalued or used against you. It can mean whatever you want it to mean, but the older I get, the more I experience and expose myself to, the more I realize that to certain people, what it means to be a girl is set in stone, and with those expectations comes a less than savoury treatment. Continue reading →

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Let Me Tell You A Little Story…

Posted on November 22, 2015 | 1 comment

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A story about two of the most generous people I know – Samantha Jackson and Farz Yousefian. I’ve known Sam since kindergarten, and have watched her become a fierce advocate for change, giving herself wholly to any cause she involves herself with. She met her perfect match – Farz – who may very well rival Sam with his kindness and altruistic nature. Together they make an unstoppable team. They had planned their wedding for Spring 2016 – but both, being deeply involved in the efforts towards the Syrian humanitarian crisis, decided to do something amazing.  
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What I’m Learning About Trying To Learn About Politics

Posted on November 13, 2015 | 2 comments

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Since I was old enough to vote, I’ve always made an effort to stay politically informed. Admittedly, some years I’ve been more informed than others (something big must have been happening on HBO at the time…). But there are so many think pieces to choose from, that I’m learning it’s hard to ever be wholly in the know. When I go to my browser’s home page (a Canadian news publication) I’ll scroll through the ‘Politics’ section, pick and choose the headings that speak to my interests, seem intriguing, or boast names and subjects I recognize. Or sometimes I’ll turn to my politically savvy pals to take their temperature on our country/province/city’s current political atmosphere. But in this way, I’m only receiving a small portion of the story –  Continue reading →

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Social Media Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on November 11, 2015 | Leave a comment

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Navigating the modern day world is not always straightforward. Social interactions involve reading other people’s personalities and adjusting your behaviour accordingly, which is not necessarily an easy task – especially if you’re lacking in the social skills department – but at least you have one-on-one interactions to work with. #IRL the rules have basically been established for how to connect with another human being properly – don’t hit them, don’t scream in their face, pop a breath mint, listen, respond and just be nice. But with all the never-ending stream of new apps and social media tools we’ve come to accept into our lives via our iPhone appendage, there’s a whole new set of rules to follow and with it a lengthy list of social land mines to avoid. Continue reading →

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Inherent Vices

Posted on November 6, 2015 | Leave a comment

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Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist who created a Hierarchy of Needs as a predictor for psychological health. Having studied psychology in University, I have a basic very basic understanding of what he was talking about. The first level of needs that must be met for basic survival are of course your physiological needs (breathing, food, water, shelter, sleep). Next, your safety and security needs (health, employment, social stability). Once those two levels have been fulfilled, your love and belonging needs must be met (friendship, family, imtimacy, hugz), which will lead to self-esteem fulfilment (feelin’ one hundred). And finally – once all other needs have been satisfied – then, and only then can you reach self-actualization (morality, creativity, acceptance and all that other good stuff). That’s all fine and well, but, like, what about pizza and Netflix, because I just don’t think I could live without those either. Continue reading →

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Hear Me Roar

Posted on October 16, 2015 | Leave a comment

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Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me – or so the old adage goes. But what if you’ve been fooled more times than you can count? Or even worse…what if you’ve just been fooling yourself? These are the fun thoughts that run through your mind when you’re a 20-something and attempting to navigate the treacherous world of dating. “Treacherous?!”, you say, slightly baffled by my perhaps hyperbolic description of what is supposed to be a *super fun* pastime that involves drinks, laughs and suggestive glances. Exaggerate I do not. Love is indeed a battlefield, my friends. And one must share their war stories in order to get out of the trenches.  Continue reading →

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