Humour makes my world go ‘round

January 15, 2025 · 0 Comments

While I’m nowhere near the comedic talent of one of the most talented men on the planet, I am a funny guy. That’s funny haha not funny strange. Okay … Jorge Garcia once said that mixing humour and harsh reality is a very human behaviour – “it’s the way people stay sane in their daily lives.”

Knowledge isn’t enough to advance our species

Knowledge itself is power, and it’s also not free – you have to pay attention! Adam Growe, Canadian comedian and host of the TV quiz show Cash Cab, is my companion on quiet Sunday mornings. I cheer for the contestants and celebrate my own knowledge of general trivia.

Santa Claus has along and cherished history

For children and adults around the world, Santa Claus is the epitome of the holiday season. While “Christ is the reason for the season,” Claus is a close second. In his famous response to a letter from a child, Francis P. Church explained in the New York newspaper, The Sun: “Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.”

Holidays shouldn’t be financially stressful

Harley Pasternak once said that “life is all about balance, and there are certain times of the year … that are meant to be enjoyed without guilt.” They say Christmas is not a season, but a state of mind. Well, the state of mind among our fellow Canadians is a bit depressing this year. According Spring Financial’s annual holiday survey, Canadians are stressed out, in debt and taxed to the limit when it comes to holiday spending.

Try to avoid the evil urges of consumerism

We are entering the holiday season and the infamous “Black Friday.” Sounds more like a reason to panic, than to save. And yet, millions of consumers across North America and beyond will dash to retail stores and wear out their keyboards for a flurry of shopping.

The ‘village’ is here to help one another

We’re all familiar with the phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child.” And it’s here to help adults, too. Originally an African proverb, the phrase picked up steam here in North America following Hillary Clinton’s 1996 book, “It takes a Village.”

Leave love and memories behind, not things

“Ooo, cookies!” I exclaimed to myself when I recently opened my lunch, lovingly prepared by my wife. Such is life’s simple pleasures sometimes. Not overly exciting or earth-shattering, but these tiny chocolate chip specimens brought a smile to my face.

It’s not about winning, just giving it a shot

“Not a winner.” “Please try again.” Messages like these are abundant as I check my lottery tickets each week. Lately, I feel they are personally directed right at me, and have some deeper meaning. Fran Lebowitz once observed that the chances of winning the lottery are identical, whether you play or not.

We need to douse the fuse of hatred

I don’t think most of us can ever understand the hate that’s been embedded in some cultures, religions and countries. Canada welcomes everyone of all ethnicities and countries of origin. We are considered a “cultural mosaic,” unlike the American “melting pot.”

Playing my own personal version of Jenga

There are days when I feel like I’m playing life-size Jenga with myself. Each new piece added to the top makes the structure unsteady, ready to topple. Maybe it’s the change of seasons and the chilly weather descending upon us. Maybe it’s a case of transition, moving forward yet being somewhat stuck.

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