On Candy

Some candies have branded themselves so well that stores exist around the world containing nothing but that product.

(A giant M&M store in London, England)

On Discrimination

It is seriously quite frightening how early and quickly racism and discrimination can spread in a classroom.

On Blindness

There are people so curious about being blind that they would opt to have a meal in complete darkness.

(A Montreal restaurant where patrons dine in the dark)

On Religion

Just because a person may not be religious it doesn't mean they can't appreciate certain spiritual artworks.

(The gardens at St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal)

On Quinoa

Enjoying the health benefits of this "superfood" can have a negative effect on many countries in South America due to rising domestic costs of the grain. 

(Quinoa at my local supermarket)

On Relaxing

Taking a few moments to sit and relax on a grassy knoll amidst a long, busy day of sightseeing can seriously help to recapitulate one's thoughts.

(Relaxing under a pine tree in Old Montreal)

On Prepositions

They are not the same as conjunctions and/or articles.

Prepositions: A word that indicates the temporal, spatial, or logical relationship of an object to the rest of the sentence. (eg.: book ON table, pencil UNDER book, tools used DURING class)

Conjunctions: A word or series of words that connect parts of a compound sentence. (eg.: I'm a vegetarian BUT I eat seafood, He studied hard SO he got an A, She does not dance NOR does she sing) 

Articles: A word used with a noun to indicate and/or limit the type of reference being made by the noun. (eg.: A bicycle, AN apple, THE classroom)

On Microwavable Popcorn

Saving the un-popped kernels in a bag of popcorn generally yields an additional serving size after five bags.

(An extra batch of popcorn I recently enjoyed)

On Buildings

"We depend on out surroundings obliquely to embody the moods and ideas we respect and then to remind us of them. We look to our buildings to hold us, like a kind of psychological mould to a helpful vision of ourselves. We arrange around us material forms which communicate to us what we need - but are at constant risk of forgetting what we need - within. We turn to wallpaper, benches, paintings and streets to staunch the disappearance of our true selves."

-Alain de Botton, author of The Architecture of Happiness 

(63 Building in Seoul, South Korea)

On Bike Sharing

If applicable in your city, investing in a summer bicycle pass is more economically and physically sound than public transportation.

(Bixi bikes parked in Old Montreal)

On Heart Attacks

Consuming considerable amounts of fat and/or wine does not necessarily increase a nation's heart attack risks.

(A few wise words on a menu in downtown Ottawa)

On Facebook

In some instances keeping real friends and family separate from old acquaintances can be an asset.

On Inspirational Messages

One can never see or hear too many inspirational messages throughout the day.

(An inspirational message on a friend's coaster)

On Food Trucks

Although they have been banned in many cities, food trucks are no more unsanitary than typical fast food restaurants.

(A Felix & Norton truck in Old Montreal)

On Health Warnings

In case warning labels on cigarette packs are not enough, some matchstick companies are trying a new tactic.

(A pack of matches from a pub in Toronto)

On Puppies

Using impossibly cute puppies can be a clever way to lure customers into your business facilities.

(A puppy sitting by the door of a hairdresser in Toronto)

On Grocery Shopping

Going shopping on an empty stomach will generally lead one to purchase much more food than necessary.

(A massive amount of food served in Czech Republic)

On Feeding Children

Making food look fun/funny can go a long way into making sure fussy kids eat their entire plate.

(A meal that a friend prepared for her daughter)

On Ambitions

"Oh, it's delightful to have ambitions. I'm so glad I have such a lot. And there never seems to be any end to them- that's the best of it. Just as soon as you attain one ambition you see another one glittering higher up still. It does make life so interesting." 

-L.M. Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables.

(Anne of Green Gables memorabilia in P.E.I.)

On Soft Drinks

Apart from containing no nutritional value, soft drink machines are actually the dirtiest part of fast food restaurants.

(Meals from a McDonald in the Czech Republic)

On Ramadan

Although it includes acts of introspection, self-discipline, and fasting- many are not aware that abstinence from sex, drinking, and smoking is also expected.

(Stuffed vine leaves I made a few days ago)

On Wind Energy

Until we truly tap into the potential of wind energy it will be seen as nothing more than a nuisance in society.

On London

Lots of clouds and rainy days do not prevent one from enjoying this lovely majestic city one bit.

(Big Ben and Parliament in London, England)

On Rainy Days

Sometimes the only thing left to do after several days of rain and bad weather while camping is to dance.

(Friends dancing in the rain at a camp last summer)

On Hotel Smoking

If asking politely doesn't work, hefty charges like this one are likely to do the trick. (Please)

(A polite sign in a London, England hotel)

On Fish & Chips

It has become such a staple in England that the Brits have honed it down to a crisp flavor. 

(Fish & Chips flavored crisps in London, England)

On Murals

They are a cheap alternative to renovation and can seriously brighten up a neighborhood's landscape.

(A beautiful mural in downtown Montreal)

On the Fourth of July

It is not only an important day for the United States as Rwanda and the Philippines also celebrate their independence on this date. 

(A partial map of New England in Rhode Island)

On Humor

Using humor to see another side's perspective can be one of the most useful tools in educating youth on social justice.

On Memory

"Memory is treacherous; you can't depend on it. It is basically always recreated to reinforce your anxiety or make yourself look better, but whatever actually did happen is totally susceptible to subjective interpretation."

-Milton Glaser, "I <3 NY" creator.

(A late-night scene somewhere in London, England)

On Canada Day

It's the one day of the year where language and political differences in this country should not matter.

(RCMP officers at the Montreal Grand Prix last summer)

~HAPPY CANADA DAY~