Ryan’s Hope: Living On in the Lives of Others

The day started out normally enough. It was May 1, 1997. Ryan was upstairs preparing to leave for school, while his six-year-old sister, Jamie, waited for him at the front door. Suddenly, Ryan started to tell us about Albert Einstein with such enthusiasm and excitement; it was as if a light had gone off in his head. He said, “E=mc2 – I understand what Einstein was saying: the theory of relativity. I understand now!”

I said, “That’s wonderful,” but thought, how odd. It wasn’t his thinking about Einstein – Ryan was so intelligent – but rather, the timing that seemed peculiar.

At the age of 10, Ryan loved knowledge and seemed to have an abundance of it, far beyond his years. The possibilities of the universe were boundless to him. Read more

Québec, La Belle Provence

As Québec City continues its 400th birthday celebrations, its rich history and recent developments blend together to make the picturesque city the place to visit this year.

Bonjour, madame,” says a bellhop with a smile as he assists me with my bags. I have just arrived in Québec City and the proverbial warmth it’s hailed for greets me, while the fragrant mist of the sparkling St. Lawrence River lifts and carries itself into the breeze.

It’s early afternoon in the charming metropolis, yet the atmosphere is bursting with excitement. A special, uniting feeling emanates, as Québec City bustles with year-long celebrations in light of its 400th birthday. Read more

Giovanni: Little Dynamite – The Margarita King

It’s true what they say – good things come in small packages. Giovanni, the Margarita King is living proof of this.

He is 4’11” tall, but he is a giant. He gives his name simply as Giovanni, but you may know him best as The Margarita King. And since the margarita is considered one of the most popular cocktails in the world, that is a rather lofty title to have. He won the title indirectly—it is not something he just bestowed upon himself.

Yes, won it he did! Giovanni’s The Margarita King is considered by many whose job it is to know such things as close to perfection as you can get in a pre-mixed cocktail in a bottle. Read more

Justin Hines: How Sweet the Sound

Canadian singer and songwriter Justin Hines tells us about his passion for music, his love of life, and his views on romance.

You have probably heard his hit song “Wish You Well” on the radio, or perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to experience one of his memorable performances. Either way, Justin Hines’ sweet and soulful voice has captured the hearts of listeners everywhere.

Friendly and down-to-earth, the 26-year-old Hines’ gentle disposition has been embraced by his fans. With life bringing him so much joy, this musician is living his life with a “glass half-full” perspective. “There are just so many positive influences in my life,” he shares. “I have too many things to be excited about, that it’s actually difficult for me to stay in a negative space.” Read more

The Secrets to Living a Century of Life

Everyone wants to live a long life, but reaching the revered age of 100 is a feat that takes work and appreciation. Read on to discover how you can blow out a century of candles – off a sugar-free cake, of course.

In the foyer of a residential long term care facility rests an inspiring 5-tiered fountain. Its continuous cascade mesmerizes, as a calm washes over those who walk into North York’s Villa Colombo.

Five elderly people sit side by side in chairs across from the fountain, which sends soothing whispers throughout the atrium.

For thousands of years, fountains have symbolized the never-ending cycle of life. In the 15th century, Spanish conquistador Ponce de León desperately searched for the Fountain of Youth, Read more

Med Connect

Your Connection to Some of the City’s Top Health Professionals!

Dr. Patricia Iannucci: A Little Smile Goes a Long Way
For many, a trip to the dentist conjures up feelings of fear and anxiety. But there’s no need to worry. Gentle new technology and a friendly, capable staff can make visiting the dentist a walk in the park. And here’s a plus: oral health is associated with longevity and increased self-esteem.

“A beautiful smile is welcoming; it disarms people,” says Dr. Patricia Iannucci, a dentist at Vaughan’s Pine Seven Dental Centre. “Some of my clients are self-conscious about their teeth when they come to see me, and try their hardest not to smile, so I really think that a great smile can do volumes for one’s confidence.” Read more

Mario Moretti Polegato: The Lord of Soles

Look deep into the sole of Italian visionary Mario Moretti Polegato and you’ll discover how he turned an epiphany into a well-recognized, global brand.

A few times a month, Italy-based business mogul Mario Moretti Polegato heads to prominent European universities to lecture on the art of money-making.

As the chairman and founder of one of Europe’s fastest growing companies, and on Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s wealthiest individuals, he knows a thing or two about turning ideas into lucrative ventures. Read more

Ellen’s Anatomy

Actress Ellen Pompeo tells us about the hurdles and life-changing experiences that prepared her for her coveted role on the hit drama series Grey’s Anatomy.

When she was just a child, Ellen Pompeo’s Italian grandfather nicknamed her “Straciatella,” which loosely translates to: “little rags,” or “strings.” He called her by this endearment because she was so thin as a child.

But now, as the title character Meredith Grey on the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy, Pompeo is known as a beacon of style, health and beauty.

Pompeo wasn’t discovered as a teenager by an agent and directed into modelling, then into TV commercials before going to Read more

Dream Rooms

Be it classy and elegant, divine or energized, adding personal touches in a home will make each space your own!

Often times, it has been said that home is where the heart is. With this in mind, it is important to note that the interior of your home can indicate who you are as a person. Your abode can tell a lot about your life, so imagine each room as a new story. Map out your tale by deciding on special additions to make each room one-of-a-kind.

From a rustic look to a modern appeal, accent your area with pillows, chic furniture, and illuminating light fixtures. Candles are another bright way to add a more relaxed ambiance to your unique dwelling.

Incorporate a special touch of art deco or antiques from the Art Shoppe, where you will find a range of Read more

Beauty Lives Here

Cutting-edge hair and fabulous fair skin is essential this fall. Smoke your eyes with grays and silvers, and add subtle pinks on nails and lips. Complete your look by slipping on a little black dress and accent it with accessories. Read more

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