Features, explainers and long-form stories from across Canada.
Anyone who’s ever needed a funny name for a gaming handle, a pet, or just a good laugh has probably stumbled into the wild mix of pun names, absurd government IDs, and Reddit threads full of “Ben Dover” jokes. It’s a surprisingly vast category, blending wordplay, pop culture, and the occasional truly unfortunate birth certificate. … Read more
Few Hollywood legends led a life as quietly dramatic as Gene Hackman’s final years. The two-time Oscar winner, who died at 95 in February 2025, spent his last days in a secluded Santa Fe home with his wife Betsy Arakawa. Their deaths, just days apart, revealed a story of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and a rare … Read more
When the news broke that Kim Porter had passed away at 47, it felt like a gut punch—not just because of her striking presence as a model and actress, but because of the questions that immediately swirled around her sudden death. Nearly two months later, on January 25, 2019, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner … Read more
Everyone knows the name Madison Beer, but the story behind the singer is a lot more layered than a viral cover and a pop career. From her early days as a teenager discovered by Justin Bieber to becoming a platinum-selling artist with two Grammy nominations, this is a grounded look at the facts — what … Read more
Few names echo through Canadian history quite like Samuel de Champlain — a man who planted the first permanent French roots in North America and, in the process, changed the map of the continent. By founding Quebec City in 1608, Champlain had already spent years navigating the Atlantic and sketching coastlines, but his story is … Read more
Mount Robson has a way of staying hidden. Most days, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies wraps itself in cloud, visible only about a dozen times a year. For climbers who make the journey, that unpredictability is part of the challenge — and part of the draw. This guide breaks down what it really … Read more
If you remember David Blaine from his 1997 Street Magic special, you might be surprised to learn what he’s been up to lately. The illusionist who once amazed audiences on sidewalks has reinvented himself as an endurance performer and, more recently, a family man. In 2025, he launched a globetrotting National Geographic series called Do … Read more
If you’ve ever found yourself nodding along to a Punjabi beat, chances are Babbu Maan’s voice was the reason — for more than two decades, the singer, actor, and producer has shaped the sound of modern Punjabi pop. This article separates the verified facts from the noise to give you a clear picture of his … Read more
Few rock frontmen have lived as many lives on and off the stage as Steven Tyler. This guide sorts the confirmed facts from the lingering questions about his health, sobriety, and relationships after the band’s 2024 retirement, marking the end of an era. Full name: Steven Tyler · Born: March 26, 1948 · Band: Aerosmith … Read more
Toby Keith’s voice was the soundtrack of countless road trips and backyard barbecues. When the country music icon died in February 2024, it wasn’t just a loss for fans — it raised a lot of questions. Here’s what we know, what’s still uncertain, and what his family has shared. Born: July 8, 1961 · Died: … Read more