Love in the modern world. The digital world. How has dating evolved in just a few short generations? And what can digital daters expect if they are entering (or re-entering) the dating scene?

According to actor and comedian Aziz Ansari (Parks and Recreation), daters can expect to encounter a whole new world of possibilities, from the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. From flirting and trying to make romantic connections in our “phone worlds” –  to selecting potential partners with the swipe of a finger using dating apps like Tinder.

The landscape of modern dating extends well beyond physical boundaries to encompass an ever expanding online network. The possibilities for meeting new people seem endless! And yet, despite the apparent ease of finding singles, it’s taking young adults longer and longer to find suitable mates. 

Ansari explains all in his humourous and engaging book, Modern Romance. Lighthearted, but brutally honest, Ansari delves into all sorts of modern relationship issues from sexting and cheating to “international investigations of love.” Find out what Japanese “herbivore” men are and why Argentinian singles don’t even need online dating.

Modern Romance is not only full of hilarious anecdotes, but it’s backed with some real world statistics and sociological insights. In a world flooded with dating handbooks (mostly targeting single women), Ansari’s uniquely male perspective and comical approach is a refreshing spin on conventional dating wisdom.  

Get your name on the waiting list today!

With the rising popularity of online fitness tools like MyFitnessPal and innovative devices such as the Fitbit, the opportunities for monitoring health and wellness goals seem endless.

Sometimes though, all you need is something simple to get started on the path to healthful living.

Staff at Vaughan Public Libraries recently participated in a month long walking challenge. Most participants tracked their steps with the help of the 99 pedometers available for loan at VPL. Pedometers can be borrowed for a three week period with the potential to renew up to ten times.

These easy-to-wear devices are worn vertically on the waistband or belt, halfway between your navel and hip. The pedometer can be reset to zero with one easy-to-use button.

The average North American walks 3,500 to 5,500 steps a day. Health professionals recommend we walk at least 10,000 steps daily in periods of 10 minutes or more to achieve health benefits.

10 minutes of walking = approximately 1,500 steps.

10,000 steps
> is equivalent to about 8 km
> burns 300 to 400 calories
> is considered as having an active lifestyle

You can do it!

Craving inspiration? Vaughan Public Libraries owns a vast collection of print books, ebooks and DVDs on the topic of fitness walking.

Last week the Truth and Reconciliation Commission used the term genocide to describe the many injustices done to 150,000 or so aboriginal children and their families during the operation of Canada’s residential schools.  The CBC covered the story in several news articles, including this one: http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-by-the-numbers-1.3096185.

At the same time, I received my copy of The Education of Augie Merasty: a residential school memoir. The slim and unassuming book (a mere 73 pages) belies a story of great significance for illuminating our understanding and reforming our misconceptions of Canada’s residential schools.

Augie’s story lends a voice to a generation of under-represented First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children who were taken from their families and sent to government-funded, church-run schools. Here they were subjected to a policy of “aggressive assimilation” in addition to innumerable instances of sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

Through the memories of 86-year-old Augie, the reader catches a glimpse into this terrible and shameful period of Canada’s history. Author David Carpenter provides further context, revealing Augie’s ongoing battle with alcoholism alongside his persistent struggle to document his story.

This is a small but important book that forces Canada to confront its complicity in the tragedy of residential schools. Borrow The Education of Augie Merasty: a residential school memoir from your local Vaughan library today!