A thousand years ago, I read an interview with Tom Hamilton, the bass player of Aerosmith. He was asked why he chose that instrument over anything else, and his reply stuck with me.

Paraphrasing Tom, he said that the bass is the bridge between the drums and the guitar. The bass has percussive elements and is often used to emphasize the beat. A bass player and a drummer who can lock together is an amazing thing and can turn an okay band into something awesome.

But the bass also has melodic characteristics. A great bass player can also underscore what’s happening with the guitar and even the vocalist. Listen to what Paul McCartney did with the Beatles or how John Paul Jones subtly and effectively added more power to Jimmy Page’s riffs.

If you’re gonna rock, you need bass. That bottom end is the sonic scaffolding upon which everything is built. Without it, things sound thin. And I’m looking at you, Metallica, and your ...And Justice for All album.

Like, come on. I mean, it’s a fine metal record, but it would have been so much more powerful if you’d turned up Jason Newsted in the mix. But noooo! James and Lars ordered that Jason be pushed way down in the mix, so he’s pretty much inaudible. They said, “Oh, our ears were just fried from touring, and we just kept pushing up the treble so we could hear it. And in the process, the bass just disappeared. Sorry… our bad.”

Right. It was ego, and you know it.

If you want an alternate universe for this album, just look for a fan project called And Justice for Jason.

Anyway, I digress. What we’re here for is part two of a look at the most important bass players in the history of alt-rock. And you’ll be able to hear each and every one of them.

Songs  heard on this show:

• The Stranglers, No More Heroes
• Talking Heads, Life During Wartime
• The Smiths, This Charming Man
• Primus, Tommy the Cat
• Radiohead, The National Anthem
• Green Day, Longview
• Pearl Jam, Jeremy
• Rage Against the Machine, Killing in the Name

Here’s Eric Wilhite’s playlist.

The Ongoing History of New Music can be heard on these stations:

• 102.1 The Edge/Toronto – Sunday night at 7pm
• Q107/Toronto – Sunday night at 9pm
• Live 88-5/Ottawa – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 6pm
• 107.5 Dave-FM/Kitchener – Sunday nights at 11pm
• FM96/London – Sunday nights at 8pm
• Power 97/Winnipeg – Sunday nights at 10am and 10pm
• 107-3 The Edge/Calgary – Sundays at 10am and 10pm
• Sonic 102.9/Edmonton – Sunday at 8am and 8pm
• The Zone/Victoria – Sunday at 9am and 9pm
• The Fox/Vancouver – Sundays at 10am and 10pm
• The Goat Network/Interior BC
• WAPS/WKTL The Summit/Arkon, Canton, Cleveland, Youngstown – Mon-Fri at 9pm

 

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Is there a correlation between being a psychopath and the music they like? That’s what a study at New York University set out to explore.

About 200 students were given a questionnaire designed to gauge their level of psychopathy. Among the questions were “For me what’s right is whatever I can get away with.” That’ll give you an idea of what character traits they were looking for.

After determining who in the group had psychopathic tendencies, researchers then gave everyone a music preference test. Those with the highest psycho scores tended to like “Lose Yourself” by Eminem and “What Do You Mean” by Justin Bieber. Non-psychos preferred “Money for Nothing” from Dire Straits and “My Sharona” from The Knack.

Does this mean music preference can be used to determine whether or not you’re a psychopath? Not yet, but more study needs to be done.

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Scientists are fascinated by how the brain processes music. How, for example, was Gord Downie able to eventually relearn the lyrics to 90 Tragically Hip songs for the band’s final tour even though he had a temporal lobe and hippocampus were surgically removed? Maybe it’s because musicians have better memory abilities than non-musicians.

And we’re talking about both short-term and working memory. They also have a slight edge when it comes to long-term memory. This came out of a study in Italy that used data collected back to 1987. But here’s the thing: scientists can’t explain why musicians’ memory is superior. The only thing they can come up with is “the multi-sensorial nature of music training.”

Another reason to make sure your kid takes music lessons, right?

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Every year, cleaning product companies do their best to innovate and excite us consumers, and with social media we get to see a flurry of cleaning product review videos online and ask ourselves, ‘is that really as good as it seems?’ Because lots of these look great on camera and fail in real life. So, before you spend our hard earned money on cleaning products and tools that aren’t worth the hype, let me tell you what actually is worth it that got hyped up this year, and why.

 

Laundry Detergent Without the Struggle and Mess

Liquid and powder laundry detergent are messy to pour and can be complex to dose. Almost everyone uses more than they need, which means wasted product and residue left behind on your clothes. And even though laundry detergent pods are designed to make dosing easier, people will sometimes complain that detergent pods don’t break down (they do! You just need to add them to the drum first).

 

Tide evo fixes all of that. It’s an amazing innovation and way more than just a laundry detergent strip. It’s a dry, pre-measured detergent tile that is made to work in cold water. To the empty drum, add one tile for a small or medium load, two for a large one. It also comes in a recyclable cardboard box which makes it easy to stack and frees up storage space in a small laundry room. [/product_listing]

 

The Laundry Scent Everyone Is Talking About

I’ve said this before, I am not a scented-laundry person. It took a lot for me to finally cave and try Downy Unstopables Unlimited No. 26. This is a laundry additive to add scent and scent alone, it doesn’t help with stains or detergent performance. It doesn’t deal with bad odours, it is simply a sort of laundry perfume that’s been created by luxury perfumers. And while I resisted trying it for a very long time, when I finally did, I got the hype. It’s absolutely heavenly! I add a tablespoon or two into the washing machine drum before clothes are added, run the clothing through and then enjoy the beautiful scent left behind. While there are several ‘Unlimited’ scents that Downy has come out with, this is the one that has people raving. It’s described as having a blend of rose, honey nectar and oakmoss, it’s not overpowering and you can dose however much or little you like.[/product_listing]

 

Wrinkles Gone, No Ironing Board Required

S if getting dressed wasn’t stressful enough each morning, you find the garment you want only to see it’s got wrinkles all over it. Now you’re rushing for time and need it wrinkle-free in 5 and don’t feel like taming the shriek of the ironing board. Can you trust a steamer to help in this situation? Most handheld steamers need your other hand to pull the fabric tight, which puts that hand right next to the steam and still doesn’t get the fabric taut enough to release the creases. It is in moments like this where we ask ourselves why humans don’t have a third hand and then pick a black shirt we’ve worn a hundred times already.

 

Enter the viral Neakasa Magic 1 Vacuum Steamer, which solves both problems. It heats up in about 30 seconds, and built-in suction (read: vacuum action!) grips the fabric flat against the plate, so you steam one-handed, right on the hanger. Use distilled water to keep it running well. It’s compact, so it’s great for travel, too.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner (3 Tablets)

Ettori Shower Squeegee for Glass Doors

Travel Size Portable Handheld Garment Steamer

 

The Two-Minute Floor Cleanup

It seems to me – a cleaning expert – that a new vacuum is coming out approximately every 14 minutes. But how many of them really do anything different? The biggest areas for improvement I still see with vacuums is increased performance (battery life, suction, weight) and convenience (lightweight, robotic) or simplicity to use.

 

I tried the much-anticipated Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones, which is Dyson’s slimmest vacuum. It weighs 1.8 kg and lives on a small dock with a magnetic lock, so grabbing it for a quick pass and loading it back up for a charge is nearly effortless. It can go forwards and back, side to side and zips around hard floors with grace and ease – sort of like skates on freshly Zambonied ice (how’s that for a Canadian take on things!). The filter uses Dyson’s Piston technology and compresses dirt into the dirt container, so it can hold much more and requires less emptying. Lights on the head show dust you can’t otherwise see, and the cone-shaped brush bars don’t tangle with long hair. [/product_listing]

 

Stains Out Before They Set

You can’t plan for a stain, and yet, there they are at the worst possible time in the worst possible place. Coffee on the couch, wine on the rug.

 

The Shark StainForce Cordless Spot & Stain Cleaner is cordless, weighs under 3 lbs and lives in its own caddy, so it’s easy to store away and easy to grab the moment something spills. This allows you to suction up the liquid spill, use a special formulated stain remover on the stain, agitate it with the brush on the end of the tool, and then suction the stain and stain remover out. It works on carpets, rugs, upholstery and car seats. Keep in mind that this is for fabric only, not hard surfaces or leather.[/product_listing]

 

When I look at a ‘viral’ cleaning product, all I care about is whether or not it makes our lives easier or better when it comes to cleaning. And I can say this, each of these products is most definitely makes the job easier (or smell better!).

 

You may also like:

Waterproof Dishwashing Gloves

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

Scrub Daddy Self- Standing Soap Dispensing Dishwand

 

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The NDP says that Donald Trump and Donald Trump Junior have controlling stakes in Bell’s main tenants, CoreWeave and Cerebras.

The Province says that Bell’s hyperscale data centre will significantly contribute to Canadian Data Sovereignty.

Both are wrong.

As both parties fight for even the smallest political gains, the truth is getting lost in the fray. Listen to what the experts have to say.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Kids might be the most fun to shop for—but then you have to live in a house with all that *stuff* long after the last present is unwrapped. (I’ve been known to remove batteries from too-loud toys.) Want gift ideas that will deliver max kiddo joy and zero parent regret? These picks from Gui Gui, Yoto, Fisher-Price and more get the balance right, from stockings to mega sets for the whole fam.

 

Stocking Stuffers

Satisfy their love for surprise-box collectibles with a fun twist: kids add water to the jar, then shake to reveal their food-meets-pet plush. There are 20 to collect—so consider your gift ideas for the next year or two covered.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 5+ years

 

Anything that gets them into the bath faster, right? My mom slid these bath bombs into all the grandkids’ stockings last Christmas, and my son still talks about them. Needless to say, I’ll be restocking the Hot Wheels fizzers this year.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 3+ years

 

This will keep them busy while you relax/get ready/cook post-presents: scented slime with four steps of fun mix-ins. Think: glitter, beads, charms and more—it’s the ultimate sensory experience.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 6+ years

 

I’m in the camp that stockings should include practical items (please, no more junk!), and these Sesame Street socks check all the boxes. My kids love having Big Bird on their feet, and I can vouch for the quality—Bombas are the only socks that my boys outgrow before wearing holes into them.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 6M and up

 

Make a tradition of gifting ornaments that your kid will love—it helps them engage with the holidays, and will later remind you of all their different ages and phases. I already have this glass ornament tucked away for my construction-obsessed son.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: N/A (but best handled by a grownup)

 

For Toddlers

For the kid that wants to do whatever the grownups do, this cute set includes a travel mug, earbuds and keys (so they can stop stealing yours!). They light up and play sounds, with sensory features like a rattle, squishy bottle (pretend hand sanitizer), and teether badge.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 6 months – 3 years

 

The newest Toniebox is smaller—and more affordable—and still plays all the songs and stories that kids love when a plastic or plush Tonie is placed on top (hello, cause-and-effect learning). The durable, easy-to-use design is great for little listeners, and I love how the beige device doesn’t clash with my home decor (you can buy colourful covers separately).[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 1-12+ years

 

Ready to feel old? Tickle Me Elmo turns 30 this year. To celebrate, the adorable doll is now supersized (18 inches tall) and more interactive than ever. He’s guaranteed to get big giggles from your toddler, and even my four-year-old son loves tickling Elmo’s feet on repeat. [/product_listing]

Recommended age: 18+ months

 

This one might be more of a gift for you, because there’s truly nothing cuter than a toddler in a bathrobe, and no cozier cuddles. This cozy hooded design (also available in pink) is made with recycled polyester sherpa for a super plush feel. [/product_listing]

Recommended age: 2T-12

 

My kindergartener loves making pretend ice cream, and this set offers tons of fun for soft serve and scoops, plus his other passion: riding anything with wheels. And go figure, it was an instant hit with him (and that’s despite being above the target age).[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 1-3 years

 

For Little Kids

Picture yourself on vacation; your kid wakes up extra early, but they quietly listen to their Yoto Mini while you snooze. That happened to me recently, and I’ve scored countless screen-free hours at home and in the car, too. The newest version comes with a button that takes your kid straight to a playlist of their fave cards, no physical ones required.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 3+ years

 

Surprise your kiddo with an interactive cat—and her kittens. After little ones feed and pet the mama, three surprise kittens show up in her basket, one at a time. The cat makes over 15 sounds and reactions, and it can be reset to welcome kittens again and again.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 4+ years

 

You may also like:

Learning Resources Peekaboo Learning Barnyard – $49.99

Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Shark Egg – $64.99

Rainbow Loom Spin Studio – $30.60

LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Flatbed Truck with Helicopter – $24.99

MAGNA-TILES Rail Racers 33-Piece Magnetic Construction Set – $59.99

 

If your kid saw the new Paw Patrol movie—and honestly, even if they didn’t—they’ll go nuts for this two-in-one toy. The Dino Rescue Recycler truck is fun enough on its own, and then there’s the 2.5-foot inflatable dinosaur that can be detached or go along for the ride.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 3+ years

 

Is it even math practice if you’re running your own grocery store? This cash register includes a real calculator with interactive games, plus money to count and tons of fun food props to take from basket to bag (yay for role-playing fun, too!). [/product_listing]

Recommended age: 3-6 years

 

This tow truck has little joysticks on the side that let your child control the boom and winch, with realistic lights and (I promise, not-too-annoying) sounds. With the truck itself and the included sports car, it’s great for playing solo or with a sibling or pal.[/product_listing]

Recommended age:  3+ years

 

For Big Kids

Even though we’re still a few years away from a sequel, KPop Demon Hunters isn’t going anywhere (take all the Rumis this Halloween as a sign). A sure-bet toy for your mini fan is anything from the franchise, especially this “Golden”-singing Barbie-style doll.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 4+ years

 

Recommended age:  8+ years

 

This is already expected to be one of the hottest Christmas gifts of the year—and I could see why within seconds of trying it. It’s both satisfying and beautiful as you squeeze Play-Doh through a tube to create real-looking flowers that you can spray to preserve.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 8+ years

 

NASA-engineer-turned-YouTube-star Mark Rober gets credit for making STEM super fun for millions of kids on his CrunchLabs channel. For a hands-on lesson, this kit lets them dabble in flight dynamics with paper airplanes and a rubber-band launcher, plus a link to a video of Rober explaining the science. [/product_listing]

Recommended age: 8+ years

 

Charms are trending, and this kit lets your little crafter design 10 of their own that they can clip onto the included link bracelet, or their backpack, shoelaces or other favourite jewellery. I love that it’s designed to neatly store all the supplies and creations between sessions.[/product_listing]

Recommended age:  6+ years

 

For the Whole Family

Every Christmas Eve growing up, my mom would give us all matching PJs—even our pets, which she’d tailor from an extra pair. I now keep this favourite tradition going with my family, and this Québec-based brand is my go-to for festive prints in cozy, high-quality fabrics (there’s even a dog bandana—no sewing required!).[/product_listing]

Recommended age:  NB and up

 

Lovevery’s Montessori toys are always a hit with kids and parents alike (some of the most-used toys across ages in our house). The brand’s latest is a table-meets-easel that can be used as a sensory bin, blackboard, ball run, craft centre and more—and the sleek wood finish looks great in any home, too.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 18+ months

 

Hockey lovers can face off with players that fire shots when you release the lever and goalies controlled by joysticks. The set comes with stickers from every NHL team to keep the fandom going—and I love that you can build on it for future gifts with a zamboni and Stanley Cup sold separately.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 5+ years

 

Meet the building set blowing up my mom chats. Kids (and guaranteed you won’t be able to resist it either) can build a network of tubes, then turn on the air pump to watch the coloured balls fly through their creation.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 3+ years

 

We love to pack a card game any time we travel, and this simple one kept us entertained during a family cottage getaway this summer. Now, the draw-or-bust game gets a Grinch update for holiday fun and beyond.[/product_listing]

Recommended age: 8+ years

 

You may also like:

LeapFrog LeapMove Active Learning Video Game System – $79.97

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn 2-in-1 Vacuum with Duster – $34.98

B. toys Mini Doctor Care Kit – $19.58

Polly Pocket x Bluey Compact Playset – $29.24

Crayola Imagination Art Set – $25.92

 

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Alberta’s governing United Conservatives have officially endorsed changes to provincial riding boundaries that the Opposition NDP says are rigged to help the UCP win the next election.

Premier Danielle Smith’s UCP caucus, in a vote split along party lines, voted Wednesday to endorse the riding changes and put the new boundaries into a bill to be debated in the house.

Justice Minister Mickey Amery has said he expects legislation to pass by the end of the year ahead of the scheduled election in October of 2027.

The riding report came from a panel with a majority of members selected by the UCP.

The NDP says the report dilutes urban ridings in Lethbridge and Calgary by merging them with adjacent rural areas to favour the UCP in a process known as gerrymandering.

Gerrymandering, which is common in the United States, sees electoral districts drawn up not for reasons of shared geography and priorities but by voting patterns in order to assist one political party.

Speaking during a debate of the proposals Wednesday, Amery defended the rural-urban hybrid ridings that have become the focus of debate, saying they already exist in Alberta.

“Hybrid ridings also do something else: they bring together communities that share services, employment, infrastructure and economic interests, regardless of whether a municipal boundary happens to run between them,” said Amery.

With 2024 legislation, Smith’s government removed the requirement that electoral boundaries respect municipal boundaries as a guiding principle.

The NDP has charged that the latest process to redraw the report was illegitimate from the start, and pleaded until the last minute for the UCP to instead revert to the map recommended by an independent public commission.

Nenshi said Wednesday the changes are designed to help vulnerable UCP ministers keep their seats.

“It strikes a knife into the heart of Alberta’s democracy,” he said.

The latest redrawing has been a controversial and complicated affair since the premier rejected the main recommendations of a public boundaries commission early this year. The commission came back with a split report.

Bucking political norms, Smith’s government voted down the commission’s majority position in the legislature and restarted the process with a new advisory panel.

Traditionally, Alberta’s chief justice helps find a current or retired judge to chair and oversee the work. But earlier this year, the acting Alberta chief justice declined to participate, calling the new process “irregular.”

The panel, chaired by retired Alberta justice Brian O’Ferrall, was given direction based on some recommendations from the previous commission’s chair, including expanding the number of ridings to 91 from 87 to preserve two rural ridings that were to be dissolved.

Smith has said urban representation, amid population growth in cities, shouldn’t come at the expense of rural Alberta.

But Nenshi told the house Wednesday the panel went well beyond those marching orders without justification and without considering public feedback.

The proposals would split the southern city of Lethbridge into four ridings from its current two. It would have one strictly urban riding while the other three would see some neighbourhoods linked to sprawling adjacent rural areas.

It also includes additional hybrid ridings for the west side of Calgary.

In question period earlier Wednesday, Smith called Nenshi’s allegations “ridiculous,” and said if anyone gerrymandered the maps to benefit the UCP, “they failed miserably.”

She said under the proposed maps, if the UCP were to win the popular vote by the same margins as it did in the 2023 election, the NDP would gain three seats and the UCP would gain one.

“(Nenshi’s) trying to set it up so that people will doubt the integrity of elections,” she said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 4, 2026.

-With files from Jack Farrell

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says sweeping Democrat wins in the U.S. midterm elections prove her province was on the right path in the cross-border trade war.

“It is a vindication of our approach when it comes to tariffs,” Smith told the house during question period Wednesday.

“We always have objected to tariffs. We know it hurts us. It hurts the Americans.”

The Democrats on Tuesday took control of both houses of Congress and flipped long-held Republican Senate seats and state-level positions.

The results are seen as a widespread rebuke of U.S. President Donald Trump and his policies, including his treatment of trading partners like Canada.

Smith said she hopes the midterm results are an opportunity to improve the relationship between Canada and the U.S.

She pointed to her government’s efforts to build relationships across the aisle, including with Adam Schiff, a Democrat senator from California.

Smith’s government has stood apart from other provinces in the trade dispute. Alberta has for the most part resisted retaliatory tariffs or trade action while encouraging continued diplomacy.

Alberta only briefly halted sales of U.S. liquor in 2025, and Smith has steadfastly opposed the idea of leveraging oil and gas exports as an economic weapon in the fight.

But earlier Wednesday, as a result of the ongoing trade dispute, her government announced a new policy to prioritize Albertan and Canadian companies for small government contracts.

“We’re putting local businesses first, supporting Canadian suppliers and making sure more of our government spending helps create opportunities and jobs here at home,” Smith said in a news release.

The new measures apply to future contracts but existing deals are also to be reviewed when they come up for renewal.

Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said it gives qualified local companies a better shot at bidding on about $350 million in government spending, or five per cent of procurement contracts.

He said 95 per cent of government contracts already land with Canadian companies.

“This is just a practical, common-sense way that we can help businesses that we know could be struggling or impacted because of the current tariffs,” Nally said in an interview.

Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi told reporters that the United Conservative Party government is two years too late.

“We’ve been asking for this exact thing for over two years, from the day Trump was re-elected,” Nenshi said.

“Imagine the wealth you could have created and the jobs you could have created in Alberta, if you had just done it two years ago when everyone else did.”

Nenshi said that beyond tariffs, he feels the U.S. midterm results were a sign that voters everywhere are tired of “culture war” politics — which he accused Smith of championing.

In question period, he pointed to a government bill tabled this week that would require post-secondary schools to develop neutrality policies.

“Who exactly asked the premier for this, and what difference is it going to make to a single student?” he asked.

Smith, in response, said her government was only trying to counteract NDP policies and influence. “They bring in the wokeism and the cancel culture. They create a hostile environment for free speech,” the premier said.

“We’re undoing their culture war.”

© 2026 The Canadian Press

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

It’s officially time to swap lightweight lotions for rich moisturizers, take a breather from overzealous exfoliating and embrace a few seasonal skincare tweaks. Think of it as giving your beauty routine a cozy, snow-day upgrade. From hydration-boosting hacks to tips for soothing weather-worn skin, this guide has everything you need to keep your glow game strong–even as the temperatures plummet. Ready to make winter your skin’s new favourite season? Let’s dive in with skincare picks from brands including Paula’s Choice, Laneige and Dove.

 

Could your skincare routine be unintentionally robbing your skin of moisture? Over-exfoliating is a common culprit. While exfoliants work wonders by removing dead skin cells, going too hard—especially in winter—can strip your skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving it drier than ever. The solution? Scale back and opt for gentler formulas to keep your skin hydrated and happy.

That said, exfoliating is still essential to slough off dead skin cells and enhance your moisturizer’s ability to penetrate the skin. During the colder months, trade harsh physical exfoliants (those with gritty microbeads) for calming chemical options, like a glycolic acid toner. These offer gentle yet effective exfoliation without wreaking havoc on your delicate winter skin.

 

Gentle on the skin but big on results, this go-to liquid exfoliant prevents blackheads and brightens with the power of salicylic acid and green tea without compromising skin’s moisture barrier.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Kitsch Deep Exfoliating Glove – $11.99

Plantifique Foot Peel Mask – $22.95

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – $29.50

 

Save your skin this winter by keeping your showers short and sweet. The magic number? Aim for 5 to 10 minutes. Stick to warm water—not hot—to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils and moisture. Hot water depletes hydration faster, and the longer your shower, the worse it gets. After stepping out, gently pat your skin dry to preserve that little bit of moisture left behind.

To truly seal in hydration, moisturize while your skin is still damp—this is when your skin is most receptive to locking in moisture. The steam opens your pores, allowing your products to penetrate more effectively, all while helping to trap the water your skin just absorbed. It’s a simple routine tweak that can make all the difference for your winter skincare.

 

For face

This clinically proven, barrier-boosting cream offers intense, long-lasting hydration for up to 100 hours. A little of this rich, nourishing formula goes a long way.[/product_listing]

 

If you’re craving deep moisture with a boost of age-defying collagen, this Neutrogena cream delivers. Powered by bakuchiol–nature’s gentler retinol alternative–it works to smooth fine lines and rejuvenate tired skin.[/product_listing]

 

For body

It’s face care…for the body. Formulated with hydrating pro-ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this powerhouse cream is your solution for healthy, glowing skin all season long.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter – $13.47

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer – $9.97

Moroccanoil Night Body Serum – $84

 

Hydrating face masks, especially those infused with skin-loving Vitamin E, are a fantastic way to give your skin an extra boost of moisture. Because these masks sit on your skin for a while, they allow more time for hydration to penetrate deeply.

Better yet, they double as a little self-care ritual. Picture this: a cozy evening, a soothing face mask and a warm cup of tea in hand. Hydrated skin and a moment of relaxation? Yes, please!

 

Packed with glow-getting ingredients including hyaluronic acid and collagen, this viral Biodance sheet mask serves all-over dewiness in just three to four hours of wear.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Nivea Micellar Water – $9.26

Thayers pH Balancing Daily Cleanser – $17.37

Grace & Stella Under Eye Mask – $27.95

 

Chapped lips are a yearly affliction. It’s all due to our lips’ naturally low water-holding capacity and fragile skin barrier, which is easily aggravated by harsh winter elements.

The key to keeping dryness at bay? Frequent hydration. Keep a trusty lip balm within arm’s reach—whether it’s in your bag or coat pocket—for quick, on-the-go moisture, especially if you’ll be spending time outdoors. With a little extra TLC, your lips can stay soft and supple, no matter how frosty it gets.

 

The age-old remedy for a cracked pout? Lanolin. Featuring ultra-pure Aussie lanolin, this cult-favorite ointment offers a non-sticky, deeply hydrating solution for dry lips and other parched areas.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Nyx Professional Fat Oil – $14.96

Burt’s Bees Miracle Balm – $13.99

Bayfree Lip Tint Duo – $12.99

 

The ideal indoor humidity level during winter sits between 30 to 50 per cent, but as the colder months roll in, this balance tends to plummet, leaving your skin to bear the brunt. Coupled with the moisture-zapping effects of indoor heating, the result is air that’s drier than ever. The solution? A trusty humidifier. By adding much-needed moisture back into the air, a humidifier not only helps keep your skin soft and hydrated but also offers other perks, like relieving congestion. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference for both your skin and overall comfort during winter.

 

The Vitruvi Cloud Humidifier is perfect for home-decor lovers with its minimalist design and whisper-quiet operation. Its versatile functionality modes will keep your space ultra-hydrated, day and night.[/product_listing]

 

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Honeywell Mini Mist – $36.98

Ionic NanoSteamer for Face – $49.95

Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool – $1099.99

 

That’s right—slugging. This TikTok-famous skincare trend with a quirky name is making waves for its ability to restore your skin barrier and revive winter-worn complexions. The result? Hydrated, glass-like skin that feels soft and supple overnight.

So, what exactly is slugging? It’s a simple technique where, after completing your nighttime skincare routine, you seal everything in with a thin layer of a petrolatum-based product like Aquaphor or Vaseline. This “slimy” layer acts as an occlusive, creating a physical barrier that locks in hydration and amplifies the benefits of your previous products.

Slugging is particularly great for those with dry, sensitive skin or a compromised skin barrier. However, its frequency depends on your skin type—dry skin types might benefit from daily slugging, while those with oily skin may want to use this technique sparingly.

Proper slugging is key. Avoid applying active ingredients, like acne treatments, before slugging, as the occlusive layer can enhance the absorption of these products, potentially leading to irritation or even drier skin. Instead, consider targeting dry areas like the corners of your nose, around the eyes, or the mouth—common winter trouble spots. When done right, slugging can be a game-changer for keeping your skin hydrated and protected throughout the colder months.

 

This ointment nourishes while forming a protective barrier that allows oxygen flow, creating the perfect environment for healing. Sulfate-free, it’s ideal for dry, cracked hands and cuticles caused by extreme weather and frequent washing.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Vaseline Lip Therapy Original Balm Tube – $4.97

Gold Bond Medicated Eczema Relief Lotion – $15.97

Innisfree Cherry Blossom Glow Jelly Cream – $38

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

A Kelowna supportive housing complex remains vacant one month after a fire forced all 50 residents from their homes, with extensive smoke and water damage expected to require lengthy remediation work.

“We’re devastated. It’s a loss for Kelowna and we’re heartbroken,” said Patricia Bacon, executive director of the John Howard Society of Okanagan and Kootenay.

The Hearthstone supportive housing facility on Commerce Avenue was largely spared by the Oct. 5 fire, which was contained to one unit.

However, the resulting damage has left the building uninhabitable and prompted the John Howard Society of Okanagan and Kootenay to terminate residents’ tenancy agreements under what is known as a frustrated tenancy.

A frustrated tenancy occurs when a rental property becomes uninhabitable through circumstances beyond the control of either the landlord or tenant.

“It’s considered a frustrated tenancy, when due to no fault of the landlord or tenant, there is no habitable space to rent, usually earthquakes, fires, this kind of stuff,” Bacon explained.

The John Howard Society says it has helped residents find alternative accommodations, including shelter spaces and beds, although not everyone accepted the options offered.

“We found some shelter places, some shelter beds, etc. So nobody was put out on the street,” Bacon said. “Some people, however, did not choose the options that we made available to them. Some people actually chose to use the outdoor encampments.”

With winter approaching, questions remain about what additional supports may be available to those affected.

The City of Kelowna says it’s aware of the situation and recognizes the challenges residents are facing as they navigate next steps for housing.

“Staff are working with BC Housing outreach teams to identify and respond to the immediate needs of residents who have not yet accessed shelter or temporary housing options,” said Stephanie Martin, social development supervisor for the City of Kelowna.

Before remediation work can begin, assessments must be completed to determine the full extent of the damage. Crews must also finish collecting any belongings that can be salvaged from the building.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

For Bacon, the closure represents a significant loss of an important resource for some of Kelowna’s most vulnerable residents.

“It’s so important to have this kind of housing available for folks who are very vulnerable, where the support staff are there to offer compassionate care and supports and navigation and stuff, healthcare. We had a food program in there,” she said. “All of that is lost.”

The facility is not expected to reopen until sometime in 2027, leaving residents and the community without an important source of supportive housing in the meantime.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.