This year has been one of challenges and quiet glimmers of hope. It’s been a year where I dared to aim higher, putting my name forward for public service, fueled by a belief that change is possible when thousands of people in my riding, and beyond, were sickened by the lack of empathy, humanity, and leadership from their MP. Though I lost, it’s not the end of that journey. It’s a chapter in a story still being written. Read more…

Almost a year has passed since the onset of unprecedented destruction in Gaza, and genocide of the Palestinian people, and now, attention shifts back to Lebanon. The story seems all too familiar, at least for the Lebanese, a recurring nightmare of conflict that traces back through 2006, 2000, 1982, and even 1978. History repeats itself, relentlessly and ruthlessly. Read More...

In my debut book, “You’re Already Dead,” I take the experience and lessons from my dad’s life, and passing, and delve into some of the themes that come to define our lives. Or I should say, how we live, all intertwined with the transient nature of life. Based on his beliefs, I could have titled the book: “You Only Live Forever.”

As we mark the 162nd day of the ongoing onslaught in Gaza, the heavy weight of sadness has settled over the world, the community around me, and my own shoulders. The barrage of unending horrors, massacre after massacre, and the inaction of our Canadian Prime Minister, along with his Conservative Party counterpart, have led to a profound sense of powerlessness and despair.

This guest post, written by a friend from Smoky Lake, explores the journey of finding happiness amidst grief. It recounts their personal experience of losing a father to suicide, struggling with loss and mental health, and eventually finding healing and joy. The story highlights the importance of professional help and the therapeutic power of nature, offering a powerful reminder of resilience and hope in the face of sorrow.

For years, I often said, “When I finish my book…” or “One day when I write a book…” Now, that moment has extended just over 30 days, and it’s been over three months since I first announced the book’s impending release on Instagram. The world has witnessed significant changes during this time…

As I sit down to write this, the heart-wrenching images of the conflict in Gaza, especially the innocent lives lost, weigh heavily on my mind. My recent book, “You’re Already Dead,” alongside the enduring message to “be like Jim,” finds a challenging, almost conflicting place in the face of such overwhelming tragedy…

In a world often torn by conflict and injustice, the concept of courage takes on various forms. While the bravery of individuals in their personal lives is often celebrated, there lies a profound need for courage in the political arena, especially when it comes to defending human rights universally…

I wrote, in my debut book, “You’re Already Dead,” about my recollection and experience visiting Lebanon as a seven-year-old in 1992. I hint about my current understanding of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East as a grown man, but in the chapter on community, as I recall my first-ever trip to Lebanon as a seven-year-old, it was one of childhood ignorance…

The song “Kite” by U2 resonates deeply within me, reflecting the bond I share with my dad and the profound transitions in my life. Its lyrics mirror the lessons he instilled in me — the delicate balance between control and surrender, steering our destinies while embracing life’s unpredictabilities. Now, that very kite symbolizes my journey, a journey intertwined with the teachings of my father…

With ‘You’re Already Dead’ coming out soon, I thought I’d share how this book came to be. Here I am, nearly three years after writing the first page of the first idea when I thought about the title…

During his ten-year tenure at Apple, Justin Santamaria had the privilege of working closely with the visionary Steve Jobs. From this experience, he gained invaluable insights that have shaped his career and life. Let’s explore three profound lessons Justin learned from Jobs about achieving success in any endeavour.