u/SH4D0WSTAR

I wear a mask every day whenever I go out. I've been doing so since March 2020. And in certain - otherwise lovely - neighbourhoods, people stare. me. down. I've also had people shout "why are you masking?" from restaurant patios. It doesn't stop me from going out, doing yoga, attending meetup events, hiking, and meeting friends. But it does make it tough to visit some of my fave areas in the city and patronize their cute cafes, boutiques, and beach-adjacent businesses. I've even had a grown adult stop on the sidewalk (!!) and take a photo of me in one of these neighbourhoods? AHHhhhX)

In 2026, many people of all ages and identities are wearing masks for different reasons:

• they're receiving cancer treatment (or have a family member who is) and want to avoid anything that may harm their compromised immune system.
• they have read about the long-term effects of COVID and have personally evaluated that the risks of being maskless are too much for them (and them alone - not imposing their standards on anyone else [this is me])
• they are indeed sick and want to protect others
• they want to avoid smog / smoke
• people cough / sneeze without covering their mouths on the subway
• to avoid the stench that tends to be present at fan conventions / certain raves / on transit

I know that it's super hot right now, which means (1) seeing someone with a protective face mask makes people curious about how comfortable that can possibly be (my mask doesn't feel hot or sweaty even in the heat -- then again, I tend to run cool) and (2) more curious people are taking time off work, walking for leisure, sitting on patios, and generally being outside of their offices more, so they are seeing more people like me wearing masks.

I don't mind curiosity about why I mask, but please try not to be rude or conspicuous with expressing discomfort. I'm just trying to go about my life in a way that keeps me - and my family - safe.

Super obscure topic - I know.

When I was a kid (between 2005 - 2008), I remember seeing a huge, animatronic worm at the Ontario Science Center. It had a mouth that chewed and black eyes. I think it was part of an exhibit that teaches kids about how bugs eat.

I can find absolutely nothing about this on the internet, and my family thinks I'm nuts when I describe it.

Thanks!

When I was younger, there was a store called Bear City that operated at a few malls around the city. It was a like a smaller-scale version of Build-A-Bear.

The store had a giant, brown animatronic bear at the front. I think the bear winked its eye or something similar.

Anyone remember this?

I (mid-twenties) consume an avg of 12 cups of water per day, and have been doing so for just over 2 years. Despite being used to water intake, the first cup of water I drink each day (whether sipped, gulped, or neutrally swallowed) makes my stomach feel sick. For context, I usually wake up between 5 and 6AM.

I have even thrown up after drinking water first thing in the morning.

Any reason why this may be happening?

Thank you!

I love the series The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel. I discovered it on CBC Gem last year, and it has lived in my head rent-free since then.

I just finished a really tough academic paper and decided to treat myself to a Mrs. Maisel watch party tonight, only to discover that it's not on CBC Gem anymore :( It seems to have been on Gem back in April 2026, so not sure if it was taken off later on.

Do you know if Marvellous Mrs. Maisel has been removed from CBC Gem? If so, is there a Canadian platform where you watch it?

Thanks!

Forgive me; I wasn't sure where to post this.

I discovered this series on CBC Gem and went back to watch it today but it appears to be...gone?

Canadians / users of CBC Gem: do you know if Marvellous Mrs. Maisel has been removed from the platform? Based on social media posts by CBC Gem, it seems that the show was still on CBC Gem in April 2026. Heartbroken if it's truly gone :(

Hi community 😄

For those of you who have found covid-cautious roommates, how did you go about it? I'm in Toronto, and currently looking for CC roommates for 2027. Thank you!

(posting on behalf of a neighbour)

HELP!! My mom hit me then swatted my hand while I was holding my mouse, causing her to fall and hit the floor — she now has an open wound on her head 😞

Does anyone know any places in toronto that will help my mouse? I've called the facilities near me and they all said they don't take mice! Asking for anyone to share any leads on places I should go to and next steps I should take.

Now my mom is blaming me and my pet mouse might die. I don't care how much I need to pay. My mouse now walks sometimes then sits still for a while which is super uncommon for her

Because everything on earth, and everything that ever existed is connected, we can learn about lofty subjects, immaterial things, and eternal truths by following our natural curiosities about nearly any subject. We shouldn't be hard on ourselves for treasuring things that seem — at first glance — to be unsophisticated or kitschy. Instead, we can use these interests as a springboard for diving into deeper, connected topics.

If we approach our interests with shame instead of taking time to figure out who we really are, we'll miss out on opportunities to learn things by passion and joy instead of by prescription and rote