In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers”, let’s take a look at this expression: “Take it with a pinch of salt.” What does “Take it with a pinch of salt” mean? “Take it with a pinch of salt” means: Do not take it too seriously. Examples: Martha often exaggerates the achievements she’s had in her painting career, so I take everything she …
A blessing in disguise
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers”, let’s take a look at this expression: “A blessing in disguise.” What does “A blessing in disguise” mean? “A blessing in disguise” means: An event that seems wrong at first but results in something good happening later. Examples: She was upset when her boyfriend left her, but it was a blessing in disguise because she …
Bring to light
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers”, let’s take a look at this expression: “Bring to light”. What does “bring to light” mean? “Bring to light” means: Reveal or disclose something previously hidden or secret Reveal something, often something inappropriate or illegal To cause something to be known Synonyms: Reveal, expose, disclose. Example: The facts that were uncovered in the investigation …
Free Activities for Families Over Spring Break
Children are off on Spring Break this week, and activities to keep them busy don’t have to cost a lot. We have put together a list of some free activities below to bring your family hours of fun! Make and Take at Mastermind Toys – March 21-25, 2022. Free toy making workshop for your kids to learn to build a …
Welcome Spring!
“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.” – Anne Bradstreet In 2022, the March equinox happens on Sunday, March 20, at 11:33 A.M. EDT. In Canada, this date marks the first day of spring! The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”. On the March equinox, day and night are approximately the …
Removal of Pre-Arrival Testing Requirements
Beginning April 1, 2022, the Canadian government will no longer require fully vaccinated travelers entering the country to show a negative Covid-19 test result. This new policy will apply at both airport and land border crossings. Random testing of travelers arriving in Canada will continue, in order to track potential new COVID-19 variants. Word of the Day: Random – Done …
Government Support for Rising Fuel and Utility Prices
To help reduce rising fuel prices in Alberta, the Alberta Government announced a temporary removal of a 13 cents/litre fuel tax at the pumps. This program will begin April 1, 2022 and continue through 2022-2023, whenever oil prices go above USD$90 per barrel. The Alberta Government is also providing a $150 electricity rebate to help Albertans with recent high costs …
Let the cat out of the bag
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression: “Let the cat out of the bag”. What does “let the cat out of the bag” mean? “Let the cat out of the bag” means to: to let a secret out in the open to reveal something either by accident or as a surprise Examples: He let …
Mandatory Masking Ends
Many Covid-19 health restrictions from the Government of Alberta have ended this week (beginning on Tuesday March 1st, 2022, onward). This includes removal of the mask requirements in most places, except for public transit and in specified health care settings. Along with the removal of the masking requirements, other restrictions now lifted include, but not limited to: Limits on indoor …
Fun Indoors Activities for Families in Calgary
Fun Indoors Activities for Families in Calgary We find ourselves in the middle of Winter once again! With temperatures dropping into negative double digits, the kids are stuck at home and starting to jump off the walls. What can you do? If you’re not quite ready to head outside for cold weather activities in the snow, Calgary offers many indoor …