A Surrey council is telling staff to use 'they' and 'them' instead of 'he' and 'she' because the pronouns are considered non-inclusive and may make some people uncomfortable.
The post Surrey Council Says ‘He’ and ‘She’ Are Non-Inclusive – Tells Staff to Use ‘They’ appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Ever been called 'far Right' for wanting low taxes, free speech and controlled immigration? You're in good company: JFK wanted much the same. The label is ludicrous – and the elites know it, says Dr James Allan.
The post If I’m Far Right, then so Was John F. Kennedy appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
A major incident has been declared at RAF Fairford with several men arrested, residents evacuated and a bomb squad deployed amid a suspected car bomb threat.
The post RAF Fairford on Terror Alert: Residents Evacuated, Bomb Squad Deployed and Multiple Men Arrested appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Suppressing debate about English ethnicity, and labelling those who claim to be ethnically English 'fascists', doesn’t prevent resentment – it fuels it. Konstantin Kisin is right and Rishi Sunak is wrong.
The post The Quickest Way to Fuel an English Ethnonationalist Movement is to Deny that English Ethnicity Exists appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
According to a new survey of Free Speech Union members, being cancelled takes a heavy toll on your mental health. It's not just 'holding people to account'. It can cause severe depression, even suicide.
The post Cancellation Took a Heavy Toll on My Mental Health – That’s Why Burnham’s New Ministry of Truth Terrifies Me appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
A summary of the most interesting stories in the past 24 hours that challenge the prevailing orthodoxy about the 'climate emergency', public health 'crises' and the supposed moral defects of Western civilisation.
The post News Round-Up appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Overcrowding and corridor care in A&E may be killing around 550 patients in the UK every week, a damning study has revealed.
The post Overcrowding and Corridor Care in A&E “Killing Around 550 Patients in the UK Every Week”, Study Reveals appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Green Party Leader Zack Polanski was booed last night at a Holborn by-election hustings as he told British Jews that "in practice" Zionism is racism and Israel's actions in Gaza amount to a "genocide".
The post Polanski Tells Jews That “in Practice Zionism is Racism” appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Ed Miliband has announced an £88 million aid package for Palestinians in Gaza – just as the British Army faces cuts to save £30 million.
The post Ed Miliband Splurges £88 Million on Palestine as British Army Faces Cuts to Save £30 Million appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
A summary of the most interesting stories in the past 24 hours that challenge the prevailing orthodoxy about the 'climate emergency', public health 'crises' and the supposed moral defects of Western civilisation.
The post News Round-Up appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Andy Burnham today moved to quell mounting speculation he is plotting an early General Election, telling journalists there will be "no election anytime soon" and the next vote will be "in 2029".
The post Burnham Says There Will Be “No Election Anytime Soon” and the Next Vote Will Be “in 2029” appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
The number of illegal migrants who have broken into Britain via small boat under Labour's watch now outnumber the entire British Army's 83,000 soldiers.
The post Illegal Migrants Who Have Arrived Under Labour Now Outnumber Entire British Army appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Is Britain experiencing a free speech crisis? No, says our governing elite. That's a conspiracy theory put about by JD Vance. But data suggest the UK police are arresting up to 40 people a day for speech offences.
The post Does Britain Have a Free Speech Problem? appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Cooking, recording a podcast, publishing a book, digitizing family cassettes, or bringing a telescope home. Public libraries across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond have reinvented themselves and now offer—almost always free of charge—services that many residents are unaware of. We took a look at six of them. Here’s a tip… enjoy!
TORONTO | Toronto Reference Library
The home of writers and creators
The largest reference library in the country, located right by Bloor-Yonge station, is a true cultural hub.
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MISSISSAUGA | Hazel McCallion Central Library
A library for cooking, gaming, and starting fresh
Renovated and reopened in 2024, Mississauga’s central library has become one of the most surprising spaces in the region.
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BRAMPTON | Springdale Branch
Late-night studying and taking care of nature
With its green roof and undulating architecture, the Springdale branch is one of the most unique in the Brampton network.
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HAMILTON | Central Library
Seeds, music, and welcoming spaces
Hamilton’s central library, located downtown, focuses heavily on community and sustainability.
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OSHAWA | McLaughlin Branch
Saving family memories
Gifted to the city in 1954 by R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors of Canada, Oshawa’s main library is a historic building featuring Frank Lloyd Wright architectural influences.
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ALLISTON | New Tecumseth Public Library – Memorial Branch
A small library with a Nobel prize treasure
Located in a town of about 23,000 residents, the Alliston library proves you don’t have to be big to impress.
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Madalena Balça/MS
Hello, good morning,
I hope you are in good spirits and good health.
Autumn has arrived gently, the leaves are starting to change color, and the days are growing shorter. And it is precisely now, when you crave a good book and a warm corner, that I come to talk to you about libraries.
I confess: for a long time, I too thought a library was a quiet place, filled with bookshelves and someone telling us to “shh!”. Well, think again. Today’s municipal libraries are anything but that.
Right around us, you can check out a ukulele, a telescope, an electric cooker, or a museum pass. You can record a podcast, 3D print an object, learn how to cook, digitize old VHS wedding tapes, or even get free legal advice. In Hamilton, there is a seed library; in Alliston, they keep the letters and eyeglasses of Sir Frederick Banting, the “father” of insulin.
And what about technology? Libraries didn’t run away from Artificial Intelligence; they embraced it. They teach how to use it wisely, lend laptops and internet access to those who don’t have it at home, and help older generations overcome their fear of smartphones. In Mississauga, more than half of those using these services say the library is the only place where they have access to this technology. In Toronto, 83% of those who used them improved their employability. Now that is a true public service.
For families, it is a real treasure. And at a time when everything costs an arm and a leg, a free treasure! Storytime for babies, coding and robotics clubs, youth spaces with snacks included, games, movies, and streaming platforms—all with a simple card. In Brampton, just living in Ontario is enough to get one without paying a single cent.
But perhaps the most important thing isn’t what you take home. It’s what you find inside: a place where no one forces you to buy anything, where a grandfather, a granddaughter, and a neighbor who just arrived in Canada sit at the same table. In times of screens, loneliness, and misinformation, that is no small thing.
So, I leave you with a challenge: if you haven’t stepped into a library in a few years, pay one a visit. Take the kids, take your parents, take your curiosity. I guarantee you’ll leave surprised—and, who knows, maybe with a ukulele under your arm.
It is what it is, and it will always be worth what it’s worth.
Take care and have a wonderful weekend,
See you soon,
Cristina DaCosta/MS
Today, the traditional image of a library with thousands of books, high shelves filled with history and stories, is far removed from reality. In fact, this is a reductive view, because the function of this type of public space is now far more comprehensive. Especially in a multicultural and fast-growing city like Toronto, where free public spaces are increasingly rare, the Toronto Public Library (TPL) has become a true meeting point filled with past, present, and future. Indeed, any regular user can attest that, today, a library is essentially bursting with life.
The numbers speak for themselves. With 100 branches spread across the city, TPL is the largest and busiest public library system in North America. In the last year alone, it welcomed over 14 million in-person visits, and eight in ten Toronto residents use the library—whether to study, work, look for a job, learn something new, or simply have a welcoming place to be.
But what can actually be found in a library today? Far more than one might imagine. Beyond books—both physical and digital—TPL offers free internet access and computers, training in digital skills and Artificial Intelligence, 3D printers, recording studios, and even a musical instrument lending library. There are dedicated spaces for children and teenagers, support for job seekers and small businesses, and initiatives that help residents participate in an informed way in the city’s democratic life.
In an era marked by loneliness, polarization, and misinformation, the library also assumes an essential civic role: bringing people together, promoting access to trusted information, and building bridges between different perspectives.
We spoke with Toronto’s City Librarian, Moe Hosseini-Ara, to understand how the library has reinvented itself, what impact it has on the lives of those who visit, and what might surprise those who haven’t been back in a while.
Milénio Stadium: For those who don’t know, how would you describe the Toronto Public Library and the role it plays in city life today?
Moe Hosseini-Ara: Eight in ten Toronto residents use their library as a place to work or study, borrow a book, attend a program, look for a job, develop skills, or simply to have somewhere to go.
As the city grows, so does the need for shared spaces, trusted information, and human connection. The Toronto Public Library (TPL) has become essential civic infrastructure.
TPL connects people to resources and opportunities through a trusted network of 100 branches, expert staff, and an extensive offering of online services. We are the largest and busiest public library system in North America.
MS: What role do TPL branches play as community gathering spaces?
MHA: TPL offers something increasingly rare: a free, welcoming public space where no purchase is required.
Our 100 branches across the city are vital community hubs that support individual and community resilience.
In the last year alone, TPL branches recorded over 14 million in-person visits, and our website (tpl.ca) had more than 32 million visits.
MS: In a fast-changing world, especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, how does TPL help residents keep up with these changes?
MHA: From early literacy to Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills, TPL offers free lifelong learning opportunities for every stage of life, helping Toronto residents build the knowledge, digital skills, and confidence needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world, while helping close the digital divide.
The impact is real: 83% of users who accessed TPL’s technology services reported improving their employable skills or achieving career goals.
MS: We live in times marked by loneliness, polarization, and misinformation. What contribution can a public library make to bring people closer together and strengthen democratic life?
MHA: In an era of rising isolation, loneliness, and polarization, TPL is the gathering spot where Toronto residents come together, connect with one another, learn to combat misinformation, and engage with perspectives beyond their own.
This is a role valued by the public: 93% of Toronto residents agree that public libraries are an important resource for the community.
MS: Many people still associate libraries solely with books. Which TPL services tend to surprise those who discover them for the first time?
MHA: There are services people might not realize we offer… while books, both physical and digital, remain our core foundation, our free services go far beyond that. Many people may not know that we offer:
The services mentioned here are just a small sample. Anyone who hasn’t visited the library in a while might be surprised by everything they will discover!
Madalena Balça/MS
Fifteen years of history, dedication, and passion for soccer. That is how the Sporting FC Academy of Toronto celebrated its 15th anniversary last Saturday (19), at a gala that brought together athletes, families, coaches, directors, guests visiting from Portugal, and the entire community.
Over these 15 years, the Academy has been much more than a space dedicated to soccer. It has been a place of growth, friendship, and development, where young people from diverse backgrounds learn values like respect, discipline, sportsmanship, and community spirit, both on and off the pitch.
During the Sporting FC Academy of Toronto’s 15th-anniversary ceremony, President Paulo Pereira highlighted the journey taken over a decade and a half and recognized the contributions of everyone who helped build and grow the project.
“Celebrating 15 years means celebrating the hard work, dedication, and trust of so many people who believed in this project from the very beginning. We must express our gratitude to the athletes, families, coaches, staff, sponsors, and community partners who have been part of this journey,” he stated.
Paulo Pereira also pointed out future challenges, noting that acquiring a new soccer stadium is among the board’s main goals. “After the forced closure of Brock Stadium, we realized even more how crucial it is to have our own home and better facilities for our youth,” he explained.
The president further emphasized that achieving this goal requires support from the community, school boards, and different levels of government, stressing that “the future of the Academy relies on creating more opportunities for young people through soccer.”
Visiting from Portugal, André Lourenço and Filipe Costa—technical coordinators for youth development at Sporting Clube de Portugal, the Academy’s parent club—were in attendance to share their expertise and vision regarding young athlete development. Both coaches praised the work being done in Toronto and expressed pride in the players’ progress, reinforcing the importance of an education built on strong values, methodology, and a passion for soccer.
Recognition and Opportunities
A key highlight was once again the Christopher McCurbin-Parkin Award, presented to Sebastian Pedrosa. For the first time, the Founders Scholarship Award was also presented, awarded to Michael Fonseca, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to supporting youth development both on and off the field.
Currently, the Sporting FC Academy of Toronto boasts around 250 athletes, 14 coaches, three Technical Leads, and an Operations Director.
The evening, featuring entertainment by Tuga Nights, was filled with emotion and celebration. Together, athletes, families, coaches, and guests celebrated 15 years of history while looking ahead to the future.
Because at the Sporting FC Academy of Toronto, they don’t just develop athletes: they shape individuals, discover talent, and instill values for life.
Francisco Pegado/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
With 18 libraries spread across the city, including the renovated Hazel McCallion Central Library, Mississauga offers its residents multiple free services that are essential in building a better-informed community. Beyond providing traditional access to reading material, today’s libraries allow visitors to borrow musical instruments, sports kits, carbon dioxide detectors, or museum passes. It is also possible to 3D print an object, record a song, cook in a community kitchen, or take home a laptop and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
In a diverse and fast-growing city like Mississauga, the public library has transformed into a true community hub: a place where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to study, learn, create, and socialize without having to pay a dime. In a climate where the cost of living weighs heavily on so many family budgets, the library provides free services that would otherwise be inaccessible to many—from streaming platforms and online courses to digital newspapers and creative software tools.
Technology has been a major priority. According to a recent survey, more than half of the users of the library’s tech services state that this is their only way to access these tools, highlighting the vital role the institution plays in bridging the digital divide.
However, the library does not stop at offering resources. It also provides guidance, family programs, partnerships with community organizations, and social spaces that help combat social isolation.
To better understand how the library has reinvented itself and what it has to offer families and the broader community, we spoke with Irene McCutcheon, Senior Communications Advisor for the City of Mississauga.
Milénio Stadium: Beyond borrowing books, what services does the library currently offer that the public might not be aware of? Which of these services has grown the most in recent years?
Irene McCutcheon: Many residents might be surprised to discover the variety of items they can borrow from the Mississauga Library of Things, such as game and sports kits, carbon dioxide detectors, musical instruments, park passes, and museum passes. One of the areas of largest growth in recent years has been the technology available to patrons—such as portable Wi-Fi hotspots, printers, photocopiers, and makerspaces equipped with 3D printers and music recording equipment. And for those looking to save money, residents can check out movies and video games, as well as access free streaming services with their library card.
MS: If you had to describe the public library to someone who only associates it with “a place for books,” how would you describe it?
IM: A public library is so much more than books on shelves. It is a community hub where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to socialize, study, and explore. It is a welcoming space where residents can participate in programs for all ages, study, meet up, and discover new interests. It is one of the few spaces where everyone is welcome, regardless of age, background, or abilities, at no cost at all.
MS: What concrete changes have you made recently to keep up with technological evolution (such as Artificial Intelligence)? Are there concerns or red lines in this process?
IM: The library has made significant investments in technology to support how residents learn, create, and access information. We provide free Wi-Fi access, laptop and tablet loans, self-service checkout and return systems, and makerspaces equipped with various technologies, like 3D printing and sewing machines. These services give residents access to the technology they need at a low cost. In fact, a recent user survey revealed that 56% of respondents who use these library services say it is their only way to access this technology. As technology evolves, the library’s focus remains on providing access to learning and skill development so that patrons can use these tools effectively.
MS: In an era when information is just a click away, what do you do to ensure people still have reasons to visit the library, either in person or online? What recent initiative do you consider to have been most successful in attracting new audiences?
IM: Libraries offer much more than access to information. The Mississauga Library offers experiences, guidance, and a sense of social connection that help residents develop skills, connect with the community, and explore their interests. Patrons can participate in in-person programs and events, as well as access services that would otherwise be expensive, such as creative software, 3D printers, and sound and video recording equipment. The Hazel McCallion Central Library features a kitchen for cooking and nutrition programs, as well as a games room and other facilities that can be booked for free.
Library staff are also available to help residents navigate existing services, find materials, and build their skills. As for the online experience, the library provides free access to learning and entertainment services that would otherwise require a paid subscription. This includes LinkedIn Learning, The New York Times, PressReader, Ancestry, e-books, and streaming platforms for music and movies.
MS: What concrete benefits can a family with children get from the library today that they couldn’t ten or twenty years ago? Are there programs specifically designed to reduce costs or social isolation for families?
IM: The modern library is a center for community development, outreach, and programming for people of all ages and backgrounds. Families can participate in free programs, access community services, and engage in activities that help them learn, grow, and build connections. For budget-conscious families, the library offers free access to a wide variety of activities and materials, such as streaming services and games, children’s activities, passes to local attractions, drop-in social gatherings, book clubs, safety equipment, and language learning programs.
Through partnerships with local non-profit organizations, the library also provides outreach services, community development, and educational programs. These programs help reduce social isolation by giving residents a space to meet others, learn new skills, and build community. One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the expansion of technology available at the library—such as laptop loans, makerspaces, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other services that support skill development and help lower the cost of access.
Madalena Balça/MS
SENTIR, PENSAR E AGIR
Music entered César Russo’s life at an early age and never left. Originally from São Miguel, it was in his homeland that he began building his connection to music and to the traditions of his people. Today, after several years of pursuing his professional career as an emigrant, he is preparing to fulfill a dream: the release of his first CD, consisting mostly of original songs. In Sentir, Pensar e Agir (Feel, Think and Act), he acknowledges that before the album came the years of learning, performing on stage, and gaining experiences that helped shape the artist he is today.
One of the most significant stages of his journey was joining the Folklore Group of Ribeira Grande, where he found a true school of music, tradition, and culture. It was through folklore that he was introduced to the stage, to other musicians, and to a cultural heritage that would become part of his identity. More than entertainment, he discovered in music a way of preserving the memory and roots of a people.
When he left the Azores and came to Canada, that connection to his roots took on an even greater meaning. Far from his homeland, music became a way of keeping his Azorean identity alive. Over the years, he participated in various Portuguese community events and gradually built his career as a singer.
Now, with the release of his first CD, he is beginning a new chapter. Most of the songs are original, some written by him and others by his wife, Silvia, allowing him to move from being an interpreter to becoming a songwriter and to share his own ideas, emotions, and experiences with the public. This work brings together different moments from his journey: his Azorean roots, his learning through folklore, his experience as an emigrant, and his years performing on stage.
Between the Azores and Canada lies an ocean, but César Russo found in music a way to make it feel smaller. His first CD therefore represents more than a new recording project. It is the continuation of a journey shaped by music, memory, identity, and passion — a journey that began in the Azores and now continues on the stages of the Portuguese diaspora. The CD will be released on September 26.
Romulo Ávila/MS
Fotos: Cindy Da Ponte
The 2026 Beirã Cultural Week began on September 19 and concludes tomorrow, September 26, bringing the community together around traditional cuisine, folklore, culture, music, and fellowship. Over the course of eight days, the event featured a diverse program, including regional lunches and dinners, performances by folk groups, musicians and guest artists, providing opportunities to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Beiras region.
The program began on Saturday, September 19, with the official opening, followed by a regional dinner featuring caldo verde, pork, and oven-roasted veal. The evening included a performance by Telmo Rodrigues, who traveled from Portugal, as well as the Santa Fé Musical Ensemble.
On Sunday, September 20, the program continued with traditional cuisine and a Folklore Festival featuring the Rancho Folclórico Verde Gaio de Lordosa, Viseu, among other entertainment. The evening concluded with a regional dinner and a performance by Jéssica Vidal. On Monday, traditional cuisine once again took center stage, accompanied by performances from the Rancho Folclórico de Vaughan and Telmo Rodrigues.
A Week of Tradition and Fellowship
Tuesday was dedicated to sponsors and members of the media, with an evening featuring the Rancho Folclórico da Associação Cultural do Minho and Telmo Rodrigues.
On Wednesday, the traditional Soup Festival was held as a competition, with participation from Casa das Beiras, Casa do Alentejo, Casa dos Açores, and Casa da Madeira. The evening also featured performances by the Rancho Folclórico do Académico de Viseu and the Rancho Folclórico Verde Gaio de Lordosa, Viseu.
Thursday focused on youth. The program featured performances by So Dance Studios, Performance Teen, Os Desafinados da Casa das Beiras, and DJ Anthony, providing a different kind of evening aimed at younger generations.
Fado Brought the Program to a Close
One of the highlights took place on Friday, September 25, with a Night of Fado. The event featured João Brito and his musicians, who came from Portugal, as well as Cláudia Leal, accompanied by José Geladas on Portuguese guitar and Francisco Moreira on bass guitar.
The Beirã Cultural Week concluded on Saturday, September 26, with another day dedicated to food and fellowship. The closing celebration featured a performance by the Rancho Folclórico Verde Gaio de Lordosa, Viseu, as well as Pedro Joel and his band.
Throughout the week, gastronomy also held a prominent place, bringing to the table flavors from different regions of Portugal — from chanfana to lagareiro-style cod, from rojões to suckling pig, as well as duck rice and pork prepared in the traditional Beiras style.
The 2026 Beirã Cultural Week was therefore much more than a week of gatherings. It was a journey through the Beiras — Baixa, Alta and Litoral — made of flavors, music, folklore, memories, and fellowship.
At the tables and on the stages, traditions that remain alive and are passed down from generation to generation came together. Because Beira is not simply a region: it is the land of our parents and grandparents, of villages, celebrations, flavors, and stories that we carry with us.
Among different lands, one common bond remains. One identity, made up of many memories.
Many lands, one soul — the soul of those who never forget their roots.
Bernardino Nascimento and his entire team deserve congratulations for bringing this celebration to life and for keeping our roots, traditions, and pride in being Beirões so alive.
Romulo Ávila/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
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