Honey bees are incredible animals. Their biology sounds like something out of a Cronenberg film: A single queen bee watches over her hive of thousands, while the female worker bees are all born into specific roles—maid, grocer, farmer, guard, nanny, chef, carpenter—and the “drone” males will simply mate with the queen and die. They communicate to eachother by dancing, and they travel the distance around the world threefold as a hive. The life of the honey bees sounds like science fiction, and they deserve far more awe and recognition than we give them. But as a recent documentary, Vanishing of the Bees, points out, the life of the honey bees may be coming to a close, as they are disappearing in a global endemic called colony collapse disorder.

It may sound like a hoax, but it’s true: Recent studies show that a modified form of ecstasy kills 100% of blood cancer cells. While patient application is still a long way away, in test tube studies, the modified ecstasy killed all of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma cells (as reported by the BBC).

Your doctor probably won’t be telling you to take two hits of ecstasy anytime soon, but this exciting discovery gives hope to those suffering with blood cancers and calls into question once again our country’s perilous relationship with drugs and the true reasoning behind the ongoing War on Drugs.

People’s Wine Market does an exceptional job of bringing artisan wines to wine lovers. This awesome wine company that began operating just recently has already seen a great amount of success. We recently interviewed Ashley Sytsma, People’s Wine Market owner/wine lover, and found out how she and Ryan Sytsma, fellow Wine Market owner, met and created their small, family-owned wine shop.

As the saying goes, when in Russia, do as the Russians (or something like that). While Toronto may not be Russia, while visiting a Russian vodka bar in the East End, I asked the bartendress to suggest a drink. She asked what my normal order was. I responded Ketel One with club soda and lime, to which she retorted, "Then you're not really tasting vodka." Fair enough. She wasn't being facetious, but factual. I nodded my head; she put a finger to her lip before replying, "Zubrówka," Polish bison grass vodka. When in Russia, do as the Poles, obviously.

When I thumb through my cooking magazines and cookbooks, I longingly gaze at gorgeous foodie photos and begin to fantasize. I imagine what I’ll cook next with this season’s inspired ingredients, where I’ll shop, who I’ll share the food with and the wine I’ll pair with dinner. So, when a friend introduced me to Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan’s latest cookbook, Good food To Share: recipes for entertaining with family and friends, I was hooked. 

Pink - it's all we're seeing this month. From pink ribbons to pink packaging, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is loud and proud, as it should be. We're all for bringing attention to this very widespread disease, but the last time we walked through the cosmetics aisle, we couldn't help but notice a little something called pinkwashing. We think that companies who tout themselves as supporting the cause should do so with their products, too - not simply their marketing strategy.

The popularity of both artisinal breweries and proper mixology bars continues to rise, and at the convergence of these two beverage trends you will find the resurgence of the beer cocktail.

Cheap and easy to make, these light cocktails are a hit any time of year. The idea of a beer cocktail might strike you as odd in the beginning, but after tasting these fruity, fun beverages you will be asking for more – and maybe even dreaming up your own recipes in the process!

"Eat Organic!" It's the mantra of those seeking alternatives to the commercially-grown, genetically-modified and pesticide-sprayed crops dominating the U.S. food supply. Not only is it almost impossible to completely avoid eating non-organic foods, but pesticides and herbicides are so widely used that they're now found in the air and water—and in virtually every human on earth. And although it seems like avoiding them may be impossible, reducing our exposure reduces our risk of some serious health problems. Do you know what it is you're avoiding and why?

Finding healthy foods for yourself and your family can easily turn into a full-time job, as grocery shopping and cooking can take hours out of your week. Having staples to stock in the kitchen is a great way to save time, but unfortunately some favorites aren't as good for you as they seem. Check out the ingredient lists and you'll be shocked to discover that many products labeled as "healthy," "natural" and "pure" contain sugar. Here are seven savory foods that sneak in unnecessary sweetness.

Around the world, vines are veritably dripping with grapes. It's harvest season, and that means it's the best time for you to get a little closer to your Cabernet. Ever wonder how wine is made? Ready to do a little tasting with your friends? Daring enough to try a grape stomp? Visit your local winery to learn by doing.

The healthiest of health nuts love Halloween candy. It's fun and conjures thoughts of childhood, crazy costumes and pumpkin carving. All those warm and fuzzies fly out the window once you read almost any traditional candy's nutritional label, though. Hydrogenated fats? Check. High fructose corn syrup? Check. Not all Halloween candy packs an unhealthy punch, though. The following natural candy distributors carry healthy Halloween candy ideal for trick-or-treaters (or you, for that matter!).

In the mighty plight to live a lighter life, planet wise, things aren't always as easy as ditch the plastic bags. Like when it comes to buying locally versus buying fair trade. I recently stood at my health food store with two bars of dark chocolate, one fair trade and the other local. Which is better, I wondered. Let's take a gander.

What's the first thing that comes to mind when the weather starts to turn, gastronomically speaking? Soup? Ah, yes - soup. This culinary treasure trove is a cold day's best friend. So, for this Meatless Monday we've rounded up the best vegetarian and vegan soup recipes that came out of the blogosphere this last week in order to arm you for the months ahead. Because comforting comes in tons of varieties outside the traditional chicken noodle soup. (A cautionary note: With these soups, you'll never want to go back.)

If there's one snide put-down any vegetarian has likely heard from a vegetable-scoffing meat-eater, it's something along the lines of "lentil-eating hippie." Fair enough. Most vegetarians have been known to eat a lentil or two… but hippie? Really? Travel to India or Turkey, where legumes such as the lentil are among the most commonly consumed food staples, and you'll find vegetarians and meat eaters dining on them in healthy, yummy food harmony—without the name-calling.