Toronto's David Macfarlane is a much-awarded author, novelist and magazine writer.
Toronto's David Macfarlane is a much-awarded author, novelist and magazine writer.
Articles by David Macfarlane
Article: Letter from the Editor
Why Dave Kelso created Alzlive.com
by DAVID MACFARLANE
I am not exactly sure when I first met Dave Kelso, but I can pretty easily guess where. It would have been in a photographer’s studio in downtown Toronto, probably in the 1980s. At the time he was a hip, young creative director for one of the big ad agencies in town. It was his job to dream up…
Article: Letter from the Editor
Sentimentality is an impostor
by DAVID MACFARLANE
Bill Richardson was 23 when he left Winnipeg for Vancouver and 56 when the well-known writer and broadcaster reversed the journey, returning to his birthplace to help look after his father, Stan. That’s pretty much how Alzlive introduced The Stan Chronicles on March 12, 2014. Stan died in Winnipeg…
Article: Letter from the Editor
You don't expect an emergency
by DAVID MACFARLANE
When any kind of medical emergency befalls a family, it becomes possible to catch a glimpse – if only a glimpse – of what happens to the lives of those called upon to care for loved ones living with dementia. The first point of comparison is being unprepared. You don’t expect an emergency. That’s…
Article: Entertainment
More Good Tunes
by DAVID MACFARLANE
ALZlive asked artist and music-lover Leopold Plotek about what he listens to when he needs a boost. Lee visits his 94-year-old mother regularly at a long-term care facility in Montreal. He isn’t always sure she knows who he is. Lee was born in Moscow in 1948. But even though he has lived in Montreal…
Article: Entertainment
Crank Up the Good Tunes
by DAVID MACFARLANE
There are books and articles by the score about how important it is for caregivers to take care of themselves. A proper diet, sufficient sleep, exercise, outside activities -- all are essential. But sometimes the best therapy is as close as your CD or mp3 player. Here’s the ALZlive list of pop songs…
Article: The ALZ Interviews
The Crombie Interview
by DAVID MACFARLANE
The mayor who cared for a city now cares for his wife. He was one of Toronto’s most effective and popular mayors. He was a member of Parliament. He began his career as a teacher and he is now Chancellor Emeritus of Toronto’s Ryerson University. At 78, David Crombie remains active on a wide variety…
Article: Letter from the Editor
The Instinct to Care
by DAVID MACFARLANE
I have a friend who is a professional musician. He is a gifted performer – of Hank Williams-era country classics, of jazz standards, of Tin Pan Alley tunes, of blues, and folk, and rock and roll, and of sweet, charming songs of his own composition. He is a very good singer and a very good guitar…