Season 24, Episode 7: “Balancing the Load: Cosmetic Fixes and Structural Truths” [Soft acoustic theme music. Quick cuts: a dripping faucet, a cluttered counter, a thermostat being fiddled with — again.] HOST (voice-over, calm and confident): “Before we begin today’s renovation, a reminder that This Old Spouse is brought to you by our generous sponsors.” [Cut to HOST standing in a spotless workshop.] HOST: “This episode is sponsored by Honey-Do™ Lists — now with expandable mar

Ever wonder why Kurds suddenly appear, every time you have beer? Or how many roads a man must walk down before you can call him a cab? The answers, my friend, are blowing through the mind of musical advice columnist and private investigator (ret.) Philip Marlowe, who once operated a little nightclub and gambling den under the alias of Rick Blaine. Then time went by. Play it once, Sam. For old time’s sake. Dear Marlowe, How can I be happy for the rest of my life? — Jimmy Soul

David Sherman Airports have become shopping centres. They know travellers, at least when leaving, have credit cards yet to be maxed out or money and they want it. The preamble to a dream vacation is now a forced march through booze stores, lingerie boutiques, perfume, jewelry, shoe, soccer sweater shops and other finery like emporiums serving Big Macs and KFC chicken at 6 a.m. In Montreal, moving sidewalks disappear once you hit a retail corridor and you’re on your own. Art