Shopping for second hand has now claimed respect in Ottawa, borne on a new breed of shopper and a new breed of consignment store that more resembles a high-end boutique.

“Gangnam Style” — the most-viewed music video ever — took over YouTube and then impacted world culture in 2012.  How a viral video can affect us all.

Branded unfairly as dull music town, Ottawa suffers from comparisons with Toronto and Montreal.  True, it may never be a national magnet, but this small-town city thrives on local talent.

Who ever thought of knitting as hip, even dangerous? Yet knitwear has become the new “tag,” as women and men, the world over, now leave their mark by putting sweaters and cozies on statues, lamp posts and trees.

With “buy local” food movements sweeping North America, Ottawa got a much-needed injection of farm-fresh culture with fall 2011’s Harvest Noir—the city’s first pop-up, flash mob picnic. Guests celebrated local food with ball gowns, black ties and a big brass band.

Grandma, move over. Across North America, a rejuvenated sewing scene now attracts more young people, to learn this age-old, hands-on skill.