Random thoughts of Bean

Waking

2009-06-05T12:29:00.003-04:00

Watching people in line
waiting
it's early
the world slowly unfolds
into morning

Hardly a smiling face
stupor
it's early
eyes adjusting to day
taking it in

And those who look happy
shining
out of place
others frown in envy
much too early

TGIF?

2009-06-05T12:01:00.005-04:00

I guess I'm happy it's Friday. Being relatively unemployed with a part time job that has hours all over the place, aids in not knowing what day of the week it is! Currently, I'm listening to a group out of Sweden called Lizette&. Have been following them for a couple of years now. The music is quite unique, some rock leading towards industrial. The lead and group founder, Lizette von Panajott is a very talented and creative artist. I am glad to have met her acquaintance on line. She is a cool chick! :)
Check out the band's site (2 new and VERY unique musicians just joined the group): http://www.lizetteand.com/
So after a couple of days of being depressed and feeling like my life was really going nowhere - I have picked myself back up! YEAH! I have decided to stop looking for a full time hospitality job and refresh my culinary skills over the next few months. Food has always been my passion - even childhood memories that are clearest to me, have something to do with me and food. I'll still hang on to my part time job and am applying to Second Career - a government organization that pays tuition for people who have been laid off and are looking to study a "second career" in order to help them to get back into the work force. It is a great program and would help me immensely, as I couldn't pay for the course otherwise. So I am carving a new path for myself - pardon the pun! It's a bit scary, as I'm no longer a young grad. I have adult responsibilities, payments and money I need to save for my old age. But I am truly excited about this opportunity. I am hoping to have my own business in a couple of years...private catering maybe...something where I can be unique and creative, please people and stay exclusive. I want to do whatever the hell I want to do and have people pay money and enjoy it! I'd love to meet Gordon Ramsey one day - maybe even get a chance to work with him. There are many other things I want to do, and courses I'd like to take in order to reach my goals. After all, there's nothing really stopping me, except myself, right? Have a great weekend guys and check out my YouTube site:http://www.youtube.com/user/itsthebean

Today's thoughts....

2009-05-22T11:25:00.002-04:00

It's been a while....a long while..I've been spending most of my "spare" time vlogging on youtube. It's fun and this way people can see my beautiful face! - ha! But alas, I do enjoy writing so that is why I'm back here today. I'm feeling kinda sluggish this morning. Not sure why - could be the muggy weather outside and the fact that even the sun is hiding. I'm off to a friend's for a "girls' lunch" - out on the back deck with some ol' high school buddies. I offered to bring appetizers - but had no time to make anything last night so I thought I'd go to the grocers and by something pre-fab this morning. But as I was draggin' my ass this morning...then I thought about what food items I did have at home and managed to conger up some baby shrimp and red pepper spread! It tastes really good! So I made some mini-sandwiches with the spread and some arugula. Hope the girls will like it! Now, I'm off in a frenzy to buy a confirmation present for another girlfriend's daughter. The event is tomorrow morning. So I'm off to the jewellers in search of a necklace with something like a butterfly pendant. Hope to find something not too expensive, yet elegant looking! Not too sure what time I'm getting home this evening...but I need to get some exercise in. Haven't had time to do any in a couple of days and I'm feeling very guilty! Ok, off I go! Peace xo

2009-03-09T13:34:00.002-04:00

As I looked down at the river
Its muddiness raced past me
With thunderous sound
Full-force and purposeful

I almost wished the waters
To carry away my fears, my worries
Away with the currents to somewhere
Where I'd never see them again

I wanted my broken spirit to be cleansed
Cleared of all the pain and bitterness
To be set free again, living and roaring
Like that river in Spring.

Dream Wheels

2009-01-13T19:50:00.003-05:00

Ok....it's only a dream...but WOW...take a look at this one. This is the Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss edition. A pure racing car. The design, the contours...this is a gorgeous, sexy car (even with the plaid upholstered seats).
If I won several million dollars...I might be tempted...but only if I could use it for what it was meant to do. Drive FAST. *sigh*. And then, I'd probably be too afraid to drive so fast....but hey, it's a dream....

Riots? Here in Toronto?

2008-12-29T23:00:00.004-05:00

I feel compelled to share this story with you. When a client, whom I hardly know, and who, I have the feeling is a bit "sketchy", started to tell me about disaster coming to our city - I had to bite my tongue. I really just wanted to tell him that he was a loony toon. But hey, you never know. He seems to be quite a successful businessman, speaks many languages...So, what if I do just shrug it off, keep it to myself and then suddenly, what he told me would happen, did? Ahh, now you get it and so this is why I'm writing this. Apparently, at the Petro Canada station on Adelaide and Jarvis, there some new artwork. REVOLUTION in huge letters is drawn on one of the white fences that surrounds the station. And as my client mentioned, this word was what was written at the beginning of "Les Miserables"...and look what happened there. He had also witnessed the riots in L.A. years ago. He said that the feeling he felt there 2-3 weeks before the rioting, is exactly what he feels in Toronto today. He told me to prepare. He said, Remember the Black Out?, that was only 3 days, make sure you have enough bottled water and canned food in your house to last you 2 weeks". Maybe this has something to do with Gaza and the action starting up there. I don't know. But apparently, "it" will be coming to our city in 2-3 weeks time. He also mentioned that he has a generator with him, and that he can supply my business with power in case we lose it over that time. How generous of him, I guess. At least, I have a backup plan. So, part of me may be wanting to stock up on some extra water and canned tuna on my next grocery trip.

It's been 414 hours...

2008-11-07T00:32:00.003-05:00

I lost my dad on October 20th. Today, we picked up his ashes from the funeral home. When the funeral director left the room, I hugged the velvet bag that held my dad's remains. I hugged them as if I was hugging him. My dad. My sunshine. The reality of it all was overwhelming. But he took his final trip home as he drove in the car he had bought my mom earlier this year. It was a gift to her. And now he is home. And that is what he would have wanted. I see him sometimes, I feel that he is near. I welcome his presence anytime. Before he passed, I asked him to come and visit me and mom. It was pure torture to see him die. Every breathe could have been his last. I kept repeating my goodbyes, telling him how much my mother and I loved him. And though we didn't want to let him go, we told him that he need not fight anymore. I remember telling him that we will get on alright. We couldn't be selfish. He was suffering and so weak. I can't believe that I will never hear his voice again. I feel like a part of me has been torn out. My mom has been so strong. I worry that one day she will just crash. She is on overdrive. I can't keep up with her. But everyone has their own way of grieving. It has been many years since we have lost someone close. I don't know what to expect. I don't know how to grieve. Tears fall randomly. Memories come to mind. I miss my dad so much. That's all I can say right now.

He's a stand up guy

2008-11-04T23:23:00.002-05:00

I'm just listening to John McCain's speech - admitting to his defeat and acknowledging Obama as the next president of the United States. I'm not sure if he wrote the words himself or not, but, the words seemed very sincere. He seemed honorable and respectable. With hope, the future of America is in good hands. Bless.

I'm a bit nervous...

2008-11-04T20:42:00.002-05:00

Maybe I shouldn't be. But on the eve of the U.S. Election, I am. The following statement is not based on any prejudice or stereotype whatsoever. What am I concerned about, you ask? Well, I believe that if Obama does not win the election, then the many black Americans will protest. Claiming racism. There will be many who will be disappointed. There may be a handful that will be angry, and then a few who may turn to violence as a result. I hope that I am wrong. If Obama wins, celebrations will take place, especially amongst the black community. And so it should. This would be ground breaking. It would be a huge break through that will pave the path for many others in the future, who would never think they would have a chance at the presidency. However, as we all know, and may have experienced....celebrations can lead to people going too far. I fear that if Americans select a black president, the extremists will come out. Those that feel that they are better then everyone else, those who will use the appointment of Obama as a reason to go out and seek revenge, in the name of all black Americans who have suffered in the past. Then on the opposite end, there may be white extremists who will be ready to take action should Obama be elected. There has already been a plot to kill Obama that was announced in the news. I am sure there are more that we have not heard about.
I hope for the best, whatever the outcome of the election is. I hope that Americans get the change they need and desire. I hope the future will be bright. I hope that regardless of who wins, people will keep their wits about them, do not harm to others and be peaceful. And on a last note, I wish we had such charismatic political candidates here in Canada!!!!

Muscle Fuel

2008-10-12T11:28:00.002-04:00

If it seems you're exercising day after day but not seeing any results, you're not alone.

Many Canadians hit the gym regularly without any immediate change to their appearance, which is especially frustrating when, say, there's a big high school reunion coming up or a certain someone to impress.

But take heart - there's a selection of foods that can increase your performance, and have results appear much sooner.

And the best part is you don't need to drink them in a powdered protein shake.

Building muscle mass is a key component of overall health. From preventing the onset of osteoporosis and diabetes to helping you burn calories even when you're standing still, muscles do it all.

And just like your car probably runs better on high-test, there are foods that can help your physical performance.

Here they are:

Fish: It contains protein, which helps build muscle, and Omega-3 acids.
Recommendation: 2-3 meals per week

Sweet potatoes: Great source of antioxidants, which help to rebuild muscle. Also an excellent source of potassium
Recommendation: 3 servings of potassium rich foods (like sweet potatoes) should go into your 5-9 servings of vegetables and produce a day

Low-fat yogurt: Contains calcium and Vitamin D, which help to build healthy bones; and also protein and potassium.
Recommendation: 6-8 oz a day

Quinoa: A complex carbohydrate, which fuels active muscles.
Recommendation: half a cup a day

Pumpkin seeds: Packed with magnesium, manganese, iron and copper which are all essential to build healthy muscle and to help it to function.
Recommendation: small handful a day.

But be warned - don't cut out fatty foods completely. Those items rich in unsaturated fats may actually fight obesity, by naturally curbing your body's hunger.

A study by pharmacologists out of University of California - Irvine found that edibles like avocadoes, olive oil and nuts send signals to the brain that your stomach is full.

The researchers think this information could be used to treat eating disorders as well as obesity.

A fat-derived compound called oleoylethanolamide (OEA) regulates hunger and body weight.

"We are excited to find that OEA activates cell receptors that already have been the focus of successful drug development," Daniele Piomelli, the Louise Turner Arnold Chair in Neurosciences, outlined in a press release.

"This gives us hope for a new class of anti-obesity drugs based on the savvy use of natural appetite-controlling mechanisms."

OEA can also improve blood cholesterol in addition to reducing appear tight and potentially helping weight loss.

"Another trick," advises CityNews Medical Specialist Dr Karl Kabasele, "is to fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Because they have a high water content, they'll fill your stomach and make you feel fuller."

Source: citynews.ca

Light Painting

2008-10-09T10:34:00.002-04:00

I don't really know why I had never heard of this before. Apparently this form of art and photography has been around for a while. It's called Light Painting and it is way cool. I recently went out with a camera and a friend one evening and we took loads of pics. I'll post some soon. It was so much fun, it was easy to hoard the camera and we had to make sure to share :)
Light painting, or light drawing is a photographic technique where exposures are made usually at night or in a darkened room by moving a hand-held light source or by moving the camera. In many cases the light source itself does not have to appear in the image. The light can either be used to illuminate parts of the subject or to "paint" a picture by shining it directly into the camera lens. Light painting needs a relatively slow shutter speed, the darker, the slower. Like night photography, it has grown in popularity since the advent of digital cameras because they allow photographers to see the results of their work immediately. And you never know what the "art" will turn out like, until it shows up on the screen. Surprise! Here's a great light painting movie....Enjoy!

Frank

2008-10-06T21:36:00.004-04:00

His name is Frank. We met at the Virgin Music Festival last month. He stood and watched me for a while. I was taking in the sun and looking at the sparkling was of Lake Ontario. He approached me casually. He winked and then walked away. He'd look back. Then he's stroll up towards me again. We looked at one another. He was cute. Healthy looking. He had a way about him. I started to talk to him. Small talk. I spoke to him in a soft voice as I didn't want to scare this timid creature away. He didn't really say much. But he stayed with me for a while. It was nice. He did let me take a photo of him though. Here he is....

V -Fest 2008

2008-10-06T20:59:00.008-04:00

Yes, I know it was a month ago, I know it's kinda old new. I apologize. I haven't been in the mood to write. And when I have been, I haven't had the time. Now, I have the time and quasi feel like it...so here ya go!
Last month, I attended the Virgin Music Fest on Centre Island. It was a 2 day event and it ROCKED! The weather, though pending at times, turned out great. The company was great, the Hero burger hit the spot and the music....well! There were a variety of bands of different stages throughout the day. Some local (Lights) and some from afar (the Kooks). Some bands, I had heard about some I had not. But is was great discovering new talent and expanding my musical horizons. Saturday night, the Foo Fighters headlined. Wow, they kicked-ass several times over and then some. I liked a lot of their music, but in concert - shit - they were fucking awesome. And Dave Grohl was funny, entertaining and intense. I don't think the band or any of the fans wanted the night to end. On the down-side, the Love Boat back to the mainland was a totally fucked up situation. There was chaos. There were crowds of people heading towards the dock, in a huge detour and then ROAD BLOCK. No one knew where the line ended or where it began. The docks were still so far away and yet no one could really move anywhere. As some people stayed "in line" others would be brave enough to search around for a way out. For freedom. Want to get off the island now. Bed-dy by time. With some luck, my friend and I found a way to get past some of the crowds. VICTORY! However, it wasn't till 1 hour and 45 minutes later that we actually got on a god-damn ferry. In the meantime, the crowd tried to stay lively. We cranked out some tunes with total strangers. It was actually pretty amazing. Too bad we didn't have the video camera. Would have been cool to film and put up on youTube. The next day, the weather cleared up in the afternoon, just in time for our second day on the island. Heading to the Bacardi Live! tent, which was small and intimate, we had a couple of mojitos. Took in some DJing by Niagara native, Deadmau5. Cool vibes and energy for sure. Then it was time for Moby. He is a legend in the DJ circuit. And boy, did he deliver. People were dancing and happy. Positive energy all around. I have to say, that personally, after that set, Oasis was a disappointment. I know it was OASIS. I understand. Hey, I was disappointed to be disappointed too. There are too stuck up. They aren't great entertainers. They don't really interact well with their fans. Yes, a fan attacked Noel and then his brother. Ok, guess that was kinda exciting. I do like some of this band's tunes. But after the Foos and Moby....meh. We decided to leave the concert early since 1) it was a school night 2) didn't want to wait 2 hours again for the ferry ride home. It turned out to be a good decision. On a side note, I do plan on going to V-fest again next year - of course - pending on the headliners. But, the beer tend situation was also a bit frustrating. There were fucking line-ups everywhere. Just to get into the beer tent. And lo and behold, many of the tents were for VIPs only. Well, jebus, why not put a sign up telling us average joes that? I mean, most of us can read. Instead, of wasting our time, and kindly letting us know once we reach the front of the line. I hope they change that for next year. K.I.S.S., ya know? Also, I got really pissed because you couldn't bring a back-pack or bag into the beer area. What did they think I would do? If I had a nice purse, could I not also fit beer in that purse? There was no logic. Anyways. that's my run down for V-fest 2008. And I didn't even feel like writing. Lucky you - if I had been up to it, I may have written a few more paragraphs....!! Here's a few shots. Moby, crowd listening to music in the sun and a highlight, the Energizer Bunny. Woot!
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Thought of the Day

2008-09-28T19:51:00.002-04:00

I never really got into the Spice Girls when they were popular. But now after seeing Mel C in concert several months ago, and recently relistening to some Spice Girl classics...I have to say - they had some good tunes!

Oops again

2008-09-26T00:51:00.001-04:00

I love the weather network...but they did it again! Oops! What happened to Saturday's weather?

I knew he was hot...but...

2008-08-31T17:55:00.002-04:00

From X-files to Sex-files, I guess....

David Duchovny has entered a rehabilitation facility for sex addiction. In a statement released Thursday by his lawyer, Stanton Stein, the actor said he did so voluntarily, adding: "I ask for respect and privacy for my wife and children as we deal with this situation as a family."

The actor's publicist, Flo Grace, confirmed the rehab report.

She and Stein both declined to elaborate further.

Duchovny, 48, plays a sex-obsessed character on the Showtime series Californication, which earned Emmy nominations for casting and cinematography. The show's second season begins Sept. 28. Showtime had no comment Thursday.

The actor appeared in the film The X Files: I Want to Believe earlier this summer. He has been married to actress Tea Leoni since 1997. They have two children.

Source: www.citynews.ca

sick...sicker

2008-08-20T21:27:00.000-04:00

There is no honour among thieves, as the old expression goes. The unscrupulous will try and take advantage of just about any situation to gain a profit. But given the nature of one of the most gruesome crimes in Canadian history, this scam seems beyond the pale.

An online poster to the social networking site Facebook claimed to be the sister of the man beheaded onboard a Winnipeg-bound bus last month. And "she" was trying to use the tragedy to collect some quick cash.

The unidentified person who put up the suspicious notice claims to be Amanda, the eldest sister of 22-year-old Tim McLean. He's the carnival worker who was stabbed and then decapitated by a man onboard a Greyhound bus in Portage La Prairie on July 30th.

The message tugs at the already tight heartstrings of readers and then makes a play for their wallet.

"I thank you all for your support of our family," it reads. "It has been hard to deal with, but life must go on. If you would like to make a donation to help our family, we have set up a PayPal account to do so. Contact for more details."

The same person is believed to have sent an instant message to the man who put up the Facebook tribute page to McLean. Ron Schinners admits he was duped by the tale of woe when he received a plea from "Amanda."

"She" told him her family was having a tough time paying for the funeral expenses and were forced to quit their jobs to support each other. Schinners was so moved by her story, he turned control of the page over to the writer. He now knows that was a mistake.

"I was doing it out of the kindness of my heart, but I was also being deceived and I felt really stupid," the Port Alberni, B.C. resident admits now.

The page remained in place for a few days, likely garnering contributors, until the real Amanda McLean contacted Schinners and told him those messages weren't from her.

Others became suspicious because the family had previously set up a trust fund through TD-Canada Trust and wouldn't have needed to use PayPal for anything.

The postings were removed and the intruder reported to the RCMP. It's not clear how much the phony relative may have made off the scam or if authorities will be able to track her - or him - down.

A 40-year-old Edmonton man remains in custody undergoing psychiatric tests for the awful crime. Vince Weiguang Li is charged with second degree murder. He was heard to plead "kill me" during his last court appearance. He only recently obtained the services of a lawyer and will be back before a judge on September 8th.

Source: citynews.ca

I'm disgusted...but not surprised

2008-08-13T23:00:00.000-04:00

A 7-year-old Chinese girl was not good-looking enough for the Olympics opening ceremony, so another little girl with a pixie smile lip-synched "Ode to the Motherland," a ceremony official said - the latest example of the lengths Beijing took for a perfect start to the Summer Games.

A member of China's Politburo asked for the last-minute change to match one girl's face with another's voice, the ceremony's chief music director, Chen Qigang, said in an interview with Beijing Radio.

"The audience will understand that it's in the national interest," Chen said in a video of the interview posted online Sunday night.

The news follows reports that some footage of the fireworks exploding across China's capital during the ceremony was digitally inserted into television coverage, apparently over concerns that not all of the 29 blasts could be captured on camera.

China has been eager to present a flawless Olympics image to the world, shooing migrant workers and so-called petitioners who come to the central government with grievances from the city and shutting down any sign of protest.

The country's quest for perfection apparently includes its children.

Lin Miaoke's performance Friday night, like the ceremony itself, was an immediate hit. "Nine-year-old Lin Miaoke becomes instant star with patriotic song," the China Daily newspaper headline said Tuesday.

But the real voice behind the tiny, pigtailed girl in the red dress who wowed 91,000 spectators at the National Stadium on opening night really belonged to 7-year-old Yang Peiyi. Her looks apparently failed the cuteness test with officials organizing the ceremony, but Chen said her voice was judged the most beautiful.

"The national interest requires that the girl should have good looks and a good grasp of the song and look good on screen," Chen said. "Lin Miaoke was the best in this. And Yang Peiyi's voice was the most outstanding."

During a live rehearsal soon before the ceremony, the Politburo member said Miaoke's voice "must change," Chen said in the radio interview. He didn't name the official.

So Peiyi's voice was matched with Miaoke's face.

"We had to make that choice. It was fair both for Lin Miaoke and Yang Peiyi," Chen told Beijing Radio. "We combined the perfect voice and the perfect performance."

Chen couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.

I can understand why they picked the prettier girl. They need to maintain a certain aesthetic beauty during the opening ceremonies.
Zhang Xinyi, 22, who works in marketing in Beijing
A photo of Peiyi posted Tuesday on popular Web site Sina.com shows a smiling girl with bangs and crooked teeth. A China News Service story posted with the photo says a China Central Television reporter asked Peiyi whether she felt regret over the opening ceremony.

Peiyi responded that just having her voice used for the opening ceremony was an honor.

Whether the move was unethical, or unfair to both girls, has become a hot topic among Chinese and is racing across the country's blogosphere.

"The organizers really messed up on this one," said Luo Shaoyang, 34, a retail worker in Beijing.

"This is like a voice-over for a cartoon character," Luo said. "Why couldn't they pick a kid who is both cute and a good singer? This damages the reputation of both kids for their future, especially the one lip-synching. Now everyone knows she's a fraud. Who cares if she's cute?"

Zhang Xinyi, 22, who works in marketing in Beijing, disagreed.

"I can understand why they picked the prettier girl. They need to maintain a certain aesthetic beauty during the opening ceremonies. This situation is not so bad, especially since it gives two people an opportunity to shine rather than just one."

Peiyi is a first-grader at the Primary School affiliated to Peking University. Her tutor, Wang Liping, wrote in her blog that Peiyi is both cute and well-behaved, with a love for Peking opera.

"She doesn't like to show off. She's easygoing," Wang wrote. She and other school officials couldn't be reached Tuesday.

Miaoke, however, was a minor celebrity even before the opening ceremony. The third-grader appeared in a television ad last year with China's biggest gold medal hope, hurdling champion Liu Xiang, and she was in an Olympics ad just before Chinese New Year, China Daily reported.

Miaoke has her own blog, and one of the latest photos posted since the ceremony shows her looking up nervously at the ceremony's director, film director Zhang Yimou. "Giving the child encouragement," the caption says.

Her father, Lin Hui, told China Daily he learned Miaoke would be "singing" only 15 minutes before the opening ceremony began. The newspaper wrote Lin "still cannot believe his daughter has become an international singing sensation."

It was the second straight Olympics where the opening ceremony involved lip-synching.

Luciano Pavarotti's performance at the 2006 Winter Games in Turin was prerecorded. The maestro who conducted the aria, Leone Magiera, said earlier this year that the bitter cold made a live performance impossible for Pavarotti, who was in severe pain months before his cancer diagnosis. Pavarotti died in September 2007 at age 71.

NBC also has augmented its Olympic coverage in the past to set the right mood. That fire in the studio fireplace during the 2002 Salt Lake Games? It was just a video.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Random info

2008-08-09T00:21:00.002-04:00

...just in case a trivial pursuit game starts up.......

8

2008-08-08T08:08:00.001-04:00

In the Chinese calendar, today, is the most auspicious day of this year. So I decided to take the day off, and enjoy it in all its glory. A bit of information on the number 8 - for all those who are curious.....

The word for "eight" (八，捌) in Mandarin (Pinyin: bā) sounds similar to the word which means "prosper" or "wealth" (发 - short for "发财", Pinyin: fā). In regional dialects the words for "eight" and "fortune" are also similar, eg Cantonese "baat" and "faat".
There is also a resemblance between two digits, "88", and the shuang xi ('double joy'), a popular decorative design composed of two stylized characters 喜 (xi, 'joy', 'happiness').

Telephone number 8888-8888 was sold for USD$270,723 in Chengdu, China.
The Summer Olympics in Beijing are scheduled to open on 8/8/08 at 8:08:08pm
A man in Hangzhou offered to sell his license plate reading A88888 for RMB 1.12 million.
Dragon Fish Industry in Singapore, a breeder of rare Asian Arowanas (which are "lucky fish" themselves, and, being a rare species, are required to be microchipped), makes sure to use numbers with plenty of eights in their microchip tag numbers, and appears to reserve particular numbers especially rich in eights and sixes (e.g. 702088880006688) for particularly valuable specimens.

Spiritually, eight is the goal of the initiate, having gone through the seven stages. Eight is Infinity - Paradise regained.

Eight is solidarity as the first cube and it denotes perfection by virtue of it's six surfaces. There are eight winds and intermediate directions of space. Eight represents the pairs of opposites. The octagon is the beginning of the transformation of the square into a circle and vice versa.

Buddhist tradition: eight is completion, all possibilities. There are eight symbols of good augury.

Chinese system of belief eight represents the whole. It is all possibilities in manifestation. Eight is seen as a good luck number. The PAKUA is the design depicting the eight trigrams and pairs of opposites, usually in a circle, the circumference of which symbolizes time and space. There are eight delights of human existence.

May peace, good health, happiness and fortune be with you today and always.

Links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_in_Chinese_culture
http://www.ecademy.com/module.php?mod=list&lid=132436

On the Eve of Beijing

2008-08-07T22:16:00.003-04:00

The Olympics officially start tomorrow. Personally, I love watching the Olympics. Since a young kid, I would look forward to cheering on our Canadian athletes and watching in awe, of their dedication and determination. In my opinion, I don't even think China should have been considered to host the Games. After all the political and human right controversies, I thought it was a bad decision. Obviously, security will be on the highest alert in Beijing. Though, I'm opposed to having the Olympics in China, I will be watching the Opening Ceremonies, just to make sure that if anything unusual happens, that I will see it first hand. I do hope that these Games go on without a hitch. But I also hope that China will soon realize, that the way they treat their own people, just has to stop. (although, I doubt that will ever happen). Politics etc., aside, I wish the best of luck to all our athletes from the Great White North. You never cease to mesmerize and inspire me! Go CANADA!

Musical Messiah

2008-08-06T20:47:00.000-04:00

Ok, maybe I'm pushing it with the Messiah - but Trent Reznor truly blew me away this past Tuesday night at the ACC. Clearly, he is a genius when it comes to musical and technical creativity. And it a bonus that he not bad to look at either! Trent Reznor, or commonly known as the one man band Nine Inch Nails, is one of the most influencial, unique and talented musicians of our time. He is widely known for his absurdly high standards, which is probably why NIN is still going strong after 15 years. Reznor is most famous for producing the first couple of albums for Marilyn Manson. And continuing with the "holy" theme, a popular rumor is that Reznor got the name Nine Inch Nails for his band because it was the length of the nails used in the crucifixion of Christ. He, however, denies this. Ironically, at his high school, Reznor played the role of Judas in a school performance of Jesus Christ Superstar. Having started to play piano at the age of five, Trent now plays many instruments, writes his own lyrics and produces all of it on his own. It is quite incredible. And the technology used in NIN productions is amazing! No wonder he is one of the most influential people and biggest contributors to the true art of music.

Rogers Cup

2008-07-27T23:07:00.004-04:00

So after many years of wanting to go, I finally went to see a Rogers Cup tennis match at the Rexall Centre last night. It was the men's semi-finals with (the incredible) Nadal (or Rafa, as fans lovingly call him) and Murray (the Scotsman). Once the game started about an hour after it was supposed to, (the afternoon game was delayed due to...rain. Are we really getting enough rain this summer? really?) all was good. But the leading up to the game left a somewhat bitter taste...First, we had to pay for parking. Now, maybe I'm gullible, but I thought York University would have so much space during the summer for hundreds of cars, that parking would be free. Ok, after having parked the car, we noticed a line up outside the lot. Shuttle bus. The bus was just pulling up but of course, not enough room for us. The next bus will be here in 10-15 minutes, we were assured. It was already 6:30pm and the match started at 7pm. (we didn't know it was delayed yet). A couple in front of us started asking some other people in line, how long it would be to walk to the Rexall Centre. The responses were everything from 10 minutes to 25 minutes. Big difference. So we opted to wait for the shuttle. It arrived almost 25 minutes later. Frustrated, we all climbed on board. Only then were we told not to worry, as we wouldn't miss any of the game. Phew! The bus's air condition was broken AND it was the only bus assigned to that parking lot (hence, the long wait). You'd think that for an annual event like this, that it would be more organized. I spoke to soon. More fun to come. So once we got to the tennis stadium, we are flocked to it. Of course, people were still sitting in all the seats from the match still going on. So all of us waiting, blocking the staircases, exits and entrances. This made it difficult for the tennis fans, who finally left after the delayed afternoon match was over. I overheard many people complaining. I agree. Organizers should have kept all of us out until the majority of people attending the last match had departed. Finally we got to our 300 level seating area. A volunteer came up to us to say that not all the sections were ready for us to venture into yet to find our seats, because some people from the other game had not left yet. They apparently really wanted to see the evening game too. Well, for heaven's sake, I thought. Obviously they didn't pay to see the second match, so why not get a few organizers and tell those people still sitting to get the heck out of their seats, as paying customers were waiting to get into them? I mean, how hard is it really? Finally getting to our seats, the garbage was unbelievable. Maybe in my dreamy mind, I always felt tennis was a more refined and sophisticated sport. I didn't expect to find garbage left behind from the last match still to be all over the place. If they can clean up a movie theatre for back to back movie showings, surely they could have someone clean this mess up. I mean the seat didn't cost $5. These tickets were pricey and they were by no means, platinum seats! So from this experience, I was a bit disappointed. Luckily, the match between Rafa and Andy was SO great (too bad Andy seemed to have given up and Rafa took it in two), that I may consider attending the Rogers Cup again next year. Maybe I'll see Rafa again in all his muscle glory. Yum. Other than that, I hope the organizers do a bit more organizing next time....they have a year to iron out the wrinkles.

A dark night....

2008-07-22T23:16:00.002-04:00

I was really disappointed to hear this. Maybe success has gotten to Batman star, Christian Bale (or to his family)?

Actor Christian Bale, star of the Batman blockbuster movie "The Dark Knight" on Tuesday denied allegations of assault made by his mother and sister after he was questioned by London police.

The 34-year-old spent several hours at a London police station before being released without charge, his Los Angeles-based spokeswoman, Jennifer Allen said.

"Christian Bale attended a London police station today, on a voluntary basis, in order to assist with an allegation that had been made against him to the police by his mother and sister," Allen said in a statement.

"Mr. Bale, who denies the allegation, cooperated throughout, gave his account in full of the events in question, and has left the station without any charge being made against him by the police."

She confirmed separately that the allegation was of assault.

When asked if Bale had been arrested and released on bail, a police spokeswoman said: "A 34-year-old man has been bailed to return to a police station on a date in September."

The wording is the usual tangential way British police confirm news about well-known personalities.

A spokeswoman for the studio behind the film, Warner Bros. Pictures, which is part of Time Warner Inc., declined immediate comment on the situation.

British media reports said the arrest of Bale followed allegations of assault made by Bale's mother and sister in relation to an incident at his London hotel suite late on Sunday.

source: nationalpost.com

Thoughts on a Monday morning....

2008-07-21T08:54:00.000-04:00

I won't write about Julia Allison 'cause that is exactly what she'd want me to do. I don't need to waste my time making her more popular.

How I love the smell of new Ikea wood furniture.

No, I can't snooze for an extra 10 minutes 'cause I gotta gas up my car this morning. I hope the price of gas didn't go up again.

Christian Bale. Yum.

Nectarines and raspberries do go well together.

Thank you Nil, for my morning latte.

Shall I start exercising in the morning instead of the evening?

Hmm...wonder where I can get a Batman T-shirt.

The Dark Knight was such an awesome movie. Wow.

Aaron Eckhart. Yum.

*censored*

Will it be a Federer vs. Nadal final at the Rogers Cup?

I have to play some tennis before the summer ends.

I'm finally getting my mess at home organized! Yipee!

I hope the dentist doesn't find any cavities tonight.

I can stop by the health food store after the dentist.

I should go buy my cousin a birthday present today. Do I have time?

I need to write some more posts on this blog. So much I want to say!

Guess Saturday isn't important....

2008-07-18T00:32:00.004-04:00

I guess The Weather Network forecasts nothing special for this coming Saturday. The day will be so uneventful, that they completely forgot about it.....

Naked truth?

2008-07-16T21:32:00.003-04:00

Well, I hope there is a damn good explanation that finds The Barenaked Ladies frontman, Steven Page, innocent. He was charged yesterday near Syracuse, NY for possession of cocaine and marijuana. I really hope this is not true. For me, the Barenaked Ladies were a music team to look up to. They set a good example. You can be famous, funky, creative and have tons of fun without the use of drugs. This group was respected for that "clean-cut" approach -they made Canadians proud. Everyone can enjoy them and what they stand for. But now? I'm not too sure. Right now, I and many other fans across Canada (and the World) are very disappointed.

Here's the news article:

Fans of the Barenaked Ladies are still reeling from the news that lead singer Steven Page has been slapped with a serious drug charge south of the border.

Page, the goofy, clean-cut front man of the Toronto band, was charged Friday with criminal possession of a controlled substance after police in Fayetteville, N.Y. claim to have found cocaine and marijuana in an apartment.

The 38-year-old was taken into custody along with two women. He has since vowed to fight the charges. In a message posted on the band's website, the group thanked fans for their support and said "the validity of the charges against Steven will be strongly contested."

"While this is happening, it's business as usual for Barenaked Ladies," states the message.

"We will continue to perform and look forward to heading into the studio later this year to record a new album. We want to thank our loyal fans for their continued support during this difficult time."

On the Ladies' online message board Wednesday, some fans expressed disappointment but most promised to support Page and his bandmates.

Members of the Riverdale community, where Page has been a long-time resident, were stunned by the news.

"Shocked, sure, yeah," said friend Chris Antaras. "He's too nice. I don't understand it - I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding."

Page, a father of three, had recently separated from his wife. He was reportedly visiting his girlfriend when he was arrested.

Together for two decades, the Barenaked Ladies are one of Canada's most popular groups. They've put out a dozen albums, most recently a children's CD entitled Snacktime.

Their next public appearance was supposed to be a benefit concert hosted by Disney and Playskool from August 22 to 24 at Eisenhower Park on Long Island.

Page is scheduled to appear in a Fayetteville court on August 26. If convicted he could face up to 15 years in prison.

Source: citynews.ca

You can dance if you want to....

2008-07-12T09:43:00.000-04:00

..and it just goes to show you that any idea, no matter how silly or how small at the time....can lead to pretty great things (and a little dancing..)!
Matt Harding is a 31 one year old from Connecticut. He was big into video games and wanted to play and make them for the rest of his life. He was able to do just that at a fairly early age. So what was next? In 2003, Matt quit is job in Australia and used the money he had saved to travel around Asia. Making a website, kept him in touch with his family so that they could see where he was traveling to and what he was up to. A few months into his trip, while taking photos in Hanoi, a friend of Matt's gave him an idea. "Hey, why don't you stand over there and do that dance. I'll record it". Matt can't really dance...but he does do this one dance that looks kinda goofy. This idea turned out to be a GREAT idea.
A couple of years later, someone found the video online and passed it to someone else, who passed it to someone else...etc. Now Matt is almost famous. Known as "that guy who dances on the internet". His first video, caught the eye of the Stride gum company. They were interested in working with Matt to do a new video and wanted to fly him around the world to make it. This was another GREAT idea.
In 2006, Matt took a 6 month trip through 39 countries on all 7 continents. He danced a lot! This second video, brought Matt even more attention.
In 2007, Matt approached Stride gum with another idea. He realized that his bad dancing was not that um...exciting. But he thought that other people were much better at being bad at it. So this time, he wanted to travel around the world again, but this time, invite other people to come out and dance along with Matt. Stride liked it.
And this brings us to the video below. To me, the video shows that though we are all different, we are very much the same. Most of us want to be happy in life. Free and healthy in body and mind. Though, Matt has not reached epic stardom, he has made his mark in a very positive way. That in itself, is more enriching, then being rich, bathing in your money and not giving a damn about anyone else and likewise, no one giving a damn about you. I say, Matt - good for you and keep dancing up a storm!

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

I'm not a mom, so I can laugh at this....

2008-07-07T10:20:00.000-04:00

Rugby is a game known for it's full-body contact.

But viewers in New Zealand got more than they bargained for when they tuned in to watch Grassroots Rugby Sunday afternoon.

Prime Television is a free-to-air kiwi television station that was to air the rugby show, but apparently got their signals crossed.

Instead of the sporting program they played four minutes of hard-core pornography.

What the sports fans saw, a movie entitled Desperate Black Wives 2, was intended for an adult pay-per-view channel called Spice.

Rival networks in the area reported that parents were outraged, some claiming that their children's innocence was lost in the mix-up.

A spokesman for the station blames the slip-up on an error in the "distribution process."

Source: citynews.ca

Peeve of the Day

2008-07-03T23:50:00.002-04:00

Ever since Starbucks introduced their breakfast sandwiches, the place stinks of burnt bread and old cheese. Not exactly a great scent to start off the day. What happened to the aromatic, inviting aroma of freshly brewed java?

Life for Sale

2008-06-30T10:05:00.001-04:00

Ian Usher admits his life didn't quite come to as much as he expected. The eccentric Australian isn't dying or coming to the end of the road. Just the end of his old life.

We've been keeping an eye on his quest for that new existence for months, after he decided to put his entire life up for sale on eBay. And this was one of those 'everything must go' sales.

The 44-year-old offered up his house near Perth and all his possessions, including his car, his extensive sports equipment, his spa - even his job and his friends, who he somehow got to agree to go along with the outlandish idea.

The deadline was Sunday, and despite a number of false bids in the millions that were completely unrealistic and discounted, the man who wanted to start over after his marriage failed was finally forced to accept a bid that was about $100,000 lower than what he was looking for.

But it was still pretty good if you're trying to begin a new life.

The verified winner was a person somewhere in Australia, who put up nearly Cdn$373,000 for the whole lot. Usher admits he could probably have gotten that amount just for his house, but a deal's a deal and he took the offer. He had been hoping for at least Cdn$466,000 or more.

"I guess I'm a little bit disappointed at the final price, I'd hoped it to be a little higher than that," Usher told a local TV network. "But I am committed to selling and moving on and making a fresh start."

He refused to reveal the bidder's name, identified only by the screen moniker "mslmcc," or say exactly what he's going to do now that he no longer 'owns' his own life.

But Usher had promised that once the auction was over, he would take his wallet, his passport and his name, head to the airport and leave the country for parts unknown, an adventure made possible by the money he got from the offer.

You might want to remember his example the next time someone observes that life is cheap. It sometimes may be - but not, apparently, on the Internet.

Source: citynews.ca

Bye Bye Bill

2008-06-29T00:18:00.001-04:00

Though I'm not a fan...this was kinda cute....

Pop!

2008-06-26T22:47:00.005-04:00

A TV producer who came into the hotel yesterday told me to look this up after a conversation we had.....
I tell you...makes you wonder what's going on, on your insides, when you are carrying that cell phone around, clipped to your pants....

Note to a friend

2008-06-22T02:58:00.001-04:00

Today during a conversation, my friend stated, "I'm never content. With anything". I little while later, I thought about this more deeply. This is my two cents worth. If your discontentment is a way to help drive you towards doing more, doing better and getting to where you want to go, then that is great. It is a positive motivator. However, a word of caution. If this discontentment makes you a less happy person, if it makes you dissatisfied and non-appreciative of what you do have and what you have accomplished so far, then this is negative. It can lead to feeling like you will never be what you want to be, to depression, to anxiety. You can miss out on your life really if you are always discontent about it. Life is too short for that. The key is balance. Be happy in the present and always look to a brighter future. Be dissatisfied enough to let that feeling help you reach your goals and do more, but at the same time, live in the moment, have fun and be happy with where you are and what you've got.

Footloose

2008-06-17T22:15:00.003-04:00

VANCOUVER -- Yet another human foot has washed ashore in British Columbia waters - the fifth such gruesome find in the past year.

Delta police said yesterday a couple out for a morning walk found a left foot partly submerged in the water on Westham Island in Ladner, south of Vancouver.

"[They] observed a shoe floating in the water, thought it suspicious and called police, and we've determined it to be human remains," said Constable Sharlene Brooks of the Delta Police Department.

Constable Brooks said the foot was in a shoe, but that police will not be releasing details of the type of footwear at this time.

Asked about the other cases, Constable Brooks said, "As far as confirming a link, we're not there. It is very speculative."

The most recent similar discovery was on May 22. A right foot still clothed in a sock and running shoe washed ashore on Kirkland Island in the Fraser River. It was found by a man walking his dog.

The other feet - all of which were also in sneakers - were found in the Gulf Islands between Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

There has been no evidence that the feet were purposely severed, leading to speculation that the feet broke off human remains that were in the water for a long time.

Delta police are looking for answers. Investigators with the force's criminal investigation section are working with the B.C. Coroners Service and other police agencies to establish the identity of the foot and to see whether it is linked to the other cases.

"We're treating this as a criminal investigation," said Constable Brooks.

She said the police will not release further information until forensic work is completed.

By Ian Bailey
The Globe and Mail

Lakes across Canada face being turned into mine dump sites

2008-06-17T21:16:00.002-04:00

CBC News has learned that 16 Canadian lakes are slated to be officially but quietly "reclassified" as toxic dump sites for mines. The lakes include prime wilderness fishing lakes from B.C. to Newfoundland.

Environmentalists say the process amounts to a "hidden subsidy" to mining companies, allowing them to get around laws against the destruction of fish habitat.

Under the Fisheries Act, it's illegal to put harmful substances into fish-bearing waters. But, under a little-known subsection known as Schedule Two of the mining effluent regulations, federal bureaucrats can redefine lakes as "tailings impoundment areas."

That means mining companies don't need to build containment ponds for toxic mine tailings.

CBC News visited two examples of Schedule Two lakes. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Vale Inco company wants to use a prime destination for fishermen known as Sandy Pond to hold tailings from a nickel processing plant.

In northern B.C., Imperial Metals plans to enclose a remote watershed valley to hold tailings from a gold and copper mine. The valley lies in what the native Tahltan people call the "Sacred Headwaters" of three major salmon rivers. It also serves as spawning grounds for the rainbow trout of Kluela Lake, which is downstream from the dump site.

Lakes 'safest option': mining association

Vale Inco's proposal was the subject of a public meeting on June 10 in Long Harbour, N.L. Billed as a "public consultation" on the proposal, the meeting was attended by government officials, mining executives, environmentalists and fishermen.

Lakes are often the best way for mine tailings to be contained, said Elizabeth Gardiner, vice-president for technical affairs for the Mining Association of Canada.

“In some cases, particularly in Canada, with this kind of topography and this number of natural lakes and depressions and ponds … in the end it's really the safest option for human health and for the environment," she said.

But Catherine Coumans, spokeswoman for the environmental group Mining Watch, said the federal government is making it too easy. She said federal officials are increasingly using the obscure Schedule Two regulations to quietly reclassify lakes and other waters as tailings dumps.

“Something that used to be a lake — or a river, in fact, they can use rivers — by being put on this section two of this regulation is no longer a river or a lake," she said. "It's a tailings impoundment area. It's a waste disposal site. It's an industrial waste dump."

Coumans said the procedure amounts to a subsidy to the industry and enables mines to get around the Fisheries Act.

"What Canadians need to know is that this year, from March 2008 to March of 2009, eight lakes are going to be subject to being put on Schedule Two, which is just about every mine that is going ahead this year is looking around, looking for the nearest lake to dump its waste into.”

A local environmentalist who attended the Long Harbour meeting, Chad Griffiths, said of Sandy Pond: “It's easy enough to consider just one lake as just one lake, as a needed sacrifice, right? But it's not one lake … It's a trend. It's an open season on Canadian water.”

'Open season on Canadian water': environmentalist

A test case: the Red Chris Mine in northwestern B.C.

Last fall, a Federal Court judge ruled that federal bureaucrats acted illegally in trying to fast-track the Red Chris copper and gold mine without a full and public environmental review.

The decision put the project on hold, but late last week, the Federal Appeals Court reversed the decision, paving the way for federal officials to declare lakes to be dumps without public consultation.

Imperial Metals said in a release Monday that federal authorities "are now authorized to issue regulatory approvals for the Red Chris project to proceed," although the matter could still be appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada.

In the earlier decision, Justice Luc Martineau overturned the decision by federal officials to skip a public review, saying it "has all the characteristics of a capricious and arbitrary decision which was taken for an improper purpose."

He also found those officials "committed a reviewable error by deciding to forgo the public consultation process which the project was statutorily mandated to undergo."

The dump site includes two small lakes in a Y-shaped valley. Imperial Metals plans to build three dams to contain mine tailings within the valley. But environmentalists say there is no way to stop effluent leaking downstream in groundwater.

Jim Bourquin of the Cassiar Watch Society, a conservation group, said Kluela Lake, immediately downstream from the site, is “one of the best trout fishing lakes in northern B.C.”

“This is a precedent-setting decision by the federal government to start using fish-bearing habitat as a waste management area," Bourquin said. "It's totally bizarre for the federal government to come here and say that this Y-shaped valley up here is no longer a fish habitat, it's no longer sacred headwaters, it's just a waste dump site.”

But Steve Robertson, exploration manager for Imperial Metals, told CBC News the dump site will be sealed and that the economic benefits of the planned Red Chris mine will be enormous.

“This is a project that can bring a lot of good jobs, long-term jobs, well-paying jobs to a community that desperately needs it,” Robertson said.

He added that the total investment over the 25-year life of the mine would be about half a billion dollars and that the risk to the environment will be carefully managed.

“Tailings are part of the mining process,” Robertson said, “and, if treated properly, if they're built into a proper structure and kept submerged, they should be able to withstand the test of time and actually not pose a detriment to the environment.”

But James Dennis, a 76-year-old elder of the local Tahltan people, told CBC News he doesn’t buy that.

“We want it stopped,” said Dennis, who lives in the native village of Iskut, 18 kilometres northwest of the mine site. “We want to stop the mine … The animals will be drinking that water and they'll all be polluted too.

"Once they do the mine, they’re going to leave, and we're the people who are going to live with that. Not me, but my grandchildren, the small little kids like this. That's who's going to live with the pollution.”

Check out the video link : http://www.cbc.ca/clips/mov/milewski-toxicmines080616.mov

By Terry Milewski, CBC News

A positive message

2008-06-16T19:19:00.001-04:00

Peace.

Amazing Light Show

2008-06-16T13:07:00.003-04:00

Driving back from Niagara last night, the weather got serious. Thankfully, most of the drivers were playing it safe and slowing down accordingly. At times the rain came down so hard, it made it very difficult to see through the windshield. Weather, bad weather especially, has always interested me. When I was little and there would be a storm, though, it scared me, I was always curiously peeking through the curtains to make sure I didn't miss anything. I still love watching Stormchasers and the like on TV. So, last night there was an awesome lightening show too. Fork lightening not only striking vertically, but horizontally too. And there were several storms going on at one time too. South over the lake, north over Hamilton and East Toronto. And we may get a repeat today. I'll have my camera at the ready.

Chutneys on the Kingsway

2008-06-15T23:31:00.001-04:00

I haven't had Indian food in a long time. So, on Saturday evening, a friend and I ventured down to the Kingsway and a little restaurant there called Chutneys. First time there. The restaurant has been around for four years. The Kingsway is a bit of a refined area. If a restaurant isn't good, it won't take long to close down in this area. So I thought, let's give Chutneys a try. The restaurant was really charming. Very clean, decor was understated, yet gave a colonial Indian feel. White and gold colours exuded coolness, yet, the darker wood brought in warmth. The staff were all friendly and informative. The menu has many choices (too many!). We tried the assorted appetizer platter. That would have been a meal unto itself. Samosas, pakoras and more - along with dips! Though, I felt these were all not freshly fried as they were not as crispy as I had hoped. For mains, I had Chicken Murgh Kalimirch (onion and black pepper sauce). Medium heat was suggested by our server for my first try. Next time, I may kick it up a notch. My friend had Lamb Zafrani Goscht (saffron and cashew nut sauce). This dish surely prompted a whole conversation revolving around saffron and spices in general! Along with a main dishes, we had some garlic naan (excellent for dipping in the rich sauces) and perfectly cooked basmati rice. Take home bag was a must! Complimentary mango lassi was given to us after our meal. It was sweetened with a rose syrup. I'm not a huge fan of mango...but this liquid dessert was really yummy! Our experience was most enjoyable. I'm sure we will be back! By the way.....they do have take out and delivery too. Check them out: www.chutneysrestaurant.com

Upcoming New Artist

2008-06-11T17:32:00.003-04:00

Check out Katy Perry... http://www.katyperry.com
Haven't heard of her? Well, it's only a matter of time. Right now she has the #1 song on iTunes here in Canada. A little risque, but definately a la mode, "I kissed a girl" has a great beat. There is some uniqueness in the sound and in Katy's vocals.
I loved the song the first time I heard it. The video? Sexy. Even if Katy is only 23. Recently, Madonna mentioned Katy's song, "Ur so gay", on the Ryan Seacrest radio show. This Santa Barbara gal's got a lot of potential, and I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from her in the near future! Best of luck Katy!

No Tomatoes for You!

2008-06-11T17:17:00.001-04:00

...well unless you do the smartest thing....buy Canadian!!

What's Good for Apple Is Better for Everyone Else

2008-06-09T12:35:00.002-04:00

As Apple prepares to launch the iPhone 2 on Monday, competitors like Palm and RIM are not worried. On the contrary, they are licking their chops, preparing for a surge in sales, even though Apple expects to sell millions of new iPhones worldwide.

"The way I look at it is there are 1.2 billion cellphones out there, and we're just scratching the surface," said Mike Laziridis, CEO of Research In Motion, which makes the BlackBerry, the iPhone's closest rival.

Steve Jobs is expected to announce the second version of the iPhone on Monday morning during a keynote speech kicking off Apple's annual Worldwide Developer's Conference.

The iPhone 2 has already been dubbed the "BlackBerry killer." It promises to be faster, slicker and cheaper, boasting features like fast 3-G networking, Exchange support and even carrier subsidies. If the rumors prove true, it will be the iPhone many buyers have been holding out for.

It's a standard line for companies to say they "welcome competition," but it's usually a throwaway meant to deflect attention from strategic vulnerabilities.

In the case of the iPhone, however, competitors earnestly have reason to welcome Apple to the market. Sales show that what's been good for Apple has been verrrry good for smartphone makers. Retail sales of the BlackBerry, for example, are up 38 percent in the year since the iPhone's introduction.

It didn't initially look that way. When the iPhone 2 rumors first surfaced, nervous investors sold off shares of RIM under the assumption that the company would get creamed by Apple. Instead, RIM's market share of smartphones in the United States has actually swelled from 35 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007 to 45 percent in the first quarter of 2008.

"The fact of the matter is this," said Pablo Perez-Fernandez, an analyst with Global Crown Capital. "There were a lot of BlackBerrys in those stores where iPhones were selling, and there were people who may not have thought about a smartphone before, wanted the iPhone, thought it was too expensive, and bought a BlackBerry instead."

And for smartphone makers like Palm, Nokia and RIM, Apple helped whet the market's appetite while they went in for the kill, helped by discounted prices and a choice in carriers.

Palm says the sell-through rate on smartphones over the last two quarters has climbed 21 percent to 833,000 units in the third (and most recent) quarter, from 686,000 in the previous quarter (although the sell-through rate was 689,000 in the first quarter).

"The Centro has played a critical role in moving our transformational efforts along at a fast pace," said Ed Colligan, CEO and president of Palm, in a March conference call. He added that more than 70 percent of Centro buyers are traditional cellphone users who are purchasing a smartphone for the first time.

"What the iPhone did was make it cool to use smartphones," said Ramon Llamas, an analyst with research firm IDC. "Before, you had the BlackBerry, which mostly just resonated with enterprise users or business people. Now, there's a whole new market of smartphone consumers . Before the phone came out, I actually asked guys from companies like Nokia and RIM how they were going to respond, and the answer was unanimous -- it was, 'Welcome to the party, hop in the pool, the water's fine'"

It's an odd phenomenon because it's not as though Apple invented the smartphone or any of its features – touch screen devices have been around for years and lots of mobile phones already had music capabilities on phones. What Apple did was package it -- and market it -- in a way that made it attractive to mainstream consumers.

"The fact that it looks cool and sexy has helped Apple, and has called attention to a portion of the market that had been under the radar for a lot of people," Llamas said.

In many ways, the iPhone's effect on the market can be compared to what the iPod did for MP3 players.

Before Apple rolled out the iPod, the portable audio market wasn't doing much. In 1999, there were really only a handful of MP3-player makers and unit sales were marginal. Just a couple years after Apple rolled out the iPod in 2001, an industry was born.

Total sales of MP3 players in the United States jumped from a paltry couple million (depending on whose data you use) up to tens of millions over the last few years, as less-expensive models have become readily available.

"The combination of Apple's iPod device and its iTunes Store for music downloads has energized the music industry," gushed a JupiterResearch report in 2003.

Now we'll have to see whether the iPhone will have the same effect on the smartphone market.

source: wired.com
contributers: Betsy Schiffman, Dylan Tweney

Five years today

2008-06-08T22:36:00.003-04:00

I wish we had answered the phone sooner.
If only I could have driven faster.
I wanted to get there in time,
for you to say your goodbye.
It still pulls at my heart.

He was a good natured man.
His eyes smiled and twinkled,
always ready with a joke.
His love for you ran deep.
He will always be missed.

Never heard of divorce?

2008-06-04T19:38:00.003-04:00

..ummmm, maybe attempted murder was easier than seeing a divorce lawyer? I dunno.

An Oshawa man stands accused in a disturbing case of domestic abuse involving an alleged attempted electrocution.

The suspect's wife called police just after midnight on Monday claiming her husband had choked her, nearly to the point of unconsciousness, after she allegedly discovered her shower had been rigged to electrocute her.

The victim received a number of electrical shocks while she adjusted the taps in the tub, according to police, and noticed a panel of drywall was missing and that wires were attached to the plumbing. When she confronted her husband - an electrician - he allegedly attacked her and then took off.

Officers tracked down the suspect's vehicle on Highway 401, but he refused to pull over and took off at speeds over 170 kilometres per hour, according to authorities.

Cops later nabbed him in Port Hope.

The 60-year-old man is charged with aggravated assault, assault causing bodily harm, mischief endangering life and failing to stop for police.

His name hasn't been released.

source: citynews.ca
June 4, 2008

The Underground is dry

2008-06-01T22:26:00.003-04:00

May 30th was the last day that Londoners could enjoy a brew on the tube. Bravo to the mayor of London....there is no need to drink alcohol on the subway...none. Now, hopefully, the London transit system will be cleaner and more pleasant to travel on.

A perfect balance

2008-05-25T22:06:00.003-04:00

It was a weekend full of inspiration for me. I wish I could just take off work tomorrow to dive into an ocean of creativity and ride the waves...One thing that definitely made me feel this way, was a first hand look at rock balancing (also called rock stacking). Biking along Lakeshore West yesterday, we passed by almost twenty or so, in the near distance. We just had to stop to take a look! On a what seemed to be a natural foundation of boulders by the lake, almost looking like a platform or stage, we the stacks of rocks. Each formation different and beautiful in its own way. Taking a closer look, to my surprise, these rocks were not glued to one another or wired together. They were balancing upon one another naturally. It was all gravity and it was amazing. There were quite a few other people walking amongst these works of art. It was surprising to see how careful most people were while walking between the rocks and trying not to knock anything down. Everyone was respectful of these masterpieces. We soon saw a man working on balancing a piece of driftwood on some already stacked rocks. He was trying to find the sweet spot. It was really interesting to see him do this. I believe he was also the same man who did all the other stacks. I had in mind to go over and talk to him but for some reason, I didn't. Next time, if I see him and who seemed to be his wife, I will certainly let him know of my appreciation for what he does. It was so inspiring, that my friend and I decided to also give it a try. Some stacks had obviously fallen down, so we decided to try to build them up again. With enthusiasm, creativity, patience and teamwork, we did it! And then went on to create a couple more on our own. It was so much fun. It was a balance of art and science. While we were working on our own stacks, not too far away, the lady who had been previously assisting the man in making another stack (the one, who I think created all this artwork), observed how we were creating our own works of art. She was smiling. I think she was thrilled to see how the artist's (her husband, I think) creativity, inspired us to be creative also. There was a connection. Them to the rocks, the rocks to us. It may seem wild, but it just felt so good being there. Positive vibes all around. Maybe there is some mystical power that rock stacking holds...I am so going back there to take some photos and make some more rock stacks of my own!

If only I could do this.....

2008-05-17T12:47:00.002-04:00

Yves Rossy - first man to fly with his own set of wings.....Something I have only dreamed about....
Playing to a mesmerized audience, Swiss pilot and adventurer (some might say nutcase) Yves Rossy has soared above the Alps with homemade jet-powered wings strapped to his back.
Rossy, an extreme sports guy who has spent years assembling his wings, casually stepped out of an airplane at 7,500 feet, unfolded the wings and quickly passed from free fall to mellow glide. He then fired up the wings' engines and accelerated to more than 180 mph.
As if that weren't cool enough, Rossy showed off a bit, making a few dives, some figure eights and a 360-degree barrel roll before landing at an airfield near Lake Geneva.
"That was to impress the girls," he said after the five-minute flight.
It's not your average DIY project, but then again Rossy doesn't seem to be your average guy. One look at the video proves that.
Fusionman, as the 47-year-old adventurer calls himself, is intimately familiar with flight. As a military pilot he spent years flying Hunter, Tiger F-5 and Mirage III jets, and he flies airliners for Swiss International Airlines.
He's spent several years developing the carbon fiber wing, which is eight feet long and features four German jet engines that provide 200 pounds of thrust. Rossy and his sponsors, which include the Swiss watch company Hublot, have spent $190,000 on the project, and with no plans to bring the wing to market, there's no guarantee they'll get a return on their investment.
The flight above the Alps was a big test for Fusionman and his wings, and it went off without a hitch. His mother wasn't even worried, explaining to the Associated Press, "He knows what he's doing."
But it hasn't always been smooth sailing -- er, flying -- for Rossy. Damage to a set of test wings in 2007 forced him to build another prototype, and he lost control during a jump three years ago and didn't deploy his chute until he was a mere 1,500 feet above the ground.
Soaring above the Alps is only the start. Rossy is planning to cross the English Channel -- a flight of about 23 miles -- by the end of the year. But his dream is to fly over the Grand Canyon.

Source: wired.com
Link: http://www.jet-man.com

thoughts....

2008-05-16T22:19:00.004-04:00

Friday night special. Sushi and Sake. The best combination on earth.....well at least for tonight it is. lol. This is just a random thought blog. My day was alright. This has been my first week in my new job, my promotion. It has been a crazy week. There is a lot I don't know especially since my boss up'd and left suddenly. Trying to figure out what is in the works, what hasn't been done yet etc. I'll go in tomorrow to sort out his desk and organize. I think I'll go in my shitiest clothes so that I'll be sure no one asks me for any help while I'm in. I need the quiet time to figure things out. Oops! Just spilled some Hakutsuru on the floor....aww well. It's Friday and I need to unwind. Watched YouTube episode on Gordon Ramsey on The Hour. He IS handsome. An intellectual chef with an edge. I like. Got a bike helmet to go with my new bike. I won't look like a martian now like I did when I wore my buddy's old helmet. Not that I have anything against martians. I believe :) But at least now I match! Had a terrific bike ride yesterday evening down by the lake. It was actually euphoric. I couldn't help but smile. It felt good to exercise and work my body. It was great to see the sunset and the reflection it gave on Toronto's skyline. The sound of the birds at dusk. The freedom. Totally awesome. I'm stoked for the next ride. Sure beats running. I do like running, but it does kill my legs. Shin splints and all. I'll continue to run - no doubt, but using biking as cross training is "two thumbs up"! What else? Hmmm..I guess Myanmar has been on my mind a lot. Burmese General bastards. They should be tried for genocide cause that is exactly what they are doing. What are they getting out of it? To let their country people die. Not accepting aid. Giving false information about the cyclone. It's uber unbelieveable. I so want to donate - but I don't trust these rulers. I doubt the aid will go to where it should - and if it does, it will probably be "too little, too late". I hate to be pessimistic. But that is the truth. I'm flying solo this weekend. It's all good as I have things I need to get done and start doing! Lots of checklists in my brain which I need to get through. Dad was in emerg last night. Lots of bleeding from his stoma. I didn't know till mom called me at around 11pm. I had tried calling (I call every evening) and no one answered which I thought was weird. But then she called and told me that they were at the hospital. It was strange as my dad had just called me at work around 6pm. Odd because since his illness, my dad doesn't talk that much, let alone call. He just wanted to check up on me and see how I was. Unusual, since he knew I'd call later on. But I gather, he was scared about his bleeding and mom wasn't home from work yet, so he called just to hear a familiar voice. Maybe he thought it was the end. I don't know.
But luckily he was released today - this afternoon from the hospital. No confirmation as to what the cause of bleeding was. I tell ya, doctors are so different now compared to when I was a little kid. Nowadays, it seems you are lucky if you can actually get a diagnosis. Usually, it seems they are unsure and it can be a "number of things". Time to sign off now. I need to chill. Maybe I'll watch a movie. Have a good long weekend y'all!

Tough Decision for a Gourmande

2008-05-12T22:02:00.005-04:00

It's a tough one....I thought to myself the other day...which do I prefer? Sushi or Cheese? I am a huge fan of sushi. Unagi probably being my favourite, with Butterfish a close second. But I'm also in adoration of cheese. Always have been. If I had to give up one of these favourites? To the surprise of some of my friends, I would probably choose cheese over sushi. *gobsmack*.
I know it is more fattening and less healthy...BUT....the history that cheese and I have goes way back to my childhood. The varieties, compositions, shapes, aromas...mmmmmmm. And what can really go better with good wine then some fabulous fromage? Sorry dynamite roll...bring on le vacherin mont d'or!

Some GREAT advice!

2008-05-11T22:38:00.001-04:00

You CAN do it!

A little country and a little rock 'n roll

2008-04-30T10:41:00.003-04:00

Wow! I was wondering how long it would take but it is finally happening....

Flamingo Las Vegas announces Donny and Marie Osmond as the resort's newest headliner in the Flamingo Showroom. Beginning Sept. 9, the duo will dazzle audiences of all ages with their iconic style of entertainment.

Presented by Danny Gans and Chip Lightman of GansLight Entertainment, the 90-minute extravaganza will highlight Donny & Marie's greatest hits in a multimedia spectacle presented on a custom designed stage with multiple video screens and a large cast of dancers. This will mark the first time in 29 years that they will have performed an extended residency engagement in Las Vegas.

"My version of a variety show has been what Vegas has known thus far. What we have now is a true variety show which conveys the real essence of America and the country's love of homegrown talent," said Gans. "When you couple that element with the current Las Vegas entertainment landscape, we felt Donny and Marie provided the perfect combination and something that no one else was making available."

The "a little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll" duo took the country by storm with the debut of the "Donny & Marie" variety show in 1976, becoming the youngest primetime hosts in television history. This universally popular series solidified their worldwide fan base, which still numbers in the millions. After multiple solo successes, the pair teamed up once again in 1998, hosting the hit nationally syndicated daytime talk show "Donny & Marie." They recently hosted the "Miss USA" pageant, and on Mother's Day will be hosting "America's Favorite Mom," both NBC primetime specials.

"Donny and Marie are timeless entertainers and cultural icons," said Don Marrandino, president of Flamingo Las Vegas. "We look forward to welcoming the celebrated duo to the Flamingo and are confident that their talent, charisma and showmanship will be warmly received by audiences."

Source: PR Newswire

Bravo ING Direct!

2008-04-27T19:55:00.005-04:00

Bravo! With all the frustration that comes with doing business these days - staff who aren't empowered to make decisions, managers who are incompetent, lazy etc., I found it exceptionally refreshing to open up an RSP account with ING direct this evening. It is a Sunday evening after 5pm, and I was setting up an account on line. Then a message came up stating that the new account couldn't be opened - something to do with my social insurance number. hmm. Go figure, I thought - another snafo on a website...just like so many I encounter. So I called them directly. Michael was helpful and cheerful right off the bat. I explained the issue and he had an immediate answer. He asked if I had had an account with ING before. I certainly did, several years ago. He said the account may still be active and that is why I got the error message. He asked me my name. Indeed, there was an account still active! $4.00 worth and gaining interest over all this time too. lol. He asked me a few questions. When I couldn't remember my client number (hey, it was years ago....I don't keep this kind of info if I don't have to!), it was no problem, he just asked me some other questions. Bingo, once it was all verified, he opened up the RSP with me over the phone. Still having the same banking info, I was able to tell him to do a transfer and bingo! - all set up. He reminded me that for anything I require, they are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Music to my ears!!!
It was like I was in a dream, of what customer service and a well run company should be. Thank you ING DIRECT!

Withdrawal

2008-04-25T14:37:00.003-04:00

I have an addiction
microphone in hand
I can’t get enough
of my Rock Band

Drum set is calling
the beat’s in my head
foot already tapping
can’t go to bed

Guitar , a challenge
I shall overcome
hand eye coordination
It’s all in good fun

Rock Band withdrawal
bound to attack
have to play again soon
otherwise I’ll just crack

Morning Thought

2008-04-24T09:41:00.003-04:00

Now, I know that the weather is warmer and everyone is celebrating the sun. Though, mitts and toques are no longer needed, I wonder at the folks out there in the early morning wearing shorts, sandals and a T-shirt. It is only 12 degrees outside. If you dress like this now, I assume you'll be going nude or melting into the pavement when it is 30 degrees???

Petrified Forest

2008-04-23T11:50:00.002-04:00

Toronto’s trees are water deprived, stressed out, bug infested and old. If we don’t stop killing them, they might just kill us.

The summer of 2007 was not a good one for Toronto’s trees. It was one of the driest periods on record since the dust bowl of the 1930s, and the city was hammered by vicious windstorms. The urban forestry department logged 7,700 storm-related calls before the end of August alone. Branches down, roads blocked, cars totalled.

In the middle of June, a fully grown Norway maple near Coxwell and Danforth was uprooted, crushing a two-storey home. An elderly man who was inside at the time narrowly escaped injury. In late August, a group of friends attending a party near the Scarborough Bluffs weren’t so lucky. Roasting marshmallows in the backyard, the seniors, members of the Scarborough Singles Social Club, heard several loud cracks from a 60‑foot willow nearby. The tree began to sway. The party-goers ran for the house, but they couldn’t move quickly enough. The tree fell across the yard, and three people were injured, one of them rushed to Sunnybrook in critical condition. A 70‑year-old grandmother died on the spot.

If the problems of the city’s urban forest were a whisper before, the deadly Scarborough willow was an ear-splitting shriek. There are 6.5 million trees in Toronto, and a quarter of them, according to the urban forestry department, are in need of maintenance. Our tree canopy declined six per cent between 1994 and 2002, the result of budget cuts and increased stress from climate change, development, pollution and invasive species. Plus, many of the trees that lend such downtown neighbourhoods as Riverdale and the Annex their character are dying; planted around the same time, they’re reaching the end of their lifespans together, too.

It’s a bitter kind of paradox that the depth of the trouble with the city’s existing tree canopy is becoming clear at a time when trees and the environmental and health benefits they offer are starting to seem like the only thing separating us from a wholesale slide into a polar bear–less, smog-choked, drought-stricken desert. The slogans are everywhere: plant a tree, cool the globe; a tree a day keeps the carbon at bay. Talking about what trees “give back” has become commonplace for everyone from environmentalists to real estate agents. In property-mad Toronto, trees are said to increase house values by up to 25 per cent. Planted as a windbreak, they can reduce heating costs by five to 15 per cent. Used for shade, they act like a giant parasol, cutting down air conditioning use by 20 to 40 per cent. And recent research showed that schoolchildren were better able to concentrate and control their impulses with merely a view of trees or other plants.

It’s not overstating it to say that trees make it easier to breathe. A stand of 40 maples absorbs as much carbon dioxide in a year as is produced by a car travelling 20,000 kilometres. And that same stand produces enough oxygen every day to sustain more than 150 people. The leaves of Toronto’s trees also remove 997 metric tonnes of air pollution—nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone and carbon monoxide, among other pollutants—every year. The urban forest even cuts down on water pollution, since trees absorb and filter rainwater.

It’s enough to bring out the tree hugger in anyone. And it has. Last summer, 59-year-old Ken Wood chained himself to one of nine 40-foot linden trees across the street from his Lansdowne Avenue home in order to stop a city forestry crew from cutting them down. In Dufferin Grove Park, residents rallied against a proposed replacement of a wading pool because it risked damaging the large Norway maples that shade it. And at Yonge and Eglinton, a group of women tried to pressure the school board and a private developer into saving eight mature silver maples from destruction on the grounds of North Toronto Collegiate. They posed for media photos (futilely, it turned out) to show their opposition, hands dramatically clasped together around the base of one of the trees.

We’re finally realizing how much we all have riding on the branches of a bunch of aging, water-deprived, salt-licked, stressed-out, soil-hungry plants. But what if it’s too late?

The concept of a forest within the city limits is a relatively new one. When the first European settlers arrived on the shores of what would become Toronto, they were confronted by dense stands of willow, poplar and cedar and, a little further north, butternut, beech, ash, oak, elm, maple and the towering white pines for which the Don Valley would become known. But within 100 years, much of the indigenous forest was cut down. By the mid- to late 19th century, with the population ballooning and sawmills churning out wood for the settlers’ many needs, native trees had been largely beaten back into marshes, ravines, woodlots and hedgerows—replaced by horse chestnuts and other species more familiar to the newcomers.

Source: Andrea Curtis for Torontolife.com

Just stop it

2008-04-21T17:47:00.004-04:00

Stop littering. Garbage looks disgusting, it smells, it invites rodents and crawly things. It is bad for the environment. It can be toxic and dangerous. How can children and animals run around in the parks freely and able to discover, with all this garbage around? Here are some pics from a park just outside my condo. It really saddens me. I also want to know that even though I don't think people should be littering in the first place - who is now going to clean up the mess now? I know there are many people out there looking for work. But I guess it is not in the government coffers to hire some more people to clean up our parks. Then, again, once things are cleaned up, there will always be jackasses who will continue to litter our lovely green spaces.
What to do? Increase fines? I have never heard of anyone being fined for littering....I know there are supposed to be people out there handing out tickets for littering...have you ever seen one?

Time

2008-04-21T06:37:00.003-04:00

This video may have a bit of a shock factor...but it is true. It kind of slapped me along the side of my head and made me ask myself,
"What the hell have I been doing?". Time is precious. Don't waste it.

Party Pooper

2008-04-16T21:56:00.002-04:00

Pope Benedict celebrates his 81st birthday today. He is on his first visit to the US and is in Washington today. Being the kind of President he is, George Bush decided to through a big birthday bash for the Pope with 900 guests. The only thing is, it is common practice for Popes to eat in private, away from the public eye. So George will have to entertain all those guests himself. Pope Benedict is having a birthday dinner for one. My question is, who is paying for this? The American taxpayers? As if all the elite that were invited really need another cocktail party and meal to fill their already full bellies. I hope the Pope didn't know about the party....because if he did, then I should hope he would have suggested the money used to pay for the party, should rather be spent on helping out Americans in need.

The Compassion Forum

2008-04-14T11:36:00.003-04:00

I caught about 1 ½ of the Compassion Forum on CNN last night. I fell asleep part way between Hilary’s long winded answers and praising of the Lord. I think
I only lasted 10 minutes once Barack got on. I guess I was looking for a program with more substance. I was extremely disappointed. Maybe it’s because I’m not overly religious. It was clear that as the presidential candidates sat in the Messiah College (think they chose the venue because of the name?) auditorium, that they were trying to rally up the religious votes. Truly, my opinion about Barack, does not change whether he believes that God created the Earth in 6 days or 60 weeks. And I am happy that Hilary has made it through some tough times due to her strong faith and the courage that the Almighty has given her. I am not here to mock people about their beliefs, whatever they may be. I was amazed at the lack of quality and depth in the questions. I would understand if a teacher would ask her Sunday school class, “Do you believe the world was created in 6 days”: I felt that the questions that were good, didn’t quite direct the candidates to where I was hoping they may go with their answers. Two of the more interesting topics were abortion and euphinasia. However, both Hilary and Barack in a round about way, said that it is not for the government to decide on these very personal choices. It is just important to create some guidelines so that the taking of life in either capacity, is limited to those who really need to. Again, nothing that would personally make me choose one candidate over another, if I had the chance to vote. However, all in all, I believe that Hilary did indeed speak more eloquently and powerfully than Barack. He wasn’t his usual dynamic self. Maybe he didn’t like that fact that he lost the coin toss and had to go on after Hilary. Maybe next time, divine intervention will have a hand in letting him go first.

Horses with Handcuffs

2008-04-04T12:45:00.002-04:00

As I was driving to work a little later then usual this morning, there were 2 policemen on horses blocking one lane on King St. As I passed by them, I couldn’t help but wonder the purpose of having police riding on horses in the city. It seems a bit archaic to me. Maybe I’m just being ignorant and don’t realize their usefulness. I can see this working in a park, or pedestrian area. But on a main street? Wouldn’t it be more efficient for these men in uniform to walk? If a car is speeding by, surely the police and horse are not going to gallop after the speeder and issue him a ticket. The horses are great for kids to look at and pet (even for some adults, like me!) but I just don’t get it. Money should be going towards something more effective in protecting our city streets. Anyone can enlighten me on this?

I QUIT!

2008-04-01T11:54:00.000-04:00

That’s right. I did it. Don’t know what I’m planning on doing but the world is my oyster, right?
I’ve been bummed out about work for a while now. I feel I’m not being challenged enough. I need to use my brain.
It hurts if I don’t. I yearn for a job where I can be an entrepreneur, where I can do my own thing when I want, where I want.
I want to let my creative juices spill all over a zillion blank canvases and have them become something spectacular. So, today after my lunch, I went up to see my boss and told him that I was walking out. That’s it. The look of shock on his face would have made a MacLean’s cover. I didn’t give any notice. I feel bad, but I have to do what I must. I think deep down, he understood where I was coming from and why I did what I did. I’m ready to embrace this new stage in life I have created for myself. I’m changing my look, my style and my attitude. I’m going to live my life with new gusto and work with passion. The old Bean is being phased out. World, get ready…it’s going to be a kick ass reveal!

A little disappointed...

2008-03-29T23:03:00.004-04:00

Ok, I know that any effort towards Earth Hour is a positive thing. Personally though, I'm a bit disappointed. Only 150,000 households participated (7% drop in power consumption for the one hour). We have 5 million people living in the GTA. I was downtown at work during the hour. Looking out the window at the surrounding office buildings, I felt a bit discouraged to see the BMO building, Scotiabank and Manulife had MANY lights still on. Manulife at least turned off their large brand sign, but they had many floors of lights on. Why? Cleaners? Could they not just have the lights on in the section they're working in? The Canon Theatre had a show on, but was there a need to keep all the lights on their posters outside for that hour? Massey Hall also had all it's lights on outside. I guess they are also not concerned. Of course all the news channels are saying that Earth Hour in the city was a huge success. I don't think they'd ever have the cahones to say otherwise. I mean, we do need encouragement. So thinking positive is good. This is just my feeling on the whole thing. I hope that many businesses, households etc., will continue doing this more often, maybe on a monthly or even weekly basis. An hour without all that power leaves time to enjoy a candlelit dinner, a walk outside, a good talk with a friend or just gazing up at the stars. Every little step counts. I know I'm going to personally do more to conserve. I hope you will to. It's our future, it's our planet.

Earth Hour

2008-03-29T12:17:00.004-04:00

At my workplace and several others, we are trying to do our part. Since we do get international travellers and we have a commitment to health and safety, we cannot turn all of our lights off. The following is a sign posted for all of our guests to read, mentioning what we are going to do for Earth Hour- it may be a small step, but it is a step in the right direction~
(some slight alterations have been made for discretionary purposes):

On Saturday, March 29, at 8 p.m. people around the world will be joining together to turn out their lights for Earth Hour, taking a stand against climate change.

Canada has one of the highest participation rates around the globe with over 150 cities participating! Many buildings and landmarks will turn off their lights.

Here at the Bestest Hotel, we want to do our part, without compromising the service we are known for.

So, for the evening of Saturday, March 29th, we will not be turning on the waterfall in guestrooms,
or the CD player for turndown service.
Also, for our incoming guests, when entering your room for the first time, we will only be leaving one light on. The waterfall and CD player will remain off in order to show our support in conserving energy.

Our climate needs our help!
Thank you for lending a hand.

Rick Mercer Report - Arctic Winter Games

2008-03-26T22:06:00.002-04:00

I just LOVE this guy! I love Canada and all the new things I keep discovering about this great country of ours! Thanks Rick, for keeping Canadians informed (unlike them Americans, who ain't so fortunate!) LOL

Brain-damaged woman at center of Wal-Mart suit

2008-03-26T19:48:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Phil DeFranco (check out "sxephil" channel on youtube) for mentioning this on his daily "news" cast. I can't believe this news and I'm sure you won't either. I've only been into Wal-Mart a handful of times...I won't go again.

By Randi Kaye
CNN
JACKSON, Missouri (CNN) -- Debbie Shank breaks down in tears every time she's told that her 18-year-old son, Jeremy, was killed in Iraq.

The 52-year-old mother of three attended her son's funeral, but she continues to ask how he's doing. When her family reminds her that he's dead, she weeps as if hearing the news for the first time.

Shank suffered severe brain damage after a traffic accident nearly eight years ago that robbed her of much of her short-term memory and left her in a wheelchair and living in a nursing home.

It was the beginning of a series of battles -- both personal and legal -- that loomed for Shank and her family. One of their biggest was with Wal-Mart's health plan.

Eight years ago, Shank was stocking shelves for the retail giant and signed up for Wal-Mart's health and benefits plan.

Two years after the accident, Shank and her husband, Jim, were awarded about $1 million in a lawsuit against the trucking company involved in the crash. After legal fees were paid, $417,000 was placed in a trust to pay for Debbie Shank's long-term care.

Wal-Mart had paid out about $470,000 for Shank's medical expenses and later sued for the same amount. However, the court ruled it can only recoup what is left in the family's trust.

The Shanks didn't notice in the fine print of Wal-Mart's health plan policy that the company has the right to recoup medical expenses if an employee collects damages in a lawsuit.

The family's attorney, Maurice Graham, said he informed Wal-Mart about the settlement and believed the Shanks would be allowed to keep the money. Watch this couple's story »

"We assumed after three years, they [Wal-Mart] had made a decision to let Debbie Shank use this money for what it was intended to," Graham said.

The Shanks lost their suit to Wal-Mart. Last summer, the couple appealed the ruling -- but also lost it. One week later, their son was killed in Iraq.

"They are quite within their rights. But I just wonder if they need it that bad," Jim Shank said.

In 2007, the retail giant reported net sales in the third quarter of $90 billion.

Legal or not, CNN asked Wal-Mart why the company pursued the money.

Wal-Mart spokesman John Simley, who called Debbie Shank's case "unbelievably sad," replied in a statement: "Wal-Mart's plan is bound by very specific rules. ... We wish it could be more flexible in Mrs. Shank's case since her circumstances are clearly extraordinary, but this is done out of fairness to all associates who contribute to, and benefit from, the plan."

Jim Shank said he believes Wal-Mart should make an exception.

"My idea of a win-win is -- you keep the paperwork that says you won and let us keep the money so I can take care of my wife," he said.

The family's situation is so dire that last year Jim Shank divorced Debbie, so she could receive more money from Medicaid.

Jim Shank, 54, is recovering from prostate cancer, works two jobs and struggles to pay the bills. He's afraid he won't be able to send their youngest son to college and pay for his and Debbie's care.

"Who needs the money more? A disabled lady in a wheelchair with no future, whatsoever, or does Wal-Mart need $90 billion, plus $200,000?" he asked.

The family's attorney agrees.

"The recovery that Debbie Shank made was recovery for future lost earnings, for her pain and suffering," Graham said.

"She'll never be able to work again. Never have a relationship with her husband or children again. The damage she recovered was for much more than just medical expenses."

Graham said he believes Wal-Mart should be entitled to only about $100,000. Right now, about $277,000 remains in the trust -- far short of the $470,000 Wal-Mart wants back.

Refusing to give up the fight, the Shanks appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. But just last week, the high court said it would not hear the case.

Graham said the Shanks have exhausted all their resources and there's nothing more they can do but go on with their lives.

Jim Shank said he's disappointed with the Supreme Court's decision not to hear the case -- not for the sake of his family -- but for those who might face similar circumstances.

For now, he said the family will figure out a way to get by and "do the best we can for Debbie."

"Luckily, she's oblivious to everything," he said. "We don't tell her
what's going on because it will just upset her."

For video link: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/03/25/walmart.insurance.battle/index.html#cnnSTCVideo

Antarctic shelf "hangs by thread"

2008-03-26T11:28:00.002-04:00

The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the fastest warming places on Earth
Flyover of the breaking ice shelf

A chunk of ice the size of the Isle of Man has started to break away from Antarctica in what scientists say is further evidence of a warming climate.
Satellite images suggest that part of the ice shelf is disintegrating, and will soon crumble away.

The Wilkins Ice Shelf has been stable for most of the last century, but began retreating in the 1990s.

Six ice shelves in the same part of the continent have already been lost, says the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

Professor David Vaughan of BAS said: "Wilkins is the largest ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula yet to be threatened.

"I didn't expect to see things happen this quickly. The ice shelf is hanging by a thread - we'll know in the next few days or weeks what its fate will be."

'Like an explosion'

BAS researchers were alerted to the break-up by daily monitoring of satellite images. They sent a Twin Otter aircraft on a reconnaissance mission to video what was happening.

This is yet another indication of climate change in the Antarctic Peninsula and how it is affecting the environment
Prof David Vaughan
Jim Elliott, who was on board the plane, said he had never seen anything like it before.

He said: "We flew along the main crack and observed the sheer scale of movement from the breakage.

"Big hefty chunks of ice, the size of small houses, look as though they've been thrown around like rubble - it's like an explosion."

A 41-by-2.5km (25-by-1.6 mile) berg appears to be breaking away, with much of the Wilkins Ice Shelf protected only by a thin strip of ice spanning two islands.

Since an ice shelf is a floating platform of ice, the break-up will have no impact on sea level. But scientists say it heightens concerns over the impact of climate change on this part of Antarctica.

'Unprecedented' warming

Professor Vaughan predicted in 1993 that the northern part of the Wilkins Ice Shelf would be lost within 30 years if climate warming continued. But he said it is happening more quickly than he expected.

He told BBC News: "What we're actually seeing is a chunk of the ice shelf drop off in a way that suggests it is not just a normal part of iceberg formation.
"This is not a sea level rise issue, but is yet another indication of climate change in the Antarctic Peninsula and how it is affecting the environment."

Scientists say the Antarctic Peninsula, which juts out into the Southern Ocean towards the tip of South America, has experienced unprecedented warming over the last 50 years.

Several ice shelves have retreated in the past 30 years - six of them collapsing completely.

Other researchers believe the Wilkins Ice Shelf may hang on a little longer, as Antarctica's summer melt season draws to a close.

Dr Ted Scambos of the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado said: "This unusual show is over for this season. But come January, we'll be watching to see if the Wilkins continues to fall apart."

By Helen Briggs
Science reporter, BBC News
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/science/nature/7313264.stm

It's days like this....

2008-03-25T12:40:00.002-04:00

So I have the most tedious task of going through a client email list and deleting all the duplicates. I worksheet has 12,576 lines. Albeit, my job is usually not this boring and keeps me on my toes. However,it's days like this, when I think there must be something more substantial I can do with my life and my brain.

In my opinion....

2008-03-25T09:02:00.000-04:00

Someone said to me yesterday that they rather not do something, unless they know they will do well at it. I can understand that. For instance, when playing PS3 RockBand, I pick songs that I am most familiar with, in order to get the higher scores. However, this person felt- why just do something for the hell of doing it? Just to say you did it?- my answer...HELL YA! I that it is somewhat of a restricted mindset to only do things when you are sure you can do them well. Sure, everyone wants to be good – maybe even the best – no one likes to fail, but if you always decide not to do something because you haven’t become “good” at it yet, then you are letting a whole bunch of opportunities pass you by. What if you never become “good” at it? Will you never do it then? And maybe you are just, “so-so” – but you won’t know until you try, right?. And maybe if you experience it a few times…-if you like it enough… -you may become good at it or even a pro. You could just surprise yourself at being better than you thought you were! In some of life’s situations, sure it is best to be safe, and stay with what you are good at (career for instance). But when it comes to really experiencing life, adventure, the world and all the possibilities – I think it’s a nervous, scary, adrenaline rushing kinda cool, to do something that you may be unsure if you’ll do well at, but what a thrill it would be to do it anyways. Be safe, think smart and then throw caution to the wind! I’m a competitive person by nature – but I know that I can’t be good at everything, (nor would I want to be) however, I’m keen on trying whatever I can. I can only learn from the experience, and in the process I may discover a bit more about life and who I am. So next time, someone asks you to go rock climbing up north and you’ve only done it once (but you liked it) and yes, you do suck…so what? If it’s gonna put a smile on your face and bring you some exciting, healthy fun…then for heavens’ sake – DO IT!!!!!! You only live once.

Hey Jude in Diapers

2008-03-21T01:07:00.000-04:00

Now...on the other hand...THIS little guy is not part of any competition..looks like a home movie and the kid is just being a kid (and an awesome entertainer!)...doesn't look like any stress here...just some cool fun!

Salsa kid

2008-03-21T01:02:00.001-04:00

I was a bit perturbed when I saw this on YouTube. Albeit, Shakira is a cutie -but I have to wonder about parents putting their 4 year old daughter through all this...I mean, what happened to a carefree childhood? Does Shakira even understand what "you've made it through" means? Let the little one live the life of a 4 year old. Unless a child has a natural, uncanny talent (and I'd even hesitate in that - but I may think differently when I'm a mother) - don't exploit the youngsters....they'll have enough time for stress and the limelight in a few years time.

History - I'd rather forget...

2008-03-20T23:27:00.001-04:00

Today I got a glimpse into the past. Though it was a rare opportunity, it was a strange one also. A regular customer from our family business came in the store today. He is a collector of war paraphernalia. Especially WWII. He buys and sells this stuff on ebay and makes some good change from it. This afternoon he walked in with a big smile on his face. He motioned to the bag he was carrying and told me that he brought something in for us to see. Out of the bag came a German pith helmet - in mint condition - issued for the Afrika Corps, under Rommel between 1941-43. I couldn't believe it. He also had an envelope which he asked me to gently open as his hands were a little dirty. I pulled out a red armband emblazoned with the dreaded "black spider". I can't really describe what I felt. Close to numb. These items were authentic. They were worth a lot and they had extreme historical significance. I guess I found it interesting, for a brief moment, to have a glimpse into history. However, after that initial "wow", I walked away - knowing I couldn't get excited about items that symbolized war, death and all the horrific things that go along with them.

Momo's got some advice...

2008-03-15T22:20:00.000-04:00

A good friend came across this YouTube channel just last week. TheMomoZone. This guy has got something to say. He is proud of his achievements, he's genuinely happy, he's lived life his own way and is successful in is own right. It may be for you, it may not. But it's worth a listen! His positivity could be infectious. Check it!

Runner's Shopping List

2008-03-12T00:13:00.000-04:00

Top 15 grocery items to keep on hand for nutritional energy and a healthy runner's body:
Almonds
Low Fat Yogurt
Frozen Mixed Berries
Frozen Stir-Fry Veggies
Whole Grain Pasta
Oranges
Salmon
Chicken
Whole Grain Bread
Canned Black Beans
Whole Grain Cereal with Protein
Eggs
Mixed Salad Greens
Sweet Potatoes
Dark Chocolate

Happy Shopping and happy running!

Source: www.runnersworld.com

Hot - Jon Bon Jovi

2008-03-11T00:42:00.004-04:00

Really, that's the only word I can come up with to describe tonight's Bon Jovi Concert. I'll probably be hoarse and deaf tomorrow...but no matter...seeing Jon in that stunning red dress shirt, chest slightly exposed was WELL worth it! Having just turned 46 last week, he has got so much energy - it was indeed contagious. It was so nice to hear when Jon stated that outside of New Jersey, Toronto is where the largest fan base is for this group. He thanked Torontonians for their continued friendship and support. Daughtry was the opening act - A Canadian band. They really have some good edgy tunes. Later on in the show when Bon Jovi was up, he had Daughtry come back on stage to sing "Blaze of Glory" together. I thought that was a nice touch to showcase our own country's musicians. What I thought really made the show unique and special, was that to commemorate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Awards being held March 10th, in New York, Jon paid tribute to Leonard Cohen. This Canadian legend is being inducted tonight. Jon sung a beautiful rendition of "Hallelujah". And it was so lovely to hear all the fans singing along. It was a moment of pride shared with an American who seemed to understand the understated gratitude and love we have for our country. Ritchie Sambora rocked on his guitar. These boys from New Jersey played for the love of what they do. For their music and for their fans. It's great when you have reached a stage in your life when you can do that and not have to worry about the almighty dollar. I will write more about my thoughts on rock stardom soon. Now I must go to bed as I have to work tomorrow. But, I will surely have some great dreams of tonight's show and one really hot, Jon Bon Jovi.

Snow creations

2008-03-10T15:35:00.003-04:00

Ok, I have never thought of doing it on the hood of a car before (especially not in the winter...ouch!) Maybe frostbite is a turn-on for the creator of this "snow sculpture"?

March Break has begun....

2008-03-10T15:26:00.003-04:00

OK, well today at work we have what I have dubbed, The Fever of Spring. Could be the combination of the time change, and the big snow storm this weekend. Now, I think my staff (me included) have finally given in to utter deliriousness. There has been plenty of banter (much of the x-rated kind), improve, impersonations, more x-ratedness, lots of laughter and blushes of embarrassment. I haven’t seen the team like this in a long time...and it was a bunch of fun! A bit of the stress release we all needed. I guess we decided that if Spring doesn’t come to us, we’ll just have to make it happen ourselves! I hope this vibe lasts all week!

Close call....

2008-03-10T11:03:00.004-04:00

I nearly got into a major accident this morning. I was driving along King – there wasn’t that much traffic at 8am. Yes, I was going slightly over the limit. The minivan in front of me stopped quite suddenly for a pedestrian to cross the road. I hit my breaks. The car kept going. It must have hit an ice patch because the damn car didn’t slow down at all. There was only one lane due to the huge snow banks. I swerved towards the snow bank and noticed a driveway and steered to get into it. It had a barrier, but my car stopped just shy of it. The pedestrian who had just crossed the road did see me coming, thank God. There were a bunch of people starring at me and the car. I swiftly backed out onto King again. Minutes afterwards, I started to feel a bit shaky in the aftermath of it all. Nonetheless, by the time I stepped into the office I was fine. That could have been a bad one. I’m lucky, and thankful.

Animal Abuse

2008-03-09T23:34:00.005-04:00

The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire. ~Sharon Ralls Lemon

I love horses. They are beautiful, strong and powerful. The following story was on the CBC tonight.

An animal welfare organization seized 101 starving horses from an Alberta ranch, but it was too late for 29 others that died of appalling neglect.

Nilsson Bros. was asked by the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to seize the surviving horses and take them to its feedlot to recover and prepare for auction, the auctioneer said Sunday.

One of 101 horses rescued from a central Alberta farm where 29 prized Arabian horses starved to death. Some of the surviving horses will be adopted and others will be slaughtered.
(CBC)
"We do whatever we can to get the animals fixed up," said Garth Rogers, a manager at Nilsson Bros. "I have zero compassion for people who don't feed them."

The animals, mostly Arabian horses, were rescued in late February from a ranch near Andrew, about 100 kilometres northeast of Edmonton, owned by Axel Hinz-Schleuter.

In August 2005, the SPCA fined Axel Hinz-Schleuter $1,000 after repeated warnings to take better care of the animals. According to an Alberta SPCA newsletter, the horses were so underfed that "many were in distress."

Cody Hrehorets, who transported the surviving animals, described their living conditions at the ranch as appalling.

"They didn't have any feed or water or nothing. But the worst part was the barn — it was so full of manure that you couldn't stand it and the ammonia smell was actually killing animals."

The Alberta SPCA was unavailable for comment and the RCMP has not announced an investigation. Calls to Axel Hinz-Schleuter were not answered.

The thing that I can't understand, is several local farmers were aware of what was going on. Hinz-Schleuter's mistreatment of the horses was reported on several occasions. Why was nothing done about it?

Source: CBC
Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/clips/mov/calvert-deadhorses080309.mov

It's Friday!

2008-03-07T08:42:00.004-05:00

OK, first I'll start on an upnote. It is Friday. I double checked just to make sure and said a little prayer in thanks that it was true. On my drive to work this morning, I spotted a wolf in the Lambton Golf Course. It was just standing there. I'm sure it was a wolf as a coyote has shorter legs. I would have loved to stop and look at it, but alas that wasn't possible. I have never seen one of these lovely creatures in the wild before. It definitely put a smile on my face, as I breathed in a sigh of contentment that I had just experienced that rare moment. Well, since my foot stepped into the office...the day as changed. Is it 5pm yet?? I haven't had a coffee for over a week. Today, I actually went in and asked one of our restaurant staff to make me one. A nice strong cap. Just the kick I need. I've got staff concerns galore this AM. I think the weather is making people feel more disgruntled then usual. C'mon Spring....let's get on with it! So, I've been shooting off emails to my boss and other managers in order to (hopefully) get some pertinent issues addressed. I won't hold my breath though. But I have to say, just like in many things in life, it takes a catastrophy to get anyone to actually DO something. The little things are so easily dismissed. It takes a BIG ASS THING to make someone turn their head and say, "damn, we've got to get on this, stat". Makes me shake my head. And it bothers me when I can't fix things, when I don't have the answers. Sometimes these issues are just bigger than me, and there is only so much I can do. And sometimes, albeit not that often, I just stop myself from caring. I can't do everything, I can't be everything. I can just be the best I can be. And sometimes, even then, I don't meet my own high standards. It sometimes gets to me. I sometimes feel the need to get out of the driver's seat and just chill in the passenger side. I enjoy being a leader, but sometimes it's just nice to take a break and let someone else lead. OK, eight more hours to go! Must...work...now.

Thought of the Day

2008-03-07T06:06:00.002-05:00

"How can you commit to someone, when you can't keep the commitments made to your own self?"

2008-03-06T10:06:00.003-05:00

I found this article I read this morning very disturbing. I do find many parents these days to be too lax in how they raise their children. Rather then being parents, many are wanting to be their child's best friend and let them run around and do whatever they choose. Though I do believe in guidance, discipline and treating elders with respect - there is a fine line. This lady has surely crossed it - big time....

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Investigators are searching for a woman on Thursday who was videotaped while spraying a girl with a pressured water hose at an Orlando car wash.

Surveillance cameras captured the woman holding the girl with one hand and holding the hose in the other hand at an arm's length distance.

Marlene Diaz, a manager at Magical Car Wash, said she has never seen this type of abuse before.

"You don't do that to a kid," Diaz said. "No child deserves that."

The video showed the woman dousing the girl, spraying her in the face and down her legs. The woman continued to grab the girl as she tried to flee.

Investigators said they believe the child is 3 years old.

The driver of a white Hyundai Sonata shown in the video watched the woman spray the child for a moment before walking away.

The video showed the child trying to hide her face while the woman pinned her to a wall and sprayed her at close range.

"Disgusted," Diaz said. "I'm mad, infuriated as to how someone could do that to a little child."

Investigators said they believe the woman is the child's mother and used the pressure hose as punishment.

"The girl probably had some kind of accident in the back seat of the car, maybe urinated or spilled a drink," said Orange County Sheriff's Office Cmdr. Matt Irwin. "God knows what kind of punishment she gets elsewhere."

Officials said the water shoots out of the hoses with a force of about 1,200 pounds per square inch, powerful enough to create the type of friction and sting from a rug burn.

"Your skin gets red and at times it could peel," Diaz said.

Diaz didn't see what happened until she checked the surveillance tapes, but said she heard the girl crying after the mother stopped spraying her.

Diaz said she also heard the mother say, "You're going to learn to respect me. You don't treat me bad. You don't mistreat me; I'm your mother."

Surveillance cameras showed the women stripped the girl, leaving her standing in the car wash bay naked, while they grabbed a towel and put her back in the car.

Once investigators locate the women, they said the mother will likely face child abuse charges.

Source: Wesh.com

Health Kick

2008-03-04T14:03:00.004-05:00

Ok, it's time to admit that time has changed me. For the better, I'd like to think.
I've been slowly changing my lifestyle to a more healthier one for over a year now. I've never had a "bad lifestyle", but I did have my drinking and smoking days. The all nighters, the partying, the overeating of junk food. I've been done with all that for a number of years now (though, I'll still enjoy a few drinks with friends on occasion, or a slice of pie). I limit myself nowadays, and monitor to a certain extent - what I eat and how much. I needed to get more veggies and fruits into my diet. At home with folks, it was normally meat and pototoes. They are European, so that explains that. And part of my famiglia is Italian - so yes, pasta and wine have certainly been friends. Now I still eat yummy food - but it's different then what I used to consume. As of yesterday, QI Natural Foods on Roncesvalles Avenue, is my favourite place to shop and learn about eating healthy and finding nutritious alternatives. Not to plug the store too much, but it is run by an efficient group (I believe it is one family) who know their stuff. The shelves on constantly being stocked, the place is organized and clean. Just the environment I need to not feel uncomfortable looking for things and reading about products I may not know much about.
So what did I buy? Goji berries, Raw Cacao nibs, Organic pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds (couldn't help but get the roasted, salted ones!), homemade granola, tamari almonds, spelt and flax pasta, organic feta cheese spread, all natural chicken samosas....I feel really good about all this. True, it is an investment to buy these types of foods. You can certainly eat heathly without having to purchase these specialty items. I feel at this time, this works for me. I'm excited about trying all this stuff. I really like to learn about "living right" and striving to be the best I can be when it comes to health. I'm looking forward to seeing T at the gym tonight. Bring it on!

Diamond shaped?

2008-03-01T19:23:00.000-05:00

Ok, is it just me or is this blatant gimmick?
What the heck is the difference between....
- Regular "square" shreddies and....the new....

Diamond shaped Shreddies? I mean, one is a square on its side, right? Does it taste different because of its shape? Does the milk actually coat the wheat differently to give it a more favourable flavour?
C'mon already!!!! There is NO difference except for the fact that women "may" choose the diamond shaped, because as we all know, "a diamond is a girl's best friend". PULLLLLLLEAAAAASE!

Now Boarding.....

2008-02-28T09:56:00.000-05:00

Though I do love travelling and the excitement that it brings...many things about travelling is a hassle. Boarding the plane is one of them. Here's what one smart guy thought of.....it's quite logical really!

When you think of all the ways an astrophysicist might make life easier, you probably think of things like cold fusion and extraterrestrial colonization. But Jason Steffen, a postdoctoral fellow at Fermilab Center for Particle Astrophysics, has more earthly aims. He wants to make getting on an airplane less of a hassle.

His idea: Have 10 passengers at a time board in alternating rows. He says it's at least four times faster than what most airlines are doing because it lets everyone stow their luggage and take their seats without getting in one another's way. People get seated sooner, which means planes take off sooner. And that means it will get a lot of attention from the airlines -- planes only make money when they're in the air, as they are able to take off and land more flights on a given day.

"It's no secret that efficiency, productivity and high utilization are keys to any successful airline," said Steve Lott of the International Air Transport Association, which represents 240 airlines. "There will be many airlines and operational people interested in reading his study."

An airliner typically spends 30 to 60 minutes or more on the ground, and airline executives spend a lot of time thinking about boarding efficiency because it's the best way to reduce that wasted time. A 1998 Boeing study found that the boarding rate has fallen more than 50 percent since 1970 to as little as nine people per minute.

Steffen was boarding a flight out of Seattle at about that pace a few years ago. As he crept down the jetway, he wondered why getting on a plane takes so damn long. He mulled it over for 18 months and finally resolved to solve the problem or quit obsessing over it. He wrote a program using C++ and a sampling algorithm to model boarding behavior and started crunching numbers. His results will appear in the Journal of Air Transport Management, which isn't high on Steffen's reading list, but is popular with airline bosses.

Modeling and common sense said filling a plane from front to back is the worst way to go because everyone's waiting for the people in front of them to sit down. That's why most airlines fill planes from back to front. But Steffen was surprised to find that such a method doesn't save much time. It fills the plane in a hurry, but no one's got room to stash their stuff. You spend 15 minutes standing in the aisle while the woman in 17A fumbles through her backpack for her headphones, the guy in 22D struggles to get his suitcase into the overhead bin and the kids in row 14 argue over the window seat. That's why it takes 25 minutes or more to fill a plane. Give people enough room to get their bags stashed and you really speed things up.

So how much room do people need? Steffen's simulations found that boarding is most efficient when you give them two rows of space to stash their stuff. On a plane with 20 rows, that means having no more than 10 people boarding simultaneously (a 40-row plane can handle 20 people), filling every other row down one side of the plane -- 1A, 3A, 5A and so on -- then the other. Try to get any more than that aboard and things start slowing down quickly.

"The most people I modeled was 240 people," Steffen said, "and it was eight times faster than boarding from front to back and four to five times faster than back to front."

That may be, but not everyone will want to hopscotch down the plane. People traveling together usually sit together and want to board together, and an airline's not going to risk ticking off customers no matter how much time it might save. No problem, Steffen said. Fill the even-numbered rows first, alternating from the left side of the plane to the right. Repeat the process for the odd-numbered rows.

"It's twice as slow as the optimal method," he said, "but it's twice as fast as the back-to-front method."

Steffen is undoubtedly the first astrophysicist to study boarding efficiency, but US Airways and other airlines have made a science out of it. They've developed boarding schemes with names like "rotating zone" and "reverse pyramid," often with good results. But Steffen says his idea is two to three times faster than even these less conventional methods. (US Airways officials could not be reached for comment.)

Lott isn't so sure. The fastest way to fill a puddle-jumper with 19 seats may not work on a jumbo jet with room for 550, and even the best algorithms can't simulate the behavior of several dozen hurried passengers struggling with suitcases, laptops, backpacks and kids.

"That said," he added, "any airline that is continually trying to be more efficient would be open to proposals, whether they're from inside the industry or outside the industry."

Steffen is ready to show the industry what he's found, and eager to do some real-world testing. But no one in the industry has called.

He isn't surprised. "When they come across a problem," he said, "I don't think their first thought is, Let's go talk to an astrophysicist. Oh look -- here's one that's studied extra-solar planets. He's our guy!"

Source: Wired.com
By Chuck Squatriglia

He sells Sanctuary

2008-02-26T22:11:00.003-05:00

Selling Salvation? The next "Messiah"?
There is no better path to success than getting people to buy a free commodity. Like to genius who thought to bottle regular water and sell it (ok, it is slightly reprocessed water, big whoop). And now we have a smooth operator if a freshman senator who has found a way to sell hope. All you need to do is put an X beside his name when you vote. Amazing. This kind of sale is not new. Organized religion has been offering a similar commodity - salvation - for ions. Which is maybe why Barack's campaign kind of feels like a religious revival. And he's already brought in the choirs. "We are the hope of the future", he states. We can "remake this world as it should be". And people are licking it up - and still can't get enough. Presently Barack is leading or tied in electoral votes. He brings a lot of razzle dazzle. Obama's Super Tuesday victory speech was electric with such statements as, "We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek". As a said in my original post about the Obama phenomenon - it is like a cult. The media is catching on and people are starting to question it all. It's a bit overwhelming, and a bit scary. Canada has only come close once to having a similar mass political seduction. Trudeau. But Pierre brought a lot to the table. He already had a lot of experience as a law professor and justice minister before he became Prime Minister. He had both written and lectured about his country and its future. Barack is somewhat of a clean slate. There's not much to see on the page, and yet, he makes huge promises. He makes promises and has visions about issues he can't possibly know much about due to his lack of experience. At this point, I do believe that Obama will become the next President of the United States. But soon thereafter there will come an awakening. And it will be a rude one.

Sources: National Post

Snow Job

2008-02-25T10:33:00.002-05:00

I was NOT amused to be woken up last night from a continuous “beep, beep, beep, beep”, then a “bang”, then a “rumble”, at about 1:30am this morning. I knew what it was, but got up anyway to look out my window, just to make sure I wasn’t having a bad dream. Indeed, it was the snow trucks et al, trying to hack away at the high snow piles (now ice) almost blocking ½ lane on the main street outside my condo. WTF? Also, yesterday evening at around 6pm, while visiting the folks, my mom was amazed at the snow removal that was going on not far from the house. She couldn’t believe the disorganization and the utter waste of money that was going on. The main street had about 15….yes, FIFTEEN dump trucks lined on in the one lane. ALL with their lights on and engines ready just waiting. Each truck had 2 people inside. Right there, you are looking at 30 people getting paid overtime on a Sunday night just sitting on their behinds waiting for their turn for snow…all the while burning fuel which is so expensive. And you know what? That’s our tax money….right there. There was also a police cruiser on site, I guess to ensure the oncoming cars could see the FIFTEEN LARGE DUMP TRUCKS LINED UP. Then there was one machine that was actually hacking at the ice and snow. This was the ONLY PERSON ACTUALLY WORKING. It was an amazing site, needless to say. The local government is ass backwards. They cut back on snow removal earlier in order to save money. Did they not THINK that the snow may possibly NOT MELT THE NEXT DAY and that we could actually get MORE SNOW on top of the old snow. Did they not realize that the SNOW MAY TURN INTO ICE and then be MORE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE????? I mean REALLY.
Getting back to the irritating noises of early this morning….I mean I know they have got to clean the snow at some point. But from 1:30am till almost 3am is a bit ridiculous. They need to plan this stuff out better. How much are our politicians and their advisors getting paid? You’d think they’d have better planning skills and forethought. It’s going to snow tomorrow…let’s see how well they do at clearing that up. Wishful thinking that they could possibly learn from their mistakes…….

Being a Raw Foodist

2008-02-21T23:32:00.000-05:00

A new friend of mine is a raw foodist. I had heard about this diet beforehand, however now through knowing someone who actively practices it, I have gained some great insight into this way of eating. T this is for you!
By definition, Raw foodism is a lifestyle promoting the consumption of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic foods as a large percentage of the diet.
The consumption of raw foods dates back to days before the invention of cooking with fire. It is also the universal practice amongst animal species. Those who follow this way of eating do it with the belief that raw foods contain enzymes which aid digestion, meaning that the body's own enzymes may work unimpeded in regulating the body's metabolic processes. They hold with the fact that heating food above 110 - 120 degrees Fahrenheit degrades or destroys these enzymes in food.
Raw foodists think that eating food without enzymes makes digestion more difficult, which could lead to toxicity in the body and cause excess consumption of food, obesity and chronic disease. This goes against the accepted medical definition of toxicity.
They also suggest that raw foods contain bacteria and other micro-organisms that affect the immune system and digestion by populating the digestive tract with gut flora. Those following this diet also believe that raw foods have higher nutrient values than foods which have been cooked. Though the practice seems to be beneficial to health, there has been a study that that a raw food vegetarian diet is associated with lower bone density. Also a study by the University of Toronto and another published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggest that ingesting cooked or pasteurized dairy products may increase risk of colon cancer.
Many foods in raw food diets are simple to prepare, such as fruits, salads, meat, and dairy. Other foods can require considerable advanced planning to prepare for eating. Rice and some other grains, for example, require sprouting or overnight soaking to become digestible. Many raw foodists believe it is best to soak nuts before eating them, in order to activate their enzymes. Preparation of more complex raw food recipes usually call for a blender, food processor, juicer, and dehydrator.
This type of eating does sound interesting. T told me today that the concept is more to eat food as a "fuel" source rather than as entertainment. Though she has made me think about up-ping the level of the fairly healthy diet I now have, I still couldn't imagine never having a a juicy steak on the BBQ again! I have to admit that T does have gorgeous skin, a wonderful complexion and looks so healthy. This way of eating may be for you, and maybe not. But it is interesting to learn about the various eating practices out there. It seems to be working well for T. But it isn't for everyone!
Thanks again for the wheatgrass and lemon juice, buddy! Be well.

source: http://www.living-foods.com; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raw_foodism
additional links: http://www.rawfoodlife.com; http://rawfoodnetwork.com; http://www.rawchef.com/

Attention, this is your captain sp...zzzzz

2008-02-20T14:19:00.000-05:00

It can happen...no turbulence....clear skies....smooth ride....zzzzzzzzz

HONOLULU -- The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating whether two go! Airlines pilots fell asleep during an inter-island flight.

The incident involves a Feb. 13 flight that did not land when scheduled and was out of contact for an extended period of time, KITV in Honolulu reported.

Flight 1002 took off from Honolulu at 9:20 a.m. and was scheduled to land in Hilo at 10:05 a.m.

The plane reportedly flew beyond Hilo for several miles and was out of contact with air traffic controllers for more than 20 minutes, officials said.

"I can confirm that the FAA is investigating whether the pilot and co-pilot of a Feb. 13 go! Airlines flight fell asleep while the aircraft was in the air between Honolulu and Hilo," FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said.

The company issued a statement.

Airlines counsel Brian Gillman said in a written statement, "We are aware of the incident, and an internal investigation is under way."

A pilot told KITV that one possibility is that the crew could have had a radio problem and were unable to receive their assignment by air traffic controllers, so they stayed on course until communications were restored.

If the pilots were in error, evidence may be found in the cockpit voice recorder, which could indicate if the pilots were sleeping when they should have been talking.

source: kitv.com

So on your next flight...it may be worth a trip to the cockpit to make sure everyone's had enough caffeine to ensure they don't miss the landing!

Shadow over the Moon

2008-02-19T15:39:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow's total eclipse of the moon will be visible across the country, starting at 8:43 p.m. EST.
In the East, the spectacle will take place relatively high in the sky while, in the West, the moon will be low on the horizon as it begins to move into Earth's shadow.

WHERE IT'S VISIBLE: Most of North America, all of South America, plus Western Europe and West Africa will be able to see the lunar eclipse in its entirety.

HOW IT HAPPENS: A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes entirely through the Earth's shadow.

UMBRA: Direct sunlight is completely blocked within Earth's inner shadow.

ATMOSPHERIC REFRACTION: A thin sliver of sunlight, filtered and bent by the Earth's atmosphere, gives the moon a reddish glow.

HOW IT WILL UNFOLD: Tomorrow's will be the last eclipse visible from Canada for almost three years.
The next one will be Dec. 20, 2010.

THE LATE SHOW: The lunar eclipse will last about three hours and 26 minutes.
The moon will be completely immersed within the Earth's dark umbral shadow for just under 50 minutes.

Wednesday night (Feb 20), skywatchers across Canada will be treated to an astronomical spectacle - a total eclipse of the moon. The long shadow of the Earth will sweep across the full moon and transform the normally bright lunar surface into an eerie red or rusty brown colour. For a lunar eclipse to occur, the Earth must be precisely aligned between the sun and the moon in order to block the solar rays from striking the lunar surface. Provided the weather is good and the skies are clear, it promises to be an awesome sight. Anyone who is interested in this kind of phenomenon, should definitely make the effort to take at least a peek! I know I'll be one of the spectators for certain.

sources: NASA, space.com, sky & telescope, terence dickenson

Men and V-Day

2008-02-14T07:56:00.000-05:00

I was in a flower shop yesterday and was quite amused, while watching the male patrons trying to choose flowers for Valentine's Day. Some looked like they had never seen flowers before. Others looked sad, some frustrated. It was clear that none of these males were enjoying this. How come? I mean, I know there are many people who don't like Valentine's Day. Obviously if one is single, it doesn't really mean much and for some, can be a sad day. Others say, that love should not only be shown on a day that is "dictated" but rather one should show love every day. True. But does that really always happen? I mean, the day is there, whether we like it or not. And if you do have someone "special" in your life, especially, if that someone is female, there will be some expectation to recognize the day, somehow. Now guys, even if your gal says not to get her anything, that DOES NOT mean you should not get her anything. But depending on the girl, you don't need to go overboard. Are we women so difficult? I was almost feeling the pain of one of the guys in the flower shop today. He didn't have a clue of what to get. "Something nice", he told the florist. Either this guy just started dating this girl, or he hasn't really bothered to get to know her. Buying flowers should NOT be painful!!! He should have a smile on his face, knowing he's going to make someone happy! I would be happy to get flowers, no matter what kind of flowers. It is the thought that counts. I feel really sorry for those guys who have girlfriends or wives who are so nit-picky, that they actually have to dictate what type of flowers they want their men to buy. For heavens' sake - those chicks need to get their priorities straight. Guys, society puts a lot of pressure on you, come Valentine's Day. My advice is, have fun with it. Try to remember what she likes. Be thoughtful. Do what you feel. Speak from the heart. It's should really be that simple. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Meet Barack Obama

2008-02-13T18:54:00.002-05:00

Makes me want to get my pom-pom's out and cheer along! I especially do love the first two statements. Let's just hope this is real, he is real and a promising future for the USA is real.

Ten Women's Fashion Essentials

2008-02-13T17:22:00.002-05:00

In response to a fellow bloggers top 10 clothing essentials for 30 somethings.....(and the article was for men), here is my own personal top ten essentials for women.

1) Basic Black Dress (can be dressed up formally or a little less depending on accessories and shoes)
2) Good quality white dress shirt
3) Classic dress pants (black or charcoal grey)
4) Fitted jacket (black)
5) Jeans (a good fitting pair - and I'd suggest one for more casual and one for wearing out)
6) Classic clutch purse
7) Black High Heel Shoes (good quality and classic design)
8) Classic skirt (pencil, or A-line depending on what flatters your figure)
9) White T-shirt (good quality that can be worn out or just kickin' with a pair of jeans)
10) Sexy Bra (something that fits well and makes you feel pretty and naughty) ;)

Of course there are several other things like a trench coat, cashmere sweater, wristwatch, basic jewelry etc., but I wanted to keep it down to 10 (so the guys didn't think we really needed more than they do!)

Hilary and Barack

2008-02-12T21:13:00.000-05:00

OK - this is for mature viewers only! It's all in good fun (not necessarily good taste - ahem!)

Fake Sugar Could Make You Fat

2008-02-11T16:14:00.000-05:00

Artificial sweeteners don't have any calories, but they might make you fatter than real sugar.

In a study recently published by Purdue University psychologists in Behavioral Neuroscience, rats given saccharin-sweetened yogurt actually ate more and gained more weight than rats given regularly-sugared yogurt.

Rodent studies should always be taken with a grain of salt, but the findings strike a potentially disturbing note for the millions of people whose hopes of a shortcut to slimness have fueled a billion-dollar artificial sweetener industry.

The problem appears to be one of metabolic regulation: when rats ate sugary yogurt, their core body temperature rose, ostensibly to take advantage of a calorie-rich nutrient source. But when rats ate the saccharin-sweetened yogurt, their body temperatures rose only slightly, and they ate more and gained more weight than their counterparts.

How could this be? The mechanisms aren't entirely clear: perhaps the rats, confused by false sweetness, became artificially sluggish, and thus less able to burn calories. Perhaps they were primed by the sweetness to expect a burst of calories, and when that didn't follow, they kept eating and eating. Perhaps both.

The findings, note the researchers, seem counterintuitive -- but they could hint at why diet sodas have been tied to metabolic disorders.

Source: Wired Magazine; article by Brandon Keim

Shower Adventures

2008-02-07T06:37:00.001-05:00

Some of you may already know that I have been without hot water in my shower for about two weeks. Once the cartridge goes on this Moen masterpiece, the hot water output diminishes to a trickle. This has made my morning showers a misery for the last little while. Cold shower on a cold winter morn anyone? It took so long to get the darn cartridge replaced because the company had first sent the wrong one to me. I finally got the "right" one (I was so praying that this was the right one!) on Tuesday. So last night after work I decided to go for it. Now I've never really had to fix a lot of things on my own before. I was always fortunate to have someone help me out here and there. But I was determined to try and do this on my own. Got the tools (yes, finally!) and stood in the shower with the instructions. YES, I WAS READING INSTRUCTIONS!!!!! However, it wasn't that difficult as a friend was over the week prior to install the cartridge (which we then realized was the wrong one and wouldn't fit), and I had watched how the shower handle etc., had been dismantled. I learn well by watching, so this part wasn't a problem. Getting the darn cartridge out was, however. The old one wouldn't come out. I even pinched my hand with the plyers (oh poor me). I was almost ready to give up because I'm too impatient. But, I stopped myself and quietly told myself to calm down and really look at the shower and look at the instruction diagram. And you know what? It worked...that old thang came out like a charm! Now I was all excited, already looking forward to a hot shower.....but wait...still had to install the new cartridge. Ok, so it seemed easy enough. New one went in, no problem. But the wee thingy that looks like a "wishbone" was. It wouldn't go all the way down in the 2 slots provided for it. This meant that none of the other mechanisms that needed to be put back could fit. I looked and looked and it seemed that there was no way further for the wishbone to go. The ends of it, hit the metal of the other thingy. So I decided...maybe I don't need the wishbone. After all, I have put together some furniture before (yes, Ikea almighty) and I normally always have extra of something (and yes, the furniture is still in one piece!). So I reassembled everything back, sans the wishbone. Big smile on my face. I then turn the water back on. All of a sudden, my head still in the cupboard, I hear a WHOOSH and BANG. I look up to see the whole shower handle had come off and water was ejecting from the wall. There was water all over, albeit, I was able to turn it off pretty quick, so the clean up wasn't bad. I guess, I needed that wishbone thing after all! I now realized it held the cartridge in place. So with a sigh, as it was getting late and my back was starting to ache, I disassembled everything again. It was me and wishbone again - face to face - ready for battle. After a few minutes of really looking at how that thing could possibly go in any further...I finally saw that the holes it was supposed to into were not properly alligned. All I needed to do was turn the cartridge ever so slightly. Voila...wishbone was happy and I was thrilled that I had managed this! So abracadabra, everything was put back again, hot water is running and Bean is proud of her achievement! Only one minor thing....hot and cold are reversed and I can't adjust the amount of water that comes out. So I may decide to tinker around when I have some spare time and/or cave in and call a friend for advice. Mike Holmes would be proud!

Obama

2008-02-04T22:24:00.001-05:00

There’s been a lot of hype lately about this man. Ever since Oprah started talking about Obama and his ideals on her show….he hasn’t looked back. I’m a skeptic when it comes to politics and all politicians. I am a firm believer that though morally correct, empathetic and kind hearted people run for political positions with the best intentions in mind, the higher the position, the higher the likelihood that 1) they won’t get the job because they are too decent 2) they’ll get the job based on their good character but will soon turn to the “dark side’ in order to “fit in” and ultimately keep their jobs. 3) They’ll get the job but soon succumb to greed, and the good things they originally believed in will be chucked out the window.
So all the putting Obama on a pedestal, saying he is the next JFK or Martin Luther King is wishful thinking – at best. I do hope that this is true. REALLY I do. What happens in the States, ultimately affects us here in Canada. I wish Americans a president that will move the country forward, make positive changes and show everyone what the true meaning of democracy is.
Here’s some things about Obama that have not been widely publicized (for obvious reasons):
- his natural father was a member of a Kenyan tribe. He drank too much and loved women too much. He was married three times and had children with all his wives.
When Obama was 21, Obama Sr. ended up dieing in a car crash because he had had too much to drink. Source: UK Daily Mail
- Obama had experimented with cocaine and marijuana. Source: UK Daily Mail
- Obama’s middle name is Hussein, a Muslim name, given to him by his Kenyan father who was muslim. Source: Insight Magazine
- Obama’s stepfather, Lolo Soetoro was Indonesian. He was an official of the Director General's office in the TNI Topography division of the Indonesian Army and later an oil company executive. Soetoro was also Muslim. Source: Chicago Sun-Times
- Obama always stated that he is a member of the United Church. However, if his father is Muslim, he is in fact Muslim –so goes the religion. He went to a Muslim school and studied the teachings of Islam. Source: CBS News

Let me first state, I have nothing against Muslims whatsoever. I just don't think the States is ready for a Muslim president, and frankly, I don't think they would want it. There is a fear for things we don't understand. There is a fear of Islam and extremists. I am also not trying to say that Obama is a bad guy. I can't judge that at this point. However, these are just a few points I'm bringing to light, because I don’t believe the American voters have really been made privy to in an open manner. And they should be. Sure, if you want to do your research, it’s all there. But the news is not freely giving out any of this information. I always hesitate when all the cards aren't put on the table. And just to play devil’s advocate, can you imagine what would happen if the U.S. had a Muslim president who believed in Islam? Not sure if anyone recalls the controversial claim that Princess Diana was “killed” due to suspicions that she was carrying Dodi Fahed’s child. That child would have been Muslim and thus Islam would have been one step closer to the opportunity of taking over the British monarchy. So what lies ahead for the U.S. race for president? The winds of change are in the air. It is time. Let’s hope that the changes voters wish for, are indeed the ones that will come true. And let's hope all the truth is revealed before it's too late. I’m pessimistic about the whole darn thing.

Black and White

2008-02-02T11:44:00.000-05:00

Ontario's Liberal government won't prevent Canada's largest school board from establishing a controversial new black-focused school – a position critics say flies in the face of the party's much-touted opposition to funding religious schools, which helped propel it to victory in the last election.

Premier Dalton McGuinty frowned today on the Toronto District School Board's plans for the black-focused school, but said it wouldn't be up to the province to take action against the publicly funded board.

"I am disappointed with the board's decision," McGuinty said.

"I don't support it and we won't fund it. I continue to believe that the best way for us to educate our children is to bring them together so they can come together, learn together and grow together."

Source - The Canadian Press Jan 31, 2008

Now I don't know about you, but I am totally against having these kinds of schools. It makes me feel that our society is going backwards instead of forwards. Many of you may not agree with me (and that is fine), but I believe that the only parents who are going to send their kids to a black-focused school, are those who really don't like white people in the first place. Because, really, all kids should be educated the same. Their foundation in education should not be ethnically based.
Cultural learning should come from the parents and the family. Once the child grows up and goes to high school and possibly onwards to college, this is the time when I feel courses about different cultures should be offered. There is nothing wrong with being true to your roots, learning about them and helping others to understand the similarities and differences. This can be done without the need to "segregate".
In Canada, we are a "tossed salad" not just a tomato salad. It is important that all the ingredients get mixed around, blend, be harmonious with one another. With having black-focused schools, soon enough there will be muslim schools, islamic schools, asian schools....Is this really where we want to go in a first world country, with such a diversity that the world looks upon with admiration? I surely hope not. This is not the answer.

A Star does good

2008-02-01T20:09:00.000-05:00

She's not only Canadian, but lived in Toronto for a while. And now she is giving back to the Dovercourt Boys' and Girls' Club - which is located in the area of the city that Nelly spend much time in and has many good memories from. She will become the honorary children's ambassador. Nelly is assisting in the launch and contribution towards expanding the school and making its facilities available for more children and teens in the area. Good on you Nelly!!! You make Canada proud!

Sweet Dreams

2008-01-22T22:12:00.000-05:00

I really don't envy poor Bill. He'll never escape the public eye...and this tape of him getting some "shut eye" is no exception...

...I know it was a US holiday yesterday...but *sigh*...he should have imbibed some more java before the service. I also guess he's got all his finances in order...as the approaching US recession doesn't seem to be keeping him awake!

Macquote of the Day

2008-01-22T13:52:00.000-05:00

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life, don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice."

Source: Steve Jobs