life as i know it...

Apparently, in protest of the seal hunt, Costco has pulled seal oil capsules from the shelves of all its Canadian stores.

From what I've read, a lot of people are ticked off (although I'm sure there are some that are tickled pink, like Sir Paul & "Lady" McCartney). Here's a VOCM article about Costco's decision, and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador's reaction. I expect to hear more about this on the evening news.

Nancy Burden's blog has Costco Canada's contact information, if you're the letter-writing/emailing/phoning type.

April 1st update: PETA spokeswoman Pamela Anderson (in Halifax to host the Juno Awards) admitted in her press conference that she's never spoken to anyone involved in the sealing industry, but says she 'knows people who have.' She's also sure that there aren't any young people in Canada who support the seal hunt. GAH!!! It pisses me off when celebrities spout blanket statements like that, especially when they've never talked to people on the 'other side'!

If you'd like an interesting read, check out this letter about the history of Newfoundland and Labrador sealing industry, sent to Larry King, The McCartneys, and Danny Williams. Also watch the Canadian National Film Board's documentary, My Ancestors Were Rogues and Murderers.

Posted in: Newfoundland, seal hunt on March 31, 2006 3 comments    

• A great blog on marketing that I stumbled across today.
  
  
• A messy desk messes with your career. I'm trying my best to organize my office. Even before reading this article, we bought another filing cabinet and created a shiny new filing system. Next step: tackling all of my little piles of paper...
  
  
• Make better movies. I totally agree.
  
  
• Humorous... Speech (I wish I could get the embedded YouTube player to work for this one! Click on the link)
  
  
• Download free MP3 stories, lectures, poems and speeches, and Learn Out Loud while you drive, excercise or do housework
  
  
• Logic Puzzles. I loved these as a child, and recently started doing them again. I remember my grade... 4 teacher, I think it was, would give us one of these to work on at least once a week. I had another teacher who would put a few brain teasers on the blackboard every morning to start our day. Ahh.. memories...
  
  

In the ongoing (weirder and weirder) investigation into the murders of a Canadian couple staying at a resort in Mexico... Ontario police are examining a knife which may have a connection to the murders.

Three days after the Ianiero murders, a 12-year-old American girl vacationing with her family found the knife in her knapsack.

"My understanding is [the knife] was found in a bag in a resort some distance away from where the Ianieros were actually murdered," York Police Chief Armand LaBarge told CBC News.

The Duluth, Minn., family brought it back to the United States and the girl's father, a police officer, turned it over to police in nearby Thunder Bay, Ont.

What I want to know is: who the hell finds a knife stuffed in their backpack while on vacation, and then brings it home?! That is not a souvenir, people!!


Technorati tags: office organization, marketing, movies, Bushisms, audiobooks, logic puzzles, Mexico murders, Ianiero

Posted in: helpful tips, law, videos on 2 comments    

This is just scary: Battle heats up between media and Prime Minister's Office

What does Stephen Harper think he's up to?! Regardless of a government's political stripes, I have issues with restricting media access to elected officials. It's not like they're paparazzi camped outside politicians' homes - they're reporters asking questions when politicians leave political meetings! Here are some excerpts from the article:

Among a series of media access restrictions already imposed or being contemplated, the most inflammatory is a plan to bar reporters from staking out cabinet meetings, where they can ask departing ministers about their portfolios.

In order to stop the practice, the PMO is suggesting it will keep the weekly meetings secret. At a minimum, it hopes to force reporters to wait a floor below the cabinet room, so that only ministers who want to speak - or have permission - will face the media.

...

The battle of wills came to a head Monday morning over - of all things - a photo-op of cancer stricken youngsters with the Canadian Cancer Society giving daffodils to Harper in his office.

Twelve Parliament Hill security officers, triple the usual contingent, lined the short hallway to Harper's office door to make sure no reporters entered. Sure enough, four reporters attempted to force the issue before an unusually large phalanx of news cameras.

None of the prime minister's staff emerged to explain the situation or deal with the media, despite repeated requests to do so.

...

Other planned access changes include:

• Withholding basic announcements of visits by heads of state and premiers.
• Issuing in-house photos of closed meetings between public officials, such as visiting premiers and heads of state, rather than allowing news photographers access.
• Refusing to use the national press theatre, where simultaneous translation is provided, in favour of a more prime ministerial podium in the House of Commons foyer.
• Making lists of media wishing to ask questions during availabilities, then picking and choosing which reporters get to ask those questions.
• Allowing only technical staff, but not the customary two "pool" reporters who relay events to the wider press gallery membership, into photo-ops.

Sandra Buckley, Harper's Director of Communications, says:

"I think this prime minister has been more accessible, gives greater media scrums and provides deeper content than any prime minister has in the last 10 to 12 years." ... "I don't think the average Canadian cares as long as they know their government is being well run."

Well, I care!


More articles & commentary:

• Attica! Attica! (Maclean's - Inkless Wells)
  
• Media Unions Condemn 'Frightening' Tory Limits on Journalists (Yahoo!/CP)
  
• Harper Defends Right to Secret Cabinet Meetings (Canada.com)
• Reporters Face Off with PMO over Limits on Access (Globe and Mail)
• Controlling the Messengers (Peace, order and good government, eh?)
• Taking the Hill (Toronto Star - azerb blog)
  

Technorati tags: Stephen Harper, media, free speech, politics, Canada

Posted in: politics on March 29, 2006 0 comments    

Hmm... what do you think?

You are... Almost All Hobbes You are 10% Calvin and 90% Hobbes You're a clever tiger with a dash of little boy. A bit pessimistic about human nature, you think most people would be better as meals than as friends, and maybe you're right. But your cannabalistic streak notwithstanding, you're a sensitive, (mostly) patient, and supportive friend. You have a few wild ideas here and there, but over all, you're quite sensible. Finally, my guess is you're the kind of person who gets along well with others, but who really needs space to be alone. The Calvin Or Hobbes Test on Ok Cupid

You are... Carole Lombard You scored 11% grit, 4% wit, 57% flair, and 33% class! You're a little bit of a fruitcake, but you always act out in style. You have a good sense of humor, are game for almost anything, but you like to have nice things about you and are attracted to the high life. You're stylish and modern, but you've got a few rough edges that keep you from attaining true sophistication. Your leading men include William Powell, Fredric March, and Clark Gable. Watch out for small planes. The Classic Dames Test on Ok Cupid

You are the Mythological Goddess Minerva Indeed, you are 70% erudite, 62% sensual, 45% martial, and 33% saturnine.

A virgin goddess, Minerva was (just like her Greek counterpart Athena) the goddess of Wisdom and Freedom as well as an all powerful Goddess of War, which made her a most formidable opponent indeed. Among the many disciplines that fell under her control were: writing, the sciences, architecture, embroidery, and just about anything else dealing with artistic skills, wise counsel, and of course battle and warfare. Owls were considered sacred to Minerva, representing wisdom. She was a very wise warrior, respected by the Roman legions. She was also, no kidding, the Goddess of Women's Rights and patroness of career women. The Mythological Goddess Test on Ok Cupid

Posted in: on 1 comments    

I read a really interesting article in Maclean's when I was at the dentist the other day.

Mary Carlomagno led a hectic New York life. Reflecting on the Catholic practice of Lent that she participated in as a child (giving up something as proof of your faith), she decided to give up something she loved for one month each during a year, to see the effect it had on her life. She gave up alcohol, shopping, elevators, newspapers, dining out, cellphones, television, taxis, coffee, cursing, chocolate and multi-tasking. She wrote a book about her experience, called Give It Up!: My Year of Learning to Live Better with Less.

This idea really intrigues me. Often I find that I'm spending too much time focusing on material things, or watching rather than doing. So I'm considering doing something similar. I haven't decided on a time frame yet, or even what to give up, but TV/DVDs definitely have to be on the list. I need a computer for work, but surfing the Internet for non-work purposes would be another. I've recently tried to have relatively computer-free weekends, and I enjoy that. Shopping's another one, and I think using the dishwasher should be another, but I know that will be torture for me, because I really don't like washing dishes. I'll probably put chocolate on the list, although I've given it up for Lent 2 or 3 times before, and surprisingly I didn't find it that hard. I'm not sure if I can think of 12 things to give up though! Maybe I'll think of one more and do 6 months instead of a year.

Posted in: on March 28, 2006 0 comments    

Just an FYI – Microsoft has found 3 more security vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. They’re working to fix them, but won’t have patches available until April 11th. Update your computer with Internet Explorer downloads here.

BBC News article:

“The first of the problems discovered in Internet Explorer will simply make the browser program crash if it is used to visit a specially crafted webpage. The other two vulnerabilities are potentially more serious because they can be used to take control of a victim's computer.”

Technorati tags: Microsoft, Internet Explorer, security

Posted in: technology on March 27, 2006 0 comments    

Oh my, things have been busy here lately! Work has been crazy, with lots of projects and deadlines looming. The computer's starting to get to me a bit, so I tried to have a computer-free weekend (which didn't work entirely, but mostly!). At home, we're in the middle of a spring cleaning/decorating/fix-it-up phase, and there's been a lot of family news, the happiest of which is that we have a niece! Little Kathryn (Kate) was born on Saturday. After 4 grandsons, my in-laws are tickled pink (literally) to have a granddaughter!

I've been a bit out of the loop news-wise, but I saw this photoshopped billboard (I love it!!) and some articles about it. The blogger who photoshopped the picture was sent a cease-and-desist letter by a group called Exodus International who promotes heterosexuality and has erected billboards with the message "Gay? Unhappy?". The American Civil Liberties Union backed up the blogger in his battle, arguing that he has a legal right to parody the billboard, and Exodus backed down.

Technorati tags: parody, billboard, Justinsomnia, Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, dolphin song

Posted in: videos on 0 comments    

Posted in: music on March 24, 2006 0 comments    

Minimum Security by Stephanie McMillan
(click on each cartoon to enlarge)


Technorati tags: comics, politics, Bush, terrorism, commentary

Posted in: comics on March 23, 2006 0 comments    

Your Birth Month is January

You are a natural leader who is able to stand up when no one else can. Strong and powerful, you tend to overshadow those around you. Your soul reflects: deep love, fascination with life, and a distinctive persona Your gemstone: Garnet Your flower: Snowdrop Your colors: Black, dark red, and dark blue

Posted in: on March 22, 2006 0 comments    

The Canadian Recording Industry Association has submitted an interesting study on P2P downloading and its effect on the music industry to the CRTC. Once heralded as the downfall of CD sales, new statistics show that downloading is not a major factor behind consumers' decisions to buy less music (cost and lack of interest in new releases are the biggest reasons). The study showed that people who do download through P2P services often buy that same music.

It's quite an enlightening study because it counters the claims that major record labels and recording industry associations have been making for years. While no one would argue that P2P downloads have had an effect on the recording industry, it seems that the detrimental effects have been overestimated. Perhaps now the major labels will spend more effort promoting unique artists and examining cost-for-value issues.

That being said, I will be eternally frustrated by the people who spout "record companies make too much money" as an excuse for downloading and rarely purchasing music they like. While major labels do make a nice profit from every sale, by not purchasing music, people are not only affecting the record company and performer, but the writers, producers and studio musicians who work on an album. They are the forgotten artists in this whole debate, who can't try to recoup their losses through tours and merchandise sales. Not to mention the impact on independent record labels who are working to promote diverse music, and need to make a profit to continue their work.

See lawyer Michael Geist's article about the study (found via Saskboy). It's interesting that the CRIA hasn't posted information about the poll on their website yet. The top news item listed today (even though it isn't the most recent one) reads: "Music sales in Canada fall 4 percent in 2005: downward trend resumes as international body calls on Canada to act on copyright reform and curb illegal file swapping".

March 28 edit: It seems that in the past few days the CRIA has posted the submission on their website, dated March 15 (which is the submission date, not the date the news item was posted on the website). The title, however, CRIA Submission to the CRTC - Review of Commercial Radio Policy, does not allude to the interesting findings in the report, so I'm skeptical about how many people will click on the link.

Pollara, the firm that conducted the poll on behalf of the CRIA, has fired back at Michael Geist, calling him "impertinent and presumptuous". Read his response here (found via BoingBoing).

Technorati tags: P2P, downloading, CRIA, Pollara, Michael Geist, copyright

Posted in: music, technology on 0 comments    

Well, the Celebration on Ice figure skating show last night was great, and I had an awesome seat, but I was really disappointed that Kurt Browning wasn't there. He's my favourite skater, and the main reason I asked for the ticket for my birthday (those things are expensive!).

The show's website lists him as a cast member, and doesn't mention anything about him not being scheduled for certain shows, and the radio stations here in Fredericton have been advertising the show with him. In an Internet search this morning though, I read that he actually wasn't scheduled for the Fredericton and Bathurst shows, because he's at Worlds doing commentary (and Thursday he'll be inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame - yay!). Would have been nice if the show's website had that information though - I've been looking forward to seeing Kurt perform for months! :(

But the other skaters were still great.

Technorati tags: figure skating, Kurt Browning, Celebration on Ice

Posted in: on 0 comments    

• For those of you who live in the U.S., check out In2TV to watch free episodes of cancelled TV shows. They have Growing Pains, Pinky & the Brain, Babylon 5, V, La Femme Nikita, Lois & Clark, Perfect Strangers... I just wish it would work in Canada! "Only licensed for viewing in the United States"

• While we're on the topic of TV, my new time-waster is YouTube. While I was out of town last week, I spent a couple of hours one evening searching for and watching old clips of TV shows and figure skating (yes, yes, I know - Geek! But I have a thing for Kurt Browning, who, incidentally, I get to see perform tonight - yay!!!).

• Check out Scott Berkun's "Scolidays". He decided to make up his own holidays, and came up with some pretty neat ones. My favourites:

  1/29 - Letter writing day. Pick 5 people you have something you want to say to and write them letters. Could be a friend you haven’t spoken to in too long, a family member you haven’t seen in awhile, an author who wrote a book that moved you or to an organization that you’re glad exists (The YMCA, the local pub, whatever matters to you).
  
  3/15 - Ides of March. You must speak in Shakespearean English, preferably quoting from the play Julius Caesear as often as possible.
  
  6/3 - The day of fear. Pick something that you’re afraid of, trivial or signifigant, and go and do it. Might include calling a radio talk show, public speaking, getting onstage at an open mike night, handling snakes, telling someone how really feel about them, whatever. You can pick a fear buddy: you help them with theirs, they help you with yours.
  
  11/4 - Day of hedonistic glory. All bounds are removed. Eat what you like. Sleep late. Watch movies, really bad movies all day. Laugh as you drive past the gym, with Big Mac, Big Gulp, and Toblorone in hand. All the things you’ve wished you could do should be done: but today only.

• BoingBoing.net reports that the courts have upheld a ban on the sale of sex toys in Mississippi. "In other words, it remains a crime for responsible adults to sell vibrators to other adults there, but a gun? No prob!"
  

• And while we're on a somewhat taboo subject, check out Violet Blue's tips on surfing adult sites safely, another link from BoingBoing. She has a lot of tips that apply to safe surfing in general, and how to avoid viruses, spyware and adware. Her most important tip for safe surfing: use the (free) Firefox browser instead of Internet Explorer!

Note: I had to change the Technorati tags below. Apparently the "sex laws" tag also falls under the "sex" tag, and my blog is showing up with the porn blogs. (What a disappointment, huh? lol) Anyways, people have been visiting this blog after searching for "sex" on technorati, and clicking on my photo. Ewwww.....

Technorati tags: TV, In2TV, YouTube, Scolidays, safe surfing, Firefox

Posted in: for adults, videos on March 21, 2006 0 comments    

I saw V for Vendetta on the weekend. To be honest, I hadn't heard much about the movie (aside from the fact that Natalie Portman shaved her head for the role), and I'm glad I didn't know much about it, going in.

I have to say, I really liked it. The movie contains a lot of interesting messages, although I want to see it again to fully process how I feel about it. It's about a totalitarian British government roughly 20 years from now, which has severely restricted its citizens' movements, resulting in people fighting back against their government to reclaim their lives. It also deals with question of where the line is between terrorist and freedom fighter. I don't necessarily agree with the violent ways of fighting back in this movie, or everything done by 'V', but the movie is obviously an extreme example to make a point. All in all, it was a very thought provoking. I urge you to go see it, even if it's not the sort of movie you usually like.

I think watching the movie without knowing a lot about it is the way to go, so you won't have many preconceived notions, but if you must, you can watch the trailers here.

Technorati tags: V for Vendetta, Natalie Portman, civil liberties, totalitarian

Posted in: movies, politics on March 20, 2006 0 comments    

I'm really looking forward to going home for my brother's wedding this summer. I haven't been back to Newfoundland in almost 2 years, and even though Brad & I got married in St. John's, we were so busy with wedding stuff that we didn't really get to go sightseeing, visit our old haunts or even relax much! So it will be nice to do that this time.

I stumbled across a Newfoundland blog, How Did I Get Here?, the other day, and was surprised to see a photo of a familiar place. This beach is my favourite place in the world. I spent so much time there when I was younger. I found it so relaxing just to sit on the rocks and watch the waves... sometimes I'd bring a book, sometimes not; sometimes I'd go with a friend or two, sometimes not... I have a lot of good memories of this place.

These pictures were taken by Karen Chappell. Visit her blog, and the photo archive, BitStop.ca. She takes beautiful Newfoundland, still life and artsy photos.

Technorati tags: Newfoundland, Canada, photography

Posted in: on 1 comments    

Wow... I'm on a trip, using someone else's computer, and I can't believe how much harder the computer screen is to read without ClearType turned on.

Do it, people! There's no installation, just a 2 minute, easy-to-follow adjustment to determine what is easiest on your eyes.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, it's something I learned of recently. All computers with Windows XP have a ClearType feature that improves the readability of font on your computer. Click on the link in this article to turn it on and adjust it.

To illustrate.

Text before turning ClearType on: Text after turning ClearType on: Technorati tags: ClearType, Microsoft, Windows XP

Posted in: helpful tips, household on March 15, 2006 0 comments    

Technorati tags: Muppets, Star Wars, Yoda, Muppet Show

Posted in: kids, videos on March 14, 2006 0 comments    

Posted in: on 0 comments    

My daily email Calvin cartoon. I used to have this one up in my office.

In cartoon news:

Isaac Hayes (Chef) has decided to leave South Park, over a dispute with the creators about the show's "inappropriate ridicule" of religion.

In his statement, Hayes didn't mention the South Park episode about his religion, Scientology, but one of the show's creators, Matt Stone, said:

"In ten years and over 150 episodes of 'South Park,' Isaac never had a problem with the show making fun of Christians, Muslim, Mormons or Jews. He got a sudden case of religious sensitivity when it was his religion featured on the show."

The Scientology episode will be re-broadcast on Comedy Central tomorrow (Wednesday). It sounds pretty funny. Stan is hailed as a saviour by Scientology leaders, and Tom Cruise locks himself in a closet and won't come out.


Update: The re-broadcast was cancelled, reportedly because Tom Cruise threatened to not promote Mission Impossible 3 if the episode wasn't pulled, but you can watch the entire episode on YouTube.

Technorati tags: Calvin, Hobbes, war,Chef, Isaac Hayes, Scientology, South Park, Tom Cruise

Posted in: comics on 0 comments    

I love these things!

Found links to a couple of them on the blog The Truth About Cats and Dogs in Black and White (which, incidentally, is an awesome title).

You Are Kermit

Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know. You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems. Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green. Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

You Are Lightning

Beautiful yet dangerous People will stop and watch you when you appear Even though you're capable of random violence You are best known for: your power Your dominant state: performing

You are a Brainy Girl!

Whether you're an official student or a casual learner, you enjoy hitting the books. You know a little bit about everything, and you're always dying to know more. For a guy to win your heart, he's got to share some of your intellectual interests. A awesome book collection of his own doesn't hurt either!

Posted in: on March 12, 2006 0 comments    

I keep hearing all sorts of strange noises when I'm home alone.

Not scary noises, just strange noises.

For instance, I could have sworn I just heard a foghorn.

For those of you still not getting what's strange about that; I don't live in St. John's anymore - I live in Fredericton.


Technorati tags: St. John's, Newfoundland, Fredericton, New Brunswick

Posted in: New Brunswick, Newfoundland on March 11, 2006 0 comments    

Canadian satirist Rick Mercer thinks the leadership of the federal Liberal Party is perhaps worthless, but nevertheless is auctioning a kit on e-bay to 'help' prospective candidates with a 15 minute writer's consultation and the use of his printer. The bidding started at $15, and has already risen to over $15 million.

Since Mercer's kit was put on e-bay, several other people have listed Liberal leadership kits, with the taglines:

"The race is on!! Beat out the Rick Mercer Candidate!"

"CBC Comedian Rick Mercer Guy can't beat you!"

and

"The ultimate leadership kit! The others are for chumps!"

Watch Rick Mercer's informational video here, and read a CBC news article here.

Technorati tags: Liberal, Liberal leadership, politics, Canada, Rick Mercer, ebay, satire

Posted in: politics on March 09, 2006 0 comments    

• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated a retired schoolteacher for paying a large lump sum of his credit card bill. Apparently, if a credit card payment is a certain percentage higher than a customer's normal payment, Homeland Security must be notified.

• Tim Hortons will be opening a franchise in Kandahar, at the request of Canadian troops stationed in Afghanistan.
  

• Simple ways to make yourself cleverer

• Check out this real-life enactment of The Simpsons show opening
  

Technorati tags: Department of Homeland Security, DHS, credit card, Tim Hortons, brain, Simpsons, real life Simpsons

Posted in: helpful tips, videos, war on 0 comments    

Canadians are used to Americans being misinformed about Canada. Generally we roll our eyes or laugh, but who hasn't been frustrated by hearing pundits on CNN and Fox news spread the myths and stereotypes?

Yesterday the Globe and Mail published a story about educating Americans about Canada, which has spawned a lot of dialogue, and shows prejudices on both sides of the border.

The Canadian embassy in Washington has created a website called Connect2Canada for people with a Canadian connection living in the United States to form an online community. The website contains helpful and practical information about Visas, passports, voting, travel and events. The site also links to a government Myth Buster website to clarify some of the myths surrounding Canada's role in September 11th, the 2003 blackout, and mad cow disease.

The Myth Buster site is a great idea, in my opinion. All countries and provinces should have something like it on their government websites. I'm sure there are stereotypes that Canadians believe about Americans that frustrate them. Within Canada, I'm sure the same is true for many provinces - particularly Quebec and Newfoundland - and the territories.

The only trick is getting people to read it.

Technorati tags: Canada, United States, myths, stereotypes, Connect2Canada, September 11th, blackout, mad cow

Posted in: on March 08, 2006 1 comments    

Today, March 8th, is International Women's Day.

The theme for International Women's Week this year is: Beyond Laws: The Right to be Me. This week is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made to advance women's equality around the world, and is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that remain; not only within the law, but in our daily lives.

We all know that women in many developing countries are still strugling for equality under the law. Although many legal battles have been won, and women in the developed world are perceived to have equality, they still face struggles such as the pay gap between the sexes, stereotypes of what is considered "women's work", and women who choose to stay home and raise their children - no matter what their education level is - are often considered to be contributing less to society than those who try to balance a full-time career and motherhood.

There is still much progress to be made.

Technorati tags: women, International Women's Day, motherhood, laws, equality,value

Posted in: equality, feminism, politics on 0 comments    

This is one of the most touching real-life stories I've heard in a long time. Congratulations, Jason!

Technorati tags: Athena, Jason McElwain, basketball, J-Mac

Posted in: videos on 0 comments    

This is so cute.

Posted in: kids on March 07, 2006 1 comments    

• Prime Minister Stephen Harper is preparing to replace the Parliamentary Ethics Commissioner... just days after the Commissioner announced that he would investigate Harper and David Emerson, who was given a Conservative cabinet post after winning his riding as a Liberal.

• In a challenge to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe vs. Wade, the governor of South Dakota has signed a law making it illegal for doctors to perform an abortion, unless the mother's life would be endangered by carrying the child to term.
  

• Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien dismisses claims by the current government that Canada's goals under the Kyoto Accord are unattainable. Stephen Harper says it is too late to reach the goals set for 2012, and instead wants to create a made-in-Canada plan. Environmentalists believe that the goals under Kyoto are attainable, but would require a strong commitment by the federal and provincial governments.

Technorati tags: ethics, politics, abortion, Supreme Court, Kyoto, Canada

Posted in: climate change, politics on 0 comments    

My favourite Oscar Fashions: Michelle Williams & Keira Knightly

Technorati tags: Oscars, fashion

Posted in: fashion and beauty on 0 comments    

One in two!!!

Watching Wendy Mesley's CBC Marketplace news report last night, I was absolutely shocked to hear that statistic. Why isn't this front page news?!

Her report was enlightening, but much too short (why did the CBC only give her a half hour? It deserved at least an hour; I had so many more questions). I hope they'll show it on TV again, but you can read a lot of the information, and watch the program online by clicking the link above.

• Note: It seems that Mesley's report has generated criticism among bloggers (click here and here) for being biased, but at least it's getting people to question the factors that may be leading to rising cancer rates. Regardless of opinions on journalistic slant, she raises important issues that must be examined.

The story focuses on the subject of environmental toxins, and how people are unknowingly poisoning their bodies by using everyday products. Most laundry detergents, household cleaners and even makeup contain carcinogens or other toxins that have been linked to cancer. Dairy products, fruits and vegetables can be contaminated by pesticides, and Canadian meat often contains growth hormones which are carcinogenic and have been banned by the European Union.

Currently in Canada, household and personal care products are not required to list all of the ingredients on their labels, so people can't make an informed decision about product safety while shopping. Manufacturers often print a partial list, or merely list the 'active' ingredients. Thankfully, by November 2006, full ingredient lists will be required.

While it is not realistic that we can eliminate all of the environmental toxins in our homes, we can let manufacturers know our concerns, and reduce our use of toxic products. I don't have many toxin-reduced or toxin-free products in my home right now; I never realized how harmful they could be. But when I heard that 1 in 2 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer, wow, was that a wake-up call! I want to reduce those statistics for my future children, and if searching for lesser known brands and paying a bit more money for them to reduce the toxins in my home is the answer, then I'm willing to do that.

The Marketplace website has links to a lot of informative resources, including the Guide to Less Toxic Products, maintained by the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, which describes the toxins commonly found in household products, and recommends safer products. Also, the Labour Environmental Alliance Society publishes the CancerSmart Consumer Guide, which contains information on carcinogens, toxins and chemicals that are found in brand name products, and suggests alternatives and product substitutes.

Many people in my life have been touched by cancer, and now that I've heard this information, I can't ignore it. If shopping carefully will reduce, even a little bit, the chances of my loved ones getting cancer, then I'm willing to try.


On a related note, visit the Breast Cancer Site and click on the big pink button every day to help fund free mammograms for underprivileged women. 100% of the revenue collected from the site's sponsors goes to pay for mammograms. Since 2000, the site has funded 14,450 free mammograms.

Technorati tags: cancer, CBC, carcinogens, Wendy Mesley, mammogram, Canada

Posted in: breast cancer, health, household, toxic on March 06, 2006 1 comments    

Seen on grrrl meets world

Technorati tags: politics, Canada, David Emerson

Posted in: feminism, politics on 0 comments    

Posted in: on March 02, 2006 0 comments    

Uuuuuuuuuugggg... I woke up this morning not only aching from yesterday's dental treatment, but unable to turn my head to the right, or look up, without a lovely shooting neck pain. Thank goodness I have a loving husband willing to put on my socks for me (the combination of head movements and body bending just weren't working for me).

Despite the pain and the loss of appetite, what's really getting to me is the boredom. There's only so much reading and watching TV a gal can do in a day. I'm even tired of Sex and the City reruns (I know, shocking!). Cross your fingers and pray that my industrial strength muscle relaxants kick in and magically fix this overnight!

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A blog I like led me to My Heritage, a website where you can upload your picture for facial scanning to see which celebrities you look like.

It's interesting, but I did it with two pictures, and didn't get any of the same names (and I think I look pretty much the same in both pictures, besides my hair style/colour and the lighting - I've even got the same head-tilty thing goin' on!).

With picture number one, it said I look like:

• Juliette Lewis - 61%
• Alyson Hannigan - 61%
• Naomi Watts - 61%
• Andie MacDowell - 52%
• Heidi Klum - 51%
• Kelly Clarkson - 51%

With picture number two, it said I look like:

• Jessica Alba - 68%
• Heather Loclear - 63%
• Juliette Binoche - 58%
• Kate Hudson - 58%
• Robin Wright Penn - 56%
• Holly Hunter - 55%
• Geena Davis - 51%

Hmm... I find it strange that Molly Ringwald wasn't mentioned in either scan - I get that all the time!

Posted in: on March 01, 2006 0 comments    

Ha ha - practical advice regarding your toolbox.

Check out the reader's comment on this Boing Boing post.

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