Is Lt. Watada an Isolated Case of Military Dissent?
Global Warming Demands Local Fixes
Costco Rules, Wal-Mart Drools
The Iraq Effect: War has Increased Terrorism Sevenfold Worldwide
2.27.2007
MishMash of Media
In Russia, Media Watches You
Satan Rides The Media
Is Lt. Watada an Isolated Case of Military Dissent?
Global Warming Demands Local Fixes
Costco Rules, Wal-Mart Drools
The Iraq Effect: War has Increased Terrorism Sevenfold Worldwide
Is Lt. Watada an Isolated Case of Military Dissent?
Global Warming Demands Local Fixes
Costco Rules, Wal-Mart Drools
The Iraq Effect: War has Increased Terrorism Sevenfold Worldwide
2.26.2007
Come see the GCTC's Museum!
As many of you may know, Theo and I have season's tickets to the Great Canadian Theatre Company. It's an excellent local theatre with some of the very best in Canadian talent.
Every year there is a "lawyer play", where local lawyers, judges etc. put on a play at the GCTC as a fundraiser.
If you're in Ottawa this weekend, do yourself a favour and see Museum -- you don't be disappointed!
2.25.2007
2.24.2007
Lots of great articles in the March issue of Yoga Journal
I've just begun reading the March 2007 issue of Yoga Journal, (don't worry, I am keeping an eye on the Sens game!) and I'm very fascinated by a few articles and I'm only on page 24!
Good news! Dark chocolate is good for you, as it has 14 times as many antioxidants as broccoli. In an article entitled Concious Chocolate discusses the importance of choosing sustainable chocolate (which is second only to cotton in the amount of pesticide used to produce it - according to the Pesticide Action Network). Look for these descriptions of your chocolate next time you're buying: organic, fair trade, pesticide free, rainforest alliance certified and ethically traded.
Leave No Trace - eco-travel tips brought to you by Yoga Journal:
Good news! Dark chocolate is good for you, as it has 14 times as many antioxidants as broccoli. In an article entitled Concious Chocolate discusses the importance of choosing sustainable chocolate (which is second only to cotton in the amount of pesticide used to produce it - according to the Pesticide Action Network). Look for these descriptions of your chocolate next time you're buying: organic, fair trade, pesticide free, rainforest alliance certified and ethically traded.
Leave No Trace - eco-travel tips brought to you by Yoga Journal:
- Take a train or bus if you are travelling less than 600 miles (planes use a lot of fuel to take off and land). (*Sigh. Ottawa to Boston is just over 300 miles...maybe my passport won't be sent in time and I can take the train. I love the train!)
- Don't fly at night. Airplane condensation trails, or contrails, cool the atmosphere during the day. But night flights heat teh atmosphere and contribute more than half of the climate warming that originates from contrails.
- To offset the pollution your trip generates, measure your greenhouse has emissions by visiting a Website like www.travelmatters.org or www.terrapass.com. Then, choose to contribute money to help plant trees and fund alternative energy. (My round trip to Boston will be 618 miles and 395 lbs of CO2 -- If I got to http://www.carbonfund.org/site/ I can purchase 6,000 miles of carbon offsets for only US$6.25!)
- When staying at a hotel, opt not to have linens cleaned daily.
- Eat cuisine that is native to the area you are visiting.
- Bring a refillable water bottle or thermos instead of using disposables.
I really enjoy this magazine, but I also subscribe to ascent - a Canadian yoga mag. I also picked up another new one I hadn't seen before -- Shambhala Sun, mostly because it has an article on Eve Ensler -- so it must be good! Will let you know...
2.23.2007
What a day...
So much to talk about...
Next week I start my full-time hours, but I've really been feeling like I could have used the full-time hours since coming back from Christmas break. It just seems like things have really ramped up and there's always lots to do. Don't get me wrong, it's great! I love what I do and I love having lots to do and not being bored. It will just be nice next week when I have enough hours to do everything. I stayed an hour extra on Wednesday because meetings ran over, and I really could have stayed longer to finish up things. Today I stayed a little late for a customer interview and to tie up a few things before the weekend...which I don't mind, but it will just be nice to have more time now.
I left work around quarter after two and waiting in the ABSOLUTE FREEZING COLD WIND for my bus, which was late, and had to go to my doctor's office to leave my passport application with for her to sign. (Oh yeah, WOOHOO, I get to go to Boston for work next month!) I get to the office and they informed me that she had called in sick, and may call in sick tomorrow, and is off on Sunday and Monday so I may not get it until Tuesday at the earliest. *Sigh. For those of you who haven't heard, I need a passport to fly to the U.S. and everyone has realized the deadline at the same time and so there are massive lineups and delays already.
Anyways, after picking up some schnitzel for dinner at the deli across from the doctor's office, waiting in the freezing cold again (I swear I thought I had frostbite and I was so cold and angry at winter that I thought I would cry) I finally made it home at 4:30 only to realize I had no buns for the schnitzel. I didn't want to go out again in the cold (in fact, I promised myself I wouldn't leave the house until spring) so we had to order in. Tomorrow is grocery shopping day obviously.
Anyways...enough rambling... I'm declaring a full out I Hate Winter campaign. Who's with me?
Good news today:
Top court rules against security certificates
Next week I start my full-time hours, but I've really been feeling like I could have used the full-time hours since coming back from Christmas break. It just seems like things have really ramped up and there's always lots to do. Don't get me wrong, it's great! I love what I do and I love having lots to do and not being bored. It will just be nice next week when I have enough hours to do everything. I stayed an hour extra on Wednesday because meetings ran over, and I really could have stayed longer to finish up things. Today I stayed a little late for a customer interview and to tie up a few things before the weekend...which I don't mind, but it will just be nice to have more time now.
I left work around quarter after two and waiting in the ABSOLUTE FREEZING COLD WIND for my bus, which was late, and had to go to my doctor's office to leave my passport application with for her to sign. (Oh yeah, WOOHOO, I get to go to Boston for work next month!) I get to the office and they informed me that she had called in sick, and may call in sick tomorrow, and is off on Sunday and Monday so I may not get it until Tuesday at the earliest. *Sigh. For those of you who haven't heard, I need a passport to fly to the U.S. and everyone has realized the deadline at the same time and so there are massive lineups and delays already.
Anyways, after picking up some schnitzel for dinner at the deli across from the doctor's office, waiting in the freezing cold again (I swear I thought I had frostbite and I was so cold and angry at winter that I thought I would cry) I finally made it home at 4:30 only to realize I had no buns for the schnitzel. I didn't want to go out again in the cold (in fact, I promised myself I wouldn't leave the house until spring) so we had to order in. Tomorrow is grocery shopping day obviously.
Anyways...enough rambling... I'm declaring a full out I Hate Winter campaign. Who's with me?
Good news today:
Top court rules against security certificates
2.20.2007
Eco Lingerie! Organic Cotton!
Why organic?
How exciting! Eco lingerie, panties and bras made from organic cotton and bamboo!
La Senza
I'm sooooo going to buy the zen baby outfit when I have my first baby!
Sage Creek (Canadian!)
Green bling!
Green jeans!
And, as always, the Great Jon Stewart and friends.
How exciting! Eco lingerie, panties and bras made from organic cotton and bamboo!
La Senza
I'm sooooo going to buy the zen baby outfit when I have my first baby!
Sage Creek (Canadian!)
Green bling!
Green jeans!
And, as always, the Great Jon Stewart and friends.
2.18.2007
Officially the weirdest bus moment I can remember
From a few weeks ago -- forgot to post it!
7:30 a.m. South Keys station.
I enter the shelter at my bus stop and there is a guy at the far end. I stay near my door just simply because I was checking to see if my bus was coming. The guy at the other end YELLS something really loudly, which was very difficult to understand because he yelled so loud and there was only the two of us in the shelter so it was all echo-y. I think he yelled something about how he could see his breath because it was so cold. I nodded and turned back frantically hoping my bus was pulling up. He yells some more and I turn and just kind of reply "yeah".
Another person enters the shelter *thank goodness!* and Mr. Yell-Everything says "Oh, I should not yell anymore because he'll think I'm weird. I'll come stand next to you." Yeah, ok buddy. He then goes on to tell me all about how he got up at 5 a.m. and went to some job place that couldn't hire him because of his age.
"How old do you think I am?"
Me, not wanting to be insulting because he's acting like a five-year-old with Tourettes, "Umm…22?"
Mr. Yell-Everything: "Nope! 18 and three-quarters."
Who counts their age like that past the age of nine? Anyways, a few minutes later his bus comes, thank goodness again, because I was ready to get on the next bus regardless of whether it would take me in the direction of work or not.
He says "It was nice to meet you," and shakes my hand. I wish him good luck in his job search and he then kisses my hand and says "you won't forget me anytime soon now will you?", smirks, and heads off to the bus.
7:30 a.m. South Keys station.
I enter the shelter at my bus stop and there is a guy at the far end. I stay near my door just simply because I was checking to see if my bus was coming. The guy at the other end YELLS something really loudly, which was very difficult to understand because he yelled so loud and there was only the two of us in the shelter so it was all echo-y. I think he yelled something about how he could see his breath because it was so cold. I nodded and turned back frantically hoping my bus was pulling up. He yells some more and I turn and just kind of reply "yeah".
Another person enters the shelter *thank goodness!* and Mr. Yell-Everything says "Oh, I should not yell anymore because he'll think I'm weird. I'll come stand next to you." Yeah, ok buddy. He then goes on to tell me all about how he got up at 5 a.m. and went to some job place that couldn't hire him because of his age.
"How old do you think I am?"
Me, not wanting to be insulting because he's acting like a five-year-old with Tourettes, "Umm…22?"
Mr. Yell-Everything: "Nope! 18 and three-quarters."
Who counts their age like that past the age of nine? Anyways, a few minutes later his bus comes, thank goodness again, because I was ready to get on the next bus regardless of whether it would take me in the direction of work or not.
He says "It was nice to meet you," and shakes my hand. I wish him good luck in his job search and he then kisses my hand and says "you won't forget me anytime soon now will you?", smirks, and heads off to the bus.
Oh, my. Weird. He didn't look strange or like he was on drugs. He just seemed very chatty and off. Harmless guy I suppose. Still, it was a very odd way to start my Monday morning!
A Few Good Expenses
A funny parody of A Few Good Men, turned into something for finance and management and the items found on expense reports.
Exxon linked to climate change pay out
I know this is old news, but in case you missed it...
From my friend Jason:
JR
From my friend Jason:
All this from the company who earned 37.4 Billion in profit last year. That's 4 Million dollars in PROFIT PER DAY. And now they are paying scientists 10,000 to debunk global warming. Warms the cockles of the heart doesn't it....
Exxon linked to climate change pay out
Think tank offers scientists $10,000 to criticize UN study confirming global warming and placing blame on humans.
2.17.2007
Celebration x2
Last night a bunch of us went to the Social to celebrate Theo's new job - which he starts Monday. Actually, it was more of a celebration of him leaving his current one. :)
The dinner begins, the drinks continue...
We ended up having two reasons to celebrate however, as yesterday right before lunch I got word on my contract -- starting March 1 I begin a one-year, full-time contract (and more money!) This is pretty big -- it's my first full-time job since graduating last spring. Last February I began a six month, 15-hour a week "internship", then in September I began a six-month 25-hour a week "consulting" contract, and now I'm finally full-time! The consensus seems to be that folks are on contract for around two years before they are hired on permanently.
Late-night revelers...
I'm absolutely thrilled at having the opportunity to continue working with the team(s) that I do. My immediate PR team is fantastic -- everyone works so well together, and they are always encouraging me to learn more and do more. They don't mind stopping to show me the ropes or answer my questions.
Seline was a little cold so she decided to warm up by the candles...
I absolutely love where I work. Some of the extended teams I work with are great, and I'm starting to feel like I'm becoming part of the fabric there.
Mark and Bruce talking baseball probably...
It's amazing to think how much I've grown and learned in the past year! There was so much to learn, not only about the inner workings of PR, but of the business itself, of business in general and all the things that come with working in such a huge company.
Teresa and Marie-Andree...
I'm still trying to remember all the acronymns of tech products and business verticals etc...!
Meg-- soon to be a doctor!
Anyways -- back to the party. From 5 until 7:30 ish we had cocktails in the lounge area and there were a ton of people there. At one point I had left to go to the powder room and a family with young children came in and sat at a nearby table. Theo and a friend were talking about how it's a very expensive and chic restaurant to bring such young kids to. Theo, always wanting to be the devil's advocate, said he'd bring his kids there. So, Theo's friend jokes around with him saying something along the lines of "Oh, what are you trying to tell me?" hinting that Theo and I were expecting. Anyways, a few moments later when I came to sit down, Theo's friend jokingly says congratulations to me -- except I think he's talking about my contract -- so I replied something along the lines of "Oh, thanks! I'm so excited...I've been waiting a long time to find out..." Eventually, we realized that we weren't talking about the same thing...
More late-night revelers...
Oddly enough, earlier in the evening a former colleague of mine arrived and also said congratulations - another colleague didn't know of the contract (she only knew of Theo's job) and so she immediately assumed that that meant Theo and I were engaged!
Christine and Serge
My, my...by the end of the night I was engaged, pregnant, and my new nickname was April O'Neil. (Long story for another time.)
Theo has clearly had enough to drink...
Anyways....about 14 people stayed for dinner -- I had steak frites again -- delicious. Dessert was "chocolate" which was incredible! Highly recommend this restaurant for those who are in Ottawa!
The two celebrators -- Theo et moi!
2.14.2007
V-Day
V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop worldwide violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual slavery.
V-Day Ottawa
Worldwide Campaign Event
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2 March 2007 - 8 PM
3 March 2007 - 8 PM
[See more details]
V-Day Carleton University
College Campaign Event : Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2 March 2007 - 7 PM
3 March 2007 - 7 PM
[See more details]
V-Day University of Ottawa
College Campaign Event : University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
(dates to be announced)
[See more details]
V-Day Ottawa
Worldwide Campaign Event
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2 March 2007 - 8 PM
3 March 2007 - 8 PM
[See more details]
V-Day Carleton University
College Campaign Event : Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2 March 2007 - 7 PM
3 March 2007 - 7 PM
[See more details]
V-Day University of Ottawa
College Campaign Event : University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
(dates to be announced)
[See more details]
Please note: The events listed here are those that have been approved by the V-Day Campaign directors. The event information that appears, however, is input and maintained by the individual event organizer.
V-Day College Campaign events are independently organized by students and listings on V-Day's web-site do not imply the endorsement or official sanction of any institution.
What's Your Superhero Name?
| Your Superhero Profile |
 Your Superhero Name is The Azure Tiger Your Superpower is Willpower Your Weakness is Reruns of the Cosby Show Your Weapon is Your Flame Gel Your Mode of Transportation is Snowboard |
What Type Of Blogger Are You?
| You Are a Life Blogger! |
 Your blog is the story of your life - a living diary. If it happens, you blog it. And make it as entertaining as possible. |
What's Your Personality Cluster?
| Your Personality Cluster is Extraverted Intuition |
 You are: A true wordsmith - a master of words Original, spontaneous, and a true inspiration Highly energetic, up for any challenge Entertaining and engaging, both to friends and strangers |
What's Your Inner Talent?
| Your Hidden Talent |
 Your natural talent is interpersonal relations and dealing with people. You communicate well and are able to bring disparate groups together. Your calming presence helps everything go more smoothly. People crave your praise and complements. |
What's Your Inner Child?
| Your Inner Child Is Surprised |
 You see many things through the eyes of a child. Meaning, you're rarely cynical or jaded. You cherish all of the details in life. Easily fascinated, you enjoy experiencing new things. |
What Year Were You Born Under?
| You Were Born Under: |
 No worries, you're not really pig-like in your personality. (Though you have been known to have a healthy appetite!) You are highly intelligent - forever studying and gaining knowledge. You have a heart of gold and you are appreciated by many. You are most compatible with a Rabbit or Goat. |
What Element Are You?
| Your Element Is Air |
 You dislike conflict, and you've been able to rise above the angst of the world. And when things don't go your way, you know they'll blow over quickly. Easygoing, you tend to find joy from the simple things in life. You roll with the punches, and as a result, your life is light and cheerful. You find it easy to adapt to most situations, and you're an open person. With you, what you see is what you get... and people love that! |
Save Darfur
From the good people at SaveDarfur.org:
Infamous Sudanese President Bashir has just thumbed his nose at yet another U.S. deadline to cooperate with efforts to end the Darfur genocide.
The time for talk is over, it's time to act.
The Bush administration has already developed "Plan B," a multi-tiered plan to push Sudan to end the genocide, but they keep delaying its launch. Adding to the frustration, despite the continuing mass-displacement and attacks, Special Envoy Andrew Natsios claimed last week that genocide is no longer occurring in Darfur.
Please join us in contacting President Bush right now to urge him to launch "Plan B" without further delays, before more lives are lost.
Click below to send your letter to President Bush now.
http://action.savedarfur.org/dia/organizationsORG/darfur/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=6716
Then please forward this message to your friends and family and ask them to join you.
If you'd like to make a donation to support the campaign, please visit http://www.SaveDarfur.org/Donate
Thanks for your help.
David Rubenstein
Save Darfur Coalition
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donate to Help Save Darfur
Help build the political pressure needed to end the crisis in Darfur by supporting the Save Darfur Coalition's crucial awareness and advocacy programs. Click here now to make a secure, tax-deductible online donation: http://www.SaveDarfur.org/donate
The time for talk is over, it's time to act.
The Bush administration has already developed "Plan B," a multi-tiered plan to push Sudan to end the genocide, but they keep delaying its launch. Adding to the frustration, despite the continuing mass-displacement and attacks, Special Envoy Andrew Natsios claimed last week that genocide is no longer occurring in Darfur.
Please join us in contacting President Bush right now to urge him to launch "Plan B" without further delays, before more lives are lost.
Click below to send your letter to President Bush now.
http://action.savedarfur.org/dia/organizationsORG/darfur/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=6716
Then please forward this message to your friends and family and ask them to join you.
If you'd like to make a donation to support the campaign, please visit http://www.SaveDarfur.org/Donate
Thanks for your help.
David Rubenstein
Save Darfur Coalition
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donate to Help Save Darfur
Help build the political pressure needed to end the crisis in Darfur by supporting the Save Darfur Coalition's crucial awareness and advocacy programs. Click here now to make a secure, tax-deductible online donation: http://www.SaveDarfur.org/donate
2.10.2007
Are you more Calvin or Hobbes?
| Mostly Calvin You are 80% Calvin and 20% Hobbes |
| Your inner Calvin often prevails, but, as in the image below, you have a significant Hobbesian component. I'm going to try to stretch the visual metaphor here: you have a good head on your shoulders, but when you don't use it, your crazy body gets you in trouble? Does that work? Odds are you're impulsive and imaginative, but it's possible you've collected just enough wisdom to hold your most anti-social urges in check. Most of the time. It's a precarious balance, like a boy on one foot with a tiger head. |
 |
This test tracked 2 variables. How the score compared to the other people's:
| Higher than 94% on calvin | ||
| Higher than 0% on hobbes |
| Link: The Calvin Or Hobbes Test written by gwendolynbooks on Ok Cupid |
[86]
Listening to: Love Ain't Free by Panic and the Rebel Emergency
I am writing this post from our new laptop! I'm totally in love with it! It's pretty looking, and very nice to use. And the spacebar works much better than the old one! The screen is big and has amazing clarity and picture (much like our beautiful big screen tv!) And its lighter than the last one we had too. It's really cool because it works with our Xbox360 and has this incredible media centre.
:)
Lots of new things lately, but I won't write it all here. Theo got a new job which he is insanely excited about (so am I) and we're going out to celebrate with friends next Friday at Social.
I am still waiting to hear about my new contract, and my mom calls me daily to see if there's any news, even though I said I would call her the second I find anything out.
We're saving to buy a house next summer, which is very exciting!
We missed each other for dinner every night this week. (Meetings, dinners with work colleagues, class, more meetings.) And tonight we're going out for dinner with Steve and Veronica - but at least we're together!
I have a lot of interesting articles to post - but here are just a few for now:
From Mother Jones:
If Chris Rock Says It, It's Funny; If Sarah Silverman Says It, It's Tasteless
Largest Student Protest of Global Warming Yet
And from Environmental Defense:
Global Warming Myths and Facts
The 2007 Global Warming Globie Awards
That's all for now friends, until next time!
I am writing this post from our new laptop! I'm totally in love with it! It's pretty looking, and very nice to use. And the spacebar works much better than the old one! The screen is big and has amazing clarity and picture (much like our beautiful big screen tv!) And its lighter than the last one we had too. It's really cool because it works with our Xbox360 and has this incredible media centre.
:)
Lots of new things lately, but I won't write it all here. Theo got a new job which he is insanely excited about (so am I) and we're going out to celebrate with friends next Friday at Social.
I am still waiting to hear about my new contract, and my mom calls me daily to see if there's any news, even though I said I would call her the second I find anything out.
We're saving to buy a house next summer, which is very exciting!
We missed each other for dinner every night this week. (Meetings, dinners with work colleagues, class, more meetings.) And tonight we're going out for dinner with Steve and Veronica - but at least we're together!
I have a lot of interesting articles to post - but here are just a few for now:
From Mother Jones:
If Chris Rock Says It, It's Funny; If Sarah Silverman Says It, It's Tasteless
Largest Student Protest of Global Warming Yet
And from Environmental Defense:
Global Warming Myths and Facts
The 2007 Global Warming Globie Awards
That's all for now friends, until next time!
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