NOTE TO SELF: USE GIFT CARD
There used to be a time when store clerks and shoppers dreaded the day after Christmas in anticipation of the post-holiday return madness. The endless line-ups to bring back items that were the wrong size, bad color selection, vile scent or mis-guessed sizes appear to be on the wane with the growing popularity of gift cards.
Surveys according to America's Research Group, which polls shoppers for retailers, indicate that significantly fewer shoppers would be returning gifts this year. Ten years ago, the group found, 38 percent of consumers said they had an unwanted gift to return after Christmas. Five years ago, that number was 33 percent; this year, it is 14 percent.
The National Retail Federation surveyed shoppers and found that 64.3 percent didn’t return anything last holiday season, up from 62.4 percent in 2005.
When you think about it a gift card makes a lot of sense since it allows the recipient a good span of time to reflect upon what they really want or need. However, the trick is to remember that you received one and to check on the expiry date. Also, you can't re-gift a gift card!
Read the rest of the story here: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/27/business/27returns.html
What gifts did you return this year?
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
SCHOOL BANS HOODED SWEATSHIRT
NOTE TO SELF: EDUCATORS SHOULD STICK TO...EDUCATION
Here we go again. There used to be a time when schools and educators relegated themselves to expanding student's knowledge. It appears that they're also getting involved in fashion choices.
School officials at Lincoln Middle School in Meridien, Conn. have banned hooded sweatshirts, citing that they violate the dress code policy. While the district's Board of Education dress code policy does not specifically ban this piece of clothing, it does now allow head gear, which presumably includes sweat shirt hoods.
"The hooded sweaters, and some of the hooded shirts that are out, all those are excluded. If you're in the stores shopping, that's all there is -- everything is hooded," said parent Cheryl Tomassetti.
School officials said they decided to ban the shirts after some students were spotted wearing hoods over their heads in school hallways and classrooms. Officials said that hoods are sometimes used by students hiding headphones.
Makes a person wonder how far the arm of educators should extend, especially when it comes to the choice of clothing. If it was for safety purposes officials would be justified but headphones?
The ban will go into effect after winter break.
Here we go again. There used to be a time when schools and educators relegated themselves to expanding student's knowledge. It appears that they're also getting involved in fashion choices.
School officials at Lincoln Middle School in Meridien, Conn. have banned hooded sweatshirts, citing that they violate the dress code policy. While the district's Board of Education dress code policy does not specifically ban this piece of clothing, it does now allow head gear, which presumably includes sweat shirt hoods.
"The hooded sweaters, and some of the hooded shirts that are out, all those are excluded. If you're in the stores shopping, that's all there is -- everything is hooded," said parent Cheryl Tomassetti.
School officials said they decided to ban the shirts after some students were spotted wearing hoods over their heads in school hallways and classrooms. Officials said that hoods are sometimes used by students hiding headphones.
Makes a person wonder how far the arm of educators should extend, especially when it comes to the choice of clothing. If it was for safety purposes officials would be justified but headphones?
The ban will go into effect after winter break.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
BAH HUMBUG - CHRISTMAS TREES BANNED IN CHINESE CITY
NOTE TO SELF: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS, ANYWAY?
Speaking of un-Christmas-like actions... The spirit of the holiday appears to be lacking in the city of Zhuhai, a city of 1.3 million people located in southern China, where deputy-mayor, Chen Ying has banned Christmas trees. Included in the ban are no trees allowed in shopping malls, restaurants, malls, grocery stores and other entertainment venues since the feeling is that they post a fire hazard. No Christmas trees and no "flammable decorations" either and those that do fall into this category had to be removed "immediately."
So...like...what type of decorations are deemed "flammable" and which are "non-flammable" one wonders? Is there some type of Christmas tree and decoration police that go around checking out flame-a-bility?
"Those that fail to rectify the situation will be subject to legal measures like suspension or closure," Mr Chen said.
I mean - imagine having a knock on the door, opening them to the Christmas cops and having your Christmas tree AND decorations judged whether they can stay or have to be taken down. It's just so...un-Christmas like!
The crackdown on Christmas trees was part of a three-month campaign to boost fire-prevention standards that started this week in Zhuhai, directly across from the Chinese gambling haven of Macau.
The Zhuhai ban came on the same day that President Hu Jintao "reached out" to religious believers in China where commercial Christmas trappings have become increasingly ostentatious in recent years.
The manager of a Zhuhai karaoke bar ordered a Christmas tree last week and was not happy with the new regulation.
"I paid 3,000 yuan (about $400), so who can I sue for damages now?" he said.
Bah...humbug!
Speaking of un-Christmas-like actions... The spirit of the holiday appears to be lacking in the city of Zhuhai, a city of 1.3 million people located in southern China, where deputy-mayor, Chen Ying has banned Christmas trees. Included in the ban are no trees allowed in shopping malls, restaurants, malls, grocery stores and other entertainment venues since the feeling is that they post a fire hazard. No Christmas trees and no "flammable decorations" either and those that do fall into this category had to be removed "immediately."
So...like...what type of decorations are deemed "flammable" and which are "non-flammable" one wonders? Is there some type of Christmas tree and decoration police that go around checking out flame-a-bility?
"Those that fail to rectify the situation will be subject to legal measures like suspension or closure," Mr Chen said.
I mean - imagine having a knock on the door, opening them to the Christmas cops and having your Christmas tree AND decorations judged whether they can stay or have to be taken down. It's just so...un-Christmas like!
The crackdown on Christmas trees was part of a three-month campaign to boost fire-prevention standards that started this week in Zhuhai, directly across from the Chinese gambling haven of Macau.
The Zhuhai ban came on the same day that President Hu Jintao "reached out" to religious believers in China where commercial Christmas trappings have become increasingly ostentatious in recent years.
The manager of a Zhuhai karaoke bar ordered a Christmas tree last week and was not happy with the new regulation.
"I paid 3,000 yuan (about $400), so who can I sue for damages now?" he said.
Bah...humbug!
Friday, December 21, 2007
POLITICAL CORRECTNESS GONE AWRY
NOTE TO SELF: WHEN IS CHRISTMAS NOT CHRISTMAS? WHEN IT'S NOT "PC"
Once again as has occurred in the past, Christmas has become a politically un-acceptable word.
The latest is a move by an Ottawa, Canada, elementary school's attempt to remove the word "Christmas" from the song, "Silver Bells" in their annual Christmas concert
Gimme a break!
The move has ignited a controversy that has spread across the country and probably across North America and beyond. Instead, "Frosty the Snowman" replaced "Silver Bells" sung by Grade 2 and Grade 3 students attending Elmdale Public School.
"It was a choice by the choir," said Ottawa-Carleton District School Board spokeswoman Sharlene Hunter. "The teachers are visibly and emotionally upset and don't feel they can conduct that song to the best of their ability."
Elmdale has been inundated with telephone calls and emails after the story broke about teachers at the school changing the word Christmas and replacing it with "festive" in the Christmas carol, "Silver Bells." As in: "silver bells...silver bells...it's festive time in the city..."
Ridiculous!
It's akin to the story where Australian Santas were told not to use the traditional "ho-ho-ho" laugh and use "ha-ha-ha" instead, since it was deemed offensive to women.
It makes one wonder which songs will be deemed un-politically correct in the future. Will radio stations have to bleep out unacceptable words?
"It's beginning to look a lot like festive... Everywhere you go..." or "We wish you a merry festive..."
And a Merry Christmas...um - Festive - whatever, to you too!
Once again as has occurred in the past, Christmas has become a politically un-acceptable word.
The latest is a move by an Ottawa, Canada, elementary school's attempt to remove the word "Christmas" from the song, "Silver Bells" in their annual Christmas concert
Gimme a break!
The move has ignited a controversy that has spread across the country and probably across North America and beyond. Instead, "Frosty the Snowman" replaced "Silver Bells" sung by Grade 2 and Grade 3 students attending Elmdale Public School.
"It was a choice by the choir," said Ottawa-Carleton District School Board spokeswoman Sharlene Hunter. "The teachers are visibly and emotionally upset and don't feel they can conduct that song to the best of their ability."
Elmdale has been inundated with telephone calls and emails after the story broke about teachers at the school changing the word Christmas and replacing it with "festive" in the Christmas carol, "Silver Bells." As in: "silver bells...silver bells...it's festive time in the city..."
Ridiculous!
It's akin to the story where Australian Santas were told not to use the traditional "ho-ho-ho" laugh and use "ha-ha-ha" instead, since it was deemed offensive to women.
It makes one wonder which songs will be deemed un-politically correct in the future. Will radio stations have to bleep out unacceptable words?
"It's beginning to look a lot like festive... Everywhere you go..." or "We wish you a merry festive..."
And a Merry Christmas...um - Festive - whatever, to you too!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Authorities worry about worm abuse
NOTE TO SELF: DON'T JUDGE A WORM BY ITS LOOKS
A New Zealand inventor of the "wormorator" has been forced to defend the use of worms in a composting toilet he has developed after officials became concerned that the creatures might become traumatised by the procedure. Coll Bell was told to get an expert's report on the mental impact on the tiger worms being used after an official became concerned during a site visit.He says the official felt that the worms were being unfairly treated, being expected to deal with human faeces, and that it could affect them in a psychological way.Mr Bell was told he had to get someone with the necessary qualifications to say the worms were happy. A vermiculture consultant was called in and she has found the worms are in excellent health and breeding happily.
In Bell's invention, a colony of worms filters solids from the toilet waste and the leftover water is filtered into underground trenches.
When you think about it and some would rather not and for sure some don't care one way or the other (most likely the latter), the mere fact that they are turning...you-know-what into rich loam could be an indication that they i.e. the worms, enjoy the process. Or...on the other hand and we don't really know since the worms, can't express their true inner feelings, their action and end result could be a result of the trauma of having to deal with human feces. I mean - it's totally understandable.
So my next question is: just where does one find somebody with the right qualifications or indeed any qualification to deal with worm trauma? Can the testimony of a vermiculturalist be believed? What does she/he do to test out her/his theory? Pull a worm out of the earth and have a conversation with it?
"Hello worm," she would probably say. "How 'ya doin' today? I'm fine! So...how d'ya like dealing with all that sh**?"
How could the vermiculturalist know the difference between an unhappy and happy worm? More to the point, does a worm know if its happy or unhappy? Do worms suffer from depression?
Also, in as far as hygeine is concerned, who would sit on this compost toilet?
The Auckland Regional Council's concerns went down the pan after vermiculture consultant Patricia Naidu found the worms in excellent health and breeding happily. I guess one has to take her word for it.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/071216/oddities/nzealand_animals_offbeat_worms
A New Zealand inventor of the "wormorator" has been forced to defend the use of worms in a composting toilet he has developed after officials became concerned that the creatures might become traumatised by the procedure. Coll Bell was told to get an expert's report on the mental impact on the tiger worms being used after an official became concerned during a site visit.He says the official felt that the worms were being unfairly treated, being expected to deal with human faeces, and that it could affect them in a psychological way.Mr Bell was told he had to get someone with the necessary qualifications to say the worms were happy. A vermiculture consultant was called in and she has found the worms are in excellent health and breeding happily.
In Bell's invention, a colony of worms filters solids from the toilet waste and the leftover water is filtered into underground trenches.
When you think about it and some would rather not and for sure some don't care one way or the other (most likely the latter), the mere fact that they are turning...you-know-what into rich loam could be an indication that they i.e. the worms, enjoy the process. Or...on the other hand and we don't really know since the worms, can't express their true inner feelings, their action and end result could be a result of the trauma of having to deal with human feces. I mean - it's totally understandable.
So my next question is: just where does one find somebody with the right qualifications or indeed any qualification to deal with worm trauma? Can the testimony of a vermiculturalist be believed? What does she/he do to test out her/his theory? Pull a worm out of the earth and have a conversation with it?
"Hello worm," she would probably say. "How 'ya doin' today? I'm fine! So...how d'ya like dealing with all that sh**?"
How could the vermiculturalist know the difference between an unhappy and happy worm? More to the point, does a worm know if its happy or unhappy? Do worms suffer from depression?
Also, in as far as hygeine is concerned, who would sit on this compost toilet?
The Auckland Regional Council's concerns went down the pan after vermiculture consultant Patricia Naidu found the worms in excellent health and breeding happily. I guess one has to take her word for it.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/071216/oddities/nzealand_animals_offbeat_worms
Friday, December 14, 2007
Canada Post has red face
NOTE TO SELF: JUST WHO IS NAUGHTY AND NICE, ANYWAY?
Every year Canada Post gets into the holiday spirit by acting as an intermediary between children and the North Pole in its annual "Write to Santa." To this end kids are encouraged to mail their letters to Santa at "SANTA CLAUS, NORTH POLE, HOH OHO, CANADA" The service in both English and French, has been offered going on 26 years and is overseen by 11,000 Canada Post employees known affectionately as Postal Elves. More than a million children send letters to the jolly, old, elf and receive a reply but some received an unexpected response. Make that shocked response.
Seems that somebody - likely not "the" Santa - has been dropping letters in the mail box over the last couple of days to kids living in Ottawa, Ontario, but not the nice kind. In fact some of them contained filthy messages, much to the consternation of parents'. For its part Canada Post is understandably shocked and along with the Ottawa police, have been attempting to trace down the baaaaaad Santa.
One young recipient aged 2 years received a P.S. to her letter that read: "This letter is too long, you dumb shit." Definitely not Santa-like content. Her 10 year old brother, meanwhile, had the add-on message: "Your mom is s****d**** and your dad is gay."
Lucky their mother read the letter before she handed it to her children.
Meanwhile, yesterday Canada Post shut down its Write to Santa program across the city in a joint effort with the police to track down Santa's un-helper.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071214.wsantletters1214/BNStory/National/home
Every year Canada Post gets into the holiday spirit by acting as an intermediary between children and the North Pole in its annual "Write to Santa." To this end kids are encouraged to mail their letters to Santa at "SANTA CLAUS, NORTH POLE, HOH OHO, CANADA" The service in both English and French, has been offered going on 26 years and is overseen by 11,000 Canada Post employees known affectionately as Postal Elves. More than a million children send letters to the jolly, old, elf and receive a reply but some received an unexpected response. Make that shocked response.
Seems that somebody - likely not "the" Santa - has been dropping letters in the mail box over the last couple of days to kids living in Ottawa, Ontario, but not the nice kind. In fact some of them contained filthy messages, much to the consternation of parents'. For its part Canada Post is understandably shocked and along with the Ottawa police, have been attempting to trace down the baaaaaad Santa.
One young recipient aged 2 years received a P.S. to her letter that read: "This letter is too long, you dumb shit." Definitely not Santa-like content. Her 10 year old brother, meanwhile, had the add-on message: "Your mom is s****d**** and your dad is gay."
Lucky their mother read the letter before she handed it to her children.
Meanwhile, yesterday Canada Post shut down its Write to Santa program across the city in a joint effort with the police to track down Santa's un-helper.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071214.wsantletters1214/BNStory/National/home
Saturday, December 8, 2007
GERMANY SEEKS TO BAN SCIENTOLOGY
NOTE TO SELF: WONDER HOW THIS WILL AFFECT CELEBRITY BELIEVERS?
Germany's top security officials said Friday they consider the goals of the Church of Scientology to be in conflict with the principles of the nation's constitution and will seek to ban the organization.
The German government considers Scientology a commercial enterprise.
The interior ministers of the nation's 16 states plan to give the nation's domestic intelligence agency the task of preparing the necessary information to ban the organization, which has been under observation for a decade on allegations that it "threatens the peaceful democratic order" of the country.
The Church of Scientology, in a response sent to CNN, denounced the German proposal, calling it out of step with various international court rulings. Read the Church of Scientology response
The ministers, as well as federal Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, "consider Scientology to be an organization that is not compatible with the constitution," said Berlin Interior Minister Ehrhart Koerting, who presided over the officials' two-day conference.
READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/12/07/germany.scientology.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
Church of Scientology's Response:
While failing to pursue the Hamburg Minister of Interior's motion, the Minister of Interior Conference has demonstrated that they are completely out of step with the rest of the world. Their statement and recommendation are a blatant attempt at justifying the ongoing and never-ending discrimination against the Church of Scientology and its members in Germany.
Ten years of OPC surveillance has uncovered absolutely no wrongdoing which could justify a ban, as conceded by Federal Minister of Interior Wolfgang Schauble in his interview with German Radio. There is no evidence of wrongdoing to uncover.
The suggestion that the OPC not only continue but expand its intrusive and illegal investigation represents a desperate attempt to concoct a justification for a never-ending investigation that wastes millions of taxpayer euros.
FULL RESPONSE:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/12/07/scientology.response/index.html
Germany's top security officials said Friday they consider the goals of the Church of Scientology to be in conflict with the principles of the nation's constitution and will seek to ban the organization.
The German government considers Scientology a commercial enterprise.
The interior ministers of the nation's 16 states plan to give the nation's domestic intelligence agency the task of preparing the necessary information to ban the organization, which has been under observation for a decade on allegations that it "threatens the peaceful democratic order" of the country.
The Church of Scientology, in a response sent to CNN, denounced the German proposal, calling it out of step with various international court rulings. Read the Church of Scientology response
The ministers, as well as federal Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, "consider Scientology to be an organization that is not compatible with the constitution," said Berlin Interior Minister Ehrhart Koerting, who presided over the officials' two-day conference.
READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/12/07/germany.scientology.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
Church of Scientology's Response:
While failing to pursue the Hamburg Minister of Interior's motion, the Minister of Interior Conference has demonstrated that they are completely out of step with the rest of the world. Their statement and recommendation are a blatant attempt at justifying the ongoing and never-ending discrimination against the Church of Scientology and its members in Germany.
Ten years of OPC surveillance has uncovered absolutely no wrongdoing which could justify a ban, as conceded by Federal Minister of Interior Wolfgang Schauble in his interview with German Radio. There is no evidence of wrongdoing to uncover.
The suggestion that the OPC not only continue but expand its intrusive and illegal investigation represents a desperate attempt to concoct a justification for a never-ending investigation that wastes millions of taxpayer euros.
FULL RESPONSE:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/12/07/scientology.response/index.html
Sunday, December 2, 2007
"The Chanukah King": a reminiscence of the ultimate dreidel competition
NOTE TO MYSELF: ONCE UPON A TIME I HAD A DREIDEL
THE CHANUKAH KING
by Eleanor Tylbor
There was the usual sense of excitement among students attending the Chavarim Afternoon Hebrew School a couple weeks before the onset of Chanukah. Throughout the school spinning dreidels whirled around the floor surface in anticipation of the annual competition held on the first night of Chanukah. Even then practise was no guarantee of a successful outcome of deposing "the dreidel king" who was defending his title for the fourth year in a row.
If there was anyone who personified the ideal qualities in a student it was Zelig Bornstein. At ten years of age he could do no wrong. A brilliant student academically he was also blessed with the voice of an angel and it was a given that he would sing the part of lead candle in the annual Chanukah concert. As if that wasn't enough to cause jealousy and rivalry among classmates, he ALWAYS won the annual dreidel competition.
Among the students of Mr. Meldrum's class there was the general belief that his cobalt blue dreidel with gold lettering on the sides possessed magical properties. There could be no other explanation to account for his perpetual dominance other than a mysterious and powerful outside source was at work, unavailable to his classmates. A few brave participants had come close to deposing him but somehow Zelig always managed to win out in the end. To further undermine his competitors confidence "The Dreidel King" did nothing to dispel the air of mystery surrounding his acumen.
"It's all right here," he would boast when asked the secret of his success, pointing to his wrist and flicking his fingers one-by-one to demonstrate his unbeatable technique, "and my magical dreidel, of course."
He never divulged any background information on how it was acquired and neither would he allow anyone to touch it much less give it a spin, further adding to the mystique.
"He" doesn't like leaving my hands," he would proffer in the way of an excuse, speaking of his top as if it was a living thing or a pet.
Externally, I professed animosity towards him as did the others, but internally I adored him from afar. However, this did not diminish my desire to win and I practiced fervently in the hope of improving my spin. I longed to emerge victorious if for no other reason than to make Zelig aware that I was alive, or at least be aware of my presence. It wasn't considered socially unacceptable to acknowledge the existence of the opposite sex, and even if he did harbor some stirrings of romantic feelings, he hid them well from me.
It would be fair to say that nearly every student in Mr. Meldrum's class dreamed of wresting the title away from him. We discussed the situation amongst ourselves, plotting a course of action that could de-throne him. Dreidel tossing techniques were assessed including "spit-shots" in which the "toss-ee" would spit or lick fingers to acquire more control of the toss, disallowed by Mr. Meldrum for hygienic reasons. Finger exercises were evaluated in addition to the benefits of knuckle cracking workouts before the competition, all of which were eventually discarded as ineffectual. Deep down inside we knew that the end result was out of our hands in the true sense of the word, and in those of the fates. There was always the glimmer of hope that perhaps the fates would smile on one of us. Anyone of us except Zelig.
Like a conquering hero "King" Zelig took center-stage tossing his dreidel from hand-to-hand as he walked, attempting to psyche out the participants. It was a piece of pure theatre as he produced a blue satin drawstring bag and reaching in, retrieved the cobalt blue dreidel smiling all the while. We took our places around the table, our hands clasped around the dreidels, waiting for our turn.
As the reigning champion he spun first, achieving the "gimel" and winning the first round. Dreidel competitors fell one after the other until it was time for me as the last competitor to
One by one he knocked out of the game until finally it was my turn. All eyes were upon me as I opened up my hand, gently allowing a cobalt blue object with gold lettering on the sides to drop on the surface of the table. There was an audible gasp from my fellow students accompanied shortly thereafter by excited whispers.
"D'ya see her dreidel?" they asked each other. "It's the same one as Zelig?s!"
At tournament time a large table was set up in the middle of the classroom and dreidels distributed to students. King Zelig tossed his dreidl from hand-to-hand, smiling smugly and acting self-assured. As the reigning champion Zelig spun first, achieving the letter "g" or "gimel", which meant that he won the first round. One by one we took turns and I landed on "hay", acquiring half of the pot composed of chocolate coins and other goodies, which pleased me no end. For the next few turns the dreaded "shin" turned up denoting a loss, accompanied by groans of disappointment from fellow students. Like many of the stories we were told focusing on unsurpassable victories over adversity, things turned in my favor. The king was dethroned and long live the new champion. Me. Jubilant cheers broke out among fellow students as they savored the moment for which they had all waited. My adversary, meanwhile, appeared stunned and in shock. Consumed with laughter and staring triumphantly into his eyes, I couldn't help but notice his were brimming with tears. It was bad enough being dethroned but having it done by a girl, was more than his young ego could handle in one day.
I could have chosen to ignore him and savor the moment of victory, since it was a long time coming and it probably wouldn't happen again. Instead, upon realizing that he had been humiliated in front of his male friends, a final showdown was suggested to determine the final victor. Needless to say, he amazingly emerged victorious.
He never did acknowledge my presence or reach out to thank me for my selfless gesture, in all the years of our attending Hebrew school together. He did allow me to spin first in a subsequent re-match the following year, presumably as a good will gesture on his part. In my mind I would always be queen to his king be it only for one occasion and that was better than nothing. That's life. Sometimes you win and sometimes you gotta lose.
THE CHANUKAH KING
by Eleanor Tylbor
There was the usual sense of excitement among students attending the Chavarim Afternoon Hebrew School a couple weeks before the onset of Chanukah. Throughout the school spinning dreidels whirled around the floor surface in anticipation of the annual competition held on the first night of Chanukah. Even then practise was no guarantee of a successful outcome of deposing "the dreidel king" who was defending his title for the fourth year in a row.
If there was anyone who personified the ideal qualities in a student it was Zelig Bornstein. At ten years of age he could do no wrong. A brilliant student academically he was also blessed with the voice of an angel and it was a given that he would sing the part of lead candle in the annual Chanukah concert. As if that wasn't enough to cause jealousy and rivalry among classmates, he ALWAYS won the annual dreidel competition.
Among the students of Mr. Meldrum's class there was the general belief that his cobalt blue dreidel with gold lettering on the sides possessed magical properties. There could be no other explanation to account for his perpetual dominance other than a mysterious and powerful outside source was at work, unavailable to his classmates. A few brave participants had come close to deposing him but somehow Zelig always managed to win out in the end. To further undermine his competitors confidence "The Dreidel King" did nothing to dispel the air of mystery surrounding his acumen.
"It's all right here," he would boast when asked the secret of his success, pointing to his wrist and flicking his fingers one-by-one to demonstrate his unbeatable technique, "and my magical dreidel, of course."
He never divulged any background information on how it was acquired and neither would he allow anyone to touch it much less give it a spin, further adding to the mystique.
"He" doesn't like leaving my hands," he would proffer in the way of an excuse, speaking of his top as if it was a living thing or a pet.
Externally, I professed animosity towards him as did the others, but internally I adored him from afar. However, this did not diminish my desire to win and I practiced fervently in the hope of improving my spin. I longed to emerge victorious if for no other reason than to make Zelig aware that I was alive, or at least be aware of my presence. It wasn't considered socially unacceptable to acknowledge the existence of the opposite sex, and even if he did harbor some stirrings of romantic feelings, he hid them well from me.
It would be fair to say that nearly every student in Mr. Meldrum's class dreamed of wresting the title away from him. We discussed the situation amongst ourselves, plotting a course of action that could de-throne him. Dreidel tossing techniques were assessed including "spit-shots" in which the "toss-ee" would spit or lick fingers to acquire more control of the toss, disallowed by Mr. Meldrum for hygienic reasons. Finger exercises were evaluated in addition to the benefits of knuckle cracking workouts before the competition, all of which were eventually discarded as ineffectual. Deep down inside we knew that the end result was out of our hands in the true sense of the word, and in those of the fates. There was always the glimmer of hope that perhaps the fates would smile on one of us. Anyone of us except Zelig.
Like a conquering hero "King" Zelig took center-stage tossing his dreidel from hand-to-hand as he walked, attempting to psyche out the participants. It was a piece of pure theatre as he produced a blue satin drawstring bag and reaching in, retrieved the cobalt blue dreidel smiling all the while. We took our places around the table, our hands clasped around the dreidels, waiting for our turn.
As the reigning champion he spun first, achieving the "gimel" and winning the first round. Dreidel competitors fell one after the other until it was time for me as the last competitor to
One by one he knocked out of the game until finally it was my turn. All eyes were upon me as I opened up my hand, gently allowing a cobalt blue object with gold lettering on the sides to drop on the surface of the table. There was an audible gasp from my fellow students accompanied shortly thereafter by excited whispers.
"D'ya see her dreidel?" they asked each other. "It's the same one as Zelig?s!"
At tournament time a large table was set up in the middle of the classroom and dreidels distributed to students. King Zelig tossed his dreidl from hand-to-hand, smiling smugly and acting self-assured. As the reigning champion Zelig spun first, achieving the letter "g" or "gimel", which meant that he won the first round. One by one we took turns and I landed on "hay", acquiring half of the pot composed of chocolate coins and other goodies, which pleased me no end. For the next few turns the dreaded "shin" turned up denoting a loss, accompanied by groans of disappointment from fellow students. Like many of the stories we were told focusing on unsurpassable victories over adversity, things turned in my favor. The king was dethroned and long live the new champion. Me. Jubilant cheers broke out among fellow students as they savored the moment for which they had all waited. My adversary, meanwhile, appeared stunned and in shock. Consumed with laughter and staring triumphantly into his eyes, I couldn't help but notice his were brimming with tears. It was bad enough being dethroned but having it done by a girl, was more than his young ego could handle in one day.
I could have chosen to ignore him and savor the moment of victory, since it was a long time coming and it probably wouldn't happen again. Instead, upon realizing that he had been humiliated in front of his male friends, a final showdown was suggested to determine the final victor. Needless to say, he amazingly emerged victorious.
He never did acknowledge my presence or reach out to thank me for my selfless gesture, in all the years of our attending Hebrew school together. He did allow me to spin first in a subsequent re-match the following year, presumably as a good will gesture on his part. In my mind I would always be queen to his king be it only for one occasion and that was better than nothing. That's life. Sometimes you win and sometimes you gotta lose.
Monday, November 26, 2007
NO PLAYING DOWN CONCERN OVER TOY PURCHASES THIS CHRISTMAS
NOTE TO SELF: SEEMS WE HAVE A LOT TO WORRY ABOUT THIS CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY SHOPPING
As soon as she had found the perfect present for her niece and dropped it in her shopping cart, Lovey Lane had a nagging worry.
"It just hit me -- this is made in China," the Dundalk resident said, checking the Disney princess costume box and scrutinizing the beads adorning a tiara as a possible hazard. "I thought I'd better put it back."
But the Pirates of the Caribbean ship for her nephew stayed put in the cart, as Lane reasoned that the plastic toy was not likely tainted by lead.
"Of course, we don't know what paint they're using," said Lane, shopping yesterday morning at Toys "R" Us in the Golden Ring area of Baltimore County.
After months of recalls that have seen millions of toys pulled from store shelves -- including classics such as Thomas the Tank Engine, Dora the Explorer and Big Bird -- anxiety was palpable in the toy aisles on the day after Thanksgiving. Warnings of lead paint and choking hazards, and even chemical coatings that could be transformed into a "date rape" drug if ingested, have gotten shoppers' attention.
Full Story Here:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-te.bz.toys24nov24,0,3673506.story
Toy safety tips
• Children under age 3: Avoid toys with small parts, which pose a choking hazard.
• Children under 6: Avoid building sets with small magnets. If they are swallowed, serious injuries or death can occur.
• Children under 8: Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
• Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates can cause fatal falls. Helmets and safety gear should be worn and sized to fit.
• Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and slingshots, intended for older children, can result in serious eye injuries.
• Chargers and adapters should be supervised by adults to prevent burn hazards.
• Read toy labels for age and safety recommendations.
[Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission]
Shopping for children's toys has become complicated. Perhaps it's time for consumers to seriously consider buying products and goods made locally.
As soon as she had found the perfect present for her niece and dropped it in her shopping cart, Lovey Lane had a nagging worry.
"It just hit me -- this is made in China," the Dundalk resident said, checking the Disney princess costume box and scrutinizing the beads adorning a tiara as a possible hazard. "I thought I'd better put it back."
But the Pirates of the Caribbean ship for her nephew stayed put in the cart, as Lane reasoned that the plastic toy was not likely tainted by lead.
"Of course, we don't know what paint they're using," said Lane, shopping yesterday morning at Toys "R" Us in the Golden Ring area of Baltimore County.
After months of recalls that have seen millions of toys pulled from store shelves -- including classics such as Thomas the Tank Engine, Dora the Explorer and Big Bird -- anxiety was palpable in the toy aisles on the day after Thanksgiving. Warnings of lead paint and choking hazards, and even chemical coatings that could be transformed into a "date rape" drug if ingested, have gotten shoppers' attention.
Full Story Here:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-te.bz.toys24nov24,0,3673506.story
Toy safety tips
• Children under age 3: Avoid toys with small parts, which pose a choking hazard.
• Children under 6: Avoid building sets with small magnets. If they are swallowed, serious injuries or death can occur.
• Children under 8: Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
• Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates can cause fatal falls. Helmets and safety gear should be worn and sized to fit.
• Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and slingshots, intended for older children, can result in serious eye injuries.
• Chargers and adapters should be supervised by adults to prevent burn hazards.
• Read toy labels for age and safety recommendations.
[Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission]
Shopping for children's toys has become complicated. Perhaps it's time for consumers to seriously consider buying products and goods made locally.
Friday, November 23, 2007
TODDLERS GET TUTORS FOR AN EXTRA EARLY EDGE
NOTE TO SELF: What ever happened to childhood?
As a grandparent this strikes me as too much, too soon but obviously parents don't think so.
Call it kindercramming. These days one of the fastest-growing markets for after-school tutors is preschoolers and kindergartners, whose parents are hoping that if their kids learn to read before first grade, it will ultimately help them get into college and get good jobs. Anxious moms and dads are no longer satisfied with traditional nursery school, which many see as a glorified romper room that focuses too much on learning through play. And of course, after years of Baby Einstein marketing, some parents have become convinced that the more math and reading skills their tots master, the better. Srinivas Rao, a veterinarian in Columbia, Md., began sending his daughter Sanjana to after-school tutoring last summer, shortly before her third birthday. To his delight, he soon found she could not only count the 14 dots on her homework work sheet but also write 14 beside them. "I didn't think kids could just learn that overnight," he marvels.
Read the entire story here: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1686826,00.html
What happened to the "good, old days" when children stayed home with a parent or grandparent and played with toys? While it's admirable to want to offer your child the best upbringing, perhaps let them be children first?
As a grandparent this strikes me as too much, too soon but obviously parents don't think so.
Call it kindercramming. These days one of the fastest-growing markets for after-school tutors is preschoolers and kindergartners, whose parents are hoping that if their kids learn to read before first grade, it will ultimately help them get into college and get good jobs. Anxious moms and dads are no longer satisfied with traditional nursery school, which many see as a glorified romper room that focuses too much on learning through play. And of course, after years of Baby Einstein marketing, some parents have become convinced that the more math and reading skills their tots master, the better. Srinivas Rao, a veterinarian in Columbia, Md., began sending his daughter Sanjana to after-school tutoring last summer, shortly before her third birthday. To his delight, he soon found she could not only count the 14 dots on her homework work sheet but also write 14 beside them. "I didn't think kids could just learn that overnight," he marvels.
Read the entire story here: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1686826,00.html
What happened to the "good, old days" when children stayed home with a parent or grandparent and played with toys? While it's admirable to want to offer your child the best upbringing, perhaps let them be children first?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
SHOPPING FOR TOYS A DIFFICULT CHOICE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
NOTE TO SELF: Watch out for the bad toys!
Chances are consumers are heavy into shopping in search of those perfect gifts for family and friends bit there's trouble in toyland this holiday season. In as far as the kids are concerned, toys are always welcome but it's getting more and more difficult to differentiate between the bad and the safe one's.
More toys tainted with extremely high levels of lead were found on the shelves at major U.S. retailers, according to an advocacy group's survey released Tuesday.
The U.S. Public Interest Research Group, which released the "2007 Trouble in Toyland" report, highlighted hazards that included lead, dangerous small magnets, and toys that pose choking and strangulation hazards.
"While we have seen progress after more than two decades of advocacy on behalf of America's littlest consumers, U.S. PIRG's researchers still found trouble in toyland on store shelves this fall," said Ed Mierzwinski, the consumer program director at the U.S. PIRG.
Toys tested by the Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC] are banned if they contain lead at 600 parts per million - the legal lead standard. The U.S. PIRG went to different retailers and tested a number of different toys which had high amounts of lead.
Read the full story here:
http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/20/news/companies/toys_lead/index.htm
It would be interesting to know if consumers have changed their shopping habits due to all the reports of toys containing lead and what, if any, impact it will have on the holiday Christmas sale. Perhaps the only solution is to bring along the lists of safe toys to ensure that those selected are tested and acceptable.
Isn't it sad that shopping for toys has come down to this? It also leaves one to wonder about all those toys purchased over the years. The lead content must have been present and there must have been some exposure to lead. Or perhaps the current lead in toys is a recent occurence? Go know!
Ho-ho-ho and Happy Chanukah to you, too!
Chances are consumers are heavy into shopping in search of those perfect gifts for family and friends bit there's trouble in toyland this holiday season. In as far as the kids are concerned, toys are always welcome but it's getting more and more difficult to differentiate between the bad and the safe one's.
More toys tainted with extremely high levels of lead were found on the shelves at major U.S. retailers, according to an advocacy group's survey released Tuesday.
The U.S. Public Interest Research Group, which released the "2007 Trouble in Toyland" report, highlighted hazards that included lead, dangerous small magnets, and toys that pose choking and strangulation hazards.
"While we have seen progress after more than two decades of advocacy on behalf of America's littlest consumers, U.S. PIRG's researchers still found trouble in toyland on store shelves this fall," said Ed Mierzwinski, the consumer program director at the U.S. PIRG.
Toys tested by the Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC] are banned if they contain lead at 600 parts per million - the legal lead standard. The U.S. PIRG went to different retailers and tested a number of different toys which had high amounts of lead.
Read the full story here:
http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/20/news/companies/toys_lead/index.htm
It would be interesting to know if consumers have changed their shopping habits due to all the reports of toys containing lead and what, if any, impact it will have on the holiday Christmas sale. Perhaps the only solution is to bring along the lists of safe toys to ensure that those selected are tested and acceptable.
Isn't it sad that shopping for toys has come down to this? It also leaves one to wonder about all those toys purchased over the years. The lead content must have been present and there must have been some exposure to lead. Or perhaps the current lead in toys is a recent occurence? Go know!
Ho-ho-ho and Happy Chanukah to you, too!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Chesnut from Anne Frank's Tree Up for Sale on eBay
NOTE TO SELF: How sad and pathetic that eBay allows this "auction"
Talk about living off the avails of a dead person. Is it just me or does this news item leave a bad taste in one's mouth?
Anne Frank's tree may be doomed, but you can have a chestnut from it for only a few thousand dollars.
Charles Kuijpers, who lives next door to the famous house in Amsterdam where the German-Jewish girl was hidden from Nazi occupiers during World War II, has put what he says is a chestnut from the famed tree up for auction on eBay.
Anne wrote in her diary, which became a bestseller after her death, that during the two years she was hidden in the house's attic, the horse-chestnut tree was her only reminder of the natural world.
"I had this idea for a few years, then I saw that the tree was in the news and I decided to put the chestnut up for auction," Kuijpers told Reuters.
The tree, estimated to be between 150 and 175, has been in poor health for several years as it fends off parasites, and municipal authorities are set to tear it down Wednesday, pending a court hearing.
In August 1944, Nazi police raided the hiding place, and Anne and her sister Margot were deported to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where they both died during a typhus epidemic in March 1945.
British soldiers liberated the camp in April. Anne Frank's body has never been found.
It would be acceptable and even a commendable act if Mr. Kuijpers would indicate that he plans to use the money from the auction towards some type of charity that helps homeless children or children living in war-torn countries.
Talk about living off the avails of a dead person. Is it just me or does this news item leave a bad taste in one's mouth?
Anne Frank's tree may be doomed, but you can have a chestnut from it for only a few thousand dollars.
Charles Kuijpers, who lives next door to the famous house in Amsterdam where the German-Jewish girl was hidden from Nazi occupiers during World War II, has put what he says is a chestnut from the famed tree up for auction on eBay.
Anne wrote in her diary, which became a bestseller after her death, that during the two years she was hidden in the house's attic, the horse-chestnut tree was her only reminder of the natural world.
"I had this idea for a few years, then I saw that the tree was in the news and I decided to put the chestnut up for auction," Kuijpers told Reuters.
The tree, estimated to be between 150 and 175, has been in poor health for several years as it fends off parasites, and municipal authorities are set to tear it down Wednesday, pending a court hearing.
In August 1944, Nazi police raided the hiding place, and Anne and her sister Margot were deported to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where they both died during a typhus epidemic in March 1945.
British soldiers liberated the camp in April. Anne Frank's body has never been found.
It would be acceptable and even a commendable act if Mr. Kuijpers would indicate that he plans to use the money from the auction towards some type of charity that helps homeless children or children living in war-torn countries.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Oi! Kosher ham soda?
NOTE TO SELF: Is this story kosher?
Perhaps it's just the cynic in me but I find this a little hard to swallow.
Jones Soda Co., a Seattle-based purveyor of offbeat fizzy water, is selling holiday-themed limited-edition packs of flavored sodas. What makes this story intriguing is that they are proposing a ham-and-latke-flavored soda.
Talk about trying to be everything to everyone!
Jones Sodas Christmas Pack flavors include Sugar Plum, Egg Nog, Christmas Tree and Christmas Ham. They are also claiming that their newest product will be kosher - including the ham!
Actually, the packages are divided up according to the holiday with the Christmas pack featuring such flavors as Sugar Plum, Christmas Tree, Egg Nog and Christmas Ham. The Hanukkah pack will have Jelly Doughnut, Apple Sauce, Chocolate Coins and Latke sodas.
"As always, both packs are kosher and contain zero caffeine," Jones said in a statement.
The packs will go on sale Sunday, with a portion of the proceeds to be given to charity, the company said.
Jones' products feature original label art and frequently odd flavors. Last year's seasonal pack was Thanksgiving-themed, with Green Pea, Sweet Potato, Dinner Roll, Turkey and Gravy, and Antacid sodas.
For its contract to supply soda to Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, Jones came up with Perspiration, Dirt, Sports Cream and Natural Field Turf. The company -- fortunately or unfortunately -- prides itself on the accuracy of the taste.
Excuse me while I gag...
Jones also makes more traditional flavors, including root beer, cherry and strawberry. I dunno - call me silly but I'll pass on the ham soda.
Perhaps it's just the cynic in me but I find this a little hard to swallow.
Jones Soda Co., a Seattle-based purveyor of offbeat fizzy water, is selling holiday-themed limited-edition packs of flavored sodas. What makes this story intriguing is that they are proposing a ham-and-latke-flavored soda.
Talk about trying to be everything to everyone!
Jones Sodas Christmas Pack flavors include Sugar Plum, Egg Nog, Christmas Tree and Christmas Ham. They are also claiming that their newest product will be kosher - including the ham!
Actually, the packages are divided up according to the holiday with the Christmas pack featuring such flavors as Sugar Plum, Christmas Tree, Egg Nog and Christmas Ham. The Hanukkah pack will have Jelly Doughnut, Apple Sauce, Chocolate Coins and Latke sodas.
"As always, both packs are kosher and contain zero caffeine," Jones said in a statement.
The packs will go on sale Sunday, with a portion of the proceeds to be given to charity, the company said.
Jones' products feature original label art and frequently odd flavors. Last year's seasonal pack was Thanksgiving-themed, with Green Pea, Sweet Potato, Dinner Roll, Turkey and Gravy, and Antacid sodas.
For its contract to supply soda to Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, Jones came up with Perspiration, Dirt, Sports Cream and Natural Field Turf. The company -- fortunately or unfortunately -- prides itself on the accuracy of the taste.
Excuse me while I gag...
Jones also makes more traditional flavors, including root beer, cherry and strawberry. I dunno - call me silly but I'll pass on the ham soda.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
WAITER RETURNS WALLET AND MONEY
NOTE TO SELF: Sometimes a good deed by a stranger gives a person faith in humanity.
Tourist, Thomas McCauley, was nervous in as far as crime is concerned when visiting New Orleans for a medical convention. He somehow lost his wallet stuffed with $8,000 he'd won at a local casino and presumed his pocked had been picked.
However, good samaritan, waiter Al Castro, found the wallet stuck in a booth that had been used by McCauley. Now he could have kept it and no one would have been the wiser but instead he returned it much to McCauley shock.
McCauley had stashed the cash, won Thursday at Harrah's New Orleans Casino, in a spare wallet, with no ID that he carries, in case his pocket is picked. His friends back home had warned him about that possibility. After dinner and a show, he realized the wallet was gone.
McCauley said Castro, who'd waited on him and his friend, turned over the wallet as they rushed back into the restaurant.
When asked why return a wallet with no ID, Castro said McCauley was a "gentlemen" and I put myself in his shoes.
"Plus," he said, "my wife's been telling me she believes in karma. Good things happen to people to who do good things."
Amen brother!
McCauley said Castro refused his offer of a reward. But Harrah's general manager said, "we're going to take care of him."
There are good people in this world who do good deeds because they want to, period. For his generous act, we salute waiter, AL CASTRO!
Tourist, Thomas McCauley, was nervous in as far as crime is concerned when visiting New Orleans for a medical convention. He somehow lost his wallet stuffed with $8,000 he'd won at a local casino and presumed his pocked had been picked.
However, good samaritan, waiter Al Castro, found the wallet stuck in a booth that had been used by McCauley. Now he could have kept it and no one would have been the wiser but instead he returned it much to McCauley shock.
McCauley had stashed the cash, won Thursday at Harrah's New Orleans Casino, in a spare wallet, with no ID that he carries, in case his pocket is picked. His friends back home had warned him about that possibility. After dinner and a show, he realized the wallet was gone.
McCauley said Castro, who'd waited on him and his friend, turned over the wallet as they rushed back into the restaurant.
When asked why return a wallet with no ID, Castro said McCauley was a "gentlemen" and I put myself in his shoes.
"Plus," he said, "my wife's been telling me she believes in karma. Good things happen to people to who do good things."
Amen brother!
McCauley said Castro refused his offer of a reward. But Harrah's general manager said, "we're going to take care of him."
There are good people in this world who do good deeds because they want to, period. For his generous act, we salute waiter, AL CASTRO!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
REMEMBRANCE DAY: LEST WE FORGET
NOTE TO SELF: WEAR A POPPY
At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, people take a minute out of their busy lives to stop and remember.
For the past week I've been wearing a poppy in my coat lapel. My father fought in WWII and he seldom spoke about it. Whatever his experiences, they died with him. I wear the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for his sacrifice and all the other soldiers who fought along side him. It's the least I could do.
Every year at the beginning of November one day is set aside to pay homage to Canadian soldiers who went forth to defend their country. Although their numbers are decreasing while their ages increase, still they show up every November 11th in shopping malls to sell felt poppies and make their presence felt and seen. "They" are the Canadian veterans who served overseas in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. In fact Canada deployed more than 25,000 troops to fight in Korea, frequently described as "The Forgotten War" and sustained 1,588 Canadian casualties including 516 dead.
Our country is known for its peacekeeping presence with Canada participating in every UN peacekeeping effort from its beginning until 1989 and continues to play a significant role. In excess of 125,000 Canadians have served in 50 UN peacekeeping missions since 1949.
On Remembrance Day we wear a symbolic representation of the poppy, also known as the "Flower of Remembrance", in our lapels as a gesture of respect. The poppy as most people are aware was immortalized in John McCrae's famous and moving poem, "In Flanders Fields" honouring the war dead of Britain, France, the United States and Canada. The annual Poppy Campaign is a very important fundraising program for the Royal Canadian Legion and the monies raised offer financial aid for ex-service people experiencing financial problems, in addition to funding for medical appliances and research, home services, care facilities and other purposes.
"We must remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of those one hundred thousand Canadian lives will be meaningless. They died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for a collection of traditions they cherished and a future they believed in; they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness; our future is their monument." (Veterans Affairs Canada)
One minute out of our otherwise busy day is not a lot to ask.
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Sunday
http://198.103.134.2/remembers/sub.cfm?source=teach_resources/poppy
At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, people take a minute out of their busy lives to stop and remember.
For the past week I've been wearing a poppy in my coat lapel. My father fought in WWII and he seldom spoke about it. Whatever his experiences, they died with him. I wear the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for his sacrifice and all the other soldiers who fought along side him. It's the least I could do.
Every year at the beginning of November one day is set aside to pay homage to Canadian soldiers who went forth to defend their country. Although their numbers are decreasing while their ages increase, still they show up every November 11th in shopping malls to sell felt poppies and make their presence felt and seen. "They" are the Canadian veterans who served overseas in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. In fact Canada deployed more than 25,000 troops to fight in Korea, frequently described as "The Forgotten War" and sustained 1,588 Canadian casualties including 516 dead.
Our country is known for its peacekeeping presence with Canada participating in every UN peacekeeping effort from its beginning until 1989 and continues to play a significant role. In excess of 125,000 Canadians have served in 50 UN peacekeeping missions since 1949.
On Remembrance Day we wear a symbolic representation of the poppy, also known as the "Flower of Remembrance", in our lapels as a gesture of respect. The poppy as most people are aware was immortalized in John McCrae's famous and moving poem, "In Flanders Fields" honouring the war dead of Britain, France, the United States and Canada. The annual Poppy Campaign is a very important fundraising program for the Royal Canadian Legion and the monies raised offer financial aid for ex-service people experiencing financial problems, in addition to funding for medical appliances and research, home services, care facilities and other purposes.
"We must remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of those one hundred thousand Canadian lives will be meaningless. They died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for a collection of traditions they cherished and a future they believed in; they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness; our future is their monument." (Veterans Affairs Canada)
One minute out of our otherwise busy day is not a lot to ask.
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Sunday
http://198.103.134.2/remembers/sub.cfm?source=teach_resources/poppy
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
DEAD BUT NOT BURIED
NOTE TO SELF: BODIES AND LOVE ONE'S WAITING TO BE BURIED
Grave diggers and maintenance staff have been locked out of the Notre Dame des Neiges Cementary located in Montreal, Canada since May 16 and the bodies are piling up. A labor dispute has paralyzed Canada's largest cemetary but there could - key word here could - be a break through if you parden the pun. The feeling of personal loss however, can't be measured in numbers.
The one-hundred and twenty nine unionized workers at the burial ground announced that they are prepared to return to work 4 days per week, starting next Monday. Management for their part are considering the proposal. Workers are members of the Syndicat des travailleurs et des travailleuses du cimetière Notre Dame des Neiges, a local of the Confédération des syndicats nationaux and have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2003.
Contract negociations will continue even while the dead are being buried. The statistics are shocking with 498 bodies stored in refrigeration units since the Fabrique de la Paroisse Notre Dame de Montréal, the corporation managing the cemetery for the owners, Sulpician priests, locked out the workers. More alarming is the closing date for the season being November 1
and some families of the dead fear the sheer logistics of burying or cremating so many bodies before then will be a nightmare.
In addition to the remains in storage, the cemetery receives about 50 to 60 bodies a week.
According to one veteran cemetery employee, those returning to work will be hard-pressed to bury 20 bodies a day. There are only four backhoes on the site, and once they start digging, no two graves are the same.
The cemetery's executive director said that there is a plan of operation, a system and it will be adapted to the needs of the individual families.
If families want a graveside interment service conducted according to the rites of the Roman Catholic Church, in what is a predominately Roman Catholic cemetery, the situation becomes even more complicated. In many instances, it means reuniting families who may have come some distance for the funeral, and now again have to co-ordinate travel plans if they wish to be present for the burial.
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=afa7fe20-309a-47de-94f4-255aad97f8f6&k=85666
Grave diggers and maintenance staff have been locked out of the Notre Dame des Neiges Cementary located in Montreal, Canada since May 16 and the bodies are piling up. A labor dispute has paralyzed Canada's largest cemetary but there could - key word here could - be a break through if you parden the pun. The feeling of personal loss however, can't be measured in numbers.
The one-hundred and twenty nine unionized workers at the burial ground announced that they are prepared to return to work 4 days per week, starting next Monday. Management for their part are considering the proposal. Workers are members of the Syndicat des travailleurs et des travailleuses du cimetière Notre Dame des Neiges, a local of the Confédération des syndicats nationaux and have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2003.
Contract negociations will continue even while the dead are being buried. The statistics are shocking with 498 bodies stored in refrigeration units since the Fabrique de la Paroisse Notre Dame de Montréal, the corporation managing the cemetery for the owners, Sulpician priests, locked out the workers. More alarming is the closing date for the season being November 1
and some families of the dead fear the sheer logistics of burying or cremating so many bodies before then will be a nightmare.
In addition to the remains in storage, the cemetery receives about 50 to 60 bodies a week.
According to one veteran cemetery employee, those returning to work will be hard-pressed to bury 20 bodies a day. There are only four backhoes on the site, and once they start digging, no two graves are the same.
The cemetery's executive director said that there is a plan of operation, a system and it will be adapted to the needs of the individual families.
If families want a graveside interment service conducted according to the rites of the Roman Catholic Church, in what is a predominately Roman Catholic cemetery, the situation becomes even more complicated. In many instances, it means reuniting families who may have come some distance for the funeral, and now again have to co-ordinate travel plans if they wish to be present for the burial.
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=afa7fe20-309a-47de-94f4-255aad97f8f6&k=85666
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Tots yoga group banned - deemed unchristian
NOTE TO SELF: Yoga the work of the devil?
A toddler group has been banned from a church hall in Taunton - because their yoga lessons were deemed unchristian.
Say what?
Teacher Louise Woodcock was told her Yum Yum Yoga classes for pre-school children would affect their spiritual life in a way that was unacceptable to the church.
Miss Woodcock said the claims were ridiculous because her classes simply involve music, movement and rhymes. She was also turned away by another church and told it was unlikely any Christian organisation would accommodate her.
"At Silver Street Baptist Church, I said I wanted to book the hall for a children's activity group, which they said was alright," said Miss Woodcock.
Read the rest of the story here and decide for yourself:
http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/display.var.1647089.0.childrens_yoga_classes_banned_by_church.php
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
A toddler group has been banned from a church hall in Taunton - because their yoga lessons were deemed unchristian.
Say what?
Teacher Louise Woodcock was told her Yum Yum Yoga classes for pre-school children would affect their spiritual life in a way that was unacceptable to the church.
Miss Woodcock said the claims were ridiculous because her classes simply involve music, movement and rhymes. She was also turned away by another church and told it was unlikely any Christian organisation would accommodate her.
"At Silver Street Baptist Church, I said I wanted to book the hall for a children's activity group, which they said was alright," said Miss Woodcock.
Read the rest of the story here and decide for yourself:
http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/display.var.1647089.0.childrens_yoga_classes_banned_by_church.php
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Monday, August 6, 2007
TOILET SEATS TAKE A REAR VIEW
NOTE TO SELF: GOING IN STYLE?
The first thing that hits your field of vision when surfing on to the Toto/Washlet site, http://www.cleanishappy.com/, is the row of bare buttocks with smileys drawn accross, which slowly evolves into the happy faces of three males and females. A mouse click on the first female on the left informs surfers - and toilet seat aficionados - all about a special washlet. Not just any washlet mind you but one that is neither a bidet or a fancy toilet and in the words of the manufacturer: "a pretty remarkable toilet seat."
Oh? This bares further investigation.
According to Ms Washlet 101, who relates all the information, the device is easily installed, on any toilet and uses pure clean water that uses and a "bunch of nifty technology."
Again, oh? One ponders the usage and definition of 'nifty technology.' Perhaps - just perhaps - it doubles as an entertainment centre or something similar. Then again, 'nifty technology' could also be extended to frying an egg or even a mobile device. Nifty is a tricky word!
Is there no end to this modern marvel of technology?
Go figure that all of this is offered in what - your humble toilet seat! And most of us assume a toilet seat was strictly the means to an end.
http://www.cleanishappy.com/
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
The first thing that hits your field of vision when surfing on to the Toto/Washlet site, http://www.cleanishappy.com/, is the row of bare buttocks with smileys drawn accross, which slowly evolves into the happy faces of three males and females. A mouse click on the first female on the left informs surfers - and toilet seat aficionados - all about a special washlet. Not just any washlet mind you but one that is neither a bidet or a fancy toilet and in the words of the manufacturer: "a pretty remarkable toilet seat."
Oh? This bares further investigation.
According to Ms Washlet 101, who relates all the information, the device is easily installed, on any toilet and uses pure clean water that uses and a "bunch of nifty technology."
Again, oh? One ponders the usage and definition of 'nifty technology.' Perhaps - just perhaps - it doubles as an entertainment centre or something similar. Then again, 'nifty technology' could also be extended to frying an egg or even a mobile device. Nifty is a tricky word!
Our host, Ms Washlet 101 goes on to relate that the way it works is simplicity personified. First-time users sit down and do what they came to do (quaint but succinct) and reach for the remote.
Oh? A remote?
Next the user selects the area to be washed presumably after the person does what they came to do, and with the push of the button, the washlet does the rest. A small wand located below the seat extends, and a gentle stream of warm water cleans you.
Oh happy days!
Nothing touches the user but water and the wand cleans itself automatically.Is there no end to this modern marvel of technology?
Go figure that all of this is offered in what - your humble toilet seat! And most of us assume a toilet seat was strictly the means to an end.
http://www.cleanishappy.com/
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Thursday, July 19, 2007
A LITTLE RAIN MUST FALL...BUT NOT DURING THE CHINA OLYMPICS PLEASE!
NOTE TO SELF: One for the 'uh-oh' file
Now comes news that preparations are being made for the advent of bad weather during their Olympics to be held in China in 2008. In doing this Beijing weather people are proceeding with plans to fire rockets to disperse rain clouds in an attempt to get more sunshine. Predicting the weather as many weather forecasters will agree is not an exacting science to say the least.
Anybody see anything wrong with this idea?
According to Zheng Guoguang, head of China's Meterorological Administration, practice drills are ready. The drills are supposed to simulate what will happen when the Olympics begin on August 8, 2008 and this is the last opportunity for meteorologists to practice working out the kinks. When you think about it - it's not such a big deal if attendees get a little wet while watching athletes do their thing. It's all part of the experience... a little rain must fall and all that.
Course some people take the rain a little more seriously.
Chinese officials report that historical records indicate a 50% chance of rain for the opening ceremony and the same for the closing ceremony. Then there's the usual just-in-case-it-doesn't-work statement where the weather officials admitted that seeding cloud to produce rain and then shoo away rainmaking clouds is - um - immature technology.
We get the point, peeplz. Maybe it'll work...and then again, maybe it won't.
"Dispersal is more difficult than rainfall enhancement," Wang Yubin, assistant chief engineer with the Beijing Meteorological Bureau commented. "In rainfall dispersal, we are still in the experimental stage but we are continuing our efforts."
So people planning to travel to the China Olympics should bring along a raincoat and/or umbrella - just in case of course.
Now comes news that preparations are being made for the advent of bad weather during their Olympics to be held in China in 2008. In doing this Beijing weather people are proceeding with plans to fire rockets to disperse rain clouds in an attempt to get more sunshine. Predicting the weather as many weather forecasters will agree is not an exacting science to say the least.
Anybody see anything wrong with this idea?
According to Zheng Guoguang, head of China's Meterorological Administration, practice drills are ready. The drills are supposed to simulate what will happen when the Olympics begin on August 8, 2008 and this is the last opportunity for meteorologists to practice working out the kinks. When you think about it - it's not such a big deal if attendees get a little wet while watching athletes do their thing. It's all part of the experience... a little rain must fall and all that.
Course some people take the rain a little more seriously.
Chinese officials report that historical records indicate a 50% chance of rain for the opening ceremony and the same for the closing ceremony. Then there's the usual just-in-case-it-doesn't-work statement where the weather officials admitted that seeding cloud to produce rain and then shoo away rainmaking clouds is - um - immature technology.
We get the point, peeplz. Maybe it'll work...and then again, maybe it won't.
"Dispersal is more difficult than rainfall enhancement," Wang Yubin, assistant chief engineer with the Beijing Meteorological Bureau commented. "In rainfall dispersal, we are still in the experimental stage but we are continuing our efforts."
So people planning to travel to the China Olympics should bring along a raincoat and/or umbrella - just in case of course.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
MERRIAM-WEBSTER GETS WORDY
NOTE TO SELF: Pick up some agnolotti for supper
Perhaps you or someone you know participated in speed dating recently followed by a date where microgreens were eaten. If Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary is any indication, words like agnolotti (meaning: "pasta in the form of semicircular cases containing a filling (as of meat, cheese, or vegetables") or speed dating ("an event at which each participant converses individually with all the prospective partners for a few minutes in order to select those with whom dates are desired") will become part of our everyday vocabulary.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary updates its Collegiate dictionary every year with "new words, senses and variants." The word "ginormous" (meaning: extremely large, humungous) was one of 100 neolisms or the use of new words or senses of existing words added. Here are twenty out of the list of the 100 mentioned on their site:
1. agnolotti
2. Bollywood
3. chaebol
4. crunk
5. DVR
6. flex-cuff
7. ginormous
8. gray literature
9. hardscape
10. IED
11. microgreen
12. nocebo
13. perfect storm
14. RPG
15. smackdown
16. snowboardcross
17. speed dating
18. sudoku
19. telenovela
20. viewshed
Without going to their site, http://www.merriam-webster.com/info/newwords07.htm how many do you know without having to check on the meaning? A better challenge is how many can you use in one sentence?
Meanwhile, I'm feeling very crunk-ish due to all the microgreens I ate.
Perhaps you or someone you know participated in speed dating recently followed by a date where microgreens were eaten. If Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary is any indication, words like agnolotti (meaning: "pasta in the form of semicircular cases containing a filling (as of meat, cheese, or vegetables") or speed dating ("an event at which each participant converses individually with all the prospective partners for a few minutes in order to select those with whom dates are desired") will become part of our everyday vocabulary.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary updates its Collegiate dictionary every year with "new words, senses and variants." The word "ginormous" (meaning: extremely large, humungous) was one of 100 neolisms or the use of new words or senses of existing words added. Here are twenty out of the list of the 100 mentioned on their site:
1. agnolotti
2. Bollywood
3. chaebol
4. crunk
5. DVR
6. flex-cuff
7. ginormous
8. gray literature
9. hardscape
10. IED
11. microgreen
12. nocebo
13. perfect storm
14. RPG
15. smackdown
16. snowboardcross
17. speed dating
18. sudoku
19. telenovela
20. viewshed
Without going to their site, http://www.merriam-webster.com/info/newwords07.htm how many do you know without having to check on the meaning? A better challenge is how many can you use in one sentence?
Meanwhile, I'm feeling very crunk-ish due to all the microgreens I ate.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
NEXT STEP TO ELIMINATING THE HUMAN TOUCH?
NOTE TO SELF: another move to replace people?
Perhaps as many people do, you might have complained about the long wait at the supermarket to pay the cashier. Then again there's always the do-it-yourself scanning system that in theory but not necessarily in practice, makes the check-out faster. Yet another move afoot or at hand in this case has been created to improve on the self checkout system with the use of a high-tech hand-held personal scanner.
Just what we need in life: another "tool" to schlep along while shopping.
The way it works is shoppers remove an item off the shelf, scan it and bag it all on their own without any human intervention. Although more commonly used in Europe, North American supermarkets are beginning to introduce it slowly to consumers. Once they finished shopping customers head to the front of the store and have their credit cards scanned.
So how about customers who try to "forget" about paying for an item?
To avoid this occurence some shoppers are randomly picked for audits - as a reminder of course for those "oh my - who me?" occasions.
There is no information provided as to whether stores using this "service" make items available at a lower cost since customers do all the work. But then don't we always?
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/06/21/scan.as.you.shop.ap/index.html?eref=yahoo
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Perhaps as many people do, you might have complained about the long wait at the supermarket to pay the cashier. Then again there's always the do-it-yourself scanning system that in theory but not necessarily in practice, makes the check-out faster. Yet another move afoot or at hand in this case has been created to improve on the self checkout system with the use of a high-tech hand-held personal scanner.
Just what we need in life: another "tool" to schlep along while shopping.
The way it works is shoppers remove an item off the shelf, scan it and bag it all on their own without any human intervention. Although more commonly used in Europe, North American supermarkets are beginning to introduce it slowly to consumers. Once they finished shopping customers head to the front of the store and have their credit cards scanned.
So how about customers who try to "forget" about paying for an item?
To avoid this occurence some shoppers are randomly picked for audits - as a reminder of course for those "oh my - who me?" occasions.
There is no information provided as to whether stores using this "service" make items available at a lower cost since customers do all the work. But then don't we always?
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/06/21/scan.as.you.shop.ap/index.html?eref=yahoo
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
HILLARY CHOOSES CELINE FOR HER CAMPAIGN
NOTE TO MYSELF: HILLARY CLINTON HAS GOOD TASTE IN SINGERS
By now most Americans must have heard the news that presidential candidate/hopeful, Hillary Clinton, has selected Celine Dion's song, "You and I" as the official anthem for her 2008 campaign.
Recently, Clinton went to directly to the people asking them to help her in selecting a campaign song and when it was all over and the votes were counted, more than 225,000 people offered their opinion regarding the song to use.
Actually and as a Canadian Quebecer, it comes as quite a surprise - a pleasant one at that - given the plethora of talented U.S. songs and songwriters available at home that she chose a song by a Canadian singer. Other suggested songs were Shania Twain's (another Canuck btw), "Rock This Country" and U'2's, "Beautiful Day" but in the end it was Celine that won everyone over. Not surprising - we Canadians have always recognized her talent.
Be that as it may - we here in Kweebek are thrilled with the decision, Hilary! One thing for sure - you have good taste in songs and singers!
Here are some of the lyrics:
"High above the mountains
Far across the sea
I can hear your voice
Callin' out to me
Brighter than the sun
And darker than the night
I can see your love
Shinin' like a light
And on and on this earth spins like a carousel
If I could travel across the world
The secrets I would tell
You and I were meant to fly
Higher than the clouds
We'll sail across the sky
So come with me
And you will feel
That we're soaring
That we're floating up so high
'Cause you and I were meant to fly."
Indeed.
http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah5789.shtml
http://www.etonline.com/music/news/48655/
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/blog/view/?id=6495
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
By now most Americans must have heard the news that presidential candidate/hopeful, Hillary Clinton, has selected Celine Dion's song, "You and I" as the official anthem for her 2008 campaign.
Recently, Clinton went to directly to the people asking them to help her in selecting a campaign song and when it was all over and the votes were counted, more than 225,000 people offered their opinion regarding the song to use.
Actually and as a Canadian Quebecer, it comes as quite a surprise - a pleasant one at that - given the plethora of talented U.S. songs and songwriters available at home that she chose a song by a Canadian singer. Other suggested songs were Shania Twain's (another Canuck btw), "Rock This Country" and U'2's, "Beautiful Day" but in the end it was Celine that won everyone over. Not surprising - we Canadians have always recognized her talent.
Be that as it may - we here in Kweebek are thrilled with the decision, Hilary! One thing for sure - you have good taste in songs and singers!
Here are some of the lyrics:
"High above the mountains
Far across the sea
I can hear your voice
Callin' out to me
Brighter than the sun
And darker than the night
I can see your love
Shinin' like a light
And on and on this earth spins like a carousel
If I could travel across the world
The secrets I would tell
You and I were meant to fly
Higher than the clouds
We'll sail across the sky
So come with me
And you will feel
That we're soaring
That we're floating up so high
'Cause you and I were meant to fly."
Indeed.
http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah5789.shtml
http://www.etonline.com/music/news/48655/
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/blog/view/?id=6495
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
POOR OLD PLUTO (THE PLANET) - DEMOTED AGAIN!
NOTE TO MYSELF: Sometimes you just don't get no respect
Once upon a time there was a planet named Pluto, who had some respect among eight other orbiting planets. It was considered a planet with some clout. However, as experts are known to do, last year some astronmers who are part of the International Astronomical Union that have power to make important decisions, resolved to strip Pluto of its planetary status at a meeting to debate the origin of the cosmos.
This is important stuff in the grand scheme of things.
When all the talk ended poor Pluto (the planet) was re-classified as a dwarf planet due to the discovery of Eris, a similar body created of rock and ice. In spite of this new reality Pluto was still considered the heftiest solar system object found beyond Neptune. In other words it was bad news but not that bad. At least that was the assumption until yet another recent discovery.
Now comes the news that weighing in at 16.6 billion trillion kilograms, heavenly body Eris is 27% more massive than Pluto. Eris, which has a small moon, has a diameter of 2400 kilometres, which is slightly larger than Pluto's 2270 kilometres. So now Pluto has received yet another blow to the relevance of its existence and importance among planets.
One wonders how this will affect horoscopes if at all. For example if a formerly important planet is demoted and its importance diminished, what would be the end result? In checking out this possibility, one particular horoscope had this to say about the subject:
"The presence and direction of Pluto's energy are never obvious until it is used. Pluto's influence in any sign is interpreted as generational or historical. In your personal life, Pluto's significance is interpreted from its house position and the aspects it makes to other natal planets in your horoscope. Pluto rules intense energy, and describes the areas in which you consciously or subconsciously seek to exercise power or control. Pluto is also linked to your karmic responsibility."
Another question worth pondering or at least thinking about, is will the Disney people now change the name of the 'toon dog, Pluto, to Eris?
Will things ever be the same again in the universe?
http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/node/1391
http://www.a2mediagroup.com/print.php?a=16025
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Once upon a time there was a planet named Pluto, who had some respect among eight other orbiting planets. It was considered a planet with some clout. However, as experts are known to do, last year some astronmers who are part of the International Astronomical Union that have power to make important decisions, resolved to strip Pluto of its planetary status at a meeting to debate the origin of the cosmos.
This is important stuff in the grand scheme of things.
When all the talk ended poor Pluto (the planet) was re-classified as a dwarf planet due to the discovery of Eris, a similar body created of rock and ice. In spite of this new reality Pluto was still considered the heftiest solar system object found beyond Neptune. In other words it was bad news but not that bad. At least that was the assumption until yet another recent discovery.
Now comes the news that weighing in at 16.6 billion trillion kilograms, heavenly body Eris is 27% more massive than Pluto. Eris, which has a small moon, has a diameter of 2400 kilometres, which is slightly larger than Pluto's 2270 kilometres. So now Pluto has received yet another blow to the relevance of its existence and importance among planets.
One wonders how this will affect horoscopes if at all. For example if a formerly important planet is demoted and its importance diminished, what would be the end result? In checking out this possibility, one particular horoscope had this to say about the subject:
"The presence and direction of Pluto's energy are never obvious until it is used. Pluto's influence in any sign is interpreted as generational or historical. In your personal life, Pluto's significance is interpreted from its house position and the aspects it makes to other natal planets in your horoscope. Pluto rules intense energy, and describes the areas in which you consciously or subconsciously seek to exercise power or control. Pluto is also linked to your karmic responsibility."
Another question worth pondering or at least thinking about, is will the Disney people now change the name of the 'toon dog, Pluto, to Eris?
Will things ever be the same again in the universe?
http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/node/1391
http://www.a2mediagroup.com/print.php?a=16025
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
BRIT BROADCASTER TO AIR DIANA CRASH PHOTOS IN DOCUMENTARY
NOTE TO MYSELF: How much is too much?
There's a big controversy in England regarding the broadcast of a documentary entitled, "Diana: The Witnesses in the Tunnel" featuring still more graphic photos of the car crash that killed Princess Diana and Dodi Al-Fayed to be televised on British TV.
As expected Diana's sons Prince William and Harry have asked the British broadcaster in question not to air the photos taken, terming it a "gross disrespect" to her memory. However, publicity is publicity is... and given the continuing fascination with Diana, the broadcaster, Channel 4, has decided to go ahead with the program.
"The princes reluctantly feel that they have been left no choice but to make it clear publicly that they believe the broadcast of these photographs to be wholly inappropriate, deeply distressing to them and to the relatives of the others who died that night, and a gross disrespect to their mother's memory," said a statement by Clarence House, Prince Charles's official residence.
Would be interesting to know if North American viewers would watch this program on TV if given the opportunity.
Would YOU?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6697131.stm
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
There's a big controversy in England regarding the broadcast of a documentary entitled, "Diana: The Witnesses in the Tunnel" featuring still more graphic photos of the car crash that killed Princess Diana and Dodi Al-Fayed to be televised on British TV.
As expected Diana's sons Prince William and Harry have asked the British broadcaster in question not to air the photos taken, terming it a "gross disrespect" to her memory. However, publicity is publicity is... and given the continuing fascination with Diana, the broadcaster, Channel 4, has decided to go ahead with the program.
"The princes reluctantly feel that they have been left no choice but to make it clear publicly that they believe the broadcast of these photographs to be wholly inappropriate, deeply distressing to them and to the relatives of the others who died that night, and a gross disrespect to their mother's memory," said a statement by Clarence House, Prince Charles's official residence.
Would be interesting to know if North American viewers would watch this program on TV if given the opportunity.
Would YOU?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6697131.stm
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
"WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL": HIGHLY RECOMMENDED DOC. FILM
NOTE TO SELF: very rewarding film worthy of a high recommendation and more
Last night I watched a very moving and beautiful documentary film, "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill." Shown on a PBS station it was part of the Independent Lens series and featured an hour-and-a-half that passed by like a flash, focusing on a very special man, Mark Bittner and his relationship with the group of wild parrots that make their home in the San Francisco area.
A former musician Bittner arrived in the city a while back to further his musical career but instead ended up sharing his life - and love - with a flock of birds that live there. Like the people who have to survive the urban jungle, the green parrots must fend off predators like hawks and cats who enjoy them as a snack or main course.
For photograph buffs - this is a feast for the eyes in addition to the soul with images of green parrots being themselves. Just didn't want it to be over...
Don't know if it will be repeated but if you see it on your PBS schedule, make a point of watching it. It's that good.
Click here for more information about the film: http://www.wildparrotsfilm.com/
Other interesting sites worthy of a look:
http://www.the-oasis.org/residents/cherryheads.php
http://www.mickaboo.com/
Last night I watched a very moving and beautiful documentary film, "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill." Shown on a PBS station it was part of the Independent Lens series and featured an hour-and-a-half that passed by like a flash, focusing on a very special man, Mark Bittner and his relationship with the group of wild parrots that make their home in the San Francisco area.
A former musician Bittner arrived in the city a while back to further his musical career but instead ended up sharing his life - and love - with a flock of birds that live there. Like the people who have to survive the urban jungle, the green parrots must fend off predators like hawks and cats who enjoy them as a snack or main course.
For photograph buffs - this is a feast for the eyes in addition to the soul with images of green parrots being themselves. Just didn't want it to be over...
Don't know if it will be repeated but if you see it on your PBS schedule, make a point of watching it. It's that good.
Click here for more information about the film: http://www.wildparrotsfilm.com/
Other interesting sites worthy of a look:
http://www.the-oasis.org/residents/cherryheads.php
http://www.mickaboo.com/
Monday, May 28, 2007
ROSIE O IS GONE...GONNA MISS HER
NOTE TO SELF: It just won't be the same without Rosie O'Donnell
She came, she made her presence felt and and now she's gone.
Too bad.
Love her or hate and few people were indifferent but for the brief stint that Rosie O'Donnell was on "The View", there was life to the show. It made for fun viewing because you really never knew what was coming.
The producers and Barbara Walters were aware when they hired Rosie that she was a controversial and colorful character, which was probably one of the reasons for bringing her on in the first place. Too bad they didn't value what she brought to the show: life.
When it comes down to it, who is Elizabeth Hasselback anyway with her claim to fame being a former contestant who came in 4th on "Survivor"?
Sad that it had to come down to this.
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
She came, she made her presence felt and and now she's gone.
Too bad.
Love her or hate and few people were indifferent but for the brief stint that Rosie O'Donnell was on "The View", there was life to the show. It made for fun viewing because you really never knew what was coming.
The producers and Barbara Walters were aware when they hired Rosie that she was a controversial and colorful character, which was probably one of the reasons for bringing her on in the first place. Too bad they didn't value what she brought to the show: life.
When it comes down to it, who is Elizabeth Hasselback anyway with her claim to fame being a former contestant who came in 4th on "Survivor"?
Sad that it had to come down to this.
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Monday, May 21, 2007
IRAQ SOLDIER TRIES TO SELL MEDAL ON eBAY
NOTE TO SELF: IRAQ SOLDIER MAKING PERSONAL STATEMENT OR...?
Not quite sure what to think regarding a soldier facing a court martial attempting to sell his Military Cross on eBay. He received the medal for heroism in Iraq and claims he needed money to help support himself once his stint with the army comes to an end. However military law forbids soldiers in military service to sell their medals. In his defence he claimed that he placed the medal and other items on sale to see what type of price they would get.
He won the Cross for single-handedly defeating a suicide bomber's ambush in Baghdad in 2005 in additon to other military-related items.
Don't bother seeking it out on eBay due to the outcry from those in charge and the medal et al has been withdrawn.
When you thinnk about it, how desperate could the soldier be to put a Military Cross for sale? Makes a person wonder whether it was a political anti-war statement or he desperately required money.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007230300,00.html
Not quite sure what to think regarding a soldier facing a court martial attempting to sell his Military Cross on eBay. He received the medal for heroism in Iraq and claims he needed money to help support himself once his stint with the army comes to an end. However military law forbids soldiers in military service to sell their medals. In his defence he claimed that he placed the medal and other items on sale to see what type of price they would get.
He won the Cross for single-handedly defeating a suicide bomber's ambush in Baghdad in 2005 in additon to other military-related items.
Don't bother seeking it out on eBay due to the outcry from those in charge and the medal et al has been withdrawn.
When you thinnk about it, how desperate could the soldier be to put a Military Cross for sale? Makes a person wonder whether it was a political anti-war statement or he desperately required money.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007230300,00.html
Saturday, May 19, 2007
BRAIN SCANNER SCANS YOUR INTENTIONS
NOTE TO SELF: Don't think too much
A new discovery by scientists could have a scary potential for human-kind.
World-leading neuroscientists have developed a technique allowing them to delve inside a person's brain to gauge their intentions before they act.
This is a scary proposition.
According to an article written in The Guardian in February, the research breaks new ground and raises controversial ethical questions as to how brain reading can or will be used in the future. High resolution brain scans were used to identify patterns of activity before translating them into thoughts.
It works whereby a computer learns unique patterns of brain activity or signatures to correspond to different thoughts. It scans the brain to look for these signatures and predicts what the person is thinking.
Still laughing at people who use foil on their head to stop the enemy from reading their thoughts?
Again, this is a very scary proposition when you think about it. It's one thing to think a thought so to speak, but entirely a whole other issue to actually act on it. For example and thinking down the line, if this type of technology was used by the various law enforcement agencies during questioning, how could interrogaters differentiate a random negative thought to doing an actual criminal act? Or to put it in simplistic terms, a dog barking may annoy neighbors causing them to think bad thoughts but that's as far as it goes for most people. It stops at the thought level and remains there.
Researchers are honing the technique to distinguish passing thoughts and intentions.
Pass the foil please.
Read more about this discovery and the technical aspects of how it works here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/frontpage/story/0,,2009229,00.html
A new discovery by scientists could have a scary potential for human-kind.
World-leading neuroscientists have developed a technique allowing them to delve inside a person's brain to gauge their intentions before they act.
This is a scary proposition.
According to an article written in The Guardian in February, the research breaks new ground and raises controversial ethical questions as to how brain reading can or will be used in the future. High resolution brain scans were used to identify patterns of activity before translating them into thoughts.
It works whereby a computer learns unique patterns of brain activity or signatures to correspond to different thoughts. It scans the brain to look for these signatures and predicts what the person is thinking.
Still laughing at people who use foil on their head to stop the enemy from reading their thoughts?
Again, this is a very scary proposition when you think about it. It's one thing to think a thought so to speak, but entirely a whole other issue to actually act on it. For example and thinking down the line, if this type of technology was used by the various law enforcement agencies during questioning, how could interrogaters differentiate a random negative thought to doing an actual criminal act? Or to put it in simplistic terms, a dog barking may annoy neighbors causing them to think bad thoughts but that's as far as it goes for most people. It stops at the thought level and remains there.
Researchers are honing the technique to distinguish passing thoughts and intentions.
Pass the foil please.
Read more about this discovery and the technical aspects of how it works here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/frontpage/story/0,,2009229,00.html
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
WEIGHING IN ON THE ONE AND TWO DOLLAR COINS:
NOTE TO SELF: Buy new wallet...again
The Royal Canadian Mint a while back decided to replace $1 and $2 bills with gold-colored coins. The rationale behind it is that paper money wears out especially the lower denominations that are used more often and replacing them with metal money is more cost effective.
Makes sense, right?
It might make sense to the Mint but it sure don't make sense to we Canadians! At first it was kind-of "different" but as time wore on as did our wallets/pocket books, many of us longed for the "good old days" when paper bills were the norm. Wallets, many of which are not manufactured in Canada, are not created to withstand the weight of large coins, neither are they designed to hold large coins. So along with your plethora of pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters plus the loonies and two-nies, it's a weighty situation. Sore shoulder-itis is a common affliction and the coins in general are also a pain in the butt.
Buoyed with confidence that they did a good thing saving the tax payers money, the Mint hinted through the media that a $5 coin could be in the works. This did not go over well with Canadians and at present it remains on the backburner. Let's hope it stays there. Forever.
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
The Royal Canadian Mint a while back decided to replace $1 and $2 bills with gold-colored coins. The rationale behind it is that paper money wears out especially the lower denominations that are used more often and replacing them with metal money is more cost effective.
Makes sense, right?
It might make sense to the Mint but it sure don't make sense to we Canadians! At first it was kind-of "different" but as time wore on as did our wallets/pocket books, many of us longed for the "good old days" when paper bills were the norm. Wallets, many of which are not manufactured in Canada, are not created to withstand the weight of large coins, neither are they designed to hold large coins. So along with your plethora of pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters plus the loonies and two-nies, it's a weighty situation. Sore shoulder-itis is a common affliction and the coins in general are also a pain in the butt.
Buoyed with confidence that they did a good thing saving the tax payers money, the Mint hinted through the media that a $5 coin could be in the works. This did not go over well with Canadians and at present it remains on the backburner. Let's hope it stays there. Forever.
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Friday, May 11, 2007
OUTSOURCING U.S. NEWS...FROM INDIA???
NOTE TO SELF: Send note to Lou Dobbs.
Be afraid, U.S. journalists...be very afraid.
There was a job posting presumably in Pasadena, CA, seeking a journalist based in India to report on the city and political scene in Pasadena, California.
You read it right: a journalist based in India! Talk about taking outsourcing to the extreme.
"James Macpherson, editor and publisher of the two-year-old Web site pasadenanow.com, acknowledged it sounds strange to have journalists in India cover news in this wealthy city just outside Los Angeles. But he said it can be done from afar now that weekly Pasadena City Council meetings can be watched over the Internet. And he said the idea makes business sense because of India's lower labor costs."
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/MediaNews/2007/05/10/4169470-ap.html
www.pasadenalivingmagazine.com/contents.html
If this is indeed the reality then this is out-sourcing taken to the extreme. A very scary precedent for anyone working in the print/news business.
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Be afraid, U.S. journalists...be very afraid.
There was a job posting presumably in Pasadena, CA, seeking a journalist based in India to report on the city and political scene in Pasadena, California.
You read it right: a journalist based in India! Talk about taking outsourcing to the extreme.
"James Macpherson, editor and publisher of the two-year-old Web site pasadenanow.com, acknowledged it sounds strange to have journalists in India cover news in this wealthy city just outside Los Angeles. But he said it can be done from afar now that weekly Pasadena City Council meetings can be watched over the Internet. And he said the idea makes business sense because of India's lower labor costs."
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/MediaNews/2007/05/10/4169470-ap.html
www.pasadenalivingmagazine.com/contents.html
If this is indeed the reality then this is out-sourcing taken to the extreme. A very scary precedent for anyone working in the print/news business.
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Friday, May 4, 2007
CALLING WHOOPIE! "THE VIEW" NEEDS YOU!
NOTE TO SELF: Send note to ABC to hire Whoopie
After the surprise announcement of Rosie's leaving "The View", the question now is who will replace her. Has to be somebody who is opinionated with a mind of her own, witty, is relaxed in front of a camera but most of all, is a talented and entertaining performer.
Enter Whoopie Goldberg, my choice.
Given the above-mentioned criteria in my opinion, she is a perfect fit like the proverbial well-worn glove.
Her recent guest appearance on the show showcased her ability to communicate her views on a variety of subjects and her standup comedienne ability as is the case with Rosie, makes her as mentioned the perfect fit. She is sassy, impertinent, funny and very talented.
Some Whoopie quotes:
"I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities."
"Normal is nothing more than a cycle on a wash machine."
"I don't have pet peeves, I have whole kennels of irritation”
"We're here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.”
"And I don't believe that I have to stay on one side of the fence or the other. I don't believe that there is any good career move or bad career move. I believe there are only the things that make me happy. "
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
After the surprise announcement of Rosie's leaving "The View", the question now is who will replace her. Has to be somebody who is opinionated with a mind of her own, witty, is relaxed in front of a camera but most of all, is a talented and entertaining performer.
Enter Whoopie Goldberg, my choice.
Given the above-mentioned criteria in my opinion, she is a perfect fit like the proverbial well-worn glove.
Her recent guest appearance on the show showcased her ability to communicate her views on a variety of subjects and her standup comedienne ability as is the case with Rosie, makes her as mentioned the perfect fit. She is sassy, impertinent, funny and very talented.
Some Whoopie quotes:
"I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities."
"Normal is nothing more than a cycle on a wash machine."
"I don't have pet peeves, I have whole kennels of irritation”
"We're here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.”
"And I don't believe that I have to stay on one side of the fence or the other. I don't believe that there is any good career move or bad career move. I believe there are only the things that make me happy. "
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Thursday, April 26, 2007
ROSIE O'DONNELL BIDS ADIEU TO "THE VIEW"
NOTE TO SELF: "The View" won't be the same without Rosie
Never was a big fan of "The View" that is until Rosie O'Donnell stopped by and stayed for a year. Although some would say she's over-opionated and abrasive, I found her refreshing and a definite asset to the show.
Although Meredith Vieira was 'okay', once she moved on, the show just kind-of was...there, period. No spark and bordering on blechy.
As a former watcher of O'Donnell's talk show, it was personally very uplifting to note her addition to the show. Never shying away from controversy her squabble with "The Donald" for example, made the show that much more watchable and fun. The fact that Trump responded so quickly and negatively to her comments made Rosie's presence a "must watch," reflected in the high ratings she brought to the show.
Can I get excited when Barbara Walters et al voice their opinions about...stuff? Not really. Will I continue to watch the show? Unlikely.
Now Rosie is bidding adieu in June. Too bad but then maybe - just maybe - she'll go back to doing her own talk show and The View will be a distant or pale memory for most of us.
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Never was a big fan of "The View" that is until Rosie O'Donnell stopped by and stayed for a year. Although some would say she's over-opionated and abrasive, I found her refreshing and a definite asset to the show.
Although Meredith Vieira was 'okay', once she moved on, the show just kind-of was...there, period. No spark and bordering on blechy.
As a former watcher of O'Donnell's talk show, it was personally very uplifting to note her addition to the show. Never shying away from controversy her squabble with "The Donald" for example, made the show that much more watchable and fun. The fact that Trump responded so quickly and negatively to her comments made Rosie's presence a "must watch," reflected in the high ratings she brought to the show.
Can I get excited when Barbara Walters et al voice their opinions about...stuff? Not really. Will I continue to watch the show? Unlikely.
Now Rosie is bidding adieu in June. Too bad but then maybe - just maybe - she'll go back to doing her own talk show and The View will be a distant or pale memory for most of us.
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Monday, April 23, 2007
TEACH THE CHILDREN AND THEY WILL SHOW THE WAY
Note to self: "If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."
(Rachel Carson)
Today being the day following Earth Day, I bought two books related to recycling and being kind to the earth. The books, "Recycle Every Day" by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace and "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss, are for this Saturday's "Story Hour" to take place at our local public library. Every two weeks me and my friend, Marilyn, volunteer our time to read stories to kids from 3-6 years of age who drop by with a parent/grandparent or an adult. We insist that an adult be present. We try to use a theme and it's never too early to focus on the environment.
According to the blurb on the back cover of Recycle Every Day: "Children often feel that they can't make a difference in the world they live in. This is not true. Teaching children to be environmentally conscious is one of thebest ways to empower them. Recycle Every Day will show children how to become socially aware of their surroundings and help them make our world a better place to live."
The book has some very cute and colorful illustrations, which is a must for young children.
All Dr. Seuss books are favorites but it was a pleasent surprise to discover that The Lorax has an environmetal angle, as per a blurb on Amazon.com: "Long before saving the earth became a global concern, Dr. Seuss, speaking through his character the Lorax, warned against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth's natural beauty."
At the end of the Story Hour, the young bibliophiles will be receiving living mini trees/saplings in a container, donated by our municipality as a souvenir to think green and to be friendly to Mother Earth.
CHINESE PROVERB: "One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade."
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
(Rachel Carson)
Today being the day following Earth Day, I bought two books related to recycling and being kind to the earth. The books, "Recycle Every Day" by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace and "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss, are for this Saturday's "Story Hour" to take place at our local public library. Every two weeks me and my friend, Marilyn, volunteer our time to read stories to kids from 3-6 years of age who drop by with a parent/grandparent or an adult. We insist that an adult be present. We try to use a theme and it's never too early to focus on the environment.
According to the blurb on the back cover of Recycle Every Day: "Children often feel that they can't make a difference in the world they live in. This is not true. Teaching children to be environmentally conscious is one of thebest ways to empower them. Recycle Every Day will show children how to become socially aware of their surroundings and help them make our world a better place to live."
The book has some very cute and colorful illustrations, which is a must for young children.
All Dr. Seuss books are favorites but it was a pleasent surprise to discover that The Lorax has an environmetal angle, as per a blurb on Amazon.com: "Long before saving the earth became a global concern, Dr. Seuss, speaking through his character the Lorax, warned against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth's natural beauty."
At the end of the Story Hour, the young bibliophiles will be receiving living mini trees/saplings in a container, donated by our municipality as a souvenir to think green and to be friendly to Mother Earth.
CHINESE PROVERB: "One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade."
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Sunday, April 22, 2007
EARTH DAY TODAY
Note to self: today is Earth Day. Think about it.
Today is Earth Day, one day per year although it should be more, put aside to focus on the health of Mother Earth. According to many sources, 'mom E' isn't faring to well lately. Just read an article regarding bees and their decline due to - and it's pure speculation right now - a) a bee mite and/or b) environmental pollution of some type. Without bees there is no polination and no fruit and veggies for we humans.
According to the World Health Organization, "More than three billion people worldwide continue to depend on solid fuels, including biomass fuels (wood, dung, agricultural residues) and coal, for their energy needs.
Cooking and heating with solid fuels on open fires or traditional stoves results in high levels of indoor air pollution. Indoor smoke contains a range of health-damaging pollutants, such as small particles and carbon monoxide, and particulate pollution levels may be 20 times higher than accepted guideline values."
In an article in The Indepent, April 22:
"In general, the more we know about a particular group of species, the more we realise that they are at risk. One in four mammals and one in every eight birds is threatened. Half of all tortoises and freshwater turtles are similarly endangered.
- Amphibians - frogs, toads, newts and salamanders - are perhaps the largest group of animals at serious risk.
About one in three species of amphibians are seriously endangered in some way or other and more than 120 species are thought to have died out over the past 25 years.
Amphibian specialists believe that a combination of factors may be involved, such as habitat loss and the spread of a deadly fungus, aided by the human trade in an African toad, a known carrier of the disease.
Up to 2,000 species of amphibians - the first vertebrates to conquer the land - are classified as endangered. The group is thought to be particularly vulnerable because their life cycles generally depend on two habitats, terrestrial and aquatic, for survival.
Something to think about and reflect upon.
http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article2119050.ece
http://www.cleanaircampaign.com/for_schools/for_kids/clean_air_for_kids_you_can_make_a_difference
http://www.epa.gov/p2/
http://www.epa.gov/earthday/history.htm
http://www.ijc.org/rel/agree/air.html#a
http://www.pollutionwatch.org/
Today is Earth Day, one day per year although it should be more, put aside to focus on the health of Mother Earth. According to many sources, 'mom E' isn't faring to well lately. Just read an article regarding bees and their decline due to - and it's pure speculation right now - a) a bee mite and/or b) environmental pollution of some type. Without bees there is no polination and no fruit and veggies for we humans.
According to the World Health Organization, "More than three billion people worldwide continue to depend on solid fuels, including biomass fuels (wood, dung, agricultural residues) and coal, for their energy needs.
Cooking and heating with solid fuels on open fires or traditional stoves results in high levels of indoor air pollution. Indoor smoke contains a range of health-damaging pollutants, such as small particles and carbon monoxide, and particulate pollution levels may be 20 times higher than accepted guideline values."
In an article in The Indepent, April 22:
"In general, the more we know about a particular group of species, the more we realise that they are at risk. One in four mammals and one in every eight birds is threatened. Half of all tortoises and freshwater turtles are similarly endangered.
- Amphibians - frogs, toads, newts and salamanders - are perhaps the largest group of animals at serious risk.
About one in three species of amphibians are seriously endangered in some way or other and more than 120 species are thought to have died out over the past 25 years.
Amphibian specialists believe that a combination of factors may be involved, such as habitat loss and the spread of a deadly fungus, aided by the human trade in an African toad, a known carrier of the disease.
Up to 2,000 species of amphibians - the first vertebrates to conquer the land - are classified as endangered. The group is thought to be particularly vulnerable because their life cycles generally depend on two habitats, terrestrial and aquatic, for survival.
Something to think about and reflect upon.
http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article2119050.ece
http://www.cleanaircampaign.com/for_schools/for_kids/clean_air_for_kids_you_can_make_a_difference
http://www.epa.gov/p2/
http://www.epa.gov/earthday/history.htm
http://www.ijc.org/rel/agree/air.html#a
http://www.pollutionwatch.org/
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