The Fish Produced by Welch's

Further to the questions spawned by my Central American vacation; I had a look at a jellyfish, this got me thinking. I know that jellyfish are invertebrates and are completely see-through, but how do they know what to do to survive? So, today’s question is: do jellyfish have brains?

A:
Jellyfish do not have a brain or a central nervous system, yet they function on an elementary nerve net. They have limited control of movement and generally are pushed along with the ocean currents, however can propel themselves through contractions of their body. Jellyfish eat by collecting small fish, plankton and microbial organisms as they swim; they use their tentacles to sweep food into their mouths.

Sources:

How Stuff Works: Jellyfish

Wikipedia: Jellyfish

Coral coloured Coral

Part of the reason that I have fallen so behind on writing and researching is because I went on holiday to Belize. I stayed in San Pedro – that’s right, Madonna’s La Isla Bonita! – and it was the most beautiful piece of paradise that I have ever seen. I snorkelled for the first time while there, and experienced the wondrous world under the sea. This spawned new questions. Today’s question is: what is coral bleaching?

A:
Coral bleaching is the whitening of corals due to stress. The skeletal structure of corals are white, but are usually covered with tiny plants called zooxanthellae algae, which provides colouration. The algae are photosynthetic and provide nutrients to the coral’s soft tissue.

If rate of photosynthetic production is too high, the coral will begin to expel some of the algae on its own, this is still considered bleaching. However, when corals experience stress on their environment, more zooxanthellae is expelled than normal, exposing the skeletal structure. Coral reefs can recover from bleaching, however it can take months to build up the same amount of algae and sometimes there is no recovery and whole reefs die off.

There are a number of triggers including: increased water temperatures, increased UV rays, changes in ocean current, increased sedimentation and low tide/wind exposure.

Thankfully, the reef in Belize has been well preserved and has not experienced extensive bleaching. Belize is very eco-friendly and provide all tourists with precise instruction on how to ensure that their reefs and marine life stay healthy.

Sources:
About.com: Coral Bleaching
Wikipedia: Coral Bleaching

BACK-hic IN-hic THE-hic SADDLE-hic

I have taken quite the hiatus, haven't I? I fear that all of my faithful readers - yes all three of you - will have dropped off because of this. I have been extremely busy, but have vowed to continue my quest for genius - MENSA here I come!

I have built up a list of questions throughout my days and have much to research. So let's get on it! Today's question is: what causes hiccups?

A:
A hiccup is an involuntary spasm or contraction of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, underneath the ribcage, and has a key function in breathing. The sudden rush of air into the lungs causes the epiglottis to close, creating that "hic" sound. The epiglottis is an elastic cartilage flap attached to the root of the tongue. There are a number of causes of hiccups including: eating a large meal, eating too quickly, drinking alcohol or anything that causes irritation and compression of the diaphragm.

Hiccups usually go away on their own, however there a number of anecdotal remedies including,
scaring the person, drinking water from the wrong side of a cup, standing on your head and altering one's breath. Persistent hiccups lasting more than 48-hours should seek medical treatment.

Sources:
Beyond Biology: Why do people hiccup?
Medical News Today: What are Hiccups?

Nuggies

I tend to have a late night ritual -- one that I am not proud of. I have a tendency, particularly when out late with friends, to take the subway home and stop off at McDonald's. My poison of choice is always a 6 piece McNugget meal with sweet and sour sauce. Lately, I have noticed that I will wake up in the morning feeling bloated and sluggish and have vowed to stop my consumption of this deep fried, high fat, questionable food choice. To do so, today's question is: How many calories in McDonald's Chicken Nuggets?

A: I am utterly disgusted with myself! The McNuggets alone are 310 calories and 21 grams of fat. However, a combo meal includes fries, sauce and a drink. Just as an aside, I may have a fondness for fast food, but I am not a big soda drinker; so I will get the drink that is included, but I usually pour it down the sink. The total calories in an entire 6 piece McNugget meal (including a soft drink) is 930 calories! That is more than half my allotted daily calories! No more nuggies for me!

Getting Inked

March 20, 2010

This morning, my roommate got up early to have a portion of her tattoo filled in. She is working on her third tattoo, which is situated on her entire thigh and works its way up onto her hip and portrays the decay of love, agony of hope and emptiness of faith – so it’s a cheerful piece of art. Today’s question is: how deep does tattoo ink penetrate?

A:
There are three layers to the skin. The epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin, that is wonderful and soft to touch, and protects us from eternal elements. This is the layer that is easily shed and is constantly renewed. The second layer of skin is called the dermis. This layer contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles and sweat glands. The deepest layer is called the hypodermis, which is responsible for the body’s temperature control.

When someone gets tattooed, the ink is injected into the dermis, which is between 1 mm and 3 mm below the epidermis dependant on which area of the body is being tattooed. The ink is deposited in the dermis because skin cells shed at a much slower rate than the epidermis layers closer to the surface thus explaining why tattoos can remain in the skin a lifetime. Most tattoo artists know how deep to drive the needle into your skin, but not going deep enough will produce a ragged tattoo, and going too deep can cause bleeding and intense pain.

Sources:
Kids Health
Zimbo Magazine

Rockin' Robin

March 19, 2010

The temperature has slowly been creeping up and I have seen the first sign of spring – the red breasted robin. I can remember when I was younger, I saved a Christmas card that had a picture of a robin in the snow and it got me thinking. Today’s question is: Do robins migrate during the winter months?

A:
Robins can survive winter temperatures however their diets consist mainly of worms, berries and nuts, which are not abundant when the ground is frozen. Therefore, the majority of robins migrate to the southern costal provinces of Canada and the south-central United States. They are known to go as far as Texas, Florida and Mexico.

Robins generally begin to fly north in March to begin breeding, yet have been known to linger in the United States if the food supply is plentiful. Robins tend to return to the same breeding location year after year. So, it looks like Frank and Franca in our yard this year are the same couple as the year before – they are like neighbours who take an extended winter holiday.


Sources:
Hinterland Who’s Who
Journey North- Winter: Where are our Robins?

Get me a coffee, quick!

March 18, 2010

After my many Guinness’s and a very late night, I was in desperate need of a coffee. Well, actually, I would have like to throw a sicky, as I was in desperate need of some more sleep and perhaps a big breakfast fry-up. In any case, I complained to someone and they grabbed the nearest person, ordering “Get this woman a coffee, stat.” This got me wondering, I hear medical doctors on telly saying this all the time, and I have deduced what it means, but in any case, today’s question is: what does the word ‘stat’ mean?

A:
The word 'stat' is from the Latin word 'statim', which means immediately. It is more than likely used because modern medication got a good deal of its terminology from Latin, although most modern doctors just use 'now'.

Source:
The Straight Dope

Sacred Symbol of the Irish

March 17, 2010

Today is the day that everyone is Irish! Saint Patrick’s Day is a large celebration here in Toronto, which usually includes a parade and the most profitable day for every pub in town. The day is filled with good laughs, friendly people wearing green and rivers of alcohol. I, not being Irish, still fully participated in the event and made friends with a gaggle of girls decked out in green and had painted shamrocks all over their faces. Today’s question is: why is the shamrock associated with Ireland?

A:
According to what the Oxford English Dictionary, the shamrock was used by Saint Patrick to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity – each leaf was a representation of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

In the seventeenth century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism. As the English began to seize Irish land and make laws against the use of the Gaelic and the practice of Catholicism, many Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of their pride in their heritage and their displeasure with English rule.

Sources:
History - St. Patrick's Day Symbols and Traditions
Wikipedia: Shamrock

Rickety bones

March 16, 2010

Today, I read an article on the Beeb about the return of rickets in the UK. I was unfamiliar with what rickets was, yet I had always assumed that it was some ancient disease that had been eradicated years ago. So, today’s question is: what is rickets?

A:
Rickets is a softening and weakening of the bones usually due to a lack of vitamin D, which is essential in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of rickets can include skeletal deformities including bowed legs, abnormal curvature of the spine, pelvic deformities and breastbone projection in the chest. Additionally, fragile bones, impaired growth, dental problems such as deformed tooth structure, increased chance of cavities, poor enamel and delayed formation of teeth, aching pain or tenderness in the bones, and muscle weakness as a result of rickets.

Children between the ages of 3 and 36 months are most prone to getting rickets because they grow rapidly and may not get the necessary dosage of vitamin D from breast milk. It is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to supplement their own diets with fortified food or to vitamin D tablets. Additionally, the body converts sunlight into vitamin D, therefore children are being encouraged to go outside to play – not just to combat childhood obesity, but also to receive a healthy dose of vitamin D.

Sources:
BBC News: Concern over increase in rickets among ethnic groups
Mayo Clinic: Rickets

As-pear-oo-gahhh

March 15, 2010

Hm, I suppose I didn’t keep detailed enough notes on what I did – or perhaps it was an uneventful day. So, I suppose I will have to just write about something random that does not relate to my day. So, today’s question is: why does asparagus make your pee smell?

A:
Asparagus contains a sulphur compound called mercaptan. It is also found in onions, garlic, rotten eggs, and in the secretions of skunks. The signature smell occurs when this substance is broken down in the digestive system. It is still disputed that not all people have the gene for the enzyme that breaks down mercaptan, so some can eat asparagus without stinking up the place. One study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that only 46 percent of British people tested produced the odour while 100 percent of French people tested did. Insert your favourite French joke here: _______________. However, in the 1980s three separate studies concluded that most people do produce the odorous compounds after eating asparagus, but only 22% of the population has the autosomal genes required to smell them.

Sources
MSNBC
Wikipedia: Asparagus

Heartbreakers

March 14, 2010

While hanging out with Diana Catherine at her CMW gig, we learnt that they would have an extended set because one of the other bands in the showcase didn’t show. I made a request that they sing Mary Jane’s Last Dance by Tom Petty – because I just love the way she and her band make it sound! She agreed! So, I got to listen to it at the Cadillac Lounge after drinking many gin and tonics – which is my idea of a night in heaven. Today’s question is: Is Mary Jane’s Last Dance about drugs?

A:
Tom Petty has never confirmed what the song is about, but there are 2 common interpretations. It could be about Petty's divorce from his wife Jane, which happened a year before this was recorded in 1993. Another possibility is that it is about marijuana, as "Mary Jane" is slang for pot and the lyrics refer to killing the pain, which the drug is known for. Mike Campbell, The Heartbreaker’s guitarist, offered this explanation: "My take on it is it can be whatever you want it to be. A lot of people think it's a drug reference, and if that's what you want to think, it very well could be, but it could also just be a goodbye love song."

The break-up theory can be justified by the music video in which Tom played a mortician who takes home a corpse played by Kim Basinger. When he gets her home, he puts her in a wedding dress and dances with her. Petty is then shown carrying her to a rocky shore and gently releasing her into the sea. At the end of the video, Basinger is seen floating in the water with her eyes open. It won Best Male Video at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards. It was later revealed that Basinger was not the first choice for the video, and Petty wanted Sharon Stone, but she didn't answer his request.

In any case, whether about breaking-up, smoking a joint or being a necrophiliac, I still really love the song!

Sources:
Song Facts
Wikipedia: Mary Jane’s Last Dance

CMW

March 13, 2010

My sincerist apologies to my regular readers, I have fallen far behind on my regular blogging, but I can assure you that I will be picking it up again! Thankfully, I have kept track of most of my past exploits and can still ask a relevant question to the events of the day!

Back in March, a couple of friends of mine were participating in Canadian Music Week. Both Andrea Ramolo and Diana Catherine and the Thrusty Tweeters played on consecutive nights to eager audiences. I have attended some CMW in previous years and enjoy hearing local talent. So, today’s question is: when did Canadian Music Week Begin?

A:
Canadian Music Week is not just a showcase of Canadian music, it also is a conference for musicians and musical professionals held in various venues throughout Toronto.

Canadian Music Week began in 1981, and has grown to become one of Canada’s largest and most influential media and music conferences. It draws top industry professionals to participate in a four-day program of activities. Designed to stimulate the exchange of market intelligence, increase dialogue and provide networking opportunities, Canadian Music Week continues to present the ideal platform for more than 2,000 national and international delegates.

Source:
Canadian Music Week

Beatings and measurements

March 12, 2010
In conversation at work today there was a discussion that included the saying “the rule of thumb”. Then the story of where the expression originated, which apparently most people believe that in olden time there was a rule that a man could not beat his wife with any implement thicker than his thumb. This is not the first time I have heard this – but I am sceptical. So, today’s question is: what is the origin of the expression “rule of thumb”?

A:
The exact origin of the phrase is uncertain, yet was coined in the second half of the 1600s. The expression is either it is derived from the use of the thumb as a measurement device or it is derived from use of the thumb in a number of apocryphal "rules".

For example, His work with the youth group is largely by rule of thumb. This expression alludes to making rough estimates of measurements by using one's thumb.

Sources:
http://www.answers.com/topic/rule-of-thumb
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rule+of+thumb

Rusty

March 11, 2010

This evening, I had to go to my former home - the little townhouse. I had moved a bunch of stuff out over the weekend, including a number of things from the rooftop patio. These things have been subjected to the elements and have developed rust spots. Moving these things through the house, cause some rust to fall on the carpet. As the house will be handed over to the new owners shortly, I had to go back to clean the stain off the carpet. Today's question is: how would one remove rust stains from carpet using natural products?

A:

The citric acid in lemons is a key ingredient in the removal of rust and tends to be an effective product in cleaning rust from fabric and carpet. Applying the lemon liberally onto the rust, agitate the lemon into the carpet fibres, taking care not to spread the stain. Let the lemon sit for one hour. Then rinse and blot dry.

If the rust stain remains, try cream of tarter. Mix the cream of tarter with a little bit of water to create a paste. Apply, agitate and let sit for one hour. Rinse and dry.

If neither of these techniques removes the stain, try vinegar, using the same method as the lemon. Once it is dry, sprinkle with baking soda to neutralize the acidity of the vinegar. Allow the baking soda to dry, once the baking soda has caked, it can be vacuumed up. This will eliminate the odour of the vinegar and hopefully remove the rust stain.

As I didn’t have the hour(s) required for the natural products, I used oxyclean. Not quite as environmentally friendly as I would have liked, but just as effective. The stain is now gone… and actually looks a little cleaner than the rest of the carpet!

Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/how_18749_remove-rust-carpet.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?Remove-Rust-Stains-From-Carpet-and-Upholstery&id=2767776

More Genuis

March 10, 2010

This writing Wednesday, I got to show off more genius! There were a number of lines of poetry on the board when the class came in. The instructor asked us if we knew who had wrote them. I recognized "not even the rain has such small hands." as e.e. cummings - so my hand shot up to provide the answer. She then went on to ask, which film used this line. Again, my hand went up... Hannah and Her Sisters. I looked like a freakin' genius! Today's question is: when was the movie Hannah and Her Sisters released and how much money did it make in the box office?


A: The film was released in 1986, with a box office gross of over $40 million, this film represented Woody Allen's most financially successful film until Match Point in 2005.
The film was also nominated for over 20 awards, taking home 17 of them including Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (Michael Caine) Best Supporting Actress (Dianne Wiest) Best Writing for a Screenplay (Woody Allen).

Source:
Internet Movie Database

Cullumination

March 9, 2010

Jamie Cullum has just played Massey Hall. I have always maintained that his music is capable of melting my cold-cold heart, but not only has he melted it, he has captivated it and held it for ransom. He is a god! His performance was full of energy and enthusiasm, rooted in jazz but combining R ‘n’ B, gospel and pop. He broke into Julie London’s Cry Me a River and inserted lyrics from Justin Timberlake’s song of the same name. He beat boxed to classics and belted out his rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s Wind Cries Mary. Leaving the concert, I felt like everything was oversaturated with colour and alive with sound, almost as if I was living in a dream. I am not over dramatizing my experience. I urge you to see him live if you get the chance. Today’s question is: who is Jamie Cullum?

A:
Jamie Cullum is an English pop and jazz-pop singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Though he is a primarily a vocalist, he also accompanies himself on instruments including piano, guitar, and drums.

Born on August 20, 1979 to Yvonne, a secretary of Anglo-Burmese origin, whose family settled in Wales after Burma’s independence and father, John Cullum, who worked in finance.

Cullum released his first album, Heard it All, in 1999, of which only 500 copies were made. With the success of Heard It All, Cullum was invited to appear on Geoff Gascoyne’s album Songs of the Summer.

After graduating from Reading University, Cullum released a best-selling album, Pointless Nostalgic, which stirred interest from Michael Parkinson. Just after Cullum made his first television appearance, on Parkinson in April 2003, he signed a £1m contract for three albums with Universal, who beat Sony in a bidding war.

Cullum’s third album, Twentysomething, released in October 2003, went platinum and became the #1 selling studio album by a jazz artist in the United Kingdom. Cullum ended 2003 as the UK’s biggest selling jazz artist of all time. Cullum's third major label album, entitled Catching Tales, was released on September 26, 2005 and he was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for his composition on "Gran Torino".

On the 4th of June 2009, Cullum announced the title of his fourth studio album, The Pursuit. The album, was released on November 10, 2009 (my birthday, none the less).on January 9, 2010 he married British model Sophie Dahl at a country hotel in the New Forest National Park in England.

In future, he will discover that she is an Amazon and will separate only to find love with a Canadian named Mirelle Blassnig.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamie_Cullum
http://www.last.fm/music/Jamie+Cullum/+wiki

Wood Street

March 8, 2010

What a beautiful sunny day! This is most definitely an unofficial start to spring, the temperature is hovering around 11 degrees, the birds are chirping and smell of melting snow and mud is in the air! It was so wonderful that the girls from work and I decided that we would take a lunch time walk. We walked down Church Street, the main road running through Toronto’s gay village, and turned around at Carlton. On a number of occasions, I have walked this route and always notice a statue, which seems to be randomly placed, at the corner of Church and Alexander. Upon closer inspection, a plaque is posted underneath that states it is a statue of Alexander Wood – which would explain Alexander Street and Wood Street – which I thought was just an urban planner’s awful sense of humour. Today’s question is: who was Alexander Wood?

A:
Alexander Wood was a Scottish merchant who came to Upper Canada in 1793 settling in York (now Toronto) and opening an import/export business. Alexander quickly established himself as one of the city's leading merchants, was chosen as lieutenant in the York militia in 1798, and was appointed a city magistrate in 1800.

In 1810, Alexander found himself in the middle of a scandal, while investigating a rape case. The victim was “Miss Bailey” who had claimed that she did not see the face of her attacker, but had scratched his genitals during the assault. Wood called in a series of men to inform them of the rape claim and in order to identify the assailant, Wood would conduct a personal inspection of each of the suspects for injury. Rumours began to surface that the alleged rape was fabricated so that Wood as an opportunity to fondle and seduce young men. Wood became the subject of ridicule and was tagged with the nickname "Molly Wood", "Molly" then being a derisive slang expression for a homosexual man. Wood’s close friend, Judge William Dummer Powell, confronted him with the accusations, and Wood confessed: “I have laid myself open to ridicule and malevolence, which I know not how to meet; that the thing will be made the subject of mirth and a handle to my enemies for a sneer I have every reason to expect.” In order to avoid a public scandal, Judge Powell had the evidence buried, on the promise that Wood leave Upper Canada. So, in October 1810, Wood set sail back to Scotland.

Wood returned to York in 1812, resuming his prior appointment as a magistrate. He fought in the War of 1812 and was on the boards of several organizations. His life in York continued without incident until 1823, when Rev. John Strachan, a long-time friend of Wood's, recommended him for a position on the 1812 War Claims Commission. Judge Powell was the appointing authority and refused Wood on moral grounds due to the 1810 scandal. Wood sued Powell for defamation and won, but Powell refused to pay and subsequently published a pamphlet attacking Wood even further.

Wood remained in York, continuing his service in civic duties for the next seventeen years. In 1827 he purchased 50 acres of land at Yonge and Carlton Streets, which was referred to as "Molly Wood's Bush”.

Alexander Wood finally returned to Scotland in 1842 and he died there two years later at the age of 72. The British Colonist paid tribute to Wood as one of Toronto's most distinguished founding citizens.

Wood’s legacy lives on, as “Molly Wood’s Bush” went undeveloped until the 1850s. Its association with homosexuality had never gone away. It is unclear whether Wood’s reputation had drawn homosexuals to the area, or the homosexuals already there caused the reputation, no one will know for sure. But a gay neighbourhood gradually sprang up around Wood’s old property. Today it has become the Church and Wellesley area, Canada’s largest and oldest gay village.

Sources:
The Drummer’s Revenge: Alexander Wood
Toronto’s Historical Plaques
Wikipedia: Alexander Wood (merchant)

Fear and Loathing in Elmhurst Burst

March 7, 2010

I am recovering from laughter. This evening my roommate was cleaning the bathroom and she thought that I had gone to bed, but I called out to her and she nearly jumped three feet into the air. Her fear made me laugh so hard that I nearly wet myself! Although I did think to myself, instead of laughing I could have been nursing a fat lip – what if her response to fear was to punch me in the face? So, today’s question is: what are the common responses to fear?

A:
The purpose of fear is to promote survival and fear response is almost entirely automatic. Fear is created as a chain reaction in the brain. It begins with a stressful stimulus and ends with the release of chemicals that cause the physiological changes in the body triggering the fight-or-flight response.

There are two paths involved in the fear response: The low road is quick and messy, while the high road takes more time and delivers a more precise interpretation of events. Both processes are happening simultaneously. The high road is much more thoughtful. While the low road is initiating the fear response just in case, the high road is considering all of the options.

The physiological responses can be:

• heart rate and blood pressure increase
• pupils dilate to take in as much light as possible
• veins in skin constrict to send more blood to major muscle groups (responsible for the "chill" sometimes associated with fear -- less blood in the skin to keep it warm)
• blood-glucose level increases
• muscles tense up, energized by adrenaline and glucose (responsible for goose bumps -- when tiny muscles attached to each hair on surface of skin tense up, the hairs are forced upright, pulling skin with them)
• smooth muscle relaxes in order to allow more oxygen into the lungs
• nonessential systems (like digestion and immune system) shut down to allow more energy for emergency functions
• trouble focusing on small tasks (brain is directed to focus only on big picture in order to determine where threat is coming from)

All of these physical responses are intended to help you survive a dangerous situation by preparing you to either run for your life or fight for your life - thus the term "fight or flight".

Sources:

How Stuff Works: Fear

Wikipedia: Fear

Strop and a Half

March 6, 2010

This morning I woke up early to remove the last of my half of the furniture from my former home. I was tired, irritable and sad from having to sort through the detritus of my former life; the best way to describe my disposition was stroppy. In fact, for years I have rated my “strop factor” out of ten – I know that people think that I’m all rainbows and butterflies, but I too have bad days. Today’s question is: what is the origin of the word stroppy?

A: Stroppy is an informal British term for someone who is easily offended or annoyed and bad-tempered. The word is thought to be first used in the 1950s, originating from the word obstreperous; meaning to be unruly or resisting control or restraint in a difficult manner.

Today's strop factor: 3.67 (above average mood, a little tired)

Source:
American Psychological Association (APA):
stroppy. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved March 15, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/stroppy

These Shoes are Made for Money

March 5, 2010

Today is budget day. A 5-year budget plan has been tabled that plans to bring the federal deficit down from $53.8-billion to $1.8-billion by 2015 through targeting cuts in the public service, freezing foreign aid, limiting growth in military spending and instituting higher Employment Insurance premiums.
I find the budget extremely interesting, however today’s question is is only loosely based on the budget. You see, a few days ago, Jim Flaherty, The Finance Minister, bought himself a new pair of shoes. Now, you may say to yourself “yeah, so what?” but apparently this is a tradition – Finance Ministers buy themselves new shoes to deliver the budget. So, today’s question is: where and when did the tradition of new budget day shoes start?



A: There is a common misconception that this tradition was started in the British parliament, however Westminster tradition allows the Chancellor of the Exchequer to carry into the House a despatch box (or Red Box) and to take any liquid refreshment of his own choosing while delivering his budget speech.

The new budget shoes is strictly a Canadian tradition, which likely began as a prank played on Mitchell Sharp, the Liberal Finance Minister of 1966. In 1991, Sharp explained to the Toronto Star that someone told him that Finance Ministers traditionally wear new shoes when presenting the budget. So he accepted the statement and bought a good pair of shoes that he wore on budget day in 1966 and donned another new pair in 1967. "Later, I learned there was no tradition behind it at all," he said.

The practice was not continued again until 1978 when Jean Chrétien wore new shoes to deliver the new budget. John Crosbie, the Conservative Finance Minister, pulled on a pair of mukluks in 1979. Marc Lalonde continued the tradition for two years, beginning in 1982 and Conservative Michael Wilson followed, opting for a new pair for four of the six budgets he brought down.
In 1994, Paul Martin's inaugural year as Finance Minister, he wore a pair of work boots, a gift from Mr. Chrétien, however to show frugality Mr. Martin did not buy new shoes for the following six budgets that he tabled as Finance Minister. Ralph Goodale laced up two pairs of new shoes and in subsequent years Mr. Flaherty has been inconsistent with the tradition. Yet in 2007, he bought his son skates as a variation on the theme. Perhaps that reflects the notion that minority governments are always skating on thin ice when they bring down a budget.

More on the the 2010 Budget: CBC News - Money - Federal budget 2010

Sources:
The Minister of Finance’s New Shoes
The National Post. Budget 2010: A Second Year of Stimulus Spending. Paul Vieira. March 4, 2010
The Ottawa Citizen. Why do finance ministers wear new shoes to deliver a budget? March 25, 2007.

Micro-soft

March 4, 2010

Today is the end of my work week. Well, not technically, but I’m on an offsite training course for advanced Microsoft PowerPoint, which makes it feel like I’m not actually working. The course is quite interesting and I’m learning about all kinds of features that I never knew that existed – did you know that you can recolour clip art? I didn’t! Today’s question is: what year was Microsoft started?

A: Microsoft began in 1975, when it was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.

In January 1975 The MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems) Altair 8800 microcomputer appeared on the cover of Popular Electronics. The article inspired Paul Allen and Bill Gates to develop a BASIC language for the Altair. By February, the two completed Altair BASIC and sold it to MITS, making it the first computer language program for a personal computer.

The name Microsoft (a portmanteau word of microcomputer and software), hyphenated in its early incarnations, was first used in a letter from Gates to Allen on November 29, 1975, and the company was registered on November 26, 1976.

Sources:
The History of Microsoft
Wikipedia: History of Microsoft

Liquid Cocaine

March 3, 2010

On Writing Wednesdays we have been workshopping our short stories. There is one story about a marriage that is broken by the husband who becomes addicted to cocaine. The story takes place in a treatment centre, where the character is undergoing methadone treatment. As someone who has worked in social services, sometime having to deal with substance abuse issues, I have always known methadone as an opiate substitute to treat heroin. I made this comment during the workshop and the author defended that her story was based on reality and the addict was treated with liquid meth. So, today’s question is: can methadone be used as a cocaine addiction treatment?

A: Well shut my mouth!

A number of studies have confirmed that methadone can effectively be used to treat cocaine addiction, although it is primarily an opiate treatment. According to one study conducted at the University of Guelph, methadone can “reset” the brain back to a pattern before cocaine use and diminishes the urge to use. Additional studies have been conducted in Britain and Australia; both reports have shown a decrease in cocaine use with trail participants.. In a small study in the behavioural science department of the University of Kentucky, seven cocaine-dependent patients were treated with dexamphetamine maintenance, and then given cocaine in the lab. The results showed that the effects of cocaine were blunted.

None of the research believes that methadone treatment is a panacea or that it will be one hundred percent effective, however it remains a good option for those suffering with cocaine addiction. Additionally, individuals would need to combine methadone treatment with social supports and cognitive therapy, to curb their desire for cocaine.

Sources:
Ottawa Citizen. Heroin Treatment Also Works on Cocaine: Study. November 24, 2008
Time Magazine. Can Amphetamines Help Cure Cocaine Addiction? Maia Szalavitz. December 8, 2008

DeLiver

March 2, 2010

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been experiencing some symptoms that I was slightly concerned over – things like major fatigue, some urinary problems amongst other things. I went to the doctor yesterday and had a blood and urine test, as the doctor mentioned that he suspected there may be something wrong with my liver. So there is some speculation on what it is that I actually have, one of the potentials is Gilbert’s syndrome – my roommate’s brother has it and suffers from similar symptoms. Today’s question is: what is Gilbert’s Syndrome?

A: Gilbert’s syndrome is a mild liver disorder in which the liver doesn't properly process a substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. Gilbert’s syndrome does not normally have serious consequences.

Some frequently reported symptoms include: fatigue, tiredness, brain fog, headaches, poor memory, dizziness, depression, irritability, anxiety, nausea, loss of appetite, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach pain & cramping, liver/gallbladder pain, abdominal pain, tremors, itchiness and jaundice.

Because Gilbert’s syndrome is essentially a mild, harmless condition, it does not require treatment or pose serious complications. The level of jaundice associated with Gilbert’s syndrome is typically harmless as well, and goes away on its own. Gilbert’s syndrome typically does not need long-term monitoring, however a doctor should be consulted if jaundice or other symptoms worsen.

Note: my test results have come back negative for anything, yet I am still experiencing severe fatigue. I have been getting between 7 – 8 hours of sleep, so I should not feel as tired as I do. My doctor has recommended another blood test in month. I will be sure to keep you updated.

Sources:
Gilbert’s Syndrome
Mayo Clinic: Gilbert Syndrome

SIAD

March 1, 2010

March 1st is Self Injury Awareness Day. Self injury has been described to me by a friend who harm as a physical expression of internal pain; it is a way to release emotional hurt or overwhelming feelings. In 1996 Princess Diana disclosed that she had dealt with bouts of self injury, which brought awareness to this hidden affliction. Although more people are talking about self harm, many misconceptions and myths exist about this practice. The American Self-Harm Information Clearinghouse began Self Injury Awareness Day as an effort to engage people whose lives have been affected by self-harm by encouraging them to distribute flyers, fact sheets, and brochures or to wear an orange ribbon to draw attention to the facts of self injury. Despite this posting going up after March 1st, I am doing my part. Today’s question is: what is self injury?

A: Self injury is a deliberate behaviour that inflicts physical injury to a person’s own body. It is a coping mechanism that enables the person to cope with intense, emotional distress allowing them to either create a sense of calm, or awakening for those who feel numb and disassociated. The injuries can validate the person’s feelings, creating ‘real’ pain that is easier to deal with than the hidden emotional pain. Self injury has an immediate effect, creating an instant relief, yet the underlying emotional issues remain. In time, self injury can become a person’s automatic response to the ordinary strains of life and both frequency and severity of self injury may increase.

The most common forms of self-injury are cutting, burning, hair pulling, biting and non-suicidal overdosing; however each individual finds their own unique way of harming themselves.

As self injury is a coping mechanism, it is difficult for people who engage in it to stop. The best way to for someone to discontinue the practice is to seek assistance from a counsellor who specializes in working with self injury cases. With proper treatment, new ways of coping will be learned and slowly the cycle of hurting will end.

Sources:
American Self-Harm Information Clearinghouse
Dr. Deb: March 1st is Self-Injury Awareness Day
First Signs
Self-Injury: The Secret Language of Teenagers

Striking Gold

February 28, 2010

Today was the last day of the Olympics and the Men’s Gold Medal Ice Hockey Game. Our Canadian boys did us proud and beat the US 3 to 2. The game took a disappointing turn with only 24 seconds left on the clock, when the United States scored their second goal, tying the game. But the Canadian fans were not disenchanted, as our young phenom, Sidney Crosby, won the game for us in overtime. What proceeded was pure magic; Canadians everywhere rejoiced in the streets and in pubs, singing and dancing and hugging their neighbours. Evidently, I got very carried away with the celebrations and ended up meeting up with someone that I haven’t seen in a long time, only to later regret my actions – no, it wasn’t my ex, but for inquiring minds, his name rhymes with today's question. But enough about that; back to the brilliant hockey game, although Crosby did not score all three goals, I started to wonder about the game terminology. So, today’s question is: where does the term ‘hat trick’ come from?

A:
The first use of this phrase was in cricket for the feat of a bowler who took three wickets with three successive balls, for which he would be presented with a new hat by the cricket club. Hat trick later came to be used for threefold feat in other sports such as horse racing, soccer, baseball, and hockey.

Sources:
http://dictionary.reference.com/help/faq/language/
http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/sayingsh.htm
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/2539

The Body Electric

February 27, 2010

After a number of attempts at writing a play, I am still unsuccessful. I’m still clinging to the hope that next year will be the year that I can write something that I’m happy with and that will get the approval from the artistic director for production. Yet, for this year, I will stick to what I’m good at – bossing people around. For the third year, I will be directing a one act play for the InspiraTO festival. I think that for my hat trick directing gig, I am familiar with the process. However having taken a year long break, at the Director’s Meeting this morning, I felt a little intimidated. Today’s question is: what are five tips to directing a play?

A:
1) Know the play
Read through and understand the tonality and meaning of the play. Develop a vision for the play, especially how and where the actors will move (blocking), within the limitations of the production.

2) Cast the play well
Audition a number of actors to get a sense of their styles and their understanding of the play. It is useful, if casting more than one character, to have actors audition together to see how they interact onstage. The key point to remember is, the actors must fit into the directorial vision of the play.

3) Set up a rehearsal schedule
Set up a rehearsal schedule outlining the dates, times and goals for each session.

4) Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse
Work with actors with their delivery, to develop characterization and memorization. Directors should coach the actors on vocal development, volume and inflection. Once actors have come “off book” they are able to gesture and move in character. These are the key elements in rehearsing, working toward consistency to the finished production.

5) Technical aspects
Once the actors have a firm grasp of the play, the director can focus on fine tuning the blocking by plotting how the actors move scene by scene. Also this is the time to finalize the lighting and sound to enhance the final product.

Throughout these stages, it is important to remember that the director should be assertive yet inspire creativity and fun from the actors.

I think I’m ready! Bring on The Body Electric!

Sources:
eHow: How to direct a short play
Hellium: Arts and Humanities
Yahoo!Answers

It's the most miserable time of the year

February 26, 2010

My brother and I went to see one of our favourite comedians, Jeremy Hotz, at Massey Hall this evening. We have been to many of the Just for Laughs festivals in the past, which have featured Jeremy a number of times. His quirky and unique stand-up style is what I find hilarious! He tends to find misery in the most everyday tasks and delivers his commentary on the brink of either laughing at himself or on verge of tears. Jeremy got his start in little comedy clubs around Canada, but in 1997, he performed at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and received a standing ovation after his debut performance at the festival’s prestigious television gala. Today’s question is: when did the Just for Laughs comedy festival start?

A: Just for Laughs comedy festival started out as a humble two-night French language comedy show in Montreal in 1983. Twenty- seven years later, it has turned into a powerhouse of comedic film, television, theatre and touring comedy festivals. The company has expanded from Montreal to Toronto, then adding Chicago and most recently Nantes, France.

Sources:
Jeremy Hotz
Just for Laughs: Jeremy Hotz
Just for Laughs Comedy Festival
Travel Lady: Just for Laughs

Hannah and Her Sisters

February 25, 2010

For Valentine’s Day, I rented Annie Hall (see entry VD) and it reignited the desire to see Woody Allen films. On recommendation, I rented Hannah and Her Sisters, which turned out to have amazingly rich and complicated characters and wonderful plot. The storyline that I was most fascinated with was that of Eliot, Hannah’s husband, and Lee, her sister. Eliot had become enamoured with Lee and decided that he wanted to have an affair with her - to find out what happens I suggest that you go out and rent it. There is a fabulous scene in the film, where Eliot is first trying to get Lee to notice his affections, which takes place in a bookstore. Eliot tells Lee that he read a poem that reminds him of her and he wanted to buy her an anthology book that contained the poem. The featured line from the poem is “nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands”, which I immediately recognized as e. e. cummings, noting that it is also used as the epigraph from Tennessee Williams, The Glass Menagerie. Today’s question is: what is the name of that e. e. cummings poem?

A: The book that Eliot gives Lee in the bookstore is the Complete Poems 1913 – 1962 by e. e. cummings. Eliot tells her that the poem he wants her to read is on page 112 of the book, yet in actuality the poem entitled “somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond” is on page 366.

somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond
e. e. cummings

somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond
any experience,your eyes have their silence:
in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,
or which i cannot touch because they are too near

your slightest look easily will unclose me
though i have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skilfully,mysteriously)her first rose

or if your wish be to close me, i and
my life will shut very beautifully ,suddenly,
as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending;

nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals
the power of your intense fragility:whose texture
compels me with the color of its countries,
rendering death and forever with each breathing

(i do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens;only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
nobody,not even the rain,has such small hands

Sources:
Academy of American Poets
Internet Movie Database: Hannah and Her Sisters

Vay-cay

February 24, 2010

For more than 10 years, I have been talking about visiting Belize. I initially wanted to go there on my honeymoon, but with my husband being from another country and not all of his family able to attend the wedding, things didn’t really work out and our honeymoon was spent visiting with those that couldn’t make it to see our nuptials. Then, I wanted to go for my fifth anniversary, but things didn’t really work out in general. So, in the midst of a divorce, I figure I’m going to go on vacation to Belize. Being part Guatemalan, my matriarchal family never lets me forget that Belize used to be a part of Guatemala. My former husband maintained that Belize was a British colony. Now, much like me, Belize is an independent nation. Today’s question is: when did Belize achieve independence?

A:
Belize was initially inhabited by the Mayans between 200 A.D. and 1000 A.D. The culture slowly declined throughout Central and South America with the conquering attempts of the Spanish and British. In preparation for colonization, The British-Guatemala Treaty over Belize was established in 1859 to settle the boundaries of the countries. In 1862 Belize became a colony of British Honduras, making Belize the last British colony on the American mainland.

1933 Guatemala reasserted its claim to Belize stating that the treaty of 1859 was an agreement of cession through which Guatemala would give up its territorial claims. The Guatemalan Governor General, Jorge Ubico, disputed the validity of the treaty under the grounds that Britain did not fulfill the terms and commitments of the document. Britain maintained that Guatemala had never exercised any authority over the area or protested British presence until the 19th century. A series of political negotiations began and continued well into the 1970s, yet the dispute was never resolved. In 1975 Britain allowed the colonial government to internationalize its case for independence, so Belizeans participated in international diplomacy even before the area became a sovereign nation. The stalemate in the protracted negotiations between Britain and Guatemala over the future status of Belize led Belizeans to seek the international community's assistance in resolving issues associated with independence.

In 1981 Belize became an independent nation, through the support of Central American and Caribbean countries who campaigned on Belize’s behalf.

Sources:
BBC News – Belize Country Profile
Belize – Decolonization and the Border Dispute with Guatemala
History of Belize – Chronological Table

Anus?

February 23, 2010

My roommate and I subscribe to an organic fruit and vegetable delivery service. The company, called Mama Earth, delivers seasonal, organically grown produce to our home. This week, we had a fennel bulb delivered and my roommate asked me if it was an anus.

Now, let me provide some background… Both her and I worked in family-run grocery stores when we were younger. Both of the stores stocked fennel but labelled it as anise. My roommate always thought that it was pronounced anus.

But back to our organic fennel, I didn’t know how to answer her. So, today’s question is: is there a difference between fennel and anise?

A: There seems to be a common misconception that fennel and anise are the same things. Some cooking websites use the two words interchangeably, as both plants have a subtle liquorice flavour. However, it seems that anise and fennel are actually a different plant. The botanical name of anise is Pimpinella anisum while the botanical name of fennel is Foeniculum vulgare. Both anise and fennel belong to the Apiaceae family.

The whole plant (bulb, stalks, and fronds) of fennel can be consumed, while it is usually just the seeds from the anise plant that are eaten. Star anise or Chinese anise, which is often used as a spice, is not part of the Apiaceae family, which means it is not even related to anise or fennel. Huh.

So, the likelihood is that if you go to the grocery story and you see a plant-like vegetable labelled anise, it’s a good chance that is fennel – and not anus.

Sources:
Jamie Oliver Forum
Yahoo! Answers

Masa

February 22, 2010


This afternoon I got the chance to catch up with an old colleauge and friend. We went to a local sushi place called Masa, which offers an all you can eat lunch special for $10.99. I always enjoy eating here as the selection is quite extensive and the quality is great. I think my favourite roll is the spicy salmon skin roll - I know, it sounds a little off putting, but this definitely gets Mirelle's stamp of approval - it is delicious! Today's question is: what is the difference between sushi and sashimi?


A: Sushi and sashimi are both Japanese dishes consisting of raw fish. Sushi consists of vinegared rice with an overlay of raw fish or is rolled in seaweed with fish and/or vegetables. Sushi does not mean “raw fish,” but “vinegar rice.” While much of the fish used to make sushi is raw, some of the items are blanched, boiled, broiled, marinated or sautéed. Sashimi consists of different species of fish dipped in a mixture of wasabi and soy sauce that are sliced into thin pieces and then served raw.

Interestingly, sushi was originally developed as a snack food to serve at gambling parlours so the gamblers could take quick bites without stopping the action.

Sources:
Difference Between
Food Info Net
The Nibble

Familia

February 21, 2010

Sundays usually consist of going up to the suburbs to visit my parents for Sunday lunch. This has been a long standing tradition, yet I sometimes find it to be quite torturous. My mother is very critical and has an opinion on everything I do. My father, as lovely as he is, tends to lecture about everything and is a little socially inappropriate with his questions. I don’t have any complaints about my brother, who has been supportive and kind, but things can change. I figure that everyone has their issues with their family, be it parents, siblings or extended family, at some point. Today’s question is: where does the word family come from?

A: The word family first referred to the servants of a household and then to both the servants and the descendants of a common ancestor. It comes from the Latin word familia, meaning 'household; household servants', which came from another Latin term famulus, or 'servant'. It was not until 1667 that the term was used specifically for the group of persons consisting of parents and their children. The word daughter is a very old English word, first recorded c. 1000 as dohtor. It descends from Old English and is related to words in many other Indo-European languages, such as Greek thugater. The modern spelling daughter was first used in a 16th century Bible and was popularized by Shakespeare. The word son is quite a bit older, found in Beowulf in 645. It also descends from Old English and is related to words in many other Indo-European languages, such as Greek huios. Mother is one of the surviving words from Anglo-Saxon (starting as modor), which are among the most fundamental words in English. Mother has many cognates in other languages, including Old High German muoter, Dutch moeder, Old Norse mothir, Latin mater, Greek meter, and Sanskrit mat. These words share an Indo-European root. Father is derived from Latin pater and has cognates in many other languages; the word entered Old English as feder and foeder.

Source:
Dictionary.com

Curl Ambassadors

February 20, 2010

Yet another eventful Saturday involving a lot of running around and completing errands! One of the highlights was getting my hair cut. Having naturally curly hair has left me with a number of bad hair cuts in the past including something that made me look like a poodle or constantly leaving the salon with wonderfully stick straight hair, in which I never have the time or inclination to try to reproduce the next morning. However, in the last year or so, I’ve been going to a place called The Curl Ambassadors, who only deal in cutting and styling curly hair. I have not been disappointed! Today’s question is: what causes curly hair?

A: The obvious answer is that genetics plays a major role in whether a person has curly or straight hair. Even if both parents do not have curly hair, they may have the genetic markers that can be passed on to produced curly-haired children.

One of the biological reasons for curly hair is the shape of the hair follicle. Hair follicles are the tiny sacs in the skin of people's scalps. These sacs hold the hair bulb from which hair grows. As the hair grows, it emerges from the top of the hair follicle. People with curly hair have hair follicles that are shaped like an elongated oval. The direction that hair grows out from the scalp also determines if it will be curly. Within the follicle, the hair bulb may lie at a certain angle. This angle will determine in which direction hair will grow when it emerges from the scalp. Curly hair grows out of the scalp at a sharp angle because their bulbs sit to one side within their hair follicles.

Sources:

Understanding genetics

WikiAnswers: What scientifically causes curly hair?

Sitting on an atomic bomb about to go off

February 19, 2010

This evening, my roommate and I went to see the cult classic 'The Room' for the first time. The Royal Cinema in Toronto tends to show it monthly at midnight. 'The Room' was horrifyingly bad, which made it so good. This movie has everything, from terrible acting, editing inconsistencies, a disturbing 1990's slow jam soundtrack, revolting sex scenes and a nonsensical plot. Yet I challenge someone else to attempt something worse and make it just as entertaining. From the screening, it was obvious that there are some really hardcore people who enjoy shouting at the screen and throwing spoons, a la Rocky Horror Picture Show. Today's question is: what is the significance of the spoons in 'The Room'?

A: As a ‘The Room’ virgin, I was completely unaware that there is a framed picture of a spoon inside Johnny and Lisa’s living room. 'The Room' followers have become obsessed with the photo and shout “SPOON!” and hurl plastic picnic spoons at each other or at the screen each time it appears on screen.

So there you have it. If you end up seeing a midnight screening of this amazing display of horribleness, make sure to bring spoons with you!

Sources:
Independent Film Channel: “Everyone betray me!” A Primer on ‘The Room’
The A.V. Club: A Viewer’s Guide to The Room
Times Online: Cult hit The Room is the best worst film

Bit o' Bread

February 18, 2010

Today, I got to put my procurement skills to use. I'm helping to plan a bunch of focus groups and I need to order the all important food. And since I order food, indirectly, with tax payer dollars, it is important for me to schlep around getting quotes on how much food will cost. After nearly a week of calling around, visiting lunch spots and researching online, I went with the Croissant Tree. Mmmmm... croissants.

I like to think of myself as an intermediate level cook, however the only croissants I have ever attempted were these:

I know that it takes a long time and lots of patience to make croissants from scratch - and to be honest, I would rather just buy them from the store. Today's question is: what is the origin of the croissant?

A: The answer for this one fascinated me. Apparently, there is a long standing myth about where the croissant came from. In the 1938 book, Larousse Gastronomique by Alfred Gottschalk, it was detailed that the croissant was created in 1686 in Budapest, Hungary by a courageous and watchful baker, at a time when the city was being attacked by the Turks. Working late one night, he heard odd rumbling noises and alerted the city's military leaders. They found that the Turks were trying to get into the city by tunnelling under the city's walls. The tunnel was destroyed and the baker became a hero. However, the baker asked no reward other than the exclusive right to bake crescent-shaped pastries commemorating the incident, the crescent being the symbol of Islam.

This story has been reproduced and become the accepted history of this delicious, flaky and buttery bread. Unfortunately, it just a myth that has been accepted as truth. The real history of the croissant is less dramatic. The croissant originated in France in the 1830s. It was an adaptation by the Austrian baker, August Zang, of the Austrian bread called the kipfel. The first croissant recipe was published in 1891, but it wasn't the same kind of croissant we are familiar with today, the flakier version was subsequently published in 1905 in France.

Sources:

Food Time

O-Chef

Poetry

February 17, 2010

Another writing Wednesday and our little class will be moving on from the short story to poetry. I am not looking forward to taking on this section. I don't think I have the eloquence to be a poet. I also have difficulty interpreting the symbolism of poetry, which strips my enjoyment of it. There are a number of different styles of poetry - most of which I am unfamiliar - but my question is really one of definition. Today’s question is: what is a poem?

A:
Edgar Allan Poe said, "Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words."

A poem is identifiable by its literary and musical elements. For example, metaphor and alliteration are common in many poems. Another hallmark of a poem is its brevity, or ability to say much in few words. This requires layered meaning and the use of symbolism. A poem need not rhyme or contain a consistent meter to qualify as such, but those elements are common in many poems. Usually a poem is broken down into lines and stanzas. They can contain full sentences or just fragments, or a combination.

There are many forms of poetry such as:

Sonnet – the sonnet is the most popular form of poem. Sonnets are usually connected with poems about love. Shakespeare produced many well known sonnets, some of which can be found in the Oxford Book of English Verse.

Ode – an ode is a lyrical poem which is structured into three parts (strophe, antistrophe and the epode).

Haiku – Haiku is a form of unrhymed Japanese poetry, the haiku contains three sections totaling 17 onji (phonological units of syllable weighing), structured in a 5-7-5 pattern.

There are also many different genres for poems including epic poetry (narrative literature centered on mythical or heroic people), narrative poetry (poems which tell a story), dramatic poetry (written in verse), lyric poetry (usually describes the poet's feelings and thoughts).

Ugh. I’m not looking forward to it!

Sources:
eHow: What is a poem?
Wikipedia: Poetry

Mom, Pop, Suzy and Little Johnny

February 16, 2010


Today's post is a continuation of yesterday. I had quite an eventful day today - I went to see Editors in concert - but I was left questioning the "made up holiday" of the third Monday of February. In 2008, Dalton McGuinty, the Premier of Ontario, decided that Ontario would observe this as a statutory holiday just as the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan do. Today's question is: when did Alberta begin observing Family Day?

A: Family day was first observed in 1990 in Alberta, it was created to recognize the pioneers who first settled there and to emphasize the importance of the modern day family. Saskatchewan followed suit in 2007, and as mentioned above, Ontario began observing in 2008.

In researching, I came across this line from TimeandDate.com:

On Family Day, many people plan and take part in activities aimed at the whole family. These include visiting art exhibitions, watching movies, skating on outdoor ice rinks, playing board games and taking part in craft activities... As the weather is usually very cold in February, hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies are popular snacks.

Where these people think we live? A Hallmark snow globe?! Admittedly, I went skating with my brother, but had he not suggested it, I would have stayed in bed and been the miserable, antisocial, biotch that I normally am! ;)

Source:
Calendar: Family Day

Oh Canada

February 15, 2010


Today is an important day for Canadians - no, it's not that made up "Family Day" holiday - today is flag day. I only know this because of a newspaper article that my roommate pointed out to me. So, an opportunity to research. Today's question is: when was the Canadian flag incepted?

A: Red and white were designated as Canada's official colours in 1921 by His Majesty King George V.

Dr. George Stanley designed the current flag, which is inspired by the Royal Military College of Canada’s flag, and chose to use the single maple leaf because it could clearly be seen from a distance. The multi-party parliamentary committee formed to select a new flag unanimously chose the design on October 29, 1964. The House of Commons passed the design on December 15, 1964. Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed the new flag on January 28, 1965, and it was inaugurated on February 15 in the same year.

In 1996, Februrary 15th officially proclaimed National Flag of Canada Day.

Source:
Canadian Heritage: National Flag of Canada Day

VD

February 14, 2010

Oh, another Valentine's Day. Some people believe that Valentine's Day is nothing more than a commercialized holiday and that couples should show their love for each other every day. I agree. However having been married, I also know that paying the bills, cleaning the toilet, cooking meals and the mundane tasks of daily living usually robs the romance from relationships, so I believe that a day set aside to reignite the love is not such a bad idea. Being single this Valentine's Day stings a little bit, not for lack of gifts or flowers, but a reminder of the lack of romantic love in my life. Regardless, I decided to make the most of it by watching break-up movies with a duo of friends. We indulged in 'Annie Hall', 'Cashback' and 'Lars and the Real Girl' - all wonderfully quirky films about romantic relationships - and a caramel apple upside down cake. Today's question is: what is the most popular Valentine's Day gift?

A: Well, it seems that VD really is a Hallmark holiday! According to the Greeting Card Association (yes, there really is a trade organization devoted to greeting cards and stationary!) 190 million cards are sent each year, that is excluding the ones that school children send.

According to the annual consumer survey, conducted by the National Retail Federation, fifty-five percent of the US consumers were planning to send at least one Valentine's card this year.

Source:

National Geographic: Valentine's Day Facts

Tribute to a Lost Love

Saturday, February 13

This is a very sad day for me. On the second Saturday in February of 2009, I took my whippet puppy, for her first puppy training class. The fact that she was hyper, disobedient and shat on the floor has nothing to do with the sadness I feel. It’s that Moss was mauled to death last May and I miss her terribly. Today dredged up all the feelings of loss as if the incident had just happened. I have considered getting another puppy, but have waited partly because I don’t want to feel as if I’m replacing her and partly because of my living situation (four cats, two humans and a puppy in a carpeted basement apartment sounds like a recipe for disaster). In time, I may be ready to bring a new little whippet into my life, but for now, I will honour the memory of my lost love, Moss. Today’s question is: how intelligent are Whippets?

A: According to Stanley Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs", there are three types of dog intelligence:

• Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability). This is specific to the individual animal and is measured by canine IQ tests.
  
• Instinctive Intelligence. Which is also specific to the individual animal and measured by canine IQ tests.
  
• Working/Obedience Intelligence. This is breed dependent.

There are seventy-nine breeds included in this ranking. The author used "understanding of new commands" and "obey first command" as his standards of intelligence. Although it must be noted that this ranking is heavily weighted on obedience, which may categorize dogs bred for hunting in a lower rating due to their independent nature, but does not mean that they are unintelligible or hard to train.

Whippets are listed in the Average Working/Obedience Intelligence category ranked number 51 of 79. Despite being in the lower half of the ranking, a study in the Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science - and posted on the Discovery website - explained that Whippets are considered to be one of the least aggressive dog breeds.

Sources:
Intelligence of Dogs

Bouquets of Glory

February 12, 2010
Today is the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. As I’m not a huge winter sports fan, I am not a die hard watcher of the Olympic Games, yet I am completely spellbound by the opening ceremony. I actually got teary eyed when Steve Nash, Wayne Gretzky, Rick Hansen, Nancy Greene and Catriona Le May Doan lit the larger Olympic torch. As Vancouver 2010 dominated conversations today, someone told me that the bouquets that are given to medal winners are very special; however they could not articulate more than that. Today’s question is: what flowers make up the Olympic bouquets? (And what makes them so darn special?!)

A: The Olympic bouquets are made of flowers and greenery that are grown in Canada. The victory bouquets contain:

Hypericum berries

Green spider mums

Leatherleaf fern

Monkey grass

Aspidistra leaves

The greenery is bound together by a royal blue ribbon and the handles are made of recycled paper. All packaging and wrapping are sourced according to sustainability principles and delivery is governed by a carbon management program.

Now, what makes these bouquets so special has nothing to do with what is in them or how they are transported; it is in who is making them. The flowers are selected and the bouquets are handmade by marginalized women, recovering from addiction, leaving the sex trade or released from prison. The bouquets are produced by a small business and social enterprising partnership between florist Margitta Schulz and a social service organization called Just Beginnings Non-Profit Society. Just Beginnings is a flower shop and floral training facility for women with barriers to employment. The women are provided with an experience that connects them with top athletes as well as employability skills for future opportunities.

Sources:

Canadian Florist Magazine

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games

Nelson Mandela

February 11, 2010

Today marks the 20-year anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. Mr. Mandela had been in jail for 27-years for his actions in protest of the apartheid system in South Africa.

I can remember being ten years old on the day the nation and the world rejoiced as the instrumental leader in changing the South African segregation policies was set free. I remember writing a story that outlined why Nelson Mandela was my hero; although at the time I don’t think I grasped the magnitude of what apartheid was or why his release from imprisonment was such an important event. Today’s question is: how long was the apartheid policy in place?

A: Apartheid is the Afrikaans word for ‘apartness’ and was used in the 1930’s as a political slogan of the South African National Party. The social customs of apartheid had been in practice since the colonial times of the 1650’s, however became systemized under law in 1948 when the Afrikaner Nationalists came into power. The new legislation segregated people into racial groups, the segregation extended to residential areas, medical care, education and other government services providing inferior services to non-whites.

The apartheid policies were met with much internal and international resistance. A number of black political groups opposed apartheid by using a variety of tactics, including violence, strikes, demonstrations, and sabotage strategies that were often met with severe reprisals by the government. In 1961 South Africa was forced to withdraw from the British Commonwealth and in 1985 the US and UK governments imposed selective economic sanction on South Africa due to opposition of apartheid.

In 1990, President Fredrik Willem de Klerk, under external anti-apartheid pressure, began dismantling the apartheid policies. De Klerk cultivated a National Party government dedicated to reform and saw the legalization of formerly banned black congresses and the release of imprisoned black leaders.

After the 42-years of apartheid, the policies had been abolished – although, there is debate on whether the vestiges of the system still play a role in South African politics and society.

Sources:
African Encyclopedia: Apartheid
BBC News: Nelson Mandela’s 1990 release celebrated in South Africa
Wikipedia: South Africa under apartheid

Chocolate and Froot

February 10, 2010

Today, I awoke and felt horrible. I was exhausted and achy and just all 'round ill. As my day was uneventful and filled with bad daytime telly, I don't have a question based on the events of my activities. However, I did have my regular read of the Beeb and it gave me an answer to a question that has plagued me for decades yet have not ventured to ask. Today's question is: side-by-side, what are the difference in various aspects, of a banana and a Kit Kat bar?

A: This post is another cop-out as the answer, although interesting, was re-printed (without permission) by the BBC. Regardless, here it is:

THE GREAT SNACK STAND-OFF

POPULARITY
The United Kingdom's best-selling fruit by far: 231 bananas eaten every second on average.

The UK's best-selling confectionery brand: 47 KitKats are eaten every second on average.

CALORIES
There are 105 in a medium banana (CalorieKing)

There are 230 in a traditional four-finger bar (Nestle)

FAT
The banana contains 0.4g fat (1% daily recommended intake)/0.1g sat fat (1% daily recommended intake)

The Kit Kat contains 12g fat (18% daily recommended intake)/7g sat fat (36% daily recommended intake)


HEALTH BENEFITS
Rich source of potassium, essential for good blood pressure and heart function, and fibre. A medium banana has roughly 400mg of potassium, 11% of your daily recommended intake and 3.1g of fibre, 12% of your daily recommended intake. Also helps regulate blood sugar levels and slowly release energy.

Not brimming with vitamins and minerals, but has some calcium - good for bones and teeth - and iron, good for blood and transporting oxygen around the body. One four-finger bar provides 6% of recommended daily calcium intake and 8% of recommended daily iron intake. Also has 1g of fibre.

DOWNSIDES
Unripe bananas can cause constipation. High fibre content means eating too many can cause bloating and wind.

Gives a sugar rush but not very filling. Even has 0.1g of trans fat, the food nasty that is bad for the heart.

SATISFACTION
Limited satisfaction - it's simply fuel for most people. The banana experience can be spiced up if thrown in a fruit smoothie, or baked in a tasty muffin, but the latter is not so healthy.

Mmmm. Good mouth-feel. And snapping off a finger can be a very satisfying sound, particularly if it is the sound of friends sharing the snack. Rare all-chocolate finger is bliss.

VARIETY
Comes in three sizes - small, medium or large. Colour, texture and taste varies as the banana ripens from woody and green to mushy and nearly black. Dried banana chips add an extra frisson to the selection.

Four fingers or two. Chunky. Dark chocolate. White chocolate. Mint. Orange. Caramel. Cappuccino. Apple (Japan). Hazelnut (Germany). Even banana flavoured in Canada. The list goes on and on...

FOLKLORE
Fishermen associate bananas with bad luck. One popular theory suggests this is because venomous spiders hitched rides in banana crates - and once onboard would bite and kill crew.

Parents in Japan swear by KitKats when their youngsters are taking exams. The phrase "Kitto Katsu" apparently translates as "you will surely win". The bars are often given as a good-luck gift.

DANGERS
A slip on a banana skin is painful and very embarrassing.

Dunkers run the risk of burning their actual fingers on hot beverages.

CULTURAL IMPACT
The banana-skin slip has been a comedy classic for generations and across cultures. It's made the world laugh.

It's a global chocolate bar, that cuts through cultural differences. The world shares the UK's love of KitKats.

PORTABILITY
Easily battered about and squashed. Can look obscene in a trouser pocket.

Flat and slips very neatly into pockets or bags, but easily melts and snaps.

HISTORY
Mentioned in Buddhist texts in 600 BC. Alexander the Great discovered the fruit in India in 327 BC. Organised banana plantations could be found in China back in 200 AD.

Launched in 1935 and was originally called Chocolate Crisp. From 1945-47, sported a blue wrapper when plain chocolate was used due to milk shortages after the war.

ETHICAL CREDENTIALS
One in every four bananas sold in UK supermarkets is now Fairtrade, with sales topping £150m. But there has been a long-running international trade dispute, with tariffs on some countries that produce the fruit for European markets.

The four-finger KitKat was certified as Fairtrade in the UK and Ireland in January 2010. Although parent company Nestle does have a chequered reputation for ethics, with consumer boycotts over the years because of its promotion of baby milk formula in Africa.

THE GOD FACTOR
Christian activist Ray Comfort says bananas are proof of God's existence - they are so perfectly suited to our hands, God must have created them expressly for our benefit.

A Dutch website reported last April that a man had claimed to have seen the face of Jesus in the centre of a KitKat Chunky he had just taken a bite out of.

Source:
BBC News - Snack stand-off: Banana v KitKat