HurryUpFashion

CBC News - Politics - Japan, U.S. targeted whaling watchdog: WikiLeaks

2011-01-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

CBC News - Politics - Japan, U.S. targeted whaling watchdog: WikiLeaks

Why I love wikileaks

Thousands of dead fish turn up in Arkansas | Weird | News | Toronto Sun

2011-01-03T13:05:00.000-08:00

A day after 5000 birds fell from the Arkansas sky, now thousands of fish are dying. I don't think as the Toronto Sun classified this as "weird" news...I think this is REAL news.
Scary and sad.

Just one day before some 5,000 blackbirds fell from the sky in Arkansas, piles of dead fish turned up on a nearby shore, though wildlife officials say it's just a coincidence.

On Thursday, officials discovered between 80,000 to 100,000 dead drum fish along a 32 km stretch of the Arkansas River near Ozark.

Mark Oliver, chief of fisheries for the state's Game and Fish Commission, said the fish probably died of disease. He insists there's no connection between the fish deaths and the 5,000 blackbirds that fell dead from the sky on New Year's Eve just 200 km away in the community of Beebe.

“We don't see any possible way they're related,” said Oliver. “It's just a coincidence, but an interesting one.”

The birds started dropping at around 11:30 p.m., landing on cars and homes, lawns and roads.

The fish and bird deaths have prompted Christian media to quote Bible passages warning about the end times, while conspiracy theory websites tout it as evidence of UFOs. But the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission assures there's a scientific explanation.

About 65 of the dead birds have been sent to the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission lab and the National Wildlife Health Center lab in Madison, Wis., for testing. Fish samples have been sent to the University of Arkansas for testing. Results are expected in two to three weeks.

The commission believes lightning or fireworks caused the blackbird deaths. In a statement, ornithologist Karen Rowe said this sort of thing has happened before in other countries.

“Test results usually were inconclusive, but the birds showed physical trauma and that the flock could have been hit by lightning or high-altitude hail,” Rowe said.

She said fireworks shot off in the area could have startled the birds from their roost, causing them to die of stress.

Starting the year in Holland

2011-01-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

Muchu in his less then hairy days. Much more beautiful fur now. Will post more pix

Airplane shot flying to France in May 2010.

I'm off to Amsterdam, Holland in less than a month doing post production on Co Hoedeman's short animation film 55 Socks. I'll get back to my recording studio and continue on the music soundtrack in a few minutes. Then I'm off to Budapest Hungary for a really cool voice recognition project. The new year was a quiet one but just a chill moment for the rest of the year which already has me busy travelling until March at least.
I'm also in home renovation mode. I guess making it pretty for me upon my return! I'm a bit nervous about leaving my dogs Tika and Muchu here. Muchu is a new pooch (now makes two), a Samoyed. Samoyeds are the most ancient dog breed about 2000 years old origininating from Siberia, and was a nomadic dog of the Samoyed people. They were the only dogs allowed into the igloo to keep the children and babies warm. Muchu was found in the Laurentian Mountains all matted.He was with a rescue group when I got him. but I'm worried he'll miss me and think he's been abandoned or lost again Then again probably not since a friend is house sitting.
I guess I'm the one who needs some consoling.

Radio like TV circa 1951:The Slow Death of Rock 'n Roll

2010-03-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

Radio Silence: The Slow Death of Rock 'n Roll on the Airwaves
True enough turn on most FM stations and you're not going to hear anything on radio you haven't heard last month, last year, or five years ago. Is radio the last frontier, the final bastion of withering music industry guards? Yeah.It's too bad they haven't thought an opportunity knocks but what can one expect when you've invested millions to keep the common music makers at bay? Eventually you find a revolution takes place. So once the final Chrysler and GM cars are at the dump, Hybrids will be common place and perhaps windmills in every neighbourhood will we know that music is no longer alternative versus commercial. It will be music without the ball and chain of bad taste ( or perhaps simply "old news") and old investments near bankruptcy.

In April 1949, The Fred Waring Television Show became the first weekly one-hour musical show on television. Their weekly “spectaculars" on CBS-TV, sponsored by General Electric, captured numerous awards for Best Musical Show

Red Cross Haiti EarthQuake Animation created by children

2010-02-12T05:23:00.000-08:00

Oscar winning animation Co Hoedeman directs this short animation created by children of the 6th grade class at Ecole Notre Dame de la Gare in Montreal. These workshops are presented by Le Rendez Vous de Cinema Quebecoise; presented as a collaboration with MusiVision, music and foley by CHIWAWA. The animation subject, the earthquake, was a spontaneous gesture by the children. The animation was donated to the Red Cross for them to use freely. It is the children of Haiti who are the most vulnerable. Please donate generously.Spread the word spread the video!

Donate Now.

CTV Ottawa newsroom destroyed by fire

2010-02-08T04:27:00.000-08:00

How can a news station storing news archives burn, where we thought cultural memories would have/should have/could have been digitized by now, accessible forever more, get charred to black bits - not bytes? At least some fireproof vaults? CTV Ottawa vice-president and general manager Louis Douville said the station’s historical video archives, dating back to 1961, may be in jeopardy as well.
Damage is estimated at around $2.5 million belonging to CJOH, the local Ottawa branch of CTVGlobeMedia. Where were their backups? Why weren't they digitized? After all surely they themselves require E & O insurance to cover producers from such disasters.
Incompetence? Head in the sand? Feeling untouchable. A tremendous loss. Pity.

“Right now that’s the least of our concerns,” Douville said. “It’s too early to assess.”

Firefighters work at the scene of a fire that gutted the CTV Ottawa newsroom early Sunday morning.

A cultural and broadcasting landmark went up in smoke early Sunday morning.

The fire appears to have started in or near the CTV Ottawa — formerly CJOH — building’s newsroom on the second floor around 4:15 a.m.

The fire ramped up to a four-alarm blaze, with a total of 16 fire trucks.

The fire only caused smoke damage to the five-storey part of the building, but destroyed CTV Ottawa’s newsroom.

“My entire life was in there,” said anchor Max Keeping of his office. “My awards, files, even my income tax.”

One of the firefighters told him he tried to save a few of the pictures by setting them aside. Though it’s not known if they were spared.

“A lot of pictorial mementos have been destroyed,” Keeping said, “I’m not sure what priceless memories are preserved in there.”

He said the newsroom and all its contents, and those of the reporters, are gone.

“The news archives are gone,” he said.

Chaplin early film Restored. Adult content?

2010-01-30T04:20:00.000-08:00

The world will regard Charlie Chaplin's early works with new perspective and will evolve as important archives are refurbished, shedding new light on his development as filmmaker.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

* Chaplin's early films show he wasn't always the loveable tramp of his later works
* The films are being refurbished as part of an international effort to preserve his film heritage
* British Film Institute one of the organizations helping his films live on
* Restored Chaplin films show his evolution as a performer in new light, highlight his comic mastery

London, England (CNN) -- Charlie Chaplin won the world over playing the Little Tramp, but the comic actor wasn't always such a loveable guy.

In his early films, Chaplin is "quite nasty, quite naughty, quite adult," according to Bryony Dixon, a curator at the British Film Institute.

"His expressions are funny and delightful, although he is not quite the character he later becomes," she told CNN. "He becomes nicer as time goes on, and more sympathetic as a character."

It's possible now to see Chaplin's evolution as a performer in a new light, thanks to an ambitious international effort launched by the BFI, Cineteca Bologna and Lobster Films to restore Chaplin's earliest comedies.

In a bid to preserve Chaplin's film heritage, the project has since 2003 been restoring his earliest comedies -- a collection of films he made in 1914 when he was starting out at Hollywood studio Keystone.
Video: Charlie Chaplin restored

In the span of the year he was working at Keystone, Chaplin underwent an "amazing transformation," Dixon said. In the films, "you see how he goes from being a stage performer to being a film star," she said.

Born in a south London slum in 1889, Chaplin's status as one of the most influential artists in cinematic history endures. He inspired a generation of filmmakers, including Richard Attenborough, and his influence can be seen in recent films like Pixar's "Wall-E."

Often touted as one of Britain's greatest exports to Hollywood, an exhibition devoted to his life and career opened earlier this month at London's Film Museum.

But, when he was just starting out at Keystone, he didn't have control over his prints or what happened to them. Keystone, which owned his films, would cut them up and reissue them with different titles, particularly as Chaplin's popularity grew, Dixon said.

As a result, over the years, bits of his films were rearranged into other works. These mutilated copies, with their disrupted narratives and lack of continuity, detracted from the reputation of his earliest films, which were widely viewed as being of poor quality.

But the refurbished films highlight his comic mastery, Dixon told CNN. As soon as the quality is restored, "suddenly you understand what a brilliant performer he is," she said.

When repairing a film, the aim is to create a film as close to its original release condition as possible, according to Kieron Webb, technical director at the BFI. Archivists essentially work out a film's original shape and texture and build it up from scratch

The restoration of movies like "A Film Johnnie," (1914) which was undertaken by the BFI, can be a painstaking process that requires tough decisions.

*

Canada Facebook Privacy Faceoff

2010-01-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

Canada's privacy commission is again investigating Facebook after receiving a new complaint from the public regarding how the website handles users' data

This is kind of bizarre yeah? This guy thinks Facebook can change human behaviour in a couple of years.
Maybe.
Facebook has been dealing with privacy concerns around the world for much of the past year. Website founder Mark Zuckerberg provoked controversy this month while speaking at a conference in San Francisco when he said that privacy was no longer a social norm.

"People have really gotten comfortable not only sharing more information and different kinds, but more openly and with more people," he said. "That social norm is just something that has evolved over time."

CBC News - Arts - Apple unveils iPad tablet computer

2010-01-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

Apple unveils iPad tablet computer

Chief executive Steve Jobs announced the device — basically a supersized iPod Touch.
I knew it I knew it I knew it. I knew Mr. Jobs wasn't going to do more than introduced a bigger version. We're still at the edge of revolutionary but I'd say that the iPhone, iTouch did this two years ago. The mini-me's were the real ground breakers.
The next big thing I'm waiting for is the foldable screen and buttons projects from strands of ribbon that you can tuck nto your ocket or squash in your back pocket.

Domino's trashes its old pizza, then introduces a new one

2010-01-25T21:01:00.000-08:00

MIDEM announces Most significant development since MP3

2010-01-25T16:19:00.000-08:00

Norwegian-based Bach Technology Ltd. has launched a new digital music format that industry observers are calling the most significant development since the MP3.

MusicDNA is a media extension that embeds additional content into a musical file so that users can enjoy lyrics, news updates and music videos when downloaded.

Introduced at the MIDEM music industry meeting in Cannes, the new format is being touted as a way of enticing music fans to buy their music from legitimate sites because of the additional incentives, which can include a range of artist information as well as tour updates and Twitter feeds.

The proposed look of MusicDNA, a full-service digital music format that is more than a song. (Courtesy Bach Tehnology) "Standard audio is not enough to convince consumers to pay for content anymore. You have to bring them a better total music experience,"

CBC News - Canada - Haiti talks in Montreal focus on rebuilding

2010-01-25T05:12:00.000-08:00

CBC News - Canada - Haiti talks in Montreal focus on rebuilding

The minute we heard about the quake devastation we donated money to World Vision. In the meantime people could still be saved from the rubble see blog below about bulldozed recscue sites. In the meantime Montreal home of a 150,000 large Haitian population, is hosting a rebuilding conference.

International talks on Haiti, scheduled to open Monday,, will focus on the "critical first steps" in rebuilding the earthquake-ravaged country, not on how much money is needed for the monumental task, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon.

Cannon, who will chair the meeting, told a briefing in Ottawa on Sunday that a larger donor co-ordination conference on reconstruction is expected to take place in the coming months.

The Canadian death toll in Haiti rose to 20 on Sunday afternoon, up from the 19 that Cannon announced earlier in the day. Twelve days after the 7.0 quake, the number of missing Canadians fell to 207 from 213 mentioned earlier in the day.

Chimpanzees make BBC documentary!

2010-01-25T04:30:00.000-08:00

Chimpanzees of Budongo Trail

just a two of a few

Cindy

Born 1964 (estimated), Africa

The “cool granny” of the group and oldest female, Cindy is the mother of Lyndsey and grandmother of Kilimi, Kindia, and Liberius. She is great at solving puzzles and likes to interact with people, which is why she easily led the way in training for activities in The Chimpcam Project. Two of her favourite foods are leeks and spring onions. She can be easily spotted by her petite frame and the spikey hair on the top of her head.

David

Born 2 March 1975, Edinburgh Zoo

David is a strong adult male with a round, grey head, damaged left ear, and short limbs compared to the rest of the group. He was one of the dominant males a few years back and still commands respect from the others. When choosing to participate in research pod activities, we could always count on him to have a delicate touch when making selections at the test window by using one finger to press the screen instead of using his fist.

I knew they could do it. These chimpanzees have made their own film.
Airing on
Natural World: The Chimpcam Project
Broadcast dates:
- BBC2, 8pm on 27 January 2010
- Animal Planet (USA), date TBD

The research conducted for The Chimpcam Project is non-invasive, meaning that it does NOT cause pain or discomfort and allows the chimpanzees the choice to participate or not. In Budongo Trail, there are dedicated research areas in full public view where visitors can watch science in action!

For The Chimpcam Project, before giving the chimps a camcorder, the team wanted to help teach the chimps about the concept of video. This is where science came into play. To work towards this goal and to fulfill the requirements of a PhD project, the team designed a series of studies that would teach the chimps about the properties of video and allow us to learn from them in the process.

Bulldozers flatten Haiti rescue site

2010-01-25T03:15:00.000-08:00

I've been haunted by a CBC radio report I heard last night while driving home. A rescue team convinced there could be survivors beneath the rubble of a supermarket had been carefully digging the remains of a flattened building in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. The team been working on the site for days trying to get to the two open levels beneath the rubble where there was food for possible survivors to sustain themselves. The rescue mission was officially cancelled yesterday and now called a recovery. The Canadian rescue team tried to fend of the demolition crew when they arrived with their bulldozers but the demolition crew went ahead and flattened the work despite the pleas of rescuers who had been optimistic about the possibility of survivors.
Imagine bulldozing survivors after 13 days? This is worse then any nightmare.
The crime of the earthquake was the bureaucracy. Hell on earth.

Transmedia - buzz word of the moment?

2010-01-24T03:23:00.000-08:00

we'll say Transmedia so 2010

Visit Transmedium

BBC's Tom Robinson's Introducing

2010-01-23T18:04:00.000-08:00

BBCintroduces the latest or oldest undiscovered talents; artists on the world wide web space infinitely. A cool way to hear new outta this world musics, artists and crooners of the alternative pop contemporary genre.
Have a good listen with your eyes wide shut.

JADE LEARY - Let The Towers Shake
http://www.myspace.com/jadeleary

WARNING HEAT RAY - Spit it out
http://www.myspace.com/thegreenstoneproject

THE FNORDS - Barring Lilith
http://www.myspace.com/thefnords

KOOLAID ELECTRIC COMPANY - Untitled #1
http://www.myspace.com/thekoolaidelectriccompany

NOAH KELLY – Ursula
www.myspace.com/noahkellyband

CAROLINE ENGLAND - Foolish
http://www.myspace.com/carolineengland

A GENUINE FREAKSHOW - We Are The Undercurrents
http://www.myspace.com/agenuinefreakshow

CHIWAWA - Loves Got Heart
http://www.myspace.com/chiwawatheband

LUKE LEIGHFIELD - If You Haven't Got Anything To Say
http://www.myspace.com/simplylukeleighfield

TIM AND SAM’S Tim and Sam's Tim and the Sam Band with Tim and Sam - Join The Dots
http://www.myspace.com/timandsamstimandthesambandwithtimandsam

BETHAN ELFYN’S TIP FROM BBC INTRODUCING RADIO 1 WALES
GRAVEYARD JOHNNYS - Coming Home
http://www.myspace.com/graveyardjohnnys

MATTEO SCUMACI - Chambermaid
http://www.myspace.com/tayscumaci

Music Industry sales continue to nose dive

2010-01-23T06:32:00.001-08:00

LCD Soundsystem - North American Scum

2010-01-22T08:13:00.000-08:00

LCD Soundsystem - North American Scum
relly digg this band funny silver starling of the new world order

http://blip.fm/lapdog

2010-01-22T07:32:00.000-08:00

http://blip.fm/lapdog

very cool Blip.fm dj lapdog

Ryan Larkin's "Spare Change" - My mixed animation life

2009-08-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

Well, by serendipitous events I have become who I am. I have expanded my network of people, by expanding new people and opportunities into my life...I wish to thank -

"CUT".
...take 4.

Still pondering attending London International Animation Festival...I have 24 hours to go. To go means like buy a ticket and fly over the pond Atlantic as I wave "Helloooo, ..." to Hurricane Bill.

"Oooh Noooo..it's Mr. Bill." I love airplanes and airports, I hate turbulence. Like my dear Gerald Potterton, who despite his extreme passion for model airplanes and having been a navigator for the RAF, is not that keen on being a passenger.

Other than that there are loads of wonderful animated people I could meet in ol' London town, and perhaps connect for future projects. My dear friend who I miss very much, Ryan Larkin's film "Spare Change" is playing on August 28 in the Panorama programme. Finally done and now in the film fest world, "Spare Change" will have its television premiere on Bravo television in September. 20 September on Bravo! with repeats on Bravo! Friday, 25 September *and* Saturday, 26 September at 8:00 am.(Canada)

It will also air on "A" in Victoria British Columbia on Saturday, 26 September at 11:00 pm local time; and in Ontario on "A" in Barrie, London, Windsor, Wingham and Ottawa Ontario, on Saturday, 26 September at 6:30 pm local time.

That's it that's all folks...

I Danced with Michael Jackson & Elvis aka "Daddy"

2009-06-27T08:26:00.001-07:00

MySpace.com Blogs - CHIWAWA MySpace Blog

Shared via AddThis
When I was just a baby my father died. My older sister had an Elvis poster a closeup of his face, on her bedroom wall. This image would trigger a wish that Elvis was my daddy. I didn't understand that he was famous but the kindness that shown through his eyes in the poster was all I needed. I would often ask "Mommy, why don't you marry Elvis."? A few years later, I went to see an outdoor Jackson 5 concert in Montreal at an amusement park venue, certainly not the biggest venue around. A new group, The Commodores, a band I had never heard of, was the opening act and I remember screaming my head off when the lead singer, Lionel Ritchie, announced to the crowd that he was a Gemini. Did I even understand astrology? No, of course not. But there was a connection and this is what excited me.
When the Jackson 5 came on, I danced and danced non-stop until the show was over. I was so small, I don't think I was even able to see them on the stage. I was on the grounds, my sister sitting on the seats behind me. I was lost in a world of music, only able to listen to Michael and his brothers. But I had enough space around me to dance all by myself. I cared not of being alone. I had a feeling someone was watching me. I was so young I must have looked out of place but I felt the connection. Michael was my first crush and I remember after that J5 concert, I could not fall asleep at night. I was love lorn and would fall asleep with a Tiger Beat poster of Michael under my pillow. For years, I wished that he and I could kind of one on one dance together. He had an almost Fred Astaire elegance about him even in black leather.
Elvis would die when I was in Italy vacationing during summer break. I remember seeing an Italian newspaper and reading "Elvis Morte". But I assumed it must have been his father. Elvis was simply too young to die. I was all shook up.
Years would pass and indeed when Thriller came out,I was thinking, "Oh it's you again." How you doing, Michael? But the truth be told, I was never as connected to Michael again in the same way, not because I didn't love his new music but simply he was like an old familiar face. It was now the time for another even bigger audience to discover the new MJ. He was more like a friend coming around the old neighbourhood to say "Hello". Michael was already important to me and now the world was catching on like never before.
When the news flashed that Michael died, "Michael Jackson est Mort" I was somehow not phased but not because I didn't care, not because I didn't think he was special anymore. I perhaps unconsciously had felt that Michael had been gone a long time ago. Of course when I hear his music now everywhere I go from car stereos blasting down my street to the grocery store, it is painful and I wish they would stop playing the music. It's hard to hear his voice these days. Soon enough this phase of mourning will pass. It has occurred to me that indeed, my wish did come true. I did dance with Michael, in a frenzy of groove and creative spirituality at the outdoor amusement park so many years earlier. My wish had happened but I didn't realize it until Michael died.

Yellow Submarine & Heavy Metal! Interview today...

2009-04-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

Today I will clear my head of conspiracy theories and bad music. It's not obvious having been partial for so long, myself an avid consumer of all things news and media, culture and not so much. Today I am a documentary film producer interviewing none other than Gerald Potterton, director of Heavy Metal and the Beatles Yellow Submarine.Very looking to this. Taking a ride with my best friend...
it's a free association day.
Bye for the mo' and I'll give you news later!

Italian Earthquake was predicted

2009-04-07T05:17:00.001-07:00

...And my best friend and mom saw a two different TV news report A FEW DAYS PRIOR (one on English TV the other on French) that there had been a 6.3 earthquake in Italy...and then silence - until yesterday.
Why?

Reuter's link is above and a summarized version here.
The silence is numbing and fatal.

The first tremors in the region were felt in mid-January and continued at regular intervals, creating mounting alarm in the medieval city, about 100 km (60 miles) east of Rome.

Vans with loudspeakers drove around the town a month ago telling locals to evacuate their houses after Giuliani, from the National Institute of Astrophysics, predicted a large quake was on the way, prompting the mayor's anger.

Bildenburg 2009 in Athens greece

2009-04-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

2009 Bilderberg Meeting to be Held in Athens

The Bilderberg club is famous for gathering the most powerful people in the world at least once per year. There, they can talk behind closed doors. This year, the club will organize its meeting in Athens between 14th and 16th of May, says Elefterios Tipos newspaper.

In the list of invited guests are the Queen of Netherlands Beatrix, the Spanish Queen Sophia, and diplomats from the rank of the US National Security Council James Jones. Also among the invited are ministers of foreign affairs like the Turkish one Ali Babacan, who will get the chance for a tête-à-tête meeting with the Greek minister of foreign affairs Dora Bakoyanni. Except for political figures, the meeting will host representatives of giant companies like Domenico Siniscalco from “Morgan Stanley”.

From Greek side participants will be the Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and the leader of the opposition party PASOK Georgios Papandreou, as well as ministers and powerful figures from political and public life of the country like the president of the National Bank of Greece Takis Arapoglou and the chairman of the public telecommunications company OTE Panayotis Vourloumis.

Except for the 30-35 permanent members of the Bilderberg Club, the list of invited people change every year depending on who can influence the developments on the international scene. On the meeting will be present also the management of NATO, politicians, publishers, and journalists.

“The silence law” is the first rule, which all invited to the world of Bilderberg must abide to. This is why the daily schedule remains secret but the current events leave no doubt that the main topic of discussion will be the global economic crisis.

The history of Bilderberg Club passes through secret meetings in distant hotels and discussions, which no one learns about. The three day meetings in the club are covered by a veil of mystery and many conspiracy theories start, which create different hypothesis for the activities in the club. “Times” daily newspaper writes that “the Bilderberg Club is the camarilla of the richest economically and politically powerful people in the Western world, who meet in secret, in order to plan events, which later on just happen.”

The headquarters of the club is in the Dutch city Leiden, and the first meeting of the club takes place in May of 1954 in Hotel Bilderberg, which name has the club. The main rules are that the meetings continue for three days from 08:00am until 08:00pm with a small lunch break. For each topic, the orators have five minutes to put forward their arguments and after that, the rest have 2 minutes each for a comment.

The key figure in founding this club was Joseph Retinger, who is the supporter of the economical and military unification idea of Europe. By using his strong connections, Retinger realizes his idea for a secret meeting, where all discussions are done behind closed doors. He remains the secretary of the club until his death in 1960.

Daniel Espulin, The Obama Deception & Bad Music

2009-04-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

I just saw the Obama Deception. The problem with these "conspiracy" films such as this one, Loose Change, etc is that they incorporate "scary movie music" which for me, detracts from the content and questions the credibility of what these films aspire to do. If you can wait through the bad intro graphics and try hard to block out the overly ambitious intro music then you may experience an epiphany. That's the power of good or bad music as well as bad graphics. Now to the meat & potatoes -I'm not surprised about what these films are claiming. It's black and white with some gray but if people put on the reading glasses and bother to pay attention, then you start to see some semblance of reality. Change is a big word that we want to believe we want, but in fact there is the mentality of the masses and to this we are ball and chained, like the morning coffee I personally can't live without. Like the flyers that implore you to buy your new lawn chair and bar-b-que for the summer months, the new rubber mat for the kitchen and new spring cloths. Consumerism is a huge way we can make change and prevent or slowdown the NWO (it's definition is gray). We must take responsibility for the world economic meltdown. we are players in this and we are now paying with foreclosures and insurmountable debt and its our fault. We fell for it hook line and sinker. If you want to implement change and truly have a real "never again" then stop reading those Sunday morning flyers, re-evaluate your wants and needs.

It's straight forward that after a government MC'd by Bush, that an ideal, idealized, idolilized tribalized President Obama just wouldn't come from the heaven's like Superman. The clenches and powers above and behind him, are way too stong to allow true change. The face is different, his colour is hopeful, but the truth is, is that the back drop has changed but that's it. The presidential elections are nothing different than American Idol and Rumsfeld is Paula, Cheney is Simon, and we have the networks and sponsors in the guise of lobby groups and supporters and volunteers. I first got suspicious when Evangelical minister Pastor Rick Warren was invited to deliver the invocation at his inauguration ceremony January 20, 2009. My brain clicked and wondered "what's going on?" Just three days later on January 23, 2009, Obama changed the abortion laws reversing a ban implemented by George W. Bush, on funding for international groups that perform abortions or provide information about the procedures to women abroad. The choice for Warren was to appease the far right/pro abortion lobby and get the democrats and "lefties" pissed off, but just for just a few days until the laws were changed. By inviting Warren, Obama would momentarily a appease both sides (albeit on different days) because the purported NWO doesn't give a hoot about right or left. And indeed the NWO probably does prefer abortions if what these "conspiracy" films claim, is true or close to. Daniel Espulin wears the wrong cloths and perhaps his megaphone is just "...so Ohio State" . The world needs the new Lech Walesa's to instigate change and Espulin may be the man. At the very least Espulin has guts and is fearless. I'm surprised he hasn't died in a "car accident" yet. He may not be right on all counts (thanks to the horror move music) but there truth to much of his claims.

Just say NWOooooo - the "w" is silent

2009-04-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Orange Alert! Yeah this G20 London Summit thing..wasn't it like G8 before? Deal makers the new world order...Just say NWOoooooo! Nwooooo woah!
Today's CNN (no link) article mongering fear to those who bear threat or appear as potential protesters utilize the net, tech savvy making it harder for "intelligence" to follow. Increased risk in security. Pitter patter twitter...chatter

I Welcome Me Back

2009-03-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

Hey it's been a while since I blogged here and oh so much has happened around the world. Let's see if I can put into words in less than five minutes as I have to hurry up. OK first off, the Canadian Junos Awards were nothing new under the sun and should have been held during Earth Hour. I twittered about it real time and all of what I had to say about it has been done. So let's leave that alone. Now about adopting babies...Madonna's onto baby number whatever. Let the world get mad, pissed off criticize her or whatever, but the bottom line is that by the time you have finished reading this blog, another school room full of children will have died from preventable conditions like dehydration. There is no clean water in the most populated parts of the world.
There's a puppy/cat mill operating not far from my home under a pet store...gotta do something about that...I will. Watch.
I met a guy walking his dog in the park just a few minutes ago. He said he doesn't need medication for his mental illness. I never met him before. He had nice blue eyes. The same colour as his pack of Players cigarettes. I made sure that he didn't see in which direction I walked home. He was nice to his dog nevertheless.
OK gotta go and will have more juicy tidbits coming your way soon.

Britney Spears Back at Work on TV Show

2008-03-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

2nd photo right:Britney Spears posing backstage following the Baby Phat 2007 Fall collection during New York Fashion Week February 2, 2007.

"Oops" she did it again and again star Britney Spears, who was admitted to a psychiatric ward in January for a mental health evaluation appears to be feeling well, has begun working on a TV show and said she is "having a blast."

Britney's downward spiral began when she appears to what may have been a nervous breakdown in 2007 and throughout early 2008, but this week she has been portraying a dermatology office secretary named Abby on the CBS television comedy "How I Met Your Mother."

"Working at 'How I Met Your Mother' has been so terrific. Everyone, including the cast, the crew and the producers, has been wonderful and Abby is such a fun girl to play. I'm having a blast!" Spears said in a statement released by CBS.

Photos of Elliot Spitzer's hooker

2008-03-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

beautiful...she may have had a nosejob. Note the last photo in horizontal series posted here. Her nose appears wider more like a "shnoz" than the well defined nose in the "peace sign" photo above.

Hooker "Kristen" Ashley Dupre...also known as Ashley DiPietro, is the reason why Eliot Spitzer is soon to be the ex-governor of New York. Ashley Alexandra Dupre as she is listed on her Myspace page is only 22 years BUT she can sing, you can hear her song on myspace called "What We Want" Ahem, we know...A mere $4300.00 beans. Ashley should keep her "day job" as a prostitute as she’ll make more money than a rock musician.

Also known as "Kristen," Ashley is the high-priced hooker who did the nasty with soon to be ex governor of New York Eliot "Client-9" Spitzer in April in Washington DC. The 22-year-old call girl's real name is Ashley Alexandra Dupre (born Ashley Youmans), according to the New York Times. These photos come from Madame's MySpace page, which describes Kristen/Ashley as an aspiring musician who left home at 17 and has been in New York City since 2004.

Woody Allan is getting creepier

2007-05-23T19:40:00.001-07:00

Tell me these two aren't the creepiest Hollywood couple. Oooh Baby...when's Woody going to get a woody with his adopted daughter(s)?..hey wasn't Woody's Soon -Yi father with Mia Farrow before he started getting a hard on watching daughter Soon Yi grow breasts and pubic hair? What 's so different here?. somehow I'm thinking this story's not finished...watch out Soon Yi. Perhaps you're getting a tad nervous? I hope so.

Posted on ABCNEWS.COM
Celebrity Adoptions

American actor-director Woody Allen and wife Soon-Yi and their children in Venice for the 60th International Venice Film Festival, Aug., 27, 2003. The couple adopted two daughters, Bechet, left, and Manzie, right, who are named after jazz musicians Sidney Bechet and Manzie Johnson.
(Vincenzo Pinto/AFP/Getty Images)

Bush Monkey?

2007-04-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

Now who's imitating who?

Kimani, a 2-year-old western lowland gorilla, presses her face against the glass of the enclosure at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, Sunday, April 22, 2007. The zoo held special activities and workshops in conjunction with Earth Day on Sunday.
President Bush and first lady Laura Bush, dance with Medoun Yacine Gueye and Assan Ronte,from the Kankouran West African Dance Company during a ceremony acknowledging Malaria Awareness Day, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington.

I've been experimenting tonight

2007-04-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

I love the new ad ons on Blogger. Very cool.Easy, good looking and doesn't talk back. Want to marry me?

MenuFoods Killer Pet Food is still tested on animals

2007-03-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Menufoods is still killing animals by testing their mold tainted food that has already killed many cats and dogs. These tests have killed ten out of 50 animals! MenuFoods is killing Fido and Kitty to save Rex. I say the pet food industry is a SCAM - this is not news. Vets Killing Pets is an excellent read written several years ago abput the true motivations and inner workings of the veterinarian INDUSTRY. Fox news reported a story two years back about tainted pet food including brands such as Iams.I have blogged about these two stories here.
Best to cook extra "people food" against the "advice" of the pet food industry and give feed your cat or dog. Your pet is not their prime interest nor concern. People food certainly has helped cats and dogs survive with man for thousands of years. So what changed in the last 100 years? PET FOOD INDUSTRY - MONEY HONEY. The pet food industry is a farce claiming poeple food is not good for your pets - well at least it didn't kill'em.

A Bigger Scandal already reported?:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/12/22/dog.deaths/index.html

An Angry Vet: written by an angry vetrinarian who quit the pet industry

http://hurryupfashion.blogspot.com/search?q=vets+killing+pets

The Police on the Grammys

2007-02-11T21:20:00.000-08:00

I sat through three hours of Grammy whoredom waiting for the Police on the Grammys, all to discover that they played the opening segment of which I missed. Duh!

scoop is Sting looks good..more surgery? Copeland looks the same but whiter hair. Andy looks alright. Never really did like Sting as much after his nose job (20 years ago but whose counting). Something just so vain about that man but I can't quite pin it down. Is it the surgery? The Yoga? The vibe? I don't feel that vibe with all the other vain celebrities out there, so I don't quite know what it is - but I don't like Sting as a person but love him as part of the trio. Can't get better than the first Police albums.
Love'em

Ass Man - A very clever Mule

2006-10-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

I predict Dawson's students drop off for this year...

2006-09-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

I don't really want Stephen to go to school on Monday. In fact, I bet Stephen won't even go...well maybe not.
I woulnd't be surprised if a large number of students stop attending school for at least this semester - and with reason.
I'd be nervous. Especially with this looming accomplice conspiracy theory of mine. If he/she did get away, this or these vidiots may want to come back and finish the job.

stop the evil.

Montreal College Shootout- A Grassy Knoll Theory

2006-09-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

More and more eyewitness accounts relay that there was more than one shooter alongside Kimveer Gill. In various articles and news footage, eyewitness accounts repeat the same thing: there was more than one man with a gun. For instance

Another witness told CBC News she was smoking outside the college when she saw a tall, white man wearing a long black trench coat walk down the street with a large gun.

He was with a number of other people, said the woman, who was shaking and crying as she spoke.

LCN French Television played video footage of Gill and a friend he met on vampirefreaks.com. They were shooting their guns together in a field. Gill also linked to stories about an Alberta shootout where the two killers also met on vampirefreaks.com

Profile of a killer like Kimveer Gill:
Bullied in high school
May shares his plans with friends

Another gun freak - another bloody battle

2006-09-14T23:20:00.000-07:00

no words describe my numbness, my gratefulness that we are still the same family as we knew it before yesterday.

Example

2006-09-14T23:18:00.001-07:00

test from Montreal...

Example

2006-09-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

test from Montreal...

Shoot Out at Montreal College - Stephen is OK

2006-09-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Shoot out in Montreal. We got a call about a half an hour ago. My brother in law called to say "Stephen's OK".
Stephen is my dear nephew. He's 17 years old. He was in his classroom. The teacher went out the door. Heard some sounds? Gunshots?
"Run for your lives." Stephen ran. His friend was shot in the leg. He doesn't know how his friend is faring.
So far four people, including the two gunmen, have been reported killed.

Update:

Four people killed was what was being reported at the time on CNN.com.Now it is two including the gunman.
In the meantime, my other nephew Andreas, Stephen's brother, also a Dawson graduate as I am and my sister are, claims that many people have heard or seen more than one gunman.
I smell a conspiracy theory.

ABC NEWS WRONG The YOKO ONO Lennon Bed In was in MONTREAL!

2006-09-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

As innacurately reported on ABCNews.com website Sept, 11 2006

Toronto Film Festival
FALSE:
In the late 1960s, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, shown here, staged their famous "Bed-In" protest against the Vietnam War at a Toronto hotel, where they famously recorded "Give Peace a Chance." Yoko Ono returned to the Toronto festival for a look at her late husband's work as an activist in "The U.S. vs. John Lennon."
(Paul Hawthorne/AP Photo)

FACT:
The bed-in took place at the Hilton Hotel in beautiful Montreal.
When John Lennon and Yoko Ono checked in to Montreal's Queen Elizabeth Hotel at midnight on May 26, 1969, it was, in part, due to heat and marijuana.
John and Yoko's Bed-in was originally conceived in Holland two months earlier.
The newlyweds hosted a honeymoon "bed-in" for peace at the Amsterdam Hilton, wanting to use their celebrity for good.

Vets Killing Pets

2006-08-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

An Angry Vet - Charles Danten

Back Up Next

A Vet Gone to the Dogs Speech presented to the Montreal Rotary Club on January 6, 2000
by Charles Danten

Good day, ladies and gentlemen, guests and members of the Montreal Rotary Club.

I think you all saw my book last time I was here. Here it is again: it's called An Angry Veterinarian: Essay on the Animal Condition.

Well, I'm here today to give you a few insights on its content, and to tell you why I've "gone to the dogs."

Do not let the title misguide you though. Although I was angry at one time, you cannot tell by reading this book. It is a rather soft-spoken book.

Through personal anecdotes it explores our relationship with pets. It takes an original, inside look at the pet animal industry -- from the consumer to the producer, from the healers to the animal defenders.

In this book I stick to facts and make very few comments or judgment calls. It's meant to be a very serious and academic book, clinically documented by over forty pages of notes, references, and tables -- the result of twenty years of reflection and three years of writing.

Although some parts of the information it contains are known to many of you, few have ever seen the big picture and in such detail. The result is very surprising and, I would say, quite disturbing.

You see, we all tend to think, or rather, we like to believe that overall, pets are well treated by our society -- as well as, sometimes even better than our own children.

Our relationship with pets is thought to be a reflection of our humanity, and we tend to equate the ownership of an animal with love, respect, and compassion.

As I will attempt to demonstrate, perception is seldom reality.

There's a darker side to all this, and until we look into it, it's hardly possible to bring a meaningful change.

From the beginning of my career, I was never quite comfortable with my job and what our society is doing to animals and nature.

I could never reconcile the welfare of my patients and animals in general with the interests of my clients and my financial obligations.

You see, vets are not as much at the service of animals as they are at the service of their clients.

They pay his bills, and to be successful, he has to make a lot of concessions that I was unable to make eventually.

We have a very romantic idea about what a vet actually does. We all think he spends his days like James Herriot, that famous English vet, flying to the rescue of sick and injured animals.

Although that part of his work does exist, rather than curative, the work of a vet in general practice is mostly preventive and very routine.

He is responsible for the alteration, the maintenance, the repair, and disposal of a commodity that we are consuming in unprecedented quantities.

He softens and humanizes the use of animals, but he also condones it by his silence, his active promotion, and cooperation.

Without his services, our society could not use animals with such ease and so freely.

He is also in many ways the conscience of a very cruel society that treats animals as a renewable resource.

Alterations

To accommodate my clients, I was obliged throughout my career to do many interventions and procedures that I came to dislike enormously, like declawing cats and rabbits, debarking dogs, ear trims, cut tails and feathers, remove anal glands from ferrets, and even spays and castrations.

These alterations make animals more appealing, easier to manage, less dangerous, and they eliminate unwanted and sometimes embarrassing sexual behaviors and other biological functions that are out of place in a society that is not made for animals.

These amputations are strictly for the benefit of the owner. They serve no therapeutic or medical purpose. They are not surgeries in the true sense of the word.

The word mutilation is much more appropriate.

Maintenance

I also spent a lot of time giving advice and operation instructions to my clients, most of them completely ignorant about animals. According to a recent survey done by Dr. Annon, an American veterinarian, only 1% of the population knows anything about the psychological and physiological needs of their pets. It's pretty hard under those conditions to take good care of them.

But my most common maintenance activity was giving needless, often ineffective, and sometimes very dangerous vaccines.

I ask you, ladies and gentleman, why are we not vaccinated every year of our lives until death do us part, with four, sometimes six or seven, different vaccines?

Repairs

I did spend some time treating diseases, most of them man-made -- the result of domestication and a lifestyle that's not suited for animals. I thought it was kind of absurd to make them sick on the one hand and to go about treating them, on the other, as if nothing was.

Most of my patients were petrified, unable to understand the meaning of all these very traumatic manipulations. In the animal's point of view, my interventions could be considered as one more abuse to add to a very long list.

I finally realized that I was exploiting them even through my good intentions.

I often wondered, who I was really pleasing through my work?

The food

The food we give to our pets is a slow-acting poison, highly contaminated with many toxins and chemicals and hardly adequate nutritionally.

It's fabricated with the leftovers of our own food chain and whatever else is not used. This includes the 4D's for Dead, Dying, Decaying and Decomposing animals.

In some areas, in some cities, even dogs and cats can be recycled into pet food. They are picked up by the rendering industry and they are boiled in huge vats, together with the other leftovers of our food chain. Their flea collars, the garbage bags used to carry them, are not even removed beforehand.

Genetic diseases

In dogs there are over 300 genetically-born diseases -- the result of inbreeding, consumerism, and our esthetic whims.

One out of four purebred dogs and many mongrels are afflicted with one or more serious defects that will lead to its destruction.

Many of the others will suffer silently all their lives from incurable, man-made problems.

Mental diseases

Mental disease, depression, phobias, chronic anxiety, and stress are the lot of many animals. Many of these problems are caused by chronic boredom, confinement, and lack of exercise.

We nurture with animals very tight bonds which make them extremely dependent and infantile. Yet we do not hesitate to leave them alone for most of the day, locked up in a small room or left in a cage. Outside of this dynamic our relation with pets has no interest.

Animals have innate characteristics that are not compatible with the lifestyle we impose on them for our own pleasure and comfort. The natural need to dominate is always a problem and episodes of violence, sometimes severely punished, are not uncommon. These are but a few examples.

Disposal

But by far, the most devastating disease in pets is euthanasia. It's a real epidemic of biblical proportions. I was called very frequently to euthanise animals on demand. A vet is kind of a death specialist.

Euthanasia by definition is the bringing about of a gentle and easy death in the case of an incurable and painful disease. And I stress the words "incurable" and "painful."

Although a few animals fit into this definition, a lot of them, I would say most of them, did not.

Euthanasia is therefore, in most cases, a euphemism for disposal of an unwanted pet.

If people have no money, if a couple breaks up, if someone moves, or if someone is tired of his pet or not satisfied for whatever reason, he can very well ask his vet to destroy him and dispose of him like everything else we consume. The owner has right of life and death over his animal. And many people do not hesitate to use it.

In fact, most people keep their pets for an average of two years. It is thought that about 70% of owners will eventually abandon their animal. Only 5% of the general population of cats and dogs actually reaches the equivalent of sixty-five human years.

In America, one of the most animal loving nations of the earth, ten million dogs and cats are destroyed each year in pounds and shelters.

In Quebec - human population of six million- it's between 300,000 to 500,000 a year, the highest euthanasia rate in America (27%).

These animals are destroyed in various fashions. Decompression chambers and carbon monoxide poisoning are commonly used. In some pounds they're hosed down with water before they're electrocuted. In Mirabel they just shoot them with a rifle. In a pound in St. Hyacinthe, now closed, in the vicinity of the veterinary college, they used to knock them on the head with a sledgehammer before throwing them half-dead in a pit and covering them with lime.

A few find a more humane death by injection of a lethal dose of penthotal, a quick-acting barbiturate.

The bodies -- the equivalent of four Titanics full, enough to cover most of the island of Montreal -- are thrown in public dumps, used as compost or fertilizers, or for animal feed. A small minority are incinerated.

Eventually, after many years of compromises and conflicting emotions, I reached the point where I could no longer be part of what I have just described.

I therefore decided it was time I "go to the dogs."

But before I did, it was important for me to make a positive contribution to the welfare of my former patients and to society.

I thought the best way to do it was to write this book.

Although we all acknowledge what pets do for us, we seldom think about what we are actually doing to them.

And when you start looking below the surface, when you finally see the big picture, you come to realize that overall, pets are not so fortunate, indeed no more fortunate, than the other animals we use for food, for clothing, to test beauty products, or that we hunt for pleasure.

And we are all collectively responsible. Whether we treat them well or not we are all exploiting animals, mostly for all the wrong reasons.

Our love for animals is a very selfish affair, a subtle and perverse form of slavery, limited to the passions and interests they arouse. And no one, not even the SPCA and the other animal defense groups that are thriving in our society, is willing to close the tap. They are also profiting from the exploitation of animals in their own subtle way...

But there is another reason for writing this book, much more important than the first. There's a second degree to this book. You see, what we are doing to animals and nature we are doing to ourselves.

This book is in fact, in many ways, a metaphor of our own "civilized" society, a reflection of what we are really like, deep down, under a veneer of respectability.

We have projected on animals our whole model of society and many behaviors that we would be wise at this point in time to leave behind us.

The thinning of our atmosphere, pollution, the contamination of our food chain, the exhaustion of our natural resources, the breakdown of our social tissue, war, drugs, violence, a growing gap between the rich and the poor, a dog on a leash, a bird in a cage, or a fish in a tank are all interrelated and they are all tragically due to our values and how we relate with our world.

Technologically, we have come a long way since the invention of fire and the wheel, but as far as our behavior is concerned, we are still very primitive.

Until we change our values radically there is no hope for animals. The animal condition depends on the human condition, and that's where we need to concentrate our efforts.

Fortunately, many people are trying, in their own measure, in their own personal lives, to change their ways.

And change has to come from individuals, and not from the top down. It has to be the result of a deep understanding of the issues at stake. It cannot be imposed blindly by anyone whether through laws and reforms. And it's no good to wait around for somebody else to do something about it.

If I can paraphrase John F. Kennedy... Do not ask what the SPCA can do for animals: ask yourself what you can do for them.

What we need at this point in time is a little more love and tenderness, and there is very little of that in what I have just described.

I still have a cat -- she's 15 now -- but when she dies of her natural death, I will never have a pet again. It's not a vital need for me and I prefer to go out in nature and watch wild animals, without interference, upon a chance encounter.

Animals honour us only when they are free.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for hearing me out with such patience and courtesy, and next time you see a bird in a cage or a dog on a leash, think about the vet gone to the dogs.

It will remind you that things are not always as they seem in this brave new world.

Pet Bereavement Support Links

2006-08-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

Loss of a Companion Animal

People grieve over the death of a companion animal. This reaction is normal. Our feelings toward companion animals are so special that experts have a term for the relationship: the human-companion animal bond. When this bond is severed, the sense of loss can be overwhelming.

Society does not offer a grieving animal guardian a great deal of sympathy. Even a close friend may comment: "It's only a dog (cat). You can always get another one." Such a reaction would be heartless given the loss of a human friend or family member, and it is

In loving memory of Benson.
generally recognized that a person who has experienced such a loss needs the support of friends and relatives. Psychologists now acknowledge that we need as much support with the loss of a companion animal.

Veterinarians realize that their final obligation to their animal patients also involves dealing with the animal guardians' grief. This does not mean that veterinarians are trained as psychologists and psychiatrists. It does mean that the veterinary doctor, who knows you and your companion animal, also understands your natural feeling of loss---and is able to offer support. (If he or she seems distant, bear in mind that the death of a companion animal is stressful even to professionals. Detachment is one way of coping.)

How we feel - When a person dies, family friends and relatives pay their respects at the family home or funeral parlor. There is a funeral at which sorrow and tears are accepted, even expected. Afterwards, during a mourning period, friends and relatives assist and comfort grieving family members until their grief subsides and new routines develop. When an animal dies, there is no such social ritual to formalize the grief. To many, a funeral for the family dog, cat or other animal would seem eccentric and a formal period of mourning bizarre. Even the immediate family and intimate friends may not fully understand the loss.

Still, the loss affects our emotions, and all the more so if the animal was an integral part of the family. These feelings usually progress through several stages. Recognizing them can help us cope with the grief we feel.

The first stage: Denial - Denial is the initial response of many guardians when confronted with a companion animal's terminal condition or sudden death. This rejection seems to be the mind's buffer against a sharp emotional blow.

The second stage: Bargaining - This stage is well documented in the human grieving process. Many times, faced with impending death, an individual may "bargain"--offering some sacrifice if the loved one is spared. People losing a companion animal are less likely to bargain. Still, the hope that he or she might recover can foster reactions like, "If Rover recovers, I'll never skip his regular walk ... never put him in a kennel when I go on vacation ... never ...."

The third stage: Anger - Recognizing anger in the grief process is seldom a problem; dealing with anger often is. Anger can be obvious, as in hostility or aggression. On the other hand, anger often turns inward, emerging as guilt.

Many veterinarians have heard the classic anger response, "What happened? I thought you had everything under control, and now you've killed my dog!" Another standard: "You never really cared about Rover. He was just another fee to you, and I'm the one who has lost my pet!" Such outbursts help relieve immediate frustrations, though often at the expense of someone else. More commonly, animal guardians dwell on the past. The number of "If only ..." regrets is endless: "If only I hadn't left the dog at my sister's house ...," or "If only I had taken Kitty to the veterinarian a week ago ...." Whether true or false, such recriminations and fears do little to relieve anger and are not constructive. Here, your veterinarian's support is particularly helpful.

The fourth stage: Grief - This is the stage of true sadness. The animal is gone, along with the guilt and anger, and only an emptiness remains. It is now that the support of family and friends is most important--and, sadly, most difficult to find. A lack of support prolongs the grief stage. Therefore, the guardian may want to seek some help from the animal's veterinarian or from a professional grief counselor. It is normal, and should be acceptable, to display grief when a companion animal dies. It is helpful, too, to recognize that other animal guardians have experienced similar strong feelings and that you are not alone in this feeling of grief.

The final stage: Resolution - All things come to an end--even grieving. As time passes, the distress dissolves as the animal guardian remembers the good times, not the animal's passing. And, more often than not, the answer lies in a new companion animal to fulfill the need for such companionship in the household.

The proper good-bye - At some point, you are going to have to make final arrangements for your companion animal. Most veterinarians can either handle matters themselves or explain the choices available. There are several options:

* Cemetery burial. It is known that people have been burying their companion animals in a ritual fashion at least since Egyptian times. Today, there are pet cemeteries in virtually every populated area of the United States and Europe. Many are spacious, with safeguards against the land being used for other purposes and with funding to provide future groundskeeping.

Standards established by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries might help guide your choice. A list of the standards is available for a fee by writing to I. A. P. C., P. O. Box 1346, South Bend, Indiana 46624 or by calling the association director at (219) 277-1115.

The costs for cemetery burial vary, from around $200 for a simple burial to thousands of dollars for elaborate services. Many pet cemeteries will cooperate with veterinary clinics, sending a representative to handle details.

* Communal burial. This less costly option is offered by many pet cemeteries and private humane organizations. Your companion animal's dignity is in no way affected by burial with other animals. Communal burial is a common choice.
* Communal cremation. In areas where land is expensive, communal cremation is a sensible alternative. Some veterinary clinics even have their own crematories, as do many pet cemeteries and humane organizations. The fee is relatively modest, often less than $100.
* Individual cremation. Your veterinarian probably can arrange for individual cremation and advise you on environmental concerns over disposal of ashes. This option is more costly than communal cremation, with fees commonly ranging from $75 to $250.
* Home burial. It is not uncommon for guardians to bury their companion animals somewhere on their own property, but you should check with your municipal government before making such arrangements. Typically, home burial is permitted in rural and suburban settings only. A tight-fitting wooden box will help safeguard the animal's remains.

Memorial - One way to soften the impact of your companion animal's death is to make a donation in the animal's memory to a worthy animal-related cause. Humane organizations need financial support to care for homeless animals. Many veterinary schools accept scholarship funds in the name of the animal or donor.

Euthanasia - No decision is more difficult than authorizing the euthanasia of a beloved companion animal. Yet, too often, this is the right choice for your animal. Certainly, the humane procedures offered at modern veterinary clinics have a clear advantage over an illness that prolongs the suffering of both animal and animal guardian. You can discuss euthanasia frankly with your veterinarian.

Many guardians choose to spend the final moments with their companion animals. If so, the veterinarian might prefer to prepare the animal briefly in another room. The intravenous drug does not cause any pain. You might wish to stroke the animal's head and speak gently as the drug is administered. He will go quietly to sleep as body functions stop.

Other animal guardians choose not to witness the procedure. You might consider a last "good-bye" after the procedure, however, to complete your physical separation and provide closure.

(Some of the above information was reprinted with permission from ALPO Petfoods, Inc. from their brochure "Death of the Family Pet - Losing a Family Friend" - 1992.)

"Like all vets I hated doing this, painless though it was, but to me there has always been a comfort in the knowledge that the last thing these helpless animals knew was the sound of a friendly voice and the touch of a gentle hand."

James Herriot, "All Things Wise and Wonderful,"
Copyright 1977, St. Martin's Press, New York
Michigan State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
http://cvm.msu.edu/petloss
PET LOSS SUPPORT HOTLINE
(517) 432-2696
Currently staffed Tues. & Thurs. (and on Wed. during the school year) from 6:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m. ET. Note: You can leave a voicemail anytime.

Companion Animal Related Emotions (C.A.R.E.)
Pet Loss Helpline
(877) 394-CARE (2273)

Assoc. of Pet Loss and Bereavement
http://www.aplb.org/

Our dog Rudy "The Boo" died on Friday - Here are more animal links

2006-08-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

Our dog Boo died Friday. Little warning. I can rehash the events and say I should have could have and I will ask myself some questions and have regrets. There were little warning signs for 30 hours but otherwise Rudy was absolutely healthy and seemed to be getting faster and spunkier in his "old" age. I can't review the events now but I have posted more links about animal stories good and bad. In memory of Boo ( a dog who would most probably would have been deemed "unadoptable") taught me many lessons about love and companionship.

Help Sled Dogs

My goal is to make Montreal a no - kill city before I die...

The Eternal Treblinka - Montreal's Animal Policy- Highest rate of euthanasia in North America?

2006-08-10T05:07:00.000-07:00

Isaac Bashevis Singer compared the mistreatment of animals to a holocaust and called this the Treblinka Holocaust. Slaughterhouses and the so called Humane Societies are just that - instruments of the animal holocaust. My father lost his entire family in WW2 - so I have the privilige to unite these two words : animal + holocaust. Like only a jew can call a jew a "kike" or a black man call his "mate" the "n" word - any other race or ethnic group better backoff from this form of verbal "friendly" fire.
Gandhi said "

progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

" Everyday I pass trucks filled with pigs en route to the slaughterhouse. At least the jews and the moslems can agree on one thing don't eat pigs - they're hooved.Can so much meat available anywhere, all the time be good for you? Why would you want to eat a fat pink intelligent smarter than a dog highly trainable yet arguably smelly creature? I will continue to rant on the details of Montreal's animal holocaust. Thousands of man's best friend and cute kitties are killed annualy (many a day). We can figure out so many more complicated equations but cn't enforce a law that will have stricter guidelines. The Montreal SPCA, The Lasalle Animal Hospital, The City of MOntreal, The Berger Blanc are all Montreal animal shelters but I see them as dealmakers scoring contracts with the city of Montreal in exterminating felines and canines at the best price. This is a perpetual and on going situation here. Since we have been bequeathed to ourselves the city with the highest rate of euthanasia in North America (per capita - greater than NY - will find article and post shortly).
it all sucks. And these terrorosts man blowing up ten places at the same time. man, I can only focus on one thing at a time. I'll start with the animals. Just like Gandhi said.

Montreal Kills Thousands of Animals-Animal Holocaust Everyday

2006-08-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Ville de Montreal has a terrible policy. After 3-5 business days your cat or dog if found even with tags will probably be euthanized. So if you are on vacation and your cat or dog takes off - that's it. Your best friend is history.
One of the problems besides improper legislation, "animals are property" law and laiisez faire attitudes lies in all the people who think that neutering is a) too expensive) b) kittens/puppies are cute.Well Hellloooo...puppies and kittens grow to become goofy gnawing adolescents.
Yet again I have been faced with trying to locate a cat Queen that had gone missing then she was found with tags. One vet called the other vet but the owner did not respond. Afer making a few calls to The Lasalle Veterinarian Clinic - I found out Queen is dead. Two years old and a wonderful disposition.She had had three litters. So she now has more offspring some of which are sure to end up dead like Queen. People think "...Oh my cat is nice.They won't kill her..." Well wakeup folks! Montreal has one of the worst rates of euthanasia in North America and doesn't give a hoot about how nice your pet is. We need new policies in place. It's more expensive to kill thousands of animals than it is to neuter one. it's also BIG business for the shelters. With city contracts in place these "shelters" make $ from killing not sheltering.

Pet snatching:

Foster a Montreal Dog

Canada Strays

Guard Dogs Got It Bad

My Perfect CHIWAWA Hairstyle. I'm Heavy Banged...

2006-08-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

Your Ideal Hairstyle:

Heavy Bangs

What Hairstyle Is Right For You?

Do I Scare Men? I 'm Pretty Darn Near Perfect

2006-08-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

You Are 32% Scary

You scare men off ocassionaly, but only very weak men.

You're a normal woman. You're not perfect, but you're pretty darn close.

Do You Scare Off Men?

STOP NOT MAKING SENSE

2006-07-31T22:02:00.000-07:00

STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD STOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEADSTOP THE FUCKING WAR STOP STOP THE THE FUCKFUCKING WAR STOP FUCKING KILLING KILLING KILLING FUCK FUCK FUCK INSTEAD

Israel stop killing children

2006-07-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

This is a war crime. No reason - no justification. My grandaparents aunt's & uncles the youngest five years old were shot dead by Germans - their memorial lies in Jerusalem. Do I have the right to ask what the heck does Israel think it's doing? I have a RIGHT to diss Israel. My father was the key Canadian witness in the trial of Adolph Eichmann. I am not an anti-Zionist or whatever staunch thick headed linear thinkers may think I am, but these "tactical" bombings where dead children with just brushed hair are obliterated killed and carried away must stop. NOW! In memory of my family and all the children that ever died in any war anywhere anytime. STOP!

Bulgaria's EU membership under fire - contract killings win out?

2006-07-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

Well I've been away and NY and Bulgaria are some wild combo I tell you.Bulgaria is reminiscent of Chicago circa Al Capone. The thicker the neck, the darker the tinted windows the more expensive the BMW, Mercedes or even rarer more dazzling customized Porsche, the bigger the gun. Rumour has it EU money is being pilferred by ex-Communists who are now running the country via goons hovering in broad daylight any where you may be sipping an expresso. Feel the vibe. Designer stores and yellow cabs abound in the frenzy of EU togetherness. The lev (Bulgarian currency) is buying less and less but the average monthly salary is still about 120 lev but an espresso is one lev. I can buy an incredible meal along a Black Sea tourist town restaurant - edged in the cliffs. Still a great value but the average Bulgarian may certainly get lost. British tourists abound and real estate is booming. Whenever I talk about doing biz I am often rebuttalled by well meaning locals warning me the dangers of doing business. In Bulgaria business can be a dangerous proposition. You may be coerced bullied or worse off. And if an article like this would be published in a local paper I may be rattled by a bullet or two...perhaps. Clearly this depends on what you intend to pursue but let's say that doing business with government officials could be bad for your future.
In terms of rest and relaxation there is plenty to enjoy. The food is great, the drinks are cheap. A joint will land you in jail for 5 to 7 years unless you can find a couple of lev to sedate a cop. One can get away with zooming at a gazillion miles in hour in a recent Mercedes, open bottles of alcohol and carry a bag of ganja. Rolled up currency will get you off. Even if it's only 17 lev. Pretty cheap bail. It's a lawless and interesting place. Monolithic communist sculptures rise up from the highways running along the Black Sea interspersed with brand new hotels and housing for newcomers.Hummers next to gypsies in donkey carts are a great juxtaposition.
Rock acts like Metallica play there. I saw Depeche Mode ex-bandmates opened up for them 38,000 fans strong. What a trip. Unfortunately the ex Communist cops still managed to keep the opening act New Generation away from Depeche Mode as far as possible . Really pretty sad.I'm sure if DM knew they'd be pissed. After all you could by a backstage pass for DM on eBay. I almost didn't enter the arena grounds at all as I saw the potential for being squashed to death like an infamous soccer riot.Fans were allowed to bring in their own drinks but made to discard bottle caps up at the entrance so they wouldn't throw heavy bottles into the crowd (?).The result was exits littered with piles of glass and rubbish. A real death threat if an emergency were to occur. Crushed faces on glass wouldn't look that good really. Roads were crazy with lawless directionless drivers where you had to run for your life to get across the street. At least we got a good parking spot. We knew the owner of the lot. Otherwise we would have had to walk for miles. Depeche Mode on the other hand only knew police escorts and sirens to come and go, yet the fans were faced with sublevel security and and short security guards.Barking police dogs in the back of vans was also quite a trip. based on this concert Bulgaria still has a lot to learn in terms of concert security. Lots to tell...pix to post. Soon. It's good to be back.

Love is OCD

2006-05-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

They say you go a little crazy when you fall in love,but do they really mean clinically mad?

Kathryn S Brown

AS summer days heat up, so do summer lovers. There they are, at the beach, in the store, on the corner-couples who stand so close and stare so longingly that you blush just watching them. It's love. It's perfect, sweet-and so definitely sick.
Songwriters have long crooned that love is insane. But scientists now have a more precise term for it: obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Made famous by checkers and washers-people who check and recheck the door to be sure it's locked, or repeatedly try to wash away germs-OCD endlessly nags sufferers with intrusive, anxious thoughts. Heeding these voices, people with OCD feel compelled to repeat mundane activities or chase risky thrills, like gambling.
That may not sound like blissful love, but some psychiatrists now say that passion's thrills do indeed resemble OCD's angst, both in outward habits and the brain's inner chemistry. Love is just a lot more fun. What's more, these researchers say, the pathology of romance may play a pivotal role in our evolution. Their ideas are raising eyebrows-and causing a few giggles-among scientists. And their conclusions might just explain why love makes you do such utterly foolish things.
It all started in 1990, when Donatella Marazziti a psychiatrist at the University of Pisa in Italy, began looking for biochemical explanations for OCD. One chief suspect was the neurotransmitter serotonin-a chemical that has a soothing effect on the brain. Too little serotonin has been linked to aggression, depression and anxiety; drugs in the Prozac family fight these conditions by boosting the chemical's presence in the brain. So Marazziti set out to measure serotonin in people with OCD.

Tracking chemicals inside the brain is tricky, so she settled on a simpler technique: calculating the amount of serotonin in platelets, tiny cells that are easily retrieved from an ordinary blood sample. In blood platelets, serotonin plays a totally different role-aiding clotting-but moves about in much the same way as it does in the brain. Which means that scientists can gauge roughly how much serotonin is skipping about your head from the levels of related proteins in platelets. It may be an indirect measure, explains molecular biologist Dean Hamer of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) near Washington DC-but it can hint at how relevant the chemical is to different forms of behaviour.
And, as Marazziti predicted, she found evidence that serotonin levels were unusually low in people with OCD. But she also discovered something surprising. Interviewing these patients, Marazziti was struck by the way their persistent one-track thoughts mirrored the musings of people in love. Throughout the day, both the people with OCD and the lovestruck can spend hours fixating on a certain object or that certain someone. What's more, both groups often know their obsessions are somehow irrational, yet they can't snap out of them. Marazziti had to wonder, if serotonin dips dangerously low in OCD, could it be doing the same when people fall in love?

To find out, Marazziti's team went looking for love. They pinned advertisements around the University of Pisa medical school asking for students who had fallen in love within the past six months and who had obsessed about their new love for at least four hours every day but who had not yet celebrated the relationship with sex. They wanted to find Romeos and Juliets whose fresh passion had neither been hormonally jumbled by sex nor dulled by time. Seventeen women and three men with an average age of 24, signed up. Separately, the scientists recruited 20 people who met the basic criteria for OCD and another 20 free from the grip of either love or psychiatric disorder.
Blood samples were taken from each member of each group, and then spun in a centrifuge to separate out first the plasma and next the tiny platelets. While the "normal" students had the usual level of serotonin, both the OCD and in-love participants had about 40 per cent less of the chemical as estimated by the amount of activity of a serotonin transporter protein in their blood platelets. "It's often said that when you're in love, you're a little bit crazy," Marazziti says. "That may be true."
To confirm their hunch that serotonin plummets solely during love's first flush-and not later on-the researchers retested six of the original 20 in-love students a year hence. Sure enough, the students' serotonin levels had bounced back to normal while a more subtle affection for their partner had replaced their original giddiness. According to previous studies, the same "evening out" of emotion happens to OCD patients who take drugs that boost serotonin levels to normal.

The offbeat study, just published in the journal Psychological Medicine (vol 29, p 741, 1999), has researchers applauding, chuckling-and wondering whether this is a tentative first step towards some interesting conclusions about life and love. "Bravo!" says Thomas Insel director of Emory University's Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center in Atlanta. "As scientists, we're very quick to study stress, aggression, or grief, but what of love? Why shouldn't we know about this emotion, too? Any of us who have fallen in love know that this is a profoundly biological process. Now somebody's actually trying to understand how."
Some scientists wonder what they've been missing all these years. "Four hours a day!" marvels Yvette Sheline, a psychiatrist at Washington University in St Louis. "Who spends four hours a day thinking about someone?" The new findings may explain some quirks of human behaviour, too-such as why we feel unusually passionate after downing a few pints. Abdulla Badawy; a biochemist at Whitchurch Hospital in Cardiff, Wales, has shown that alcohol seems to deplete serotonin in the brain, and that this chemical imbalance makes some people quick to fight. Given the new study, Badawy speculates that plummeting serotonin might also dissolve inhibitions-creating a passionate haze that lures you into thinking that the person at the other end of the bar is unbelievably attractive. So choose your bars carefully.

'As scientists, we're very quick to study stress, aggression, or grief, but what of love? Why shouldn't we know about this emotion, too?'

On a more serious note, scientists who study OCD say the comparison with new love may be quite fitting. Eric Hollander, director of the Compulsive, Impulsive, and Anxiety Disorders Program at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, says that while most people associate OCD with anxiety, it actually represents a broad spectrum of conditions, some of which-impulse stealing, shopping and gambling-bring a jolt of pleasure. Romantic love might fit in here, he says.
Hollander has studied another heart-wrenching emotion affiliated with OCD: obsessive jealousy. One of his patients was convinced that his wife was having an affair. Every day, he quizzed his wife about where she'd been and who she'd seen. He also insisted that she keep all windows in the house covered and go to the beach fully dressed, so that strangers couldn't sneak a peek. Hollander gave this patient and five others Prozac-like drugs to enhance serotonin levels. After treatment, the man-who also had classic OCD checking compulsions-relaxed quite a bit. The lesson, Hollander says, is that persistent, intrusive emotion-whether it is breathless love or nervous jealousy-can arrive with OCD-like intensity.
To be sure, Marazziti's new study is preliminary. Because platelet measures simply estimate overall serotonin, they can't pinpoint specific changes in the brain. Moreover, the study is small, and the in-love participants are mostly women-though men and women may process serotonin differently. Marazziti is quick to call the research just a first step to understanding the biochemical markers of love.

Image of perfection
Cupid's chemicals certainly merit a closer look. Our fate -not to mention that of our genes-rests, in part, on the firings of neurotransmitters like serotonin, suggests Hagop Akiskal, a psychiatrist at the University of California in San Diego and one of Marazziti's co-authors on the new study. Without intense emotion, which typically creates an unrealistic image of the love object, rather like a photo that's perfectly airbrushed, nobody in their "right" mind would fall in love, Akiskal says. By reeling you in and stringing you along, making you believe that you've caught the one heart-stopping fish in the sea, the argument goes, serotonin keeps love's fires burning long enough for romance to yield an evolutionarily satisfactory end: offspring.
For people with chronically low serotonin, in fact, life tends to be unusually sexy. According to studies by Hamer at NCI and his colleagues, men with a "short" version of the serotonin transporter gene, which results in reduced serotonin, tend to be both more anxious and more sexually active than those with a longer version of the gene. While these easy lovers keep the gene pool going, they also litter it with neuroses, Hamer notes. "Genes don't care how crazy you are. They get passed on." Pausing a moment, Hamer adds: "Well, if you're utterly crazy, it's harder to find a mate-at least if you're a male."

Love's chemistry can create other types of wildly passionate temperament, too. In 1996, two teams of researchers traced novelty-seeking to a particular polymorphism in the gene that encodes the D4 dopamine receptor. Some of the gene's inheritors may seek thrills in love, Akiskal says. But he thinks the "great romantics" are people suffering from cyclothymia, a bipolar disorder somewhat like manic-depression, that brings alternating periods of intense excitement and gloom.
According to Akiskal's research, people with cyclothymia fall in love during happy times, often indiscriminately. This undiscerning pursuit of love creates much mixing of genes in the sex that follows. However, Akiskal says, the euphoria inevitably fades, as severe melancholy sets in, sometimes leading to suicidal depression for the person with cyclothymia and potential danger for his or her love interest. It is passion's dark side-and researchers would dearly love to understand the chemistry behind it.

When possible, scientists like to unravel biological mysteries with animal models. But how do you make a rat fall in love? Geoffrey Miller, an evolutionary psychologist at University College London, notes that while many species mate, scientists have no clue how many actually feel romantic yearnings. After all, once a baby is born, it's not romance-but a deeper attachment-that convinces parents to jointly care for their cute bundle of genes.
Ah, but then love comes full circle, at least in the animal kingdom. Scientists regard prairie voles -fat little rodents rather like squirrels-as nature's ultimate significant other Amid surging dopamine, voles pledge lifelong monogamy to a partner. Perhaps, researchers reason, we lovestruck humans can learn from these simple creatures. On the other hand, ever when a female vole is deprived of sex, yet given just a dose of dopamine she chooses any nearby male as her mate for life. Now, how sick is that?
Kathryn S. Brown is a science writer based in Columbia Missouri

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Yummy mummy feeds young its skin

2006-04-16T23:18:00.000-07:00

Blech

CBC.ca - Canada's News, Business, Sports, Health & Science, Arts, and Kids Information Source

2006-04-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

Mad Cow Bad Cow confirmed in Canada. Here we go again, another battle as to who's going to ban us first. this mad cow battle of countries and campaigns is starting to drive me...well simply raving you know what. I am thinking yet again, ok that's it, I will stop eating beef. Morally I can't stand th eidea of eating a cow but damn that bar b que tastes grand. Now I have a reason to try by soulful eating aspirations out for real. Now I have a reason and Japan and th eUS now have reason to place an immediate ban on Canadian beef. Yes I 'm a proud Canadian but I don't want to be a patriot and risk eating something that's going to turm me into a sponge.

Blogger asks, 'Wanna trade a paper clip for a house?' | CNET News.com

2006-04-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

a paper clip to the secrets of the universe. quite an amazing premise. I wonder who the 10 people were that helped im start this. How did they help out?

Tons of Great New Music

2006-03-14T22:02:00.000-08:00

Lately a ton of great new music seems to be out there.Out where? There. Here. In your Apple ear. Good music is proliferating expedentially thanks to the advent of home recording made simple. Sure with the good comes the crude and neophytic songwriter; however, the truly talented artists can create and distribute their own music sans middleman. True, we are over saturated with content, music , videos. Kids are ovrdosing on guitar chords and Reason samples. With the onslaught of ipods, the space for a gazillion songs is the bottom line. Can music afficiados drug slaves, really get into a band where the concepual element of a song is only truly understood when you hear the song juxtapositioned soundscape of against another but is one entity? A tryptage. The Wall or Radiohead's OK Computer, Any late Beatle album. Now the singles marketing model rules. I wonder what the rate is between single and album downloads? Singles are far more popular. It's an ADD Retalin world. btw does anyone know about KAT or is that KAD...a plant found to aid digestion. Popular in Somalia and Yemen. Also helps concentration.

Cold Blooded Murderess' - Blonde & Beautiful...Bold?

2006-02-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

Women, believed to be suspects in Mexico murders, deny involvement

Now aren't we two too beautiful blonds?
Last Updated Tue, 28 Feb 2006 22:59:38 EST
CBC News
Two women, one a medical student, the other a health-care worker - and both of them mothers - say they want everyone to see them and believe them when they say they are not the cold-blooded killers the Mexican authorities say they are.

Cheryl Everall and Kimberly Kim
"Emotionally, you don't know what you're going to go through from minute to minute. One minute you're crying, the next minute -- it's terrifying and you get very upset. It's devastating. Everyday we wake up, you open your eyes thinking it's a dream and it's not," said Kimberley Kim.

Cheryl Everall and Kim say they never met Domenico Ianiero, 59, and his wife, Annunziata, 55. The couple, from Woodbridge, Ont., were found murdered in their hotel room on Feb. 20.

BBC NEWS | Health | Optimists 'have less heart risk' "Duh! says CHIWAWA

2006-02-28T19:52:00.000-08:00

I was really excited to read this until I got to this: ...the most optimistic...exercised more...

So what so newsworthy about something that is so obvious? Basically happy people exercise and sad people exercise too. They should make a study on miserable people who exercise and see how long they live without having a coronary ailment. We should also make sure that the miserable or belligerent people who exercise don't smoke either. Now don't get me wrong, I am in fact one of those who always see the glass as half full. I do consider myself and optimist even when the world can appear rather dismal. I know those times will pass and I'll be smiling again. So, if you need to be miserable when you exercise, that's OK. You're almost finished your workout and then you can go out and enjoy the rest of the day!

HURRYUPFASHION says this is a cross promo CONSPIRACY

2006-02-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

Poor clown poet. trapped in oversized shoes. I wish I could write nice songs and become an idol. Every one treats me like minced meat.

This is a conspiracy theory. What great cross promotion for ColdPlay. Wow we're the billionth download. the McDonald burger counter 20 billionthgzzz hamburger sold thang. Get it? Except like this burger's a band instead. Like woooeeee ahhhh we're always being downloaded by little iPod hands that we're broke. We don't get paid for even 20 % of all the Coldplay downloads.So we're going to be the billiionth and everyone will think we're so great. Well yes in fact I do indeed like ColdPlay a whole lot but CHIWAWA stills smells conspiracy.

* from The Independent & The Independent on Sunday

25 February 2006 00:56

Music landmark as billionth download is sold
By Martin Hickman, Consumer Affairs Correspondent
Published: 25 February 2006

A global revolution in the music industry was dramatically highlighted yesterday as the world's biggest online music store celebrated its billionth song download.

An unsuspecting 16-year-old from Michigan made history on the iTunes website by downloading Coldplay's "Speed of Sound" - which cost him 99 cents. The landmark purchase edged record companies closer to a new era where online sales threaten to overtake sales of CDs in shops.

The title of the song Alex Ostrovsky chose was also an unwitting reminder of the dizzying pace of change for record companies confronted by new technology and online piracy.

It took the music industry decades to move from the 78 to new formats such as audiotape and CD. Now the pace of change is accelerating and the industry is presented with a bewildering array of opportunities to license and sell its content.

Global music sales have slumped by one-fifth since the Millennium, hit by online piracy and increasing competition from satellite television, mobile phones and computer games. Sales of singles, for so long the most famous music format, have halved in Britain.

By contrast, Apple's online "best jukebox in the world" has been a phenomenal success since its launch in the US just three years ago. By March 2004, iTunes reached 50 million downloads. By July 2005, downloads had increased ten-fold to 500 million and little more than six months later the figure has reached one billion. Apple's chief executive, Steve Jobs said: "I hope that every customer, artist and music company executive takes a moment today to reflect on what we've achieved together during the past three years."

For the music industry, a greater prize awaits executives if they can arrest the decline in sales since the rise of the internet allowed computer users to swap songs for free. For many customers, downloading songs from the internet onto MP3 players has replaced a trip to a record store.

Music companies were slow to wake up to the threat posed by early file-sharing sites like Napster, but have now embraced the new technology and created legal ways to download music. Nevertheless, illegal downloads still dwarf the legal websites. Partly because the record industry now takes court action against file-sharers, the record industry claims the amount of illegal downloads is being "contained". In the UK and Germany the number of people using the legal sites has exceeded the number of pirates for the first time. More singles are now legally downloaded off the internet than bought in shops and downloads will be included in the official singles chart later this year. Apple's iTunes accounts for 70 per cent of legal downloads in the UK and US.

People pay less for legal downloads - six per cent of British music sales - than they do in music shops for CDs. Prices of CDs are falling to encourage people to buy them rather than borrowing friends' and "burning" them onto a blank disc. The surge in British homes getting broadband, which allows songs to be downloaded up to 20 times quicker, is expected to propel sales further. Meanwhile, the music industry is making money from songs downloaded to become mobile phone ring-tones.

Consumers will see big changes in the way they buy music over the next decade, say the music retailers. Shops are planning to install free-standing download units for iPod users who do not have computers or broadbrand or who want to add to the iPods "on the go" while shops will broadcast promotional songs onto the phones of customers.

Kim Bayley of the retailers' organisation Bard, which represents the likes of HMV, Virgin and Amazon, believes physical sales will survive: "The fan just enjoys the packaging a lot of the time. They like to see it and hold it and say: 'This is new U2 album with all the extras'."

For now, the music industry is savouring a victory in its battle to charge for the songs that an individual with basic computer equipment can now access and copy in seconds.

Julian Marshall, the news editor of music magazine NME, said: "People have known for the past five or six years how to get music off the internet but now the music industry has found a way to make money from it."

A dollar well spent for the billionth music downloader

It was the early hours of the morning when the telephone rang in the home of a Michigan teenager, Alex Ostrovsky. He presumed it was a tele-marketer and was preparing to give them a dressing down for ringing at that unholy hour.

Instead, the caller was a representative from Apple, informing the 16-year-old that he had become a footnote to history. Unknown to Alex, 45 minutes earlier - just a little after midnight - he had downloaded the billionth song from Apple's iTunes music store when he had paid 99 cents for Coldplay's "Speed of Sound" from their album X&Y.

"I thought he was a tele-marketer it was so early in the morning. We get calls from people from around the world and they don't really know what the time is," Alex said, speaking from his home in West Bloomfield. "I was really sceptical. I didn't even know there was a competition. But he knew the details of my mum's credit card which I have to use for the iTunes account."

Alex said that until now he has not been a habitual downloader. Indeed, until he got the song from Coldplay's third album in the early hours of Thursday morning, he had probably downloaded fewer than 50 tracks from the online store and was more used to sharing and swapping CDs with friends. Previous downloads had included tracks by Queen, Foo Fighters and Aerosmith.

But he was motivated to make his historic download after going to a Coldplay gig in Detroit on Wednesday evening where the band was supported by the singer Fiona Apple. Alex and his friends had front-row seats.

In addition to receiving the track, Alex has received an iMac computer, 10 iPods and a $10,000 (£5,700) gift card for the iTunes store from Apple.

A global revolution in the music industry was dramatically highlighted yesterday as the world's biggest online music store celebrated its billionth song download.

An unsuspecting 16-year-old from Michigan made history on the iTunes website by downloading Coldplay's "Speed of Sound" - which cost him 99 cents. The landmark purchase edged record companies closer to a new era where online sales threaten to overtake sales of CDs in shops.

The title of the song Alex Ostrovsky chose was also an unwitting reminder of the dizzying pace of change for record companies confronted by new technology and online piracy.

It took the music industry decades to move from the 78 to new formats such as audiotape and CD. Now the pace of change is accelerating and the industry is presented with a bewildering array of opportunities to license and sell its content.

Global music sales have slumped by one-fifth since the Millennium, hit by online piracy and increasing competition from satellite television, mobile phones and computer games. Sales of singles, for so long the most famous music format, have halved in Britain.

By contrast, Apple's online "best jukebox in the world" has been a phenomenal success since its launch in the US just three years ago. By March 2004, iTunes reached 50 million downloads. By July 2005, downloads had increased ten-fold to 500 million and little more than six months later the figure has reached one billion. Apple's chief executive, Steve Jobs said: "I hope that every customer, artist and music company executive takes a moment today to reflect on what we've achieved together during the past three years."

For the music industry, a greater prize awaits executives if they can arrest the decline in sales since the rise of the internet allowed computer users to swap songs for free. For many customers, downloading songs from the internet onto MP3 players has replaced a trip to a record store.

Music companies were slow to wake up to the threat posed by early file-sharing sites like Napster, but have now embraced the new technology and created legal ways to download music. Nevertheless, illegal downloads still dwarf the legal websites. Partly because the record industry now takes court action against file-sharers, the record industry claims the amount of illegal downloads is being "contained". In the UK and Germany the number of people using the legal sites has exceeded the number of pirates for the first time. More singles are now legally downloaded off the internet than bought in shops and downloads will be included in the official singles chart later this year. Apple's iTunes accounts for 70 per cent of legal downloads in the UK and US.

People pay less for legal downloads - six per cent of British music sales - than they do in music shops for CDs. Prices of CDs are falling to encourage people to buy them rather than borrowing friends' and "burning" them onto a blank disc. The surge in British homes getting broadband, which allows songs to be downloaded up to 20 times quicker, is expected to propel sales further. Meanwhile, the music industry is making money from songs downloaded to become mobile phone ring-tones.

Consumers will see big changes in the way they buy music over the next decade, say the music retailers. Shops are planning to install free-standing download units for iPod users who do not have computers or broadbrand or who want to add to the iPods "on the go" while shops will broadcast promotional songs onto the phones of customers.

Kim Bayley of the retailers' organisation Bard, which represents the likes of HMV, Virgin and Amazon, believes physical sales will survive: "The fan just enjoys the packaging a lot of the time. They like to see it and hold it and say: 'This is new U2 album with all the extras'."

For now, the music industry is savouring a victory in its battle to charge for the songs that an individual with basic computer equipment can now access and copy in seconds.

Julian Marshall, the news editor of music magazine NME, said: "People have known for the past five or six years how to get music off the internet but now the music industry has found a way to make money from it."

A dollar well spent for the billionth music downloader

It was the early hours of the morning when the telephone rang in the home of a Michigan teenager, Alex Ostrovsky. He presumed it was a tele-marketer and was preparing to give them a dressing down for ringing at that unholy hour.

Instead, the caller was a representative from Apple, informing the 16-year-old that he had become a footnote to history. Unknown to Alex, 45 minutes earlier - just a little after midnight - he had downloaded the billionth song from Apple's iTunes music store when he had paid 99 cents for Coldplay's "Speed of Sound" from their album X&Y.

"I thought he was a tele-marketer it was so early in the morning. We get calls from people from around the world and they don't really know what the time is," Alex said, speaking from his home in West Bloomfield. "I was really sceptical. I didn't even know there was a competition. But he knew the details of my mum's credit card which I have to use for the iTunes account."

Alex said that until now he has not been a habitual downloader. Indeed, until he got the song from Coldplay's third album in the early hours of Thursday morning, he had probably downloaded fewer than 50 tracks from the online store and was more used to sharing and swapping CDs with friends. Previous downloads had included tracks by Queen, Foo Fighters and Aerosmith.

But he was motivated to make his historic download after going to a Coldplay gig in Detroit on Wednesday evening where the band was supported by the singer Fiona Apple. Alex and his friends had front-row seats.

In addition to receiving the track, Alex has received an iMac computer, 10 iPods and a $10,000 (£5,700) gift card for the iTunes store from Apple.

© 2006 Independent News and Media Limited
Like CHIWAWA's diggin it.

Music landmark as billionth download is sold

Mozilla Firefox Start Page

2006-02-23T22:40:00.000-08:00

Is this a New World Google Order? I have googled. Now a verb. Google me. Googling. I am googling. Pregressive present, as in continual action. Google is this and Google is that. Here a Google, there a Google, everyone a Goggle Google.

CHIWAWA mugs for Vancouver Sun & Projectopus

2006-02-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

Chiwawa Brighter than Ever
Dig this. Montreal band Chiwawa is making headlines again in The Vancouver Sun - Friday Feb 17, 2006 edition. In the business section - no less. Staring at the sun pushing the cool factor with
Projectopus -Vancouver's next big music site.

KRT Wire | 02/13/2006 | Accidental shooting raises issues about humor in potential tragedy

2006-02-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

I do kind of think this is hilarious. I haven't read into the details of the actual injury sustained by the shooting victim. I apologize if I'm stepping out of line here but if your stoopid enuf to get into the line of fire duck hunting with Cheney, than you're dumb enough to get shot.I would like to add that I think this may well be a conspiracy. A duck hunt camouflage for serious government business. What do you say? Quack quack.

Enstwhisle negative eBay feedback on HURRYUPFASHION.BLOGSPOT.COM here.

2006-02-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

CHIWAWA is one step ahead of Anderson Cooper. I posted Enstwhistle eBay feedback rating and links last week on hurryupfashion.blogspot.com.

"Old" Folks rejuvenated in "Children's" Playground

2006-02-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

I sure think this is cool and it really does make sense. I live next to an old age home and the residents are so sedentary. Their physical activity is smoking cigarettes, pressing the elevator button or playing bingo. Of course many are unable to move very much but others are simply wasting away. The are bored as there is a lack of activity and stimulation and they are lonely. I think this playground thing is a wonderful idea where the participants exercise large motor skills while being creative and surrounded by interative movement. Yes! That's what I call it - interactive movement. Exercise classes especially for the elderly can be redundant and static but with these slides and swings and jungle gyms. I also think that the colours are happy colours. CHIWAWA says 2 paws up!.

BBC NEWS | Europe | Theatre boss to stage own funeral

2006-02-07T20:33:00.000-08:00

A renowned Hungarian theatre director with terminal cancer is to lie in state for a week while still alive so he can experience his own funeral.

Peter Halasz, who is also an actor, writer and satirist, is in the final stages of liver cancer, and will begin lying in an open coffin at an art museum in the Hungarian capital Budapest later this week.
A renowned Hungarian theatre director with terminal cancer is to lie in state for a week while still alive so he can experience his own funeral.

Halasz is known for surreal images in his work

Peter Halasz, who is also an actor, writer and satirist, is in the final stages of liver cancer, and will begin lying in an open coffin at an art museum in the Hungarian capital Budapest later this week

And of course he's Hungarian. We are a weird bunch I'd say.My grandmother is from Transylvania. I do have an attraction to Transylvania but more as a heritage rather than Dracula. Bela Lugosi was cool too and a friend of family members. I don't have black hair or nailpolish but I like the Cure. Steve Whitfield who produced CHIWAWA's first album the Sick World of Yona, also worked The Cure's Friday I'm in Love album. Oh yes. Of course. THat's the connection.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41304000/jpg/_41304070_halasz2203.jpg

CBC Montreal - 13-year-old girl dies after taking ecstasy

2006-02-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

I guess ecstasy ain't so safe afterall. I never tried it. I've heard over and again how harmless and cool a drug it is but somehow I never got curious enough to find out. But perhaps I would have when I was 13. Unfortunately for this 13 year old girl from Rigaud, Quebec the ecstacy she took was deadly. I've often wondered what other chemicals are mixed in with street acquired drugs. Any white powdery substance can camouflage. DId this girl die from an unknown poison other then MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) which is the manmade ingredients of ecstacy?MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine)

Chiwawa HOWLS Grandpass's deeead. Al Lewis RIP

2006-02-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

Al Lewis

Al Lewis was born on April 30, 1910, in Brooklyn,
New York, to parents of Polish and German descent.
Lewis attended Thomas Jefferson High School. Not quite sure what he wanted to do with his life, he tried a Number of professions including salesman, waiter, owner of a poolroom, and store detective.
In the late 1920s, he worked as a circus clown, riding a unicycle and performing stunts on the trapeze bar. Later, Lewis taught school and wrote two children's books.
Lewis received a Ph.D. in child psychology from Columbia University at age thirty-one. He has read almost a book a day since he was eleven, he says.
In 1949, at the suggestion of a friend, Lewis turned to acting and joined the Paul Mann Actor's Workshop in New York. There, with classmates Sidney Poitier and Vic Morrow, he developed a comedic style and a showcase for his commendable dramatic talent.
Lewis worked in burlesque and vaudeville theaters across the country, which led to other theater endeavors and eventually to Broadway. He made New York his home base but traveled extensively and settled in Italy for a short period. By the 1950's television was booming, and Lewis took advantage of the medium. He was seen, if not heard, on almost every live show out of New York.
He landed the role of Officer Leo Schnauser on "Car 54, Where Are You?-the successful Nat Hiken series that also starred Fred Gwynne. The series ran from 1961 to 1963.
While finishing up a Broadway run of Do Re Mi with Phil Silvers and Nancy Walker, he was summoned along with Fred Gwynne to test for"The Munsters."
In early 1964, when Lewis began playing Grandpa Munster, he probably did not realize that he would be remembered forever for his portrayal of the petulant third-rate wizard of the Munster clan. "Fans treat me like an icon," he says.
He enjoys the smiles he gives people as Grandpa, but for all the recognition he receives, there is one particular actor he reveres: "In my humble opinion, and nothing about me is humble," he says, "Chaplin was the only genius who ever worked in Hollywood. No question about it. In fact, I got to meet him at John Garfield's house once."
After "The Munsters," Lewis made countless appearances in television and motion pictures, performed on the dinner theater circuit around the country and even owned a brokerage firm in Los Angeles for a time. Lewis, a closet intellectual, is also an avid college basketball fanatic, has scouted for several basketball teams, and has been featured in Sports Illustrated. His eye for athletes is great and is trusted by many coaches.
Lewis pulled up stakes and moved to New York shortly after his divorce from his wife, Marge. He opened a restaurant, appropriately called Grampa's, in Greenwich Village, and the business has led to plans for opening a few more Italian eateries around the Big Apple.
Lewis appears around the country donning the familiar tuxedo that made him famous and continues to act in television and motion pictures. Despite the passage of time, he looks well and boasts of fantastic health. He has a home video out for children and appears on WTBS cable in a series of Saturday morning programs for children.
When asked what accomplishment he is proudest of he firmly replies,
"My three sons."

Maison Ethier Flyer of "missing" Woman on Milk Carton SUCKS!

2006-02-04T11:48:00.000-08:00

CHIWAWA SAYS THIS IS CRAP! Here's an ad I saw in St.Hyacinthe's local weekly paper called Le Clairon. This ad is for a very large chain of furniture stores in Quebec and it is based on the missing children's campaign on milk cartons. At first I was taken and was quite upset. Recently a woman's body was found in a trunk of a car in a shopping mall in St.Hyacinthe and I thought this was real. It dawned on me that this was an ad about a woman who goes missing in the electronis section.
I called Maison Ethier within minutes and complained. The manager told me that he received many calls today and they will call the ad agency on Monday. I said the ad agency may have proposed the idea but it it Maison Ethier who accepted it.
No woofies for Maison Ethier. Bad dog. Down.

CHIWAWA says "hmmm" Bond director 'tried to sell sex'

2006-02-04T01:01:00.000-08:00

Morgan Freeman and director Lee Tamahori on the set of Paramount's Along Came A Spider - 2001

One of life's more embarrassing moments for Lee Tamahori, director of Bond films such as the latest Bond film "Die another Day as well as State Of the Union, Once Were Warriors and Mulholland Falls. Mr. Tamahori allegedly offered a police officer money to perform a sex act for some Spare Change. Mr. Tama whore ee as he is sometimes known was apparently wearing a black wig and woman's clothing a dress. I presume the heeled slingbacks weren't mentioned.

Read more at news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ent...

Tamahori busted in LA sex sting

04.02.06
By Elizabeth Binning
excerpt from article:

... Tamahori was dressed in a black wig and off-the-shoulder dress when he approached anundercover police officer in Hollywood on January 8 and offered to perform sex for money.

Los Angeles police media spokesman Jason Lee told the Weekend Herald Tamahori had been charged with agreeing to engage in an act of prostitution and unlawfully loitering on Santa Monica Boulevard.

He said the charges were misdemeanours and at the "lower end" of the scale. The penalties were up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of US$5000.

If convicted, it is possible that as a foreign national Tamahori could lose his ability to work in the United States. Nobody at his gated home in Santa Monica responded to a request for comment by a Weekend Herald reporter last night.

Tamahori is being represented by celebrity lawyer Mark Geragos, who could not be reached for comment. He has represented Michael Jackson on child-sex charges and actress Winona Ryder on shoplifting charges.

Curtis said Tamahori had a son, believed to be in his teens, and a girlfriend both in Los Angeles.

Poor son: Talk about not wanting to go to school tomorrow huh?

CHIWAWA at Mont yamaska

2006-02-03T22:00:00.000-08:00

I would like to walk again
I would like to talk again
I would like to breath again
again to see
repeat again walk
past the leaves
the red door
hollers
"come in"
knock the panel
DOWN
birds fly
out the window
fast
carrier pigeon
under a fallen
roof you are trapped
a freebird
no lynard
skynard
crash glide
barn door
so red you invite
me for tea
and we listen to
the wind cry
"come to me
come to me"

CHIWAWA asks: Was I driving "impaired" last night?

2006-02-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

I don't drink and drive but last night I shouldn't have been on the road. I was exhausted having had 5 hours sleep and had to leave my house at 6:45 AM in order to get to work by 8:00 AM. Not a regular gig but a contract I was doing for a few weeks. It made me realize that many of the 9-5 work force who drive themselves to work five days a weeks are a menace on our roads. We are an exhausted population. When I got home at 9:30 PM after a meeting, I told my husband that that there is a need for a sleep deprivation test used in the same way police test for blood alcohol levels. Our roads are full of sleep deprived people attempting to maneuver 2000 pounds of steel on the highway just waiting to be smashed across a medium. Nontheless I had to drive 80 miles through highways and city traffic, I was literally dreaming about the moment I 'd pull up into my driveway get out of my car and hit the sack. My concentration on the road was short and the darkness induced quasi hallucinations. I was miles from anywhere as the car lanes became somewhat wavy. I kept having to prop myself upright and keep the music interesting. Quite an average workday for many. SInce I moved out of the city of Montreal to a small city St.Hyacinthe , I have had to do an enormous amount of driving. Much more than I used to. Perhaps there already is such a sleep deprivation test and if so, why isn't it used? If we do not create or utilize such a test ,then we will never fully understand the real numbers and reasons for the thousands of drivers who die each year on our roads.

Internet witch hunt? Or rubber neckers are we?

2006-02-02T21:55:00.000-08:00

Today I found a a couple of websites of which their sole purpose is to list blogs and websites and even eBay profiles.A small sampling includes: people who overnight becomes famous due to being a prime suspects in a heinous crime. I also discovered a website exclusively listing blogs or myspace belonging to recently dead young people. Entswhistle out of Boston and the kids caught on video beating homeless men to death.
Here's an onlibe obit of a girl who supposedly fell into a grain elevator. Also inluded are deaths by suicide, car accident

Oddly fascinating.

Member Profile: srpublications (113Feedback score is 100 to 499) Feedback score is 100 to 499)

Feedback Score: 113
Positive Feedback: 89.0%
Members who left a positive: 129
Members who left a negative: 16
All positive feedback received: 134 Negative feedback rating Investigate any seller from Worcester to be certain it is not the same seller.
Buyer sheets11 ( 11Feedback score is 10 to 49) Jan-09-06 06:20 7207647630
Negative feedback rating Seems to be a scam - nothing received. Will contact PayPal.
Buyer wilmslowwarrior ( 9 ) Jan-09-06 01:35 5846164819
Negative feedback rating No goods received either. Not able to contact seller. DO NOT TRUST
Buyer thompsonkitey ( 4 ) Jan-09-06 00:40 5846164638
Negative feedback rating No item received, no response to email, filing claim with Paypal
Buyer sweety4027 ( 16Feedback score is 10 to 49) Jan-08-06 17:10 7208018379
Negative feedback rating No item received, No communication Not reccomended to do businnes with. ?SCAM!!!
Buyer jandtsalesllc ( 46Feedback score is 10 to 49) Changed User ID (less than 30 days) Jan-08-06 10:39 7207647630
Negative feedback rating Complete Scam, Ebay users beware! Absolutely nothing recieved.
Buyer carolineh123456789 ( 1 ) Jan-08-06 08:48 7207647630
Negative feedback rating Do not do business with this individual as he does not exist!!!!!!!!!!!!!(THIEF)
Buyer soupcam70 ( 19Feedback score is 10 to 49) Jan-08-06 08:18 7206973529
Negative feedback rating Seller not responding, cannot contact him, nice New Years present for us all !!!
Buyer maggiemoola ( 33Feedback score is 10 to 49) Jan-08-06 07:19 7207647630
Negative feedback rating Paid for product, no response to emails, phone number wrong, don't buy here!
Buyer maggiemoola ( 33Feedback score is 10 to 49) Jan-08-06 07:13 5846164638
Negative feedback rating Sharp practice? No product, no contact, no respect !!
Buyer pauln3384 ( 3 ) Jan-08-06 03:27 7206973529
Negative feedback rating Have not recieved item. No response to my email.
Buyer faythscar ( 4 ) Jan-08-06 02:33 7208018379
Negative feedback rating Relisted Studio MX 8 as "unsold" when in fact ALL 20 copies were sold. WARNING!!
Buyer siredoime ( 10Feedback score is 10 to 49) Jan-07-06 18:29 7206973529
Negative feedback rating *** WARNING *** Never recieved item.. Never recieved responce from email!!!!
Buyer spud383 ( 38Feedback score is 10 to 49) Jan-07-06 13:03 7206973584
Positive feedback rating Good Seller
Buyer apcstores ( 22Feedback score is 10 to 49) Jan-07-06 09:03 7561134947
Negative feedback rating I paid for item and contacted seller who did not reply. Item is listed again
Buyer zenzoo7 ( 23Feedback score is 10 to 49) Jan-06-06 22:15 7207647630
Positive feedback rating Good transaction, all works fine, many thanks
Buyer geobull ( 811Feedback score is 500 to 999) Dec-30-05 02:40 5837709051
Positive feedback rating Great communication. A pleasure to do business with.
Seller sherif9876 ( 288Feedback score is 100 to 499) Dec-27-05 07:08 5838188978
Positive feedback rating Good service. quick delivery. thanks
Buyer arrigo774 ( 9 ) Dec-15-05 22:36 7569904006
Positive feedback rating Interesting information. Transaction okay.
Buyer dave657pfc ( 28Feedback score is 10 to 49) Dec-13-05 10:15 5644799233
Positive feedback rating received as promised
Buyer jordan1.1968 ( 2 ) Dec-13-05 01:46 7569904006
Positive feedback rating Prompt delivery. Good product. Recommended seller. A++
Buyer narliam ( 28Feedback score is 10 to 49) Dec-12-05 21:08 7569904006
Positive feedback rating Very Interesting, Thankyou.
Buyer phawth ( 136Feedback score is 100 to 499) Dec-12-05 17:52 5644799233
Positive feedback rating FANTASTIC CUSTOMER & FAST PAYMENT - HOPE U PROSPER VERY SOON! TYVM ;-) A+A+A+A+
Seller creativewriters ( 1687Feedback score is 1000 to 4,999) Dec-09-05 09:16 5644758385
Neutral feedback rating just dont no what this is?
Buyer dooly1934 ( 577Feedback score is 500 to 999) Dec-02-05 18:11 7560924166
Reply by srpublications: Why have you not contacted me for help? You haven't even paid yet. Dec-05-05 14:04
Positive feedback rating Fast Delivery.....Very friendly transaction. I look forward to working with you
Buyer philnezz ( 31Feedback score is 10 to 49) Nov-29-05 19:52 7565838346

Page 1 of 7

CHIWAWA this is CRAP! Narcs nab drug smuggling puppies

2006-02-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

CHIWAWA says this sucks. Gandhi says " You can judge a nation by the way it treats its animals". I can also add that Quebec has the highest euthansia rate of domestic dogs and cats in North America. Nothing to be proud of. I will expand on this soon.Look out for the blog

eBay Profile of a Murderer?

2006-02-01T11:04:00.000-08:00

creepy.really creepybaby and mother shot in bed

CHIWAWA Conspiracy theory # 1

2006-02-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

If you know who this man is, please get in touch via
manic AT bloggerheads DOT com

UPDATES

UPDATE (17 Jan 2006): For a while there we thought we had a possible match; Detective Sergeant John Pickersgill. Further investigation revealed that Det Sgt Pickersgill was currently attached to S012, the Special Branch Section at New Scotland Yard responsible for holding intelligence on extremist bodies. In other words, he was one of very few police with a (theoretically) valid reason to be out and about acting like an agitator.

So I called him.

I first made sure that I had the same John Pickersgill that appears in the photo linked above and displayed below. I then explained the situation and asked if was our missing man. His response: "I can absolutely and categorically state that it wasn't me."

So the search continues.

CHIWAWA howls CRAP! Empty Motown offices demolished

2006-01-29T14:01:00.000-08:00

This is really sad. At least they could have removed the documents from inside. I bet incredible Motown historical factoids are now permanently lost becasue no one bothered to spend a few hours sifting through them. CHIWAWA could have made thousands selling them on eBay to appreciative fans.I visited Motown in 2002. A fantastic place full of ghosts and vibes.

Read more at news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ent...

CHIWAWA digs Mozilla Firefox Start Page

2006-01-29T13:57:00.000-08:00

CHIWAWA digs Firefox. Instant blogging at the pop of a pop up. Now how cool is that? Hot Diggity Blog. We're relatively new to blogging but see it as a whole new world - shall we call it the blogsphere? Or is that Blog-o-sphere? What an efficient way to get your thoughts out to the world , tell 'em waht you think, what you feel and where to go!Other helpful There are plenty of Blog info sites to refine your blogging skills. More to come on podcasting and videoblogs shortly. Now take a break and listen to some music.

CHIWAWA believes in the e-music REVOLUTION. Court rules against song-swappers

2006-01-28T12:19:00.000-08:00

CHIWAWA disagrees with Judge Justice Lawrence Collins who says "Ignorance is not a defence" in the case of two men accused of using peer-to-peer software sharing 8906 songs over the internet. There was no direct evidence of infringement and the two accused and three others will have to pay 13,500 pounds. Sooner or later the music executives dinosaurs will be headed to the museum storage room regardless of this judges verdict. File sharing and digital distribution are not going anywhere so either welcome it , sue the perpretrators and waste your time and money, or figure out how to create new business models and see file sharing and downloading in a different light. The music industry as we had known it had been ripping artists off, scamming the public and scheming for decades. Sure there will be plenty more court room dramas yet to unfold that will find others liable of breaking the law but this too will to come to an end. BPI chairman Peter Jamieson said illegal music-swappers were "stealing the future of artists and the people who invest in them". CHIWAWA says that's CRAP! CHIWAWA believes in the new music revolution and understands that it's here to stay. File sharing is no different then lending a friend a good book after you've read it. If the book is that good your friend will tell others who will want to buy their own copy. The majority of file sharers are kids 1st and 2nd generation iPod users, who have never spent a dime on their uncountable mp3s . But this doesn't worry me at all. They'll grow up.

Read more at news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ent...

Oh no...not again 7.7 Earthquake hits Indonesia

2006-01-27T10:05:00.000-08:00

Major earthquake hits off Indonesian coast
Associated Press
JAKARTA, Indonesia - A magnitude-7.7 undersea earthquake rocked eastern Indonesia early Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. There was no danger of a tsunami.

The earthquake occurred about 120 miles south of Moluccas, the USGS said. It occurred at a depth of 212 miles.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said no destructive tsunami threat existed.

"It is sexy change the world" says Bono

2006-01-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

Cool. I think wanting to make a difference is sexy too. "This is really sexy to me. It is sexy to want to change the world," the 45-year-old Irish rocker told reporters.

Bono dressed up in Armani is now promoting a new line of jeans.
"I'm calling it conscious commerce for people who are awake, people who think about their spending power and say: 'I've got two jeans I can buy. One I know is made in Africa and is going to make a difference, and the other isn't. What am I going to buy?' "

Some of the Red products will be manufactured in Africa with materials from African countries.

Storm over Chinese map of America

2006-01-17T05:04:00.000-08:00

A map depicting North and South America in detail dating from 1418 suggests that a Chinese fleet discovered America well before Chris Columbus. This isn't that surprising now, is it? First off, when great discoveries happen, there are often global synchronistic events occurring, i.e the invention of the telephone (it wasn't just AG Bell. He just got the patent first within hours of someone else, unfortunately "someone else" will forever remain "someone else".

The other thought: Whitey thinks:How could a non caucasian possibly do something as significant as discover America (for those who don't get my tone - this is a cynical remark)Nothing is ever what it seems. We are stuck in a subjective narcisistic reflection of history. This is the human condition.

After thousands of years why would the possibility that another person, race or country have discovered America? Is this really so unusual or controversial? Humans are easily conditioned thorugh media to outdated history books spoonfed to us since elementary school. Canada is going into a federal election now. I may vote for the First Nation's Party

Beethoven's hair - A virtual haunting

2006-01-16T19:59:00.000-08:00

This is quite an impressive creepy website I found through the CBC site with an even creepier name "Beethoven's hair" The more you stay on this site the weirder it gets.
Have fun and send regards to Ludwig from CHIWAWA.

Blogging for Blogs Sake

2006-01-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

blogging's sake.
wither a virtual sufferance

eternal digit
binary widget

i blog
without

Body Bouncer - Amusing x rated junk mail - Austin Powers rumour*

2006-01-07T22:46:00.000-08:00

DO NOT SCROLL DOWN this post if you are of parochial mindset. If, on the other hand your worldviews are more forthcoming (and you know how babies are made) then please feel free to scroll down to view amusing pictograms.
Shagadelic babeeeee...

*Rumour has it (yes I just made up this grapevine flourish) that Austin Powers has three Bodybouncers in his closet.

e-Waste. THIS SUCKS L@@K

2006-01-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

Don't throw out your computers. Look into participating in — or starting a community-based electronics recycling drive.
Make Art With your OLD computer junk. Put it on your front lawn and plant flowers instead of using those plastic flower boxes. You need it now you keep it tomorrow and forever.

Photos: Natalie Behring/Greenpeace

Microsoft shuts down controversial Chinese blogger

2006-01-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

Another reason why big business sucks. This is anti internet. This is blatant "not good for business" practices by omni God Microsoft.

Microsoft Corp. has followed the request of the Chinese government and shut down the internet journal of a blogger who discussed politically sensitive issues.

The controversial blog was written under the pen name An Ti, reportedly by a research assistant in the Beijing bureau of the New York Times, AP said. It touched on sensitive topics such as China's relations with Taiwan and free speech in China.

The company has taken down a blog written by journalist Zhao Jing, also known as Michael Anti, from its MSN Spaces portal.

Zhoa Jing, a Beijing-based researcher for the New York Times, was critical of a recent management change in China and the government asked Microsoft to remove the blog.

You are a WINNER if you forward this post to 3 people within 24 hours

2006-01-05T23:28:00.000-08:00

Congratulations. You are the 52nd person to read this post. This makes you a winner. Mysterious and enigmatic you will wait at least 16 days to claim your prize. Forward this post to three friends and you will receive your deepest secret wish. The one real desire you have been thinkng about, obsessing about for the last 8 years.. A long lost love will re enter your life. A shock at first but real. You also have an excellent chance of winning the lottery if you incorporate the numbers of your mother's birthday. Please do not underestimate or guffaw this post. I have been known to freak people out with my uncanny abilbity to foresee into the future.
Watch your health for February into April. Rest more and eat less meat.
Water your plants and throw away the crap in the bottom of your hallway closet.

Who is Xiaxue?

2006-01-05T21:51:00.000-08:00

This is a blog that was one of the results of a Google search I made tonight "nobody reads my blog".Xiaxue's blog popped up. I think I saw this blog about a month ago. Is this chick Xiaxue for real or what? She looks kind of ditzy and slutty but somehow this chicks got brains.
I am wondering if it's for real or if this blog is like an blogatorial like advertorial. It's quite sophisticated in a not so obvious way. This blog is pink and plastered in photos of this pretty teenager in clubs and Karaoke and other ordinary "glamourous" places. Xiaxue is apparently 21 years old. OK I just went on Xiaxue's FAQ page and it is starting to unravel the mystery a wee bit. I like the fact that Xiaxue admits in the FAQs to enhancing her photos by up to 40% with Photoshop. Apparently Xiaxue has 10,000 readers a day.
She has a media center. I guess Xiaxue's famous. I have not been sitting in front of my computer long enough. Where the hell have I been? Out of the bloghosphere, a late bloomer. This is the first (and hopefully last time) I ever type the word bloghosphere again. Is that even the way to spell it? i will not correct it. My ass is getting fatter sitting in front of the computer and I am still no better for it. The problem is that I also make music in front of the computer between playng instruments or singing or driving (still seated) I am sitting in front of the computer...except when I am walking dogs or cooking.

I have continued surfing Xiaxue's site and came upon this blog I am starting to think that Xiaxue has a rather gifted mind.
The moral here, NEVER judge a book by its cover.

Are Canadian Politicians Safe? Letter from a Dead Man

2006-01-03T06:41:00.000-08:00

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew was attacked in a Montreal metro station Wednesday night as a man tried to steal his cellphone. Isn't it wonderful that Canada's minister of foreign affairs can come and go without security measures or body guards. During the October crisis two Canadian politicians James Cross and Pierre Laporte were kidnapped by the FLQ. On Oct. 10, 1970, kidnappers with machine guns pulled up to Quebec Labour Minister Pierre Laporte's home and shoved him into the backseat of their car. It happened during broad daylight at the minister's suburban Montreal home while he played football with his family on the front lawn. Pierre Laporte's dead body was found in the trunk of a car seven days later on October 17. He had been strangled. His kidnappers were subsequently captured and sentenced to long prison terms for his murder, but in fact only served terms ranging from 7 to 11 years.

29 years later and Canada's Minister of Foregn Affairs is travelling through the Montreal subway system alone and gets mugged for a cell phone. I find it extraordinary that a high profile G8 country politician can roam about incognito . Now that this news has been made public is Pierre Pettigrew still safe? Are Canadian politicians safe? There is an inherent danger when anyone enters political life. I do not think announcing this mugging was a very good idea for Canadian security. Only time will tell but it often takes an unexpected event to create new security measures.
Letter of Pierre Laporte to Robert Bourassa

Letter sent on October 11, 1970

My dear Robert,

I feel like I am writing the most important letter I have ever written.

For the time being, I am in perfect health, and I am treated well, even courteously.

In short, the power to decide over my life is in your hands. If there was only that involved, and the sacrifice of my life would bring good results, one could accept it ...

You know how my personal situation deserves to draw attention. I had two brothers, both are now dead. I remain alone as the head of a large family that comprises my mother, my sisters, my own wife and my children, and the children of Rolland of whom I am the guardian. My departure would create for them irreparable grief, and you know the ties that bind the members of my family ...

You have the power of life and death over me, I depend on you and I thank you for it.

Best regards,

Pierre Laporte

October Crisis Documents

Pettigrew mugged in Montreal metro
Last updated Dec 30 2005 03:09 PM EST
CBC News

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew was attacked in a Montreal metro station Wednesday night as a man tried to steal his cellphone.
A 19-year-old bystander jumped in to help Pettigrew fend off his attacker.
Both Pettigrew and his Good Samaritan suffered minor injuries. Pettigrew's cellphone was returned to him after the incident.
Frédérick Estelle, 24, was charged with aggravated theft. He appeared in court, and was denied bail. Instead, he has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. He is due back in court in early January.
Pettigrew's office told French media that it wasn't unusual for the minister to take public transportation without bodyguards.
They said the minister was not targeted, but was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

MORE MONTREAL NEWS

New Kind of Crime? Swallow the Cel Phone ...or else...

2005-12-29T22:35:00.000-08:00

This is a "Frequency Hopping" diagram as invented by Hedy Lamarr. Watch for the upcoming blog.

December 27, 2005
latimes.com : National News

Ya like ok what's up with this? The cel phone now used as a mouth stuffing device. It's so good you can lick it, tongue it, spit on it and swallow." Just shutup and swallow the phone bi_ch or else!" I said "...listen to me honey. It's too wide.
He said, "You give me the money or you swallow the phone."

Swallowing of Cellphone Now Called an Assault
From Times Wire Services

A woman who police thought had deliberately tried to swallow her cellphone during an argument with her boyfriend was apparently the victim of an assault instead, authorities in Blue Springs said.

"It appears she didn't voluntarily swallow this phone," Kintz said. Police would not say whether the boyfriend was a suspect.

Early Friday, police responded to a call from a man who said his 24-year-old girlfriend was having trouble breathing. Police arrived to find a woman with a cellphone lodged in her throat.

Police were initially told the boyfriend wanted the phone and the woman tried to swallow it so that he could not get it

STOP RANDOM VIOLENCE! RIP Jane Creba

2005-12-28T21:26:00.000-08:00

2005 OFSAA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Saturday November 5th, 2005

Junior Girls Team Results

37. Riverdale CI #2
89 230 231 232 (233) = 782
JOHNSON Adelaide, BELL Rebecca, CREBA Jane, WONG Elizabeth, KALAKOS
Dina
38. De La Salle College #2
183 208 216 221 = 828
LUNNY Kaila, ARNINI Amanda, JUSKEY Katerina, STALTARI Elizabeth

Today on the radio someone was commenting on the Toronto shooting. He remarked that the poor kids in gangs "... have only known rejection and poverty..." and therefore feel nothing for others. I say that's CRAP. This is pitiable commentary from someone looking for another reason to sell plastic bracelets. Well that's not a justified "cause" buster.
Who doesn't have sad story, a sob story; an impoverished neglected childhood just doesn't cut it. Not even at random.

Earlier today I googled this story and discovered the name Jane Creba as the victim of the Toronto Boxing Day Murder. It was released by accident through a schoolmates blog.
"She was honest to God the funniest, prettiest and all around nicest person..."
I came up with "Jane Creba" in a cached version, I also came across competition results and statistics for swim meets at Riverdale High School. I noticed that one sports site had removed photos of Jane as I only saw the broken html tags. I assumed because they had found out it was her who was murdered and removed her photo. The family had not wanted the identity released as of earlier this afternoon.
Jane was a beauty Hollywood style. Jane probably drove the boys crazy and the girls crazy with jealousy and had a heart of gold.
No I never knew Jane but now I will always remember her.

Such a terrible loss. But never a waste. Jane Creba will be burned in the hearts and minds of Canadians.
We shall fight the gun madness...most of which are smuggled in from the USA!
STOP THE VIOLENCE.

The best unknown Montreal bands...?

2005-12-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

*SIXPACK :: Montreal Music

the lovely feathers + cadillac backpack
the arcade fire + neighbourhood # 2 (laika)
stars + ageless beauty
shooting rubys + dream like you
chiwawa + furious
agenda + don't wish to hell

posted by Alan Williamson at 7:07 AM
5 Comments:

sadia said...

instead of arcade fire up there, you could have included Rufus Wainwright. he rightly belongs to Montreal, doesn't he?

11:28 AM

zach tutor said...

well...he isn't really the style of music that's coming out of Montreal at the time being.

1:44 PM

sadia said...

i see your point

10:49 AM

Anonymous said...

shooting rubys + dream like you
chiwawa + furious
agenda + don't wish to hell

??? they are from montreal? never heard of them. more info?

1:53 PM

Alan Williamson said...

info:

shootingrubys.com

chiwawafanclub.com
hope this helps!

7:18 PM

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CNN.com Canadian 'swingers' cheer ruling on sex clubs... VIVA MONTREAL!

2005-12-26T22:53:00.001-08:00

Well well well. Montreal makes CNN headines. Not because it has the best music in the world right now.This is a headline worth singing about ain't it folks? I'd say...not. Or is that simply my "minding my neighbours business" speaking? I have been reading the Montreal Mirror Weekly for many years.I used to sell advertising for it. When I was there, the big main page ads were the money. Now it is clearly the classifieds that rake it in. And not just any classified ad. Let's back track. Four years ago or so I saw a one page ad for a swingers club in The Mirror.This genre of sex leaped out of the classifieds and into the mainstream. They were called the Libertines or something like that. And although it is legal only as of this week, you could still take out a full page ad three years ago in the The Montreal Mirror when swingers clubs weren't legal but clearly tolerated. I was feeling uncomfortable with this ad when I saw it but it's non of my business, right? Right. If consenting adults choose to participate in gangs bangs well than that is their right. If they want to risk the unpredicatable variables that may manifest in such or from such situations, than this is their right.No one is forcing anyone to be their against their will.

So it's legal now. Does that mean swingers have legal rights? Like if you're not satisfied with the level of other swingers on whichever thing you're measuring (?) then can I sue you? Is there a new market for insurance companies? If these places are paying taxes and declaring the income than they must have an insurance policy. What would that policy cover? What kind of liability issues are we anticipating or not.

MONTREAL, Quebec (Reuters) -- On a recent night out on the town, Michel and Chantal Delbecchi left their suburban Montreal home and drove to the L'Orage Club in the city's east end, where they had sex with a couple they had never met before.

The Delbecchis, husband and wife since 1978, are "echangistes," French for "swingers," who for the past 21 years have been visiting clubs such as L'Orage (Thunderstorm) to have consensual sex in a group with one or more other people. Read more at www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/...

Rules at Norm's Swinger's Club

Who can attend ASYX swinger parties - Any adult over the age of 21 may attend. If you look under 21, you will be asked to produce ID.

I have a female friend who said she would accompany me to a couples party and leave. Is this acceptable - This type of arrangement is called a "ticket", as she is your ticket to enter. If you show up together, you must leave together. Most seasoned swingers can spot this type of arrangement instantly.

What should I wear, or bring with us to a party - It is a good idea to bring a change of clothes, condoms, lubricant, and any toys you care to bring if you intend on playing, and any toiletry items you may need.

Do you have a dress code - We ask that you please observe our dress code. Right after you arrive, please change into your sexiest attire for the party. This helps to get the party into the correct mood for the evening. Remember, your attending a SWINGERS PARTY, so dress accordingly.

Appropriate attire for women - Lingerie, negligee, teddies, 2 piece bathing suit, total body fishnet, thong outfit, or a sexy bra and panties are appropriate. You may also, at your desecration, run around in your birthday suit.

Appropriate attire for men - Boxer shorts, a wrap around towel that you bring, men's thongs or butt huggers, or your finest pair of Hanes. You may also, at your desecration, run around in your birthday suit. We encourage the showing of ' wood '... If you got it... flaunt it !!

What is the age group who attends a party - Most couples are 21-45+, the age range varies for each party. The average age of the single women attending is 21-30.

What are your rules - Our rules are very simple, treat everyone courteously, and remember no means no. Don't answer maybe if it is not what you mean. Drinking is allowed ( BYOB ), but no one likes a drunk. You will be asked to leave if your conduct disrupts the activities, and may be bared from attending any future events.

We have never been to a swingers party before, do we have to participate - The answer is no. We strive to have no pressure atmosphere. We all were newbies at some time in our life. You can join in, or just watch, or just enjoy your partner. You can be as conservative as you desire, or totally uninhibited, the choice is yours.Find out if I'm what your looking for !

Do you have private rooms for couples to play in - No, all activities are right out in the open, for all to see, and enjoy. This makes for a party atmosphere, and is a preference among the majority of those attending. If your a same room swap only couple, this is a perfect setting for you both.

Are condoms required to play -Although not required, it is a good idea, to prevent any chance of infections and disease. We will always have condoms available at no charge, just ask your host.

What are your parties like - Our parties are very high energy and very sexy. We REALLY go out of our way to make our parties an experience you won't soon forget. Our parties are not for the timid, or bashful.

Toronto opens Guns 'r Us on Boxing Day-Not so organized crime.

2005-12-26T19:50:00.000-08:00

Toronto is in gun chaos catching up to Detroit or Washington DC . The majority of guns in Canadian cities are smuggled across the US - Canadian border. Either this is gang newbie initiations or really stupid gangsters; random shootings or screwed up antics of not so organized crime.

If groups of people were involved in this Toronto Boxing Day shooting, this is not random.I remember a few years back about a shooting in a downtown Toronto cafe, trendy and hip etc etc. A young girl was shot dead during a robbery involving restaurant patrons. This is when Toronto changed for me.

Computer Batteries pose fire risk?!

2005-12-26T01:29:00.000-08:00

I never thought a computer battery could pose a fire risk...Dell notebook batteries recalled

Dell Inc. is recalling about 1,500 notebook computer batteries in Canada and 22,000 batteries in the US, because they can overheat and may pose a fire risk.

So when I thought it was safe now I have one more thing to worry about. Computers for me were like a safe haven. A place where I could work and surf and blog and create and put it to sleep. Now I will start to double and triple check the computer the way I check to make sure the stove is off.
shit.

The batteries, sold between Oct. 5, 2004 and Oct. 13, 2005, are for these models of Dell notebook computers:

Latitude(TM) D410, D505, D510, D600, D610, D800, D810.
Inspiron(TM) 510M, 600M, 6000, 8600, 9200, 9300, XPS Gen 2.
Dell Precision(TM) M20 and M70 mobile workstations.

The recall applies to Dell's notebook batteries, not the computers.
The company has received three reports in the United States of batteries overheating, causing minor damage to surfaces and objects in direct contact with the computer.

No injuries have been reported.

"The batteries were also sold separately, including as secondary batteries and in response to service calls," said a news release on the Texas-based company's website.

Last Updated Fri, 23 Dec 2005 15:57:20 EST
CBC News

Dell Recall Notebook Computer Batteries
These batteries can overheat, which could pose a fire risk.

Washington, D.C. - infoZine - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Dell Notebook Computer Batteries

Units: About 22,000 in the U.S.

Manufacturer/Distributor: Dell Inc., of Round Rock, Texas

Hazard: These batteries can overheat, which could pose a fire risk.

Incidents/Injuries: Dell has received three reports of batteries overheating. The incidents involved damage to a tabletop, a desktop, and minor damage to personal effects. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled batteries were sold with the following Dell notebook computers: Latitude™ D410, D505, D510, D600, D610, D800, D810; Inspiron™ 510M, 600M, 6000, 8600, 9200, 9300, XPS Gen 2; and Dell Precision™ M20 and M70 mobile workstations. The batteries were also sold separately, including as secondary batteries and in response to service calls. The batteries insert into the battery bay located on the underside of the notebook. "Dell" and "Made in Japan" or "Made in China" are stamped on the batteries. The identification number for each battery appears on a white sticker. Customers should have this number available when they contact Dell to determine if their battery is part of the recall.

Our Tsunami Experience One Year Later - "...the other side of Phuket"

2005-12-25T21:58:00.000-08:00

PHOTOS: PHUKET Jan 8 2005
It was Christmas day 2004, we had just returned home from family festivities and we just sat down to watch a film. It was sometime in the AM when the telephone rang. It was Krassy's father Dako saying "Krassy, Krassy, Krassy..." with urgency. Rather short I thought for a Christmas greeting wondering why Dako and I did not do our no speak English no speak Bulgarian attempt to communicate. I passed the phone to Krassy. Every year his mother, father travelled to Thailand. This time his brother and his girlfriend were also there.
"Krassy, What's that noise?!"
"Dako it's me Krassy your son in Canada. You must have called the wrong Krassy. Dako wanted to speak a friend called Krassy who is staying on Bangkok to ask him what that noise was. Of course this must have been some noise if he called a friend to find out what it was.Dako accidentally called us on redial on his GSM cellphone. At that point Krassy asked for the cel phone number. We said we'd call them back, therwise we would not have had their cel phone number which soon would prove to be a godsend. If this "accidental" phonecall woud not have occurred we wouldn't have known how to reach the family. I immediately googled "Phuket news". I came across one result which read something like "...tidal wave hits - 6 people missing..." There was no CNN headline.
About 20 minutes later I went back and retyped CNN. The CNN The Breaking News red banner read: Major earthquake hits sumatra 8.5 already enormous the world would know a little later that it was closer to a 10. I googled a map of Sumatra and saw how close it was to Phuket. The rings emitting from the epicentre as indicated on the CNN map were getting bigger and bigger extending out, wrapping themselves around Thailand.
I call the telephone operator to get the country calling code for Thailand at which point the operator also tried to place the call without success. The operator said that I was the third person to call in short time at which point we both understood that something significant was going on. The operator tried the number repeatedly without success.I was sitting on the couch shaking for about 25 minutes. I had to wrap a blanket around me because I was shivering with fear. I tried to call Thailand again with operator assistance but again no connection. Afteer trying several times with the operator I dialed direct and successfully reached the cel phone. I gave the phone to Krassy. Dako answered saying that now they were heading up the mountain and that we should not worry. By that point the BBC was reporting heavily on the disaster. CNN was still reporting Xmas fluff. Images of a major catastrophe was unfolding in front of our eyes.
We called Krassy's parents again the next morning to see if they were still safe. They were being flippant or so we thought when they' said yes yes stop worrying so much. We also realized that perhaps they did not understand the full scope of the disaster becasue they were on the other side of Phuket from where the tsunami struck. There was no electricity for them to see images on TV.

A day or two later they called us . They said they were sorry for taking our concern so lightly. They had gone to witness the devastation that day. They apologized.
They would stay in Phuket for another month. Most of the tourists had left immediately after the tsunami struck or giving up on the idea of leaving with the corpses of their loved ones.
Krassy's parents are in Thailand again this year. Tonight, there was a phone message from them wishing us a Merry Christmas.
I am sure there is a hush, an undescribable energy wherever the tsunami wreaked its havoc.

footnote:
My cousin Greg who vacationed in Phuket during Christmas 2003, had met a young Austrailian couple who went to Phuket at the same time every year. Greg maintained regular communication with them through phone or email. They always replied promptly. Greg has tried many times to speak to them this year. They have not called back. The number is out of service. The email returned.

CNN.com - Company recalls tainted pet food - Dec 22, 2005

2005-12-23T05:32:00.000-08:00

The serene Tika

[ I first heard about this on Fox News circa 2003 or so. Apparently popular pet food brands have not so trace amounts of pentobarbitol a drug commonly used to euthanize animals. Veterinarians have noticed that dogs and cats need much more of this drug to be euthanized because they are ingesting it in their regular diet everyday by ingesting popular pet foods.How was it gettinginto the petfood? The drug was suspected to be in many top brand dog foods, due to the fact that it was discovered that meat packing plants were recycling euthanised pets into pet food. A study was issued and these finding were discovered.

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Foreign film barred from Oscars

2005-12-23T05:24:00.000-08:00

I was born and raised Quebec and I have been witness to the "silent revolution" This headline simply isn't a shocker. In Quebec there is a bill 101 and such language censorship is well, the law here and a way of life. Take it or leave it or get fined.

The Charter of the French Language (S.Q. 1977, c. 5), an important statute adopted by the Quebec National Assembly in 1977, is popularly known as ‘Bill 101’ from its designation on the order paper when it was first introduced by the Parti Québécois government.Concern for the future of the French language began to be expressed in Quebec during the 1960s after the birth rate declined abruptly during the Quiet Revolution. Immigrants tended to adopt English rather than French and to send their children to English schools, and some demographers predicted that Montreal would again become a mainly English-speaking city, as it briefly had been in the mid-nineteenth century. In 1973, the Gendron Commission recommended measures to encourage the use of French, especially in the economy, and the Liberal government introduced an Official Language Act (‘Bill 22’) in 1974. The Parti Québécois, deeming the latter measure inadequate, replaced it with ‘Bill 101’, which makes French the “normal” language of municipal, public and para-public administration, imposes stringent French language tests for admission to the professions, requires most businesses with more than fifty employees to operate mainly in French, and requires collective agreements to be drafted in French. Originally it restricted the use of English in the National Assembly and the courts, but these provisions were contrary to section 133 of the Constitution Act, 1867 and were struck down by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1979 (see Quebec (A.G.) v. Blaikie, [1979] 2 S.C.R. 1016).The most controversial sections of ‘Bill 101’ were those restricting access to English schools and prohibiting the use of English on commercial signs. Both became vulnerable after the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms took effect in 1982. Soon afterwards the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that ‘Bill 101’ must be brought into conformity with section 23(1)(b) of the Charter, which guarantees Canadian citizens who received an English education in Canada the right to educate their children in English (see Quebec (A.G.) v. Quebec Protestant School Boards, [1984] 2 S.C.R. 66). In 1988 the provision relating to signs was struck down as a violation of freedom of expression (see Ford v. Quebec A.G., [1988] 2 S.C.R. 712), but the Bourassa government promptly used the notwithstanding clause to re-enact it in a modified form, a measure that caused three anglophone cabinet ministers to resign. In 1993 a further modification allowed English to appear on signs posted outdoors provided the French words were more prominent. Although it has been amended several times and is resented or ridiculed by many Quebec Anglophones, ‘Bill 101’ remains an important symbol of Quebec’s determination to maintain French as a viable language in a continent that speaks mainly English.

Read more at news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ent...

Bill 101: http://www.law.ualberta.ca/ccskeywords/bill_101.html

BBC NEWS Pornographic Headline of the Day

2005-12-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

Man I should sing this one to Barry White...ohhhh can't get enough.

Get this headlines folks:
Women tempted by gadget gifts

One can read this article with another perspective which works just as well, perhaps better. Imagine a quick Christmas spree in a sex shop looking for well, a "gadget". My thoughts are in bold caps. This is the mood of the day, 'k?
I have a problem with this pink talk. It's kind of well stupid folks. Women want pink gadgets. Well not me folks. I like titanium and black. I find these colours and elements far more appealing. Perhaps my mind is in the gutter today but this is what came to mind instantly....
Last Updated: Thursday, 22 December 2005, 09:17 GMT

Electronics stores can be intimidating places for women
When it comes to gadgets, American women are most likely to get a digital camera or an iPod for Christmas this year.

So expects Jeremy Clay, a personal shopping assistant at a Best Buy store in Walnut Creek, California.

He is in a position to know. He has been helping lots of husbands coming into the US electronics superstore.

The same two gadgets ranked high in a study recently conducted by consultancy IDC.

The report, entitled Women on Holiday Shopping: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!, surveyed more than 1,000 women, mostly in the US, but included some in Canada and Mexico.

Men often interested in technical details of a gadget
Check out this pic of the guy measuring the size if (t)his gadget!

They were all members of the Women in Technology International organisation, which brings together tech-savvy and affluent women.

IDC looked at what these women were buying for other people. Digital cameras, iPods and other MP3 players, accessories for iPods and laptops were the most common gadgets on the list.

But while the women were getting presents for others, they were buying gifts for themselves.

OFCOURSE THEY WERE BUYING GIFTS FOR THEMSELVES. AFTER ALL THEY"RE BUYING PASTEL COLORED GADGETS!

"It's 'let's just pick one up for me as well'", said Dana Thorat, research manager at IDC. "Santa is buying the gifts for herself."
HO HO HO
Secret power
Women are the silent majority when it comes to influencing and making consumer electronics purchases.

I buy online because I find going into electronic stores so annoying
Margaret Heffernan, author
They influence around 80% of consumer electronics purchases, according to figures from manufacturers and trade groups such as the Consumer Electronics Association.

But until recently the industry did not pay attention to this.

Best Buy started having personal shopping assistants after realising that women influence the majority of purchases made in the household and make up a significant number of its customers. They are also the ones who prize good customer service.

Jeremy Clay knows what to tell the men coming into the shop to buy Christmas gifts for their wives because it is their wives that he mostly works with.

Best Buy has made an effort to change the way sales assistants talk to women, particularly trying to stop the common practice of ignoring a woman shopper in favour of their male companion.Perhaps this happens in Iraq. I tell the salemen that I need RAM and a hard drive. I know what my needs are and I have not felt ignored.
The same experience is to be had in the UK according to Margaret Heffernan, author and businesswoman.

"It is universally horrible," she says. "It is quite amusing to hear sales people try to explain a product.

"I know they don't know what they are talking about and they think it doesn't matter because I am a girl."
Oh I see, it's the salesman who doesn't get it! That's better!!

"I buy online because I find going into electronic stores so annoying," says Ms Heffernan, who says she would like an iPod pre-loaded with her music collection this Christmas.

Pink or yellow?

Gadget makers are also trying to include female users more when thinking about product design, marketing and retail strategy. They haven't been thinking about marketing to women. This is ridiculous. I 'm not sure I believe this article. It's true the Brits are bit backwards when it comes to birds.

Men often interested in technical details of a gadget
They are starting to recognise that women want lighter laptops and smaller devices and are often not as prepared as men to spend time setting up, or learning how to use, a new device. AMAZING

Sony designed its Walkman Bean MP3 players specifically to fit into a woman's hand and recently started shipping the new Vaio FJ notebook computers, which come in a range of colours. peach?

While the likes of tech giants like Motorola sell pink devices, many women deny they are looking for pink gadgetry, particularly for something that they use at work.

"I hate the idea of creating technology in 'feminine' colors. I don't want pink. I am attracted to bold colors that may even be the same for men. For me it is about the sleek design and the style," one woman told IDC researchers.

<Damn straight! Give me silver please.
FOLKS- STAY IN YOUR SETS AND Stop WIGGLING----
There is a market for pink products, but, says Dana Thorat at IDC, it is more likely to be among girls between 12 and 14 years old than a woman sitting in the boardroom.

"But, you do have women who say; 'It would be nice to have my mobile phone match my suit'. Or, 'maybe there's a nice belt that I could wear it with'. I say to that woman "Go home and cook your man a meal."

"They are saying they would like some more choices in styles but don't go and make it pink either."

It shows that there is a place for colour. For instance, yellow is a popular suggestion from women who use their phones for safety devices so they can find it easily.

Ms Thorat says gadget makers need to differentiate between different kinds of women, from high-spenders with advanced needs to people who want basic devices, from teenagers and tweens to older adults.

At the end of the day, it is about lifestyles and interests, rather than gender.