30 September 2008

I don't have a clue if this is worth going through
If I can stand to wait for more than just crumbs from you

Writing words like If and When and then off you go again
To think and take apart, create, while all I do is know and wonder, ache

But I won't stay on hold waiting for you to sit alone in your room to call
I'm torn between wanting to be that part of your life & wishing we'd never met at all

You who has it all together even when everything came apart,
for now, to hold you, I'll hide away my heart

30Sept08

29 September 2008

Concordia Launches Canadian Women Artists' Database - The first of its kind in the country

MONTREAL, Sept. 29 /CNW Telbec/ - Concordia University is proud to announce the launch of the Canadian Women's Artists History Initiative. This initiative establishes, for the first time in Canada, a centralized, publicly accessible, online database of Canadian women artists. Other projects from the Initiative include a documentation centre and fostering of scholarship on the subject.

This kind of archive has long existed in countries such as the
United States, Australia and the U.K., but never before in Canada. 200 entries have already been completed in the online database. Each entry provides biographical information, major sources for research materials and a detailed bibliography of texts and writings about the artist.

The initiative will officially launch during the inaugural conference of
the Canadian Women Artists History Initiative. Connections will take place from October 2 -4, 2008 in the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (1515 Ste. Catherine St. West).

For further information: on the Database or the conference, please visit
http://cwahi.concordia.ca/

25 September 2008

I have no idea how 101 Cookbooks does it

Heidi always seems to just ::know:: what sort of recipe to post and when. This soup is just the ticket for my sleepyheadiness today :0) And when I'm finished making it I can post a picture to the scavenger hunt ! ~ Win-Win ~

Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe

5 tomatoes, cored (if necessary) and quartered
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and quartered
3 medium yellow onions, peeled, quartered
extra-virgin olive oil
5 plump cloves of garlic, unpeeled
fine-grain sea salt
2 - 3 cups light vegetable stock or water
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Preheat the oven to 375F degrees and position 2 racks in the middle of the oven. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper, alternately you can just rub them down with a thing glaze of olive oil.

Arrange the tomatoes, skin side down, on a baking sheet. Coat the bell pepper and onions with olive oil and put them on the other baking sheet along with the garlic, place the pepper skin side down as well. Give both sheets a light showering of salt, then bake until the tomatoes start to collapse and the onions start to brown and caramelize, about 45 minutes. Turn the onions if they start getting overly dark on the bottom .Check on the garlic as well, once the cloves are golden and oozy inside, pull them from the oven.

Peel the garlic, dump all of the roasted vegetables into a big, high-sided bowl, and puree with a hand blender. Alternately, use a conventional blender or food processor and work in batches. Blend in a cup of the stock, and keep adding the rest 1/2 cup at a time until the soup is the deisred consistency. I like a little chunk and texture to this soup particularly if the weather has a bit of a chill, but smooth or chunky is your call. Add the paprika and a bit more salt if needed - adjusting to your taste.

Serves 4.

(OMG I just re-read the recipe and actually started drooling ... LOL)

Zombified

Thought I had this no-sleeping-thing licked last night. Was in bed, fast asleep by 11. That almost never happens.

Should have known. Up at 1:00, and 2:00 and 4:00, 4:30, 5:15 at which point I gave up. Can't seem to shut off my thoughts, even the good ones keep my mind spinning.

Guess it's time for the paper and pencil by the bed routine again, give my brain a chance to offload instead of just swirling ideas and plans around and around and around and around and around.

Or a camera. I actually had the strongest urge in the wee hours to wander to the park and photograph the sun rise. At least it may have justified another restless night.

If you are speaking to me today, don't be surprised if I make 'urg' sounds and walk away in the middle of the conversation. I swear it's not you.

*yawn*

22 September 2008

Via ResourceShelf : Genealogy: Historic Canadian ship passenger lists go online

September 19th, 2008

The records of millions of British emigrants who sailed Canada in search of a new life are now available online through The records of millions of British emigrants who sailed Canada in search of a new life are now available online through Ancestry.co.uk.

The Canadian Passenger Lists, 1865-1935, the originals of which are held by the Library and Archives Canada, contain over seven million names.

18 September 2008

Blind Dates ... LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vylEYhZWQs

Geeks need apply !

I saw this job posting this morning. Looks like the government is getting creative ! LOL

Your Challenge

Geeks and techies need apply!

The Information Management Services Branch of the National Research Council, Canada’s foremost national science and technology institution, requires a Database administrator.

Are you a Computer System Technician, Developer/Programmer or Database Administrator with a track record that demonstrates potential for growth and who is currently seeking a new challenge?

You might be our kind of geek if…

You have installed, configured, maintained Windows servers and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)

You are a self-starter, have an aptitude for details, excellent troubleshooting skills and a proven ability to work as part of a team. These qualities will be critical when it comes to identifying problems with the development of scripts used to create the physical data warehouse and date mart data base structures.

You are focused and know what is required to succeed and have what it takes to work independently. This skill set will serve you well when it comes to serving as the principal database monitoring analyst and obtaining agreement or persuading colleagues on the resolution of technical issues.

You are skilled at conceptualizing, analyzing and prioritizing. We'll rely on your troubleshooting expertise to quickly get to the bottom of a problem and suggest possible resolutions.

You understand the differences between MS-SQL Server and Oracle databases and how to optimize SQL queries for use against each.

You enjoy the challenge of resolving difficult functional or performance related issues and can use multiple resources to determine the best possible solution given our environment.

You are an adventurous type of person who enjoys problem solving

Why be an NRC geek?

Work – Life balance is important to you: NRC offers flexible schedules and working arrangements designed to enable employees to reconcile professional and personal responsibilities.

Location, location, location: NRC is located close to downtown and major bus routes; the Montreal Road campus offers free parking, proximity to NCC bicycle paths, restaurants and shopping centres; the campus setting is perfect for lunch hour leisure activities such as, running, in-line skating, volleyball…etc.

16 September 2008

Life comes crashing back down to ground
Turns you away from the stars and back round
to the past to your future the way it should be
As I sit here wondering what I happened to see

Watching the start of another season, a restless winter alone
thinking it will probably again be me here on my own
Tasting the snow, revelling in the beauty of it all
Skating away on a river rather than wait for a call

Boring reading to most of you I know ... :0)

Selected chapters that I plan to read from a new Fraser Institute report Breath of Fresh Air : The state of environmental policy in Canada. I find it interesting that the report devotes two large chapters to lessons we can learn from the USA.

Executive Summary :

The purpose of this book is to outline several market-based environmental policy options, and to explain why the enactment of such policies would improve environmental quality and natural resource policy in Canada. In this book, the authors provide examples of the direct application of market-based policies. These policies include the strong protection of property rights, the use of environmental pricing, the application of cost benefit analyses, and the devolution of the power of decision making to local agents who are most closely connected to the issues and more easily held accountable. The book concludes by describing how Canada can learn from the policy experiences of other countries.

14 September 2008

Harvest Moon predictions - an outboard motor on my butt ??? :0)

All Signs:

The Harvest Full Moon takes place on Monday, Sept. 15, at 5:13 a.m. EDT (2:13 a.m. PDT.) It will be in Pisces. Whenever a Full Moon takes place, the Sun and the Moon are in opposite signs. And because they're directly opposite each other, there's tension set up between them, which means this axis of tension is operative in our chart depending on where the Sun and Moon fall. (It's different for each of us.) If we just focus on the tension and let it grab us by the throat, then we suffer. But if we can learn how to handle the tension of two opposing areas in our lives, and somehow work out a compromise, then we'll have fewer cavities and never gain weight if we eat in the dark. In a nutshell, it's learning how to make the best of a challenging time. (But true happiness of course, is a positive cash flow.)

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This is an interesting time for you because three planets -- Mercury, Venus and Mars -- are all completely opposite your sign, which totally focuses you on partnerships and close friends. This makes everything smooth and cozy; whereas usually Mars encourages competition, irritation and fighting. You have this going on right now in addition to the Full Moon, which could introduce problems with co-workers and your job and your self-confidence about how you do your work. Busy you! You're dealing with several fronts. (This defeated Napoleon, but fear not -- he was a Leo, you are an Aries warrior.) The truth is that when it gets hot in the kitchen, that's when you really start to cook! Oh, yeah.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

A gaggle of planets now galvanizes you to work. You're running around giving orders and talking to everyone because you're full of ideas. You're also feeling aggressive, which means you're delegating a lot and telling everyone else what to do. This means you're getting a lot done! That's the good part. (You love yourself when you're productive.) However, this Harvest Full Moon on Monday the 15th disturbs the equilibrium you have with friends and groups and possibly even with children. Your only recourse is to be patient. You can't tell everyone what to do! Restrict your aggressive, gung-ho nature to work and be more easy-going with your pals and your kids.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Mercury, Mars and Venus want you to play, flirt and enjoy leisure activities like sports, movies, the theatre, dance and mini-vacations. Many are also active with children. (This is the fun part!) However, this Harvest Moon makes everyone notice you for some reason. Some aspect of your private life is now public. (Check your zipper.) Expect tension between your career and your external world versus your family and your domestic world. You can't keep both camps happy. Just accept this and do your best. It might be the eye-opener you need to get a better balance between home and career. Ya think?

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You're active at home. Chaos and activity due to renovations, residential moves, or visitors promotes tension even though repairs and redecorating are exciting because you like to feather your nest. This is also a good time to entertain at home. However, the Harvest Moon on Monday the 15th creates tension this weekend until Wednesday. It could make you slightly accident-prone because you're distracted and a bit anxious. Take 11 deep breaths. This separates what went before from what you're going to do next. It helps to keep you in the moment. (Avoid arguments, especially with siblings.)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Your hair's on fire! You're super-busy with short trips, studies, reading, writing, buying and selling, negotiating and talking to everyone. And that's the basics. You're handling lots of other details, too, depending on who you are and what you do. This week the Full Moon forces you to focus on cash flow, earnings, debt, taxes, insurance situations and anything to do with shared property. Clean up your paperwork! Pay your bills. Organize stuff and tackle filing or whatever you wish you would do to keep track of things. If you do this you'll feel mentally clean, on top of your scene and more confident. And you'll love yourself! Believe me -- I know.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You feel tension this week because this Full Moon is 180 degrees opposite your sign. (Ouch.) Since every Full Moon is an opposition of the Sun and the Moon, this means Virgo is part of this formula. (You can run but you can't hide.) This provokes tension with others partly because you're not sure who to put first, your interests or the interests of others. It's a challenge. By nature, you like to serve because you're good at it. Think of this: If you don't take care of yourself and your own business, you'll be of no use to anyone. (Like putting on your oxygen mask first before you put it on your child. Same thing.)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You're running around with an outboard motor on your butt because Mercury, Venus and Mars are all in Libra. You're charming and diplomatic (Venus); you're talking to everyone (Mercury); and you're so energetic you're a bit pushy (Mars). But it's all good. The bummer part is this Full Moon aggravates your work scene and tests your self-confidence. You're second-guessing yourself because of old patterns of self-doubt and feeling like navel lint. Fortunately, the challenge of any Full Moon is only about five days. Five days?! Aaaggh! Not to worry. On Monday the 22nd, when the Sun enters your sign, you become an action hero! Ta-da!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Right now you're juggling a lot of things that are very much behind the scenes, secretive or certainly private. You're doing things and planning things that people don't know about. You like secrets so this isn't stressful for you. In fact, it's a fabulous time for you to research anything. However, the Full Moon this week (Monday the 15th) could cause problems with friends or groups. Whatever occurs might make you reassess some long-term goals. You're very future-oriented right now. You've got big plans. The problem is these plans are in a nascent stage and not yet ready to hatch. This is very frustrating because you're a person of action. You're in the movies: "Hurry up and wait."

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You have lots of plans in the fire; and Mercury, Venus and Mars encourage discussions about these plans with others. Sports and physical activities with others are a great way of letting off steam. Get out and be active because you'll feel better. Never forget that physical activity (especially outdoors) boosts your optimism and confidence in yourself. In fact, optimism and physical activity are survival issues for you. Expect problems juggling your career versus your home scene because of the Full Moon this week. Consider this a reality check on how to balance these two areas of your life. We all need balance (especially a positive one at the bank).

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Parents, bosses, teachers and VIPs play a strong role in your life right now because Mercury, Venus and Mars are at high noon in your chart. This means you're talking to important people; your ambition is aroused; and others are impressed with you. So far so good. However, tread carefully because this Harvest Full Moon is mildly accident-prone for you. It makes you distracted and a bit anxious and that's why you could break things or even hurt yourself. It doesn't have to happen if you are focused and patient. Don't get your belly in a rash over anything. When the annals of history are written, all of this is peanuts. (And you know this.)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This is a wonderful time for travel, taking courses or getting further education or training, as well as exploring ideas and experiences related to politics, religion and philosophical subjects. Some of you are also very focused on publishing, the media, and racial issues. (You have a universal spirit and you're always trying to make the world a better place.) Don't be too perturbed about disputes with shared property, inheritances, taxes or cash flow right now because this is a temporary hiccup due to the Full Moon this week. By Wednesday the 17th, much of this agitation will diminish or disappear. The good news is this Full Moon could amp your sex drive. (Now that's a thought.)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Oh boy! On Monday the 15th, the only Full Moon in your sign all year takes place. It's that Harvest Full Moon! This is why you feel more emotional, more anxious, more eager, more hopeful, more fearful, and you're eating a lot of Ben & Jerry's Americone Dream ice cream. (Steve is funny.) The downside is this makes you tough to live with. Tension with partners and close friends is unavoidable. The upside is this could provide a window for you to really see what's going on in your closest relationships. Generally we take things for granted. You're not doing that right now. In fact, you want to improve your closest relationships. You're beginning to see how much you say without talking.

12 September 2008

Want information on natural health products ?

Canada: Health Canada Provides Easier Access To Information On Licensed Natural Health Products

From the story:

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, launched a new online database that will improve access to information on licensed natural health products. The Licensed Natural Health Products Database will allow Canadians to quickly and easily search for more detailed information on natural health products that have been authorized for sale in Canada.

Direct to Database

Source: Medical News Today

11 September 2008

Another Place to Fall - KT Tunstall

Are you blind
Blind to me trying to be kind
Volunteering for your firing line
Waiting for one precious sign
The flicker of a smile
You should try it just once in a while
Maybe it's not quite your style
Simply too easy to do
And you might not see it through
See it through

Find yourself another place to fall
Find yourself up against another brick wall
See yourself as a fallen angel
Well I don't see no holes in the road but you
Find another place to fall

Are you proud
To have founded a brand new behaviour
With hatred and hurt as your saviour
But nobody's choosing to follow
So you choke back the tears and you swallow
Men who have ruined your life
You consume them with minimum strife
But now you have got indigestion
The antacid calms is a question

Find yourself another place to fall
Find yourself up against another brick wall
See yourself as a fallen angel
Well I don't see no holes in the road but you
Find another place to fall

There isn't much more I can say
For I don't understand the delay
You're asking for friendly advice
And remaining in permanent crisis
Affection is yours if you ask
But first you must take off your mask
When you're back's turned I've decided
I'll throw it away just like I did

Find yourself another place to fall
Find yourself up against another brick wall
See yourself as a fallen angel
Well I don't see no holes in the road but you
Find another place to fall
Well I don't see no holes in the road but you
Find another place to fall
Well I don't see no holes in the road but you
Find another place to fall

I believe in Karma

And so I believe that the guy who ripped me off by appealing to ::my:: sense of decency and just human nature will get his in an equal manner. Maybe he already is and thats why he pulls the scams he does. I also believe that I don't have to waste any more energy on thinking about this guy.

But you could ask him =:>

The last business name he used was Fine Line Renovation Services, he charged me $950 to remove mold. dry wall and assess the damage in my basement, otherwise known as "mold decontamination" and currently listed in the yellow pages. I know, I am a DUMBASS, trust me you could not kick me any harder than I've been kicking myself.

His schtick ? Handsome man and once had his 4 year old son in the car because "he picked him up from daycare and was on his way home". Should of known. Who brings their *kid* to a potential business transaction ? Yeah, don't comment on that one either.

You can fool me once because I am sucker for the little guy but I'm tripping you if I see you on the streets of Ottawa Rob Hurlbut. I hope at least $500 falls out of your pockets for me, because that's what the ::fair:: price should have been and I'm still being generous.



I figure Karma could use a little help on this one.

10 September 2008

Besides, you feel healthier ! :0)

Eat less meat to combat climate change, warns UN :

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/09/08/eameat108.xml

People should eat less meat to help combat the effects of climate change, the world's leading expert on global warming has claimed.

Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, said people should aim for one meat-free day a week, before scaling down their consumption even further.

Dr Pachauri, whose panel won a Nobel Peace Prize last year, said: "Give up meat for one day a week initially, and decrease it from there.

"In terms of immediacy of action and the feasibility of bringing about reductions in a short period of time, it clearly is the most attractive opportunity."

The UN estimates that meat production is responsible for almost a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cows, in particular, emit methane which is 23 times more effective as a global warming agent than carbon dioxide.

While the process of producing animal feeds is also harmful to the environment. Dr Pachauri, a vegetarian, said people needed to look at every aspect of the their lives in terms of its environmental impact.

He said: "We really have to bring about reductions in every sector of the economy."

On Monday, he will address an event hosted by animal welfare group Compassion in World Farming, which has calculated that if the average UK household halved meat consumption that would cut emissions more than if car use was cut in half.

While Dr Pachauri's comments are likely to be met with opposition by many in the food and restaurant industry, Masterchef presenter and restaurateur John Torode offered his support.

He said: "I have a little bit [of meat] and enjoy it. Too much for any person becomes gluttony.

"But there's a bigger issue here: where the meat comes from. If we all bought British and stopped buying imported food we'd save a huge amount of carbon emissions."


Source: The Telegraph UK

8 September 2008

Hello it's me I'm hoping to see
if there is a spark a flame
something to see if down the line
a friend that might turn into something more

because this open door that has been damned
one too many times with too hard a slam
Has a soul behind peeking round a bend
wondering if this time there might be a gentle hand

to hold

(For D and her dating angst)

7 September 2008

Under The Weather - KT Tunstall

Under The Weather - KT Tunstall

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqT20iMnn5U

Under this national rain cloud
I'm getting soaked to the skin
Trying to find my umbrella
But I don't know where to begin

And it's simply irrational weather
Can't even hear myself think
Constantly bailing out water
But still like I'm gonna sink

Coz I'm under the weather
Just like the world
So sorry for being so bold
When I turn out the light
You're out of sight
Although I know that I'm not alone
Feels like home

You say you feel like a natural person
You haven't got nothing to hide
So why do you feel imperfection
Cut like a sword in your side

Coz you're under the weather
Just like the world
And I need somebody to hold
When I turn out the light
You're out of sight
Although I know that I'm not alone
Feels like home

Coz I'm under the weather

Bring it on - I'm ready Baby !!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Ever since last year, you've entered a two-to-three-year window of dismantling much of what you created since 1996. You're getting rid of what is no longer relevant in your life in terms of people, places and possessions. This is often painful. You don't let go easily. Fortunately, Mercury, Venus and Mars are in your sign right now boosting your confidence, and giving you extra charm and vivacious energy. You're keen to talk to everyone. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, your home scene can improve as never before this year. It's a wonderful year for real-estate deals. Your home is a source of joy and increased value for you.  (Great year for real estate.)  

I'm looking forward to looking at my house as a "source of joy and value" rather than a cluttered money pit :P - Mickie

2 September 2008

Never used to be this way










I never used to be this way,
I used to look at every day
As another chance to embrace the world,
instead of the cold
Used to think that love could be found
Truly as simply
As looking into someone's soul
and asking them to see me

Never used to question
when things went wrong, where love was
Thought that everyone came back
after the same kinds of loss
Now I know that the earth isn't round
and instead of opening my arms to the air
I find myself looking into faces
and running scared ...