I try to keep up with everything oilsands, but it seems to just keep tumbling in a vicious circle.
Someone doesn't like the oilsands because they aren't green friendly, so then we (government and oilsands representatives) become huffy and defensive.
Now the EU is discriminating against our 'dirty' oilsands and we are criticizing their lack of knowledge regarding other countries oilsands.
Well, I'm not quoting anything or going fact for fact, but this is all I have so far.
I don't know the great in's and out's, or the little details, but if I was to throw out a plan I would say that the oilsands are making money.
Yes, it's a finite resource, but can we not use money from said finite resource to invest in alternatives?
Sure, it would be a conflict of interest, but if the company investing, has a hand in the alternatives when they become viable, then they could move their company in a new direction, with a whole new future.
Basically all I'm saying is yes, we need to plan ahead, but with all the planning ahead, as a society there is not a whole lot of focusing and fixing the now. Without focus on the now it's really hard to progress smoothly into the future.
So with the oilsands working, use them to their fullest and exploit them to invest in other 'greener' and long-term projects.
I still have problems with the protests against the Keystone XL pipeline. This would be creating countless jobs for a US economy that should basically start looking for work and help where ever it can find it.
Sure it could be short-term work for some, not a life-time career, but it's a step in the right direction. It could possibly help whole towns get back on their feet.
That is rant number one.
Onto a more topical note, Halloween!
Halloween is my favourite holiday.
So I will share with you this lovely article about candy. More specifically, which candy is better.
I choose tootsie rolls, hands down.
Happy Haunting!
Peace&Love
Chow
Family
Monday, October 24, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
I can rationalize anything.
I have one routine. In the shower, I shampoo my hair, rinse it out, put conditioner in, then I wash my face before I rinse out the conditioner.
That, is my only routine.
I don't know why, but as many times as I've tried to start a routine, or have tried to go about my day in a certain way, it just doesn't come together.
Could be that I'm a little flighty in the memory sector, so I always forget. Or that I'm very much a fan of sleeping in until the last possible second before I work.
At one point I do remember having a morning routine. Wake up, fall out of bed (literally, I was sleeping in a top bunk with no rail), and go start the coffee. Shower, put on face, wrestle with hair, grab coffee, and go.
It wasn't so much a routine as the necessity of getting stuff together before I made it out the door. It's not uncommon for me to shut the car door, realize I'm missing either my phone, keys, or something more important and have to run and find it.
On the flip side though, I don't really mind just going through my lists and getting them polished of in a different way every time. I like a little bit of unpredictable in my day. Not too much though, because I'm sure life has lots it would love to throw at me, and I'm fairly certain it's not all pleasant. Like say a leaky tire, on the week I start coaching every night. Unpredictable.
I really don't think a routine matters so much unless it hinders the process. I know my process works just fine, as long I write everything down (so I know what I'm doing) and schedule it (so I know when I'm doing).
It could be the other way around though, too much routine, such as when working or coaching, makes it necessary to be a little spastic in the rest of my life. Then it's all about balance.
Seems to me that my lack of routine is healthy. I'm not a drill sergeant, I like me a little spontaneity, keeps the heart rate up, not knowing how or when I'm going to accomplish my list.
When all is said and done, I might not be very organized, but I have balance, and that is healthy. Helps maintain my fragile hold on sanity.
Peace&Love
Chow
That, is my only routine.
I don't know why, but as many times as I've tried to start a routine, or have tried to go about my day in a certain way, it just doesn't come together.
Could be that I'm a little flighty in the memory sector, so I always forget. Or that I'm very much a fan of sleeping in until the last possible second before I work.
At one point I do remember having a morning routine. Wake up, fall out of bed (literally, I was sleeping in a top bunk with no rail), and go start the coffee. Shower, put on face, wrestle with hair, grab coffee, and go.
It wasn't so much a routine as the necessity of getting stuff together before I made it out the door. It's not uncommon for me to shut the car door, realize I'm missing either my phone, keys, or something more important and have to run and find it.
On the flip side though, I don't really mind just going through my lists and getting them polished of in a different way every time. I like a little bit of unpredictable in my day. Not too much though, because I'm sure life has lots it would love to throw at me, and I'm fairly certain it's not all pleasant. Like say a leaky tire, on the week I start coaching every night. Unpredictable.
I really don't think a routine matters so much unless it hinders the process. I know my process works just fine, as long I write everything down (so I know what I'm doing) and schedule it (so I know when I'm doing).
It could be the other way around though, too much routine, such as when working or coaching, makes it necessary to be a little spastic in the rest of my life. Then it's all about balance.
Seems to me that my lack of routine is healthy. I'm not a drill sergeant, I like me a little spontaneity, keeps the heart rate up, not knowing how or when I'm going to accomplish my list.
When all is said and done, I might not be very organized, but I have balance, and that is healthy. Helps maintain my fragile hold on sanity.
Peace&Love
Chow
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
See No Evil, Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil
It's no surprise to anyone that with the age of information and post 9/11 life, children are growing up under much different circumstances than 15 or 20 years ago.
The difficulty level of parenting may be growing, with the question of how much information is too much, being asked more and more each day.
With paranoia bubbling over and taboo subjects up for general discussion, the innocence of children seems to be at risk.
...
A CBC article published just days after the tenth anniversary of 9/11 states that the U.S. has plans to ease restrictions on children 12 and under during security procedures.
The plan is to revamp a few pat down procedures to not include private areas, and to allow children to keep their shoes on, in most cases.
There still may be cases though where security will take unpredictable measures and the shoes may have to come off.
Also, children may be asked to walk through a detector or scanner more than once to double-check or obtain a more precise image.
After making sure it is clear to your children that their best behaviour is necessary just to board the plane how do you explain to them that it might be necessary for them to go through the scanner more times than the adults or other children?
...
It's never been easy, appropriately answering a child's eager questions without flinging the door wide open for more simple, curious inquiry.
Now, with more information readily available for them to stumble across, how are parents supposed to preserve a child's innocence? Even grade school seems to open their prying eyes and minds to ideas and facts some adults cringe about.
One father resorted to ripping pages out of his six-year-old sons school planner, because there were days of significance such as " International Day of Zero-Tolerance on Female Genitalia Cutting/Mutilation".
...
It's days like this I feel blessed to have the 'sheltered' upbringing I did some days. I'm not saying I was lied to or anything like that. I'm saying I'm glad I was kept in the dark about these these big picture, worldly issues that most adults have problems dealing with themselves.
The sex talk doesn't even seem to be the most difficult and avoidable talk for parents anymore. I'm sure parents would probably gladly discuss the difference between girl and boy parts then why we have international days about them.
Reverting back to where society was before extreme terrorism or all-inclusive awareness is next to impossible, but there is no need to awaken a toddlers mind to the dangers of war without absolute necessity. When it comes to danger, the basics such as do not talk to strangers or play in the street should suffice. Even though these may seem like putting on a wind-breaker to face a blizzard, as long as a child's intake of information is monitored, there shouldn't be a lot of loopholes where it's necessary to discuss the daily news.
Constant monitoring instant easy but it never has been, and it has always been a major part of parenting. It's in the job description.
...
Peace&Love
Chow
The difficulty level of parenting may be growing, with the question of how much information is too much, being asked more and more each day.
With paranoia bubbling over and taboo subjects up for general discussion, the innocence of children seems to be at risk.
...
A CBC article published just days after the tenth anniversary of 9/11 states that the U.S. has plans to ease restrictions on children 12 and under during security procedures.
The plan is to revamp a few pat down procedures to not include private areas, and to allow children to keep their shoes on, in most cases.
There still may be cases though where security will take unpredictable measures and the shoes may have to come off.
Also, children may be asked to walk through a detector or scanner more than once to double-check or obtain a more precise image.
After making sure it is clear to your children that their best behaviour is necessary just to board the plane how do you explain to them that it might be necessary for them to go through the scanner more times than the adults or other children?
...
It's never been easy, appropriately answering a child's eager questions without flinging the door wide open for more simple, curious inquiry.
Now, with more information readily available for them to stumble across, how are parents supposed to preserve a child's innocence? Even grade school seems to open their prying eyes and minds to ideas and facts some adults cringe about.
One father resorted to ripping pages out of his six-year-old sons school planner, because there were days of significance such as " International Day of Zero-Tolerance on Female Genitalia Cutting/Mutilation".
...
It's days like this I feel blessed to have the 'sheltered' upbringing I did some days. I'm not saying I was lied to or anything like that. I'm saying I'm glad I was kept in the dark about these these big picture, worldly issues that most adults have problems dealing with themselves.
The sex talk doesn't even seem to be the most difficult and avoidable talk for parents anymore. I'm sure parents would probably gladly discuss the difference between girl and boy parts then why we have international days about them.
Reverting back to where society was before extreme terrorism or all-inclusive awareness is next to impossible, but there is no need to awaken a toddlers mind to the dangers of war without absolute necessity. When it comes to danger, the basics such as do not talk to strangers or play in the street should suffice. Even though these may seem like putting on a wind-breaker to face a blizzard, as long as a child's intake of information is monitored, there shouldn't be a lot of loopholes where it's necessary to discuss the daily news.
Constant monitoring instant easy but it never has been, and it has always been a major part of parenting. It's in the job description.
...
Peace&Love
Chow
Monday, September 12, 2011
Never get enough!
My guilty pleasure.... runway vids!
To be honest I don't feel too guilty about it, I love what I've been seeing.
One of these years I will make it back to New York, and it will be for Fashion Week. Promise.
I've been catching up on the runway shows going on the past few days, and let me say I'm intrigued.
Very feminine vs. masculine. The mix of sporty windbreakers over flowing dresses is hard to pull off but it was done in a few shows. Marc Jacobs being my biased favourite pulled it off quite magically.
It seems like a tiny revolution is happening on the runways. From waists being cinched by belts to drawstrings, to lifting just the front hem of long flowing dresses. Which reminds me, that I do like the trains or 'tails' flapping behind the above-knee hem of draping off-shouldered gowns.
One awesome pattern I can't wait to see more of is the 'botanical', as mentioned by Alexander Wang about his SS12 ready-to-wear. I noticed it later, or a similar tropical pattern also in the Altuzarra collection.
I'm so excited about these collections I think it will keep me warm just dreaming about it through the long winter ahead.
And on another note, I need the wedges from Marc by Marc. Rockin'.
Peace&Love
Chow
To be honest I don't feel too guilty about it, I love what I've been seeing.
One of these years I will make it back to New York, and it will be for Fashion Week. Promise.
I've been catching up on the runway shows going on the past few days, and let me say I'm intrigued.
Very feminine vs. masculine. The mix of sporty windbreakers over flowing dresses is hard to pull off but it was done in a few shows. Marc Jacobs being my biased favourite pulled it off quite magically.
It seems like a tiny revolution is happening on the runways. From waists being cinched by belts to drawstrings, to lifting just the front hem of long flowing dresses. Which reminds me, that I do like the trains or 'tails' flapping behind the above-knee hem of draping off-shouldered gowns.
One awesome pattern I can't wait to see more of is the 'botanical', as mentioned by Alexander Wang about his SS12 ready-to-wear. I noticed it later, or a similar tropical pattern also in the Altuzarra collection.
I'm so excited about these collections I think it will keep me warm just dreaming about it through the long winter ahead.
And on another note, I need the wedges from Marc by Marc. Rockin'.
Peace&Love
Chow
Monday, August 22, 2011
Silly Moments in Advertising
While watching TV with my soon to be hubby this evening, there were a few laughs.
I'm quite sure these advertisements weren't going for comedy but, they might want to rethink who they're marketing to.
The first incident was watching a subway commercial advertising a steak and bacon sandwich. They had me going, I was thinking man, that looks delicious. Then they ended it with a curveball, saying why don't you top of your meal with a yogurt parfait? Sure, it's kinda like desert, but it's not quite the same as a cookie. It's actually viewed as a healthier (somewhat) breakfast to some.
I'm not sure who're they're marketing to anymore.
Second case that got a giggle out of me was a jeep commercial. Started off with good mood-setting music, nice picture of a jeep splashing through mud with the voice talking about an adventure. Then they started off listing the features of this outback, tough, adventure seeking vehicle. It has handcrafted leather. Yes, that is first on the list. Don't get me wrong, but when I'm looking a mudding vehicle, I want something that is okay to get dirty. Handcrafted leather, now that's fine stuff.
Anyway, not much point to this post, these are just things I found amusing in my day.
Peace&Love
Chow
I'm quite sure these advertisements weren't going for comedy but, they might want to rethink who they're marketing to.
The first incident was watching a subway commercial advertising a steak and bacon sandwich. They had me going, I was thinking man, that looks delicious. Then they ended it with a curveball, saying why don't you top of your meal with a yogurt parfait? Sure, it's kinda like desert, but it's not quite the same as a cookie. It's actually viewed as a healthier (somewhat) breakfast to some.
I'm not sure who're they're marketing to anymore.
Second case that got a giggle out of me was a jeep commercial. Started off with good mood-setting music, nice picture of a jeep splashing through mud with the voice talking about an adventure. Then they started off listing the features of this outback, tough, adventure seeking vehicle. It has handcrafted leather. Yes, that is first on the list. Don't get me wrong, but when I'm looking a mudding vehicle, I want something that is okay to get dirty. Handcrafted leather, now that's fine stuff.
Anyway, not much point to this post, these are just things I found amusing in my day.
Peace&Love
Chow
Monday, August 15, 2011
Copyright? Yes it's important.
It's Monday morning and I have a day off. As per a usual day off, I take the time to drink coffee and sort through the happenings of the world.
So far all I can account for this great country is that A: there seems to be a lot of violence out west lately, a higher than comfortable per cent being gang related; and B: Quebec is still a little a loopy on any issue regarding government.
I'm not going to go into the fact that Quebec's Premier would still like the PROVINCE to be regarded as a nation in the constitution, if the chance presents itself.
What really irks me this morning, is a story regarding a woman using the Conservative logo without permission.
Michaela Keyserlingk, is using the logo in her campaign against the use of asbestos, which for her is a very personal issue.
I have no problem with her campaign, I don't think we should be exporting asbestos to other countries, when we ourselves will not use it.
Keyserlingk's campaign has a solid issue as it's backbone, but her way of attracting government attention shed the whole thing in a negative light.
Using the logo without permission, and then having the party send a cease-and-desist notice, and not following through, is childish and reckless. It's understandable that the Conservative Party wants to take legal action, if they didn't I'd have questions about their backbone.
There are many other legal ways to go about attracting attention, especially on such prominent issues.
I think she had a good campaign, I don't agree with the government exporting asbestos, but I think she screwed her whole campaign over.
Sure, she may now have a lot more publicity but she has no credibility.
Had to get that one out.
Peace&Love
Chow
So far all I can account for this great country is that A: there seems to be a lot of violence out west lately, a higher than comfortable per cent being gang related; and B: Quebec is still a little a loopy on any issue regarding government.
I'm not going to go into the fact that Quebec's Premier would still like the PROVINCE to be regarded as a nation in the constitution, if the chance presents itself.
What really irks me this morning, is a story regarding a woman using the Conservative logo without permission.
Michaela Keyserlingk, is using the logo in her campaign against the use of asbestos, which for her is a very personal issue.
I have no problem with her campaign, I don't think we should be exporting asbestos to other countries, when we ourselves will not use it.
Keyserlingk's campaign has a solid issue as it's backbone, but her way of attracting government attention shed the whole thing in a negative light.
Using the logo without permission, and then having the party send a cease-and-desist notice, and not following through, is childish and reckless. It's understandable that the Conservative Party wants to take legal action, if they didn't I'd have questions about their backbone.
There are many other legal ways to go about attracting attention, especially on such prominent issues.
I think she had a good campaign, I don't agree with the government exporting asbestos, but I think she screwed her whole campaign over.
Sure, she may now have a lot more publicity but she has no credibility.
Had to get that one out.
Peace&Love
Chow
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Underweight or Overweight, take 'em away
Here's a new hot button topic, taking severely obese kids away from their families.
Globe & Mail has an article about this startling topic that was developed from an opinion piece in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Personally, I don't think taking a child away from the family would be solution to the problem. Sure, in some special cases like the one listed in the article, it may just work. For the majority though, even if the parenting is to blame to some extent, is there really a need to tear a family apart over this?
Tearing families apart has a greater chance of creating more health related issues, possibly emotional or psychological ones. What is the kid going to think? Yes, your parents can take care of you, but they are doing it wrong, so we are going to put you in foster care until you lose some weight.
I think creating a more effective physical education program in schools would have a better effect.
Also, last time I checked, the foster care system may be a little strained for resources and money, now they'd be adding a new type of 'problem' to look out for, causing more strain.
So investing in the school system seems to be a pretty good idea now doesn't it? I don't oppose checking up on these families in case of underlying family problems that me be causing the obesity, such as neglect. But if this form of treatment was ever implemented, I would hope it would be a last resort measure.
It seems that whenever there's a problem with children, laying it on the foster care system becomes a pretty reliable option.
Peace&Love
Chow
Globe & Mail has an article about this startling topic that was developed from an opinion piece in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Personally, I don't think taking a child away from the family would be solution to the problem. Sure, in some special cases like the one listed in the article, it may just work. For the majority though, even if the parenting is to blame to some extent, is there really a need to tear a family apart over this?
Tearing families apart has a greater chance of creating more health related issues, possibly emotional or psychological ones. What is the kid going to think? Yes, your parents can take care of you, but they are doing it wrong, so we are going to put you in foster care until you lose some weight.
I think creating a more effective physical education program in schools would have a better effect.
Also, last time I checked, the foster care system may be a little strained for resources and money, now they'd be adding a new type of 'problem' to look out for, causing more strain.
So investing in the school system seems to be a pretty good idea now doesn't it? I don't oppose checking up on these families in case of underlying family problems that me be causing the obesity, such as neglect. But if this form of treatment was ever implemented, I would hope it would be a last resort measure.
It seems that whenever there's a problem with children, laying it on the foster care system becomes a pretty reliable option.
Peace&Love
Chow
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