Summer School

Poor K failed math and has to do a credit recovery for 2 weeks in summer school. I think he did his very best, and has to cope with having a learning disability. I mentioned this to the teller at the bank and she told me her grade 10 son also has a learning disability and has to do a month of summer school because he's in grade 10. You don't realize how common this thing is until you have a child in a similar position. I'm hoping we can only grow from it all and thankful we know there is a reason why he's never done well in school. The good part is that he has a healthy self esteem according to the psychologist, so hopefully it stays that way. He passed his other subjects.

News

This is one gorgeous woman:
Katy Perry loses her top for Esquire UK

Canada’s Population Tops 34 Million

Intense happiness interferes with decision making

Ottawa Earthquake 23 June 2010 (Video)

Creative Tuesdays - Snack

Here is my entry for this week's Creative Tuesdays "Snack" topic. This is a typical mid-morning snack for me. That would be a glass of milk, a fruit such as an orange and a handful of nuts. I used to read that cashew nuts (my favourite) and coconuts (another favourite) are unhealthy, but recently that seems to have changed. So I guess it's good to have everything in moderation.




Yesterday was so humid and muggy out. It made me extra tired and I put my neck out. I think people with arthritis (probably me) must be having a hard time in this weather. However, this morning, the humidity is gone and it's nice and cool outside.


News

Buttons, T-shirts and a Facebook group for quake in Canada

Egg Salad

I woke up yesterday morning and glanced at the morning paper. The front page had a photo of a burning police cruiser and I was shocked to hear how violent a G20 protest march had become. It's a shame and disgrace to our city. See the news story below for more details. Apparently if you search youtube for 'Toronto G20 protests', you'll see tons of videos by amateurs on the scene, social media taking over from the journalists, risking their safety at the same time. It's a new phenomena.

I had planned to post this happy recipe, so here it is, anyway. It's for a quick, summery egg salad meal that we recently enjoyed:

6 chopped hard boiled eggs
1 stalk of chopped celery
2 tbs light mayonnaise
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp dried basil
salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and serve between slices of whole wheat bread.

News

Massive G20 Protest Turns Violent - good video here too

Roller coasters fun, but could damage your ears

Baked Nachos

L and I made this quick dish the other day and it didn't last long!

Baked Nachos

Large 16 oz bag of unsalted Tortilla chips
1 large tomato, diced
2 green onions, chopped
2 cups shredded cheese
light sour cream and salsa sauce on the side (optional).

preheat oven to 350F

On a large baking tray, spread half the tortilla chips. Sprinkle half the cheese, green onions and tomatoes. Spread remaining tortilla chips on top. Sprinkle the rest of the green onions, cheese and tomatoes. Bake for approximately 10 minutes. (If you don't have a large baking tray, you could just spread the tortilla chips in 3 layers instead.)

Serve with light sour cream and salsa sauce.

How times have changed

So the other night, L took the car and met a girlfriend on Main Street for a drink. She said it was busy so she had to park in a dark spot way down at the bottom of the street behind the coffee shop. She felt a bit scared walking alone. As she got out of the car, she noticed one of her hunky guy friends also coincidentally getting out of his car. She breathed a sigh of relief as they greeted each other, only to hear HIM say 'Oh good, I have company, I was a bit scared as it's rather dark out!' How times have changed, or have they? Lol.


News

A diet of red wine and blueberries could help prevent eye disease

Weight gain after age 50 hikes diabetes risk

Most strokes caused by 10 risk factors: study

Different types of leaves

A friend told me she got these memory foam mattress toppers for her sons when they went to university, so I picked one up for L. She said they're really comfortable. This means we've officially started university preparations!

I also bought a book called 'Trees of Ontario' by Linda Kershaw. I thought I would try to identify this tree that sprouted up in my side yard a few years ago. Mostly wondering how big it's going to get. It seems ok for now. So I cut some leaves off and had a quick look yesterday, but no luck so far, it's quite a study. I never realized there could be so many different types of leaves.

News

Insufficient vitamin D tied to severe asthma attacks

Why Food Bloggers Are Here to Stay

Earthquake Tremors

Well, the news of the day yesterday was the 5.0 earthquake tremor felt in the Toronto area. L was home and felt the tremor for about 20 seconds. I was running errands and didn't feel it, but my nephew felt it while walking home. K was writing an exam and thought he might just be feeling dizzy from all the studying he's been doing, lol. This link has some quick tips on what to do in an earthquake.

News

Moderate 5.0 earthquake shakes Ontario, Quebec, and U.S.

Town declares emergency as earthquake rattles Ont., Que

Planning trips makes us happier than actually taking them

Welcome to 'middle aged spread'

For the past few months, I've noticed a few extra pounds creeping onto my body. I exercise almost daily, haven't changed my diet and keep track of what I'm eating. I do have that handful of cashew nuts, that odd slice of cake, coke frosters. But I thought if you practiced a certain amount of portion control, you could still eat the fun things that make life worth living. One's metabolism obviously changes in mid-life...along with looking older. Ok, I'll stop complaining now but I'll make sure to exercise today although I do have leftover birthday cake.


News

Easy Ways To Save When Shopping Online

Newer devices often underestimate blood pressure

Augmented Reality Ice Cream Machine Trades Smiles for Desserts

Official: Bondi Beach Gets Flipped! Towel Surfing - Flip Video Flash Mob

Birthday

It was my birthday yesterday, and the first official day of summer. L had left a nice gift waiting for me on the kitchen counter that morning, along with a nice card signed by everyone. I received a few timely cards in the mail as well.



Our ornamental cherry trees are ripening rapidly, but I remember them being gobbled up quickly by the birds last year. Wonder what's happened this year? Well, there's still time.


News

Sneezing Bear (video)

Bullying the bully win (video)

Yet another t-shirt

We had a quiet Father's Day. K was/is studying for his exams. Algebra and Geometry are not his friends. (And as far as English goes, I just demonstrated personification!) L slept in rather late, recuperating from a busy week. M went to the gym and ran some errands. We got him some new T-shirts (just what he needs, right? Not really, but we ran out of gift ideas. L bought one of them for him on her new Mastercard.) I marinated some pork chops for barbecuing and baked some squash.

I had gone for a warm and sunny morning walk. I ran into an acquaintance and we chatted about our daughters heading off to university. Her daughter will be attending one in the city but will be staying in residence. The Farmer's Market is now open and it's garage sale season, lots of signs up. We've been having a fair bit of rain, so the plants and flowers are thriving.

We had fun watching the MMVA (Much Music Video Awards) later on TV in the night. It was also streamed live online. It's a massive street party downtown full of screaming kids featuring this year Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Adam Lambert, Kesha, etc.


News

Study: Dogs Can Detect Prostate Cancer

Industry First

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

I keep hearing more and more about live streaming. I think it's going to be huge. Take this story, for example:

Burberry to Sell Menswear Collection Directly from Livestream [VIDEO]

'Last February, fashion buyers and press gathered simultaneously in Paris, Dubai, Tokyo, New York and L.A. and donned special glasses to witness an industry first: the 3D livestream of Burberry’s Fall 2010 Prorsum collection.'

Companies like Ustream allow you to broadcast live video free from your iphone, mobile or computer. And that's about all I know.


News

Hypertension tops list of stroke risk factors

Alumni

I thought these pine cones growing on the tree might be interesting to some:



Well, L has officially graduated from high school and is now an alumni! The ceremony was lovely, I was close to tears the whole time. The valedictorian made a lovely speech thanking everyone including the parents. It was nice hearing which universities the kids have chosen and their field of study. It's a milestone, bittersweet and yet one mom (she has an older daughter) was happy about it, she said it's good to move on with life. Which means I have to start nagging her about registering for her university courses!


News

Sea creatures flee oil spill, gather near shore

Bump on head leads to Irish, Scots accent for Ontario woman

The two questions to ask before you indulge

6 inch heels

World Cup flags seen around town





L is enjoying the use of her new student Mastercard credit card. She said she likes signing her name.

It rained the day of her prom but cleared up in time although it was very windy. These girls were walking around their houses in 6 inch heels practicing for days, funny. They looked lovely in their prom dresses, and brought tears to my eyes. The boys looked very handsome in their suits too. The after-party sounds like it was wild and fun. Do you know that the latest thing is 'girl on girl' making out while drunk? My grade 9 niece says it happens at her school too although she doesn't know about other grades. Shocking, isn't it?

A friend sent me a copy of Adam Lambert's CD, the UK version in the mail as a surprise. It has a few different songs on there. She didn't know my birthday's coming up but it felt like a birthday present anyway! I also received a birthday card from my mother-in-law the same day.

News

Stomach bacteria might trigger rheumatoid arthritis

HST Compensation - joke version

Sometime this year, we taxpayers will receive an "HST Compensation"' payment.

This is indeed a very exciting program, and I'll explain it by using a Q & A format:

Q. What is an 'HST Compensation' payment ?

A. It is money that the provincial government will send to taxpayers.

Q.. Where will the government get this money ?

A. From taxpayers.

Q. So the government is giving me back my own money ?

A. Only a smidgen of it.

Q. What is the purpose of this payment ?

A. The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.

Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?

A. Shut up.

Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the economy by spending your compensation cheque wisely:

* If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will go to China or Sri Lanka ...

* If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the Arabs.

* If you purchase a computer, it will go to India , Taiwan or China .

* If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico , Honduras and Guatemala ..

* If you buy an efficient car, it will go to Japan or Korea .

* If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan .

* If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.

Instead, keep the money in Canada by:

1) Spending it at yard sales, or

2) Going to hockey games, or

3) Spending it on prostitutes, or

4) Beer or

5) Tattoos.

(These are the only Canadian businesses still operating in Canada . )

Conclusion:

Go to a hockey game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yard sale and drink beer all day !

No need to thank me, I'm just glad I could be of help. That just about covers it.

Banana Split Smoothie

I found this delicious looking smoothie recipe that's just perfect for the summer, can't wait to try it. It's nutritious too.

Banana Split Smoothie

5 serving(s)
Ingredients
500 mL chocolate milk

500 mL strawberry yogurt or ice cream

250 mL frozen strawberries

1 banana

Preparation
Purée all ingredients in food processor at high speed until smooth. Garnish glasses with straws and fresh fruit. Serve.



How about this one?

Cilantro & Salsa Veggie Dip

Your appreciation
Click on the number of hearts you
want to award this recipe.

10 serving(s)

Ingredients

1/2 cup (125 ml) plain yogurt

1/2 cup (125 ml) quark or fresh cheese

1/3 cup (75 ml) salsa

2 tbsp (30 ml) (or to taste) fresh cilantro, chopped fine

Salt to taste

Preparation

Stir all ingredients together well and let the dips sit in the fridge for a bit to let flavours blend.

Impacts of G20 Summit

Just got this note from our financial advisor regarding the impact of the upcoming G20 summit (holy smokes, I better take note of the dates not to be downtown):

The G20 is fast approaching and this year the delegates will be in Toronto. The downtown core will be experiencing unprecedented security and an influx of protesters.

What this means to you, our clients:

· Office will be shut down; all meetings are moved off-site.

· Cheques will be post-dated and must be issued the week before.

· There will be no cheque deposits.

· Account openings delayed a week.

· The Team will have remote online access, so email will be the point of contact.

· Trading/etc. on open accounts will still be possible.

Please bear with us as all Toronto banks and financial offices in the downtown core will be working with a skeleton staff.

We will do everything we can to work around this and ensure your accounts are being monitored during G20.

News

Pacman call (video)

TV moms show shift from perfect nurturers to flawed characters

Fun Week Ahead

L finished her exams and has a fun week ahead with prom and graduation. In preparation for prom, she has a tanning session lined up with a friend, a manicure-pedicure session with some other friends, along with hair, and makeup appointments. On prom day, the family gets to attend a pre-prom event at a parent's house. Then they are off in limos to the actual event after which there will be an all night after-prom party. On another day, there will be the graduation ceremony and dinner. My girlfriend says she wishes she were a teenager again, it all sounds so fun.

What's shocking me is that at the parties L attends, it seems that 'weed' (marijuana) is commonplace. She's even seen them bake it up in cookies. Now I'm hearing even grade 9's have access to this stuff, it is commonplace. She didn't try any, but she says it's easy, you can just be walking by and take a sniff. The joints are the easiest but at this last place they were burning the leaves in a glass tube. She figured she has asthma so why would she take a chance sniffing unknown chemicals. But I worry about K because he's very susceptible to peer pressure. All the alcohol is bad enough, kids getting themselves so drunk at a young age. What happened to wholesome entertainment? Can you imagine university? It's worrying,
but I have to trust her as she knows better. My friend doesn't think marijuana is so bad, it's the other stuff.

Meanwhile, K has exams coming up, so lots of review and fingers crossed.


News

Scientist uncovers dirty secrets about birds' sex lives

The Best Ever

It's almost Summer




Very good pilot:




News

20 Things You Should Never Buy Used

BP spills coffee

Summer Pond Scene




L went for a manicure with some friends yesterday and happened to be invited to 3 parties last night. Can't say I was ever that popular. She chose to go to the one closest to home for a number of reasons. She received an HST tax rebate in the mail, luckily she files tax returns! The HST is a new tax being imposed on July 1st and this rebate is to help us through the transition. Many people call it a tax grab although the hope is that it will help the economy.

This is a good one that a friend sent to me. Had to share it.

BP spills coffee (video)

News

The perils of social media dating (funny)

Social networking popular among boomers

A Think Test

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW AND TAKE THE TEST. THE NORMAL RATE IS 7 OUT OF 25. GOOD LUCK! BE SURE TO FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS, AND CHANGE THE SUBJECT BOX TO YOUR SCORE. DON'T BE EMBARRASSED IF ITS NOT SO HIGH. NOT MANY PEOPLE SCORE MORE THAN 5.


A think test

News

Seven myths about veggies

Love Thy Neighbour

I thought these soft bins were interesting, it might be a convenient, space-saving option if you are doing renovations.




I was listening to the morning radio show on CHUM/FM yesterday morning. They were talking about getting along with the neighbours. One of the men said he has a 90 year old neighbour and he often lends a hand with chores. Since his grandparents have passed away, he regards them as surrogate grandparents which is kind of nice. He learned that this neighbour will be attending an annual university reunion that they have been having for 44 years. The sad part was that only 5 members have survived. He said the couple live alone. Life goes by just like that, was the ending thought.



News

BP releases new oil spill video

Study backs heart-healthy effect of dairy fat - ok, I'm going to stop feeling guilty about taking cream in my coffee...yay!

Asian computer firms developing 3D computers

Rough Language

Newlywed Couple



Excuse the rough language in the following story. I would have deleted it, but the story wouldn't be the same.

A young couple got married and went on their honeymoon. When they got back, the bride immediately called her mother. "Well," said her mother, "so how was the honeymoon?" "Oh, mama," she replied, "the honeymoon was wonderful! So romantic!

Suddenly she burst out crying. "But, mama, as soon as we returned, Sam started using the most horrible language -- things I'd never heard before! I mean all these awful 4-letter words! You've got to take me home . . . PLEASE MAMA

"Carly, Carly" her mother said, "calm down! You need to stay with your husband and work this out. Now,

tell me, what could be so awful? WHAT 4-letter words?"

"Please don't make me tell you, mama," wept the daughter, "I'm so embarrassed, they're just too awful! COME GET ME, PLEASE!!

"Darling, baby, you must tell me what has you so upset. Tell your mother these horrible 4-letter words!"

Sobbing, the bride said, "Oh, Mama . . . he used words like: dust, wash, iron, and cook."

"I'll pick you up in twenty minutes," said the mother



News

Visualizing the BP oil disaster

Creative Tuesdays - Nook

Here is my Creative Tuesdays 'Nook' contribution. Mr. Toast posts a beautiful collage of everyone's work every fortnight and it's a treat to visit the other artists to see what they have come up with.




News

6 Natural Ways to Feel Happier

Birthday Gift

My good friend A come over yesterday morning. She brought me an early birthday gift and a cheerful flower pot as she'll be out of town later this month. She also brought L a nice graduation gift. We went for a walk to Main Street. The road was closed for the street festival but it was deserted likely because it was raining hard all morning. The afternoon turned sunny, so hopefully the crowds came out to support the occasion. The book sale at the library had not started yet, but we did look in at the Art Gallery which is free this weekend. There was a political cartoon exhibit and some Inuit sculptures on display.


News

Egoiste Chanel (video)

A Tiny Apartment Transforms into 24 Rooms (video)- this one's ingenious

Look Who’s Blogging

Summer Festival

Local Veterans






My girlfriend S and I went to Main Street yesterday morning to browse the summer festival. Here are some of the parade photos. It was a teary eyed moment when the local veterans appeared, wearing their service medals and everyone started clapping.

I love to visit all the food stalls to see what's on offer, while S enjoys popping in to the local boutiques as always. It was a gorgeous day weatherwise. One restaurant was featuring what looked like roast suckling pig. Everyone was lined up to purchase slices of it stuffed into a bun. The new Mediterranean restaurant was grilling succulent meat shishkebabs. The burgers and fully dressed sausages and hot dogs also looked delicious.

The mayor made a speech about sustainability initiatives in our community and introduced all the local politicians. I got a free reusable bag.


News

Self-publishing turning book world on its ear

Helicopter Parenting Leads To Risk-Averse & Dependent Kids, Study Suggests

Surprising Healing Benefits of Spices

you can't read this and stay in a bad mood

1. How Do You Catch a Unique Rabbit?
Unique Up On It.
2. How Do You Catch a Tame Rabbit?
Tame Way.
3. How Do Crazy People Go Through The Forest ?
They Take The Psychopath.
4. How Do You Get Holy Water?
You Boil The Hell Out Of It.

5. What Do Fish Say When They Hit a Concrete Wall?
Dam!

6. What Do Eskimos Get From Sitting On The Ice too Long?
Polaroids.

7. What Do You Call a Boomerang That Doesn't Work?
A Stick.
8. What Do You Call Cheese That Isn't Yours?
Nacho Cheese.
9. What Do You Call Santa's Helpers?
Subordinate Clauses.
10. What Do You Call Four Bullfighters In Quicksand?
Quatro Cinco.
11. What Do You Get From a Pampered Cow?
Spoiled Milk.

12. What Do Yo u Get When You Cross a Snowman With a Vampire?
Frostbite.
13. What Lies At The Bottom Of The Ocean And Twitches?
A Nervous Wreck.

14. What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup?
Anyone Can Roast Beef.
15. Where Do You Find a Dog With No Legs?
Right Where You Left Him.
16. Why Do Gorillas Have Big Nostrils?
Because They Have Big Fingers.

17. Why Don't Blind People Like To Sky Dive?
Because It Scares The Dog.
18. What Kind Of Coffee Was Served On The Titanic?
Sanka.
19. What Is The Difference Between A Harley And A Hoover?
The Location Of The Dirt Bag.

20. Why Did Pilgrims' Pants Always Fall Down?
Because They Wore Their Belt Buckles On Their Hats.
21. What's The Difference Between a Bad Golfer And a Bad Skydiver?
A Bad Golfer Goes, Whack , Dang!
A Bad Skydiver Goes Dang! Whack.

22. How Are A Texas Tornado And A Tennessee Divorce The Same?
Somebody's Gonna Lose A Trailer.

Now, admit it . . . at least one of these made you smile.

Fascinating

I snapped this photo at the mall one day, it fascinates me for some reason.


I was at the travel agent today, paying for our Turkey/Greek island vacation when a man in a wheelchair rolled in and gave the travel agents little Turtles chocolates which they gladly accepted and complained about gaining weight. One girl said, 'I'm not pregnant, it's Turtles chocolates!' I get the feeling he's there every day. He even gave me one.

We have to decide whether to mail our passports in to the Turkish embassy in Ottawa to get a visa to enter the country, or to just get the visa when we arrive there. According to Rick Steves' 'Istanbul' travel guide, Canadians and Americans should be able to get one in Turkey by paying the proper fee. It's just a hassle having to mail your passports away and our friends tried calling the Turkish Embassy and got a message saying you could get visas in Turkey. I think that's what I'm going to do.


News

Study confirms link between migraines and stroke

Celery, peaches coated with the most pesticides: group

Finding might lead to urine test for autism

He's really cute

Local Summer Scene


Our fitness instructor at the gym is trying to get her 20 year old son out of the house. She asked if anyone knows any 20 year old girls, preferably with a house. 'He's really cute' she said, 'that's about it' and laughed. I thought she was hilarious, maybe I was identifying with her a bit!

It seems the Blue Jays Baseball hat is the most popular baseball hat in North America according to the salesguy at Fan Attic. I was checking out the prices of the NY Yankee hats for K. He met with the Special Education lady at school today. Hopefully, she will be his advocate through high school, but I think it makes sense to continue with our regular study routine as well. She said one in ten kids have some kind of learning disability. Surprisingly, there is one local high school where the ratio is much higher. Gifted kids also fall under the Special Education category.

L picked up an Athletic Award and an Art award and a couple of service pins at the awards ceremony at her school. The report is that Prank Day was the most fun. They locked all the grade 9's out of their lockers for example. We have a new favourite clothes store called 'Costa Blanca' at the mall. The clothes fit her like designer clothes at 'Old Navy' prices, no kidding. We registered for an Academic Orientation session at her university in July. Looking forward to checking things out down there while we get her registered for her courses and get her student card. She'll find out what residence she gets assigned to at the end of July.


News

Caffeine addicts get no real boost from morning coffee

Loyalty takes butler from poor Nepal village to NY

Neat Game

My techie brother sent this neat game, I'm surprised I could actually play it, think you might want to give it a try?

Runtime presented by IBM

News

The suspect has a funny look and the news anchor cracks up
News Anchor Fail (video)

LOST In 3 Minutes (video)

Romeo

Happy June 1st!

L's school is having the traditional Grade 12 prank day (you don't want to hear all the horrible stuff they have planned). She is receiving a surprise subject award this year, wonder what subject it is? She went to a party last night because all her friends were going.

I'm stressing that if K fails Math he will have to do a credit recovery in the summer and I don't know the details of how that happens, registration, etc. I know it's only 2 weeks in Grade 9. The psychologist that recently diagnosed his non verbal learning disability is supposed to send us a summary report but it has been delayed by her daughter's wedding. M says nothing can be done until he actually fails something but he's going to check with Guidance again.

Meanwhile, we helped him memorize his lines for 'Romeo and Juliet' that his group has to perform in class. He's done a good job with it although he thinks the language in Shakespeare's time is absolutely crazy (what? what on earth are they saying?). They had seen a production of the play downtown recently and he swears this 'Romeo' actor cheated by writing the lines on his arms. He said 'Why else would he keep raising both of his arms above his head all the time?' We laughed at that. He wants me to buy him a New York Yankee's baseball hat for some reason. It must be in fashion.


News

Is milk from grass-fed cows more heart-healthy?

Scrutiny of Personal Gene Tests Increases - would you do one of these tests?

Tooth brushing habits linked to a healthy heart