And the answer is...."Read All About It!"

Sometimes it takes awhile, but google never fails me. The show was called Read All About It! It would appear I was spelling Duneedon wrong.

Here's someone's homage to the show that's acerbically entertaining.

The Way Back Machine, featuring 1980s Kids' TV

I'm obsessed today, trying to find the name of this show I watched in school when I lived in Regina. I can picture myself seeing it (on TV--VHS) in my Grade 5 classroom. It came up this morning because I'm working on something to help people write clearer recommendations in the their staff reports and I remembered this quote, which I now know to be from Rudyard Kipling's "The Elephant's Child":

I keep six honest serving men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.

This was one of the clues on the show. It was something about a group of kids, writing a newspaper, finding clues and solving mysteries, maybe time travel, and a bad guy named Dunedin. There was something about Dunedin anyway, because I remember later finding it interesting that this was also the name of the city where the Blue Jays went for spring training.

Yes, I have weird thought patterns.

If I figure it out, I'll let you know.

Remember Fraggle Rock too? And how one day the Fraggles stopped eating what the Doozers were constructing, thinking they were being harmful to the Doozers, then the Doozers wondering what they did wrong to the Fraggles that made them stop eating their constructions?

Mojo was almost Wembley, but since he didn't wemble it just wasn't going to work.

Big News! GO Train riders aren't capitalists after all!

Bill O'Reilly of Fox News is under the impression that the Globe and Mail is a "far left newspaper". I can see the criticism that CBC is left leaning--not only is it a frequent slay to the mothercorp but since I love it and am at best a bleeding heart liberal, I'm willing to accept this. This acceptance does not, however, imply an acceptance that CBC is wrong in any way. Especially in this case since we all know Bill O'Reilly is an ass.

But I had to laugh at the Globe and Mail's new socialist status. I'm sure all the suits on the GO train every morning will be surprised to hear it too.

See the story here. And yes, of course it's a CBC link.

Start spreading the news....

....I'm going back in the fall!

Below is one of my favourite pics from the last trip: Times Square.

I heart NY 

Overexposure: Bad for Britney, Good for your Health?

So I like things to be clean. When I say clean, I'm referring more to the microbial sense of clean since you all know I'm a slobbish clutter fiend. But recent scientific reports seem to point to the need to keep some of that microbial dirt around, ironically for your own protection.

Today's headline reads "Younger Brothers, Sisters May Help Protect Against MS", the theory being that you catch a lot of bugs from your annoying little sibling and in doing so, are less likely to develop MS. There's also been a lot of press about how an underexposure to dust and pollen and other such nasty things in childhood can set you up for asthma (check out this one). A quick search of the net reveals this all to be part of the 'hygiene hypothesis' a theory which proposes that a lack of exposure to all this crap in childhood weakens your immune system.

So apparently, you're supposed to get sick. Which, I suppose, should make me feel better, wrapping up my fourth week of a cold, or something. *hack up a lung* I have a hearty immune system? Maybe, but it's misguided at the very least because it's taking it's sweet little time right now and is a bit confused about the purpose of my thyroid gland.

So as I rub Purel into my hands for the second time this morning, I wonder, is it better for me to clean out my closet this weekend and suffer the damage to my sinuses and lungs caused by the dust or should I just leave it alone and be continually frustrated by my lack of storage space?

Because clearly, I wasn't supposed to be keeping on top of it all this time. *cough* *hack*

Why a Dog Becomes Evil

It’s not in the genes.

When I was looking for a dog to join my family in 2002 I never, for one moment, considered a pit bull. Not because they are inherently evil, but because they demand more attention and care than I was, and am, able to give. Between exercise and space issues, it wouldn’t have been fair to my family or the dog.

A dog is a respectful member of your family if you treat him or her that way. If don’t want a dog that will attack people, behave violently and assume a menacing stance in the presence of humans or other animals…

Don’t hit him
Don’t chain him to a post in the backyard for hours and ignore him
Don’t forget to feed him regularly
Don’t neglect to take him to the vet for regular check ups
Don’t ignore changes in his health
Don’t forget to ensure he has access to clean water
Don’t taunt him for your entertainment
Don’t neglect to play with him as a pup
Don’t give him a reason to be afraid of you

In other words, if you want a menacing dog, all you have to do is not care.

And if you’re not going to care, why did you get a pet in the first place?

If your dog is behaving badly, chances are, he learned it from you.

Visit the OSPCA for more information on the Ontario Government’s proposed legislation to ban pit bulls.

Animal cruelty is on the rise in Ontario. Labeling one group of dogs as evil only perpetuates the problem.

Happy Anniversary to my blog

Yay! It's officially one month since I started blogging.

And today, I'm thinking about coherence....

Cohere means...
cause to form a united, orderly, and aesthetically consistent whole, or
have internal elements or parts logically connected so that aesthetic consistency results

...at least in the sense I'm thinking about it. Once upon a time I would have stayed away from things such as blogging because the idea that people would find my thoughts about things to be inconsistent in some way drove me nuts. Maybe I would need to defend myself and I would find my positions indefensible. Now, I feel like I'm able to logically defend my positions and have solid reasons for the conclusions I reach about the world. I also feel less inclined to care about what other people think. Thank god for that one good thing that comes with age. Of course, I could also be wrong. But who cares? I'm allowed to be sometimes. I'm also allowed to change my mind.

So I guess the bottom line is that I care about what you think, but at the same time, I don't care enough to shake myself to the very core. Woo hoo, I'm able to have context. And perspective.

Perhaps if you find my ramblings incoherent and contradictory, you'll want to start your own blog. I may then point out that your thoughts are incoherent and contradictory. Whatever.

I recall once upon a time, I must have been less than 10 years old, standing in line in the hallway of my school waiting for something (can't remember what) and thinking about how I just couldn't imagine myself ever being in high school.

And now, later this year, I turn 30. High school graduate (and university too, gainfully employed).

Maybe there's inherent coherence is in the evolution of being the person you are becoming.

Quotable Quote: Me vs. the Universe

It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others.
~ John Andrew Holmes

Mad Cows and Mad Voters: Sanity's in the System, Just Not Us Sometimes

Today, Dubya is inaugurated for the second time around. *Sigh*

To my American friends, I ask why on earth did you invite him back? Although, I could just as well ask why Albertans keep electing Ralph Klein, or how on earth Mel Lastman was able to serve two elected terms in office for the City of Toronto.

Much as I like to criticize those in other countries (and Provinces and Cities...) for how they choose to cast their vote (in addition to the US, I can often count Israel on my personal list), I don’t live there, I’m not a citizen there, and I don’t vote there. And that’s fair. That’s how the game works. I don’t expect Americans (or Israelis) to criticize me for voting the way I do here in Canuck-a-doodle land. In fact, I would find it offensive.

Then again, I’ve never had the opportunity to vote for a leader of the “free” world.

But anyway, I could point out here that Dubya won by the slimmest of margins last year and only questionably “won” (note the quotes) in 2000. Mel Lastman won in 2000 with 79.9 per cent of the vote.

What’s that I hear you say? Lastman didn’t have a viable opponent that was worthy of the office? And who’s fault do you think that is? I mean, at least Enza the Supermodel gave it a shot. And really how much crazier is a cross-dressing wannabe than a furniture salesman with foot and mouth disease? ;)

And speaking of livestock diseases, hopefully, Ralph Klein has sent Dubya some Alberta beef in honour of his inaugural. In fact, between the third way of health care from Klein and Dubya’s plan for the partial privatization of social security, cows are probably the only thing they aren’t seeing eye to eye on these days.

To my American friends, yes, I know you didn’t all vote for Dubya. For those of you who did, I admit, I do think you’re wrong, but I respect your right to the choice. For those of you who went for Kerry, thanks on behalf of the non-American world for trying. Maybe next time you’ll find a candidate who can make it all the way. I’ll cross my fingers for you.

In the meantime, bon appetit to Dubya.

This is Mojo

Acquainted with the Night, by Robert Frost

I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain -- and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.

I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,

But not to call me back or say good-bye;
And further still at an unearthly height,
O luminary clock against the sky

Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.

I'm Mojo's Pet

Okay, so if you know me, you know that I love my dog. I am, after all “Mojo’s Pet”. I owe him a lot. I have been through a lot of shit in the past few years and I am convinced that he has saved me from further degrees of distress, pain, heartache and illness that I would not wish on my worst enemy. It’s like his mere presence just soaks it up and makes it go away, or at least diminish.

When I’m lying on the sofa, exhausted and feeling crappy, he comes over, tail a’wagging, sticks his cold wet little nose between the pillows and lays on a big kiss. I take him with me to the nursing home and his devilish little ways bring smiles to every face. They call him “Bobo” there. They don’t get his real name. He could care less. He gets a car ride out of it and a chance to stick his head out the window on not-so-cold days. And he gets to hang out with us.

And when you’re with Moj, you get the sense that to him, you are just the bestest people to be around ever!

I keep pictures of my little Mojito on my desk at work. He’s a real ice-breaker. “Aw, you have a dog! What’s his name?” Having a pet can ease even the weirdest social situations. You can meet people and immediately have something in common with them, especially other ‘pet people’.

Yes, scientifically, he may be unable to understand the English language. But I think he understands body language and other clues far more acutely than most humans. The slight change in the intonation of my voice causes his ears to move forward, in a quizzical look. How else could he understand when I’m sick? And when I say “Auntie Lizzy is coming!”, I know he’s more likely responding to the excitement in my voice than the name. But whatever. He knows me very well.

I owe him all that one can give a dog in this world: a bowl of kibble, a treat or two, a drink of clean water, a warm sleeping place, a belly rub….such simplicity! Mojo makes little noises when he’s on the cusp of sleep, drunk with tiredness. They’re little groans of satisfaction and contentment.

I wish that Mojo will live forever with me. But, I know that chances are, I will outlast him. It’s painful to think about. In fact, it almost stopped me from getting him in the first place. But, as the Little Prince said “You risk tears if you let yourself be tamed”.

"I am looking for friends.
What does that mean---tame?"

"It is an act too often neglected,"said the fox.
"It means to establish ties."

"To establish ties?"

"Just that," said the fox.
"to me, you are still nothing more than
a little boy who is just like
a hundred thousand other little boys.
And I have no need of you.
And you, on your part, have no need of me.
To you I am nothing more
than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes.
But if you tame me, then we shall need each other.
To me, you will be unique in all the world.
To you, I shall be unique in all the world. . ."

"I am beginning to understand," said the little prince.

Quotable Quote: The Church

Periodically all the arts break their own rules, to renew themselves and to invigorate themselves when the letter is killing and the spirit is offering life. The church has not been either as brave or as wise. I wanted to be a priest and not a traffic warden. I wanted to open the way to spiritual insights, not dole out penalties for every silly offence. That is why I left the church, not the teachings of christ but the dogmas of man, and when I turn to the church now, I know, god forgive me, that it is because I am too weak to turn to myself.

taken from "Art & Lies", Jeannette Winterson, 1994.

MSF: Thinking Beyond the Borders

Originally Posted on: Tue, Jan 11 2005 3:48 PM

Medecins Sans Frontieres, a.k.a. MSF, a.k.a. Doctors Without Borders, won the International Nobel Peace Prize in 1999, a short 28 years after being founded by a group of French Doctors, which, if it were a human entity, would certainly make it a remarkable ingénue, quite a brilliant kid to be true.

But of course, MSF isn’t a person, it’s many people. And I’m one, a small one albeit, as a small financial supporter. Trust me, those medical professionals, holed up behind a steel door in a war zone, waiting for the gunfire to stop, treating another victim of war (and we are all victims of war), are the real power of the organization. Awhile back, there was a show on the Life Network called “Crisis Zone” that profiled their heroic work and sacrifice for others. Hmm, let’s see plastic surgery in L.A. or operating with the barest of supplies in Sri Lanka? Which is the easier choice? I would imagine these volunteers give up, or at least postpone a lot, only their lives really, to save the lives of others.

Think of families in underdeveloped nations coping with an infection in their child that could be so easily treated here in Canada. Think about an MSF volunteer not only being a ray of light in such a family’s life, but his or her compassion and courage and the kind of person who would choose to help out in such a way. I think a donation is the least I could do.

And then on December 26 there was a tsunami in Asia that, when last I looked, is estimated to have killed 156,000 people. People focus on that number, but MSF is busy thinking about the people left to live. The people who desperately need medical assistance. Because that’s always what MSF is thinking about. Everywhere.

That was proven on January 4, 2005 when MSF Canada announced that, having received 4 million dollars in donations from Canadians, and 65 million dollars world-wide for its efforts undertaken in the tsunami affected area, it would no longer accept donations specifically for this purpose, unless a reassessment reveals they require more funds for the mission.

Now, to be clear, when I donated to MSF shortly after hearing about the tsunami, the MSF website did inform me that the funds I donated would be used where I specified, unless they were no longer needed for that mission. In such a case, the money would go to the next most emergent mission. Sounds good to me.

However, unlike other charities MSF was upfront about its needs. I’m not knocking the other charities involved, many are excellent. Some, not so much. But unfortunately, many people will feel that this statement by MSF means that donations should go to other organizations operating in the disaster region.

As for me, it makes me want to give more to MSF. Thank God someone hasn’t lost focus on the plague of AIDS in Africa, the crisis in Darfur, even the street children in Manila.

From the MSF Charter: “Médecins Sans Frontières offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.”

MSF doesn’t care about the winning the next election.

Sad as it is, the world’s crises can’t be contained by CNN 24 hours a day, with commercial breaks. God knows. And so does MSF.

Life, in the balance

Originally Posted on: Mon, Jan 10 2005 9:55 AM

Once upon a time I worked for an organization that undertook to survey its employees about the concept of “work-life balance” and how they were or were not able to practice this in their daily lives. Everyone around me got a copy of the survey and was chatting about it, which I could not avoid in our open concept, cubicle hell of an office environment. When I pointed out that I didn’t receive a survey, I was told by a colleague that it was because “I had no family”. No, I’m not a hermit, I just didn’t (and still don’t) have a husband or kids. But the implication was that because I had none of these trappings of life so often moaned about by my fellow employees, I didn’t have anything with which I needed to worry about balancing my work.

Now although the most likely reason that I didn’t receive the survey was because of some administrative error—I mean the organization did have many hundreds of employees, so I’m sure they weren’t bothering to ferret out the non-married, non-parents—it does illustrate a bias held, though not often admitted. You have no spouse, no children; therefore, you have no responsibilities in life.

However, I’d like to point out that I have parents who require my attention and assistance and many more of you will in the years to come as the baby boomers age. Who will take them to appointments, help them to manage their health care and, when the time comes, act as their final advocate? This can be some very heavy stuff people, so beware to those who can even compare it to shuffling off to soccer, hockey and Brownies. It’s totally different and presents a whole new set of ‘balance issues’ that I’m thinking a parent-teacher interview may not be able to prepare you for.

I also have grandparents who I worry about on a fairly regular basis. Should I read in between the lines about what Grandma is saying about Grandpa’s health or take it at face value? Would they call for help if they needed it? Would they know if they needed it? They live thousands of miles away…how can I manage relationships with those who are closer in physical proximity to ensure that my grandparents have assistance?

Then I have a recently unemployed, now gainfully employed, brother and a dog, who thankfully is healthy (though if you have ever lost a pet you know how the delicate balance of your life can be profoundly affected). I also have best friends, who also have pets and parents and spouses and kids and life to balance with their work.

And yes, I do make friends with those on the other side of the married with children divide…. because, you see, it’s all about trying to find BALANCE in your life.

Same-Sex Marriage: Canada’s Biggest Issue in 2004?

Originally Posted on: Thu, Dec 23 2004 12:12 PM

This year, the First Ministers agreed to an 18 billion dollar health care funding deal to last six years. The tides are changing when it comes to the overall financial structure of our beloved confederation with the recognition of the economic importance of cities—though I’ll believe it when the cheque comes. The Auditor General lifted the carpet and swept the sponsorship scandal out from under the rug. It would appear some ‘friends’, though not yours or mine, got some of your hard earned money through shifty government accounting at the federal level. Then there’s Maher Arar. Really people, we all know that something’s up there. A journalist’s home was raided by our own RCMP. I mean, a Canadian citizen was deported to a country known for aggressive questioning (in Syria that translates to ‘torture’) under suspicious circumstances done with not only the consent of your government, but possibly with its outright assistance. And now your government wants to hide the details under the guise of national security.

But no, let’s not worry about this, let’s all talk about whether the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is meant to protect gays and lesbians from the discrimination of not being allowed to marry like opposite-sex couples. Well duh! I mean come on. The truth is that not one of our elected politicians has the balls to stand up and say yes so we can move on with other things. Apparently, Mr. Martin thinks you might not vote for him next time around. Yes, he thinks that you’ll be more concerned with this than about Canada condoning torture, of a fellow Canadian Citizen at that. Uh-huh, right. What’s wrong with this picture?

The Charter was meant to be a defining document for Canada. You can read through it, but the bottom line is that you are who you are and are to be valued as a human being because of that. Admittedly, though I was only 6 when it came into force, the Charter does predate a lot of the more notable strides made in the gay rights movement, but it was never meant to be an exclusive document. In fact, the whole point is INCLUSION.

And what of this nebulous “same-sex union” gobbledy-gook that is being floated around, most notably by Albertans? [I’m not saying that all Albertans have their heads up their asses. Just the ones who don’t think there aren't any gays and lesbians in their Province. Yeah right!]

Let’s draw a parallel here. There are two water fountains in your child’s school, clearly labeled—one for white children and one for black children. You’re Jewish and you like to play golf, but you can’t play at the city’s biggest course because you’re not allowed to be a member. But there’s a golf course owned by a local Jewish family where you can go to play. You and your partner can’t get married like opposite-sex couples, but you can have something called a ‘union’. See my point? Is there really such a thing as ‘equal, but different’? So why are we still discussing this?

If you think recognizing [note my choice of words] the right of same-sex couples to marry threatens your life in some way ask yourself, how? Maybe you don’t even know anyone who’s gay or lesbian. Maybe they just haven’t told you that they are. Ask yourself why that might be. Have you ever been embarrassed by an elderly relative commenting on “those people who moved in next door” and “why do they want to live in our neighbourhood anyway?” Do you remember rolling your eyes and biting your tongue? Perhaps you even left, or took on their prejudices?

Will your children and grandchildren be rolling their eyes at you someday?

Or maybe they’ll just get yanked off a plane on their way somewhere and deported to Syria for ‘questioning’.

Google Maher Arar for yourself and learn more. What do you think was Canada's biggest issue in 2004?

Aunt Betty and Peter Gzowski: A Case for Public Broadcasting in Canada

Originally Posted on: Wed, Dec 22 2004 2:39 PM

I love the CBC, though I confess, when compared to other CBC-o-philes, I am a relative newcomer. Back in 1994 I moved to Winnipeg to study at the University of Manitoba. Most of my family lives in Winnipeg, including, at that time, a cousin named Janet and my favourite aunt, the incomparable Aunt Betty. Aunt Betty is the best because she is a sweetheart and a true lady. Back when I lived on a budget of $60.00 a month when a bus pass cost $48.00 she would take me to lovely places for lunch twice a year and ask me about the things that I cared about. Bottom line, she's the best. She told me about the show her daughter, Janet, hosted on CBC Radio Manitoba called "Arts Encounters" and I began to listen faithfully every time it was on. Someone I knew was on the radio!

One day, with my radio still set to CBC, my alarm went off to signal the beginning of another school day. I switched the alarm to the radio setting and decided to stay in bed a bit longer. Needless to say, I was lazy -- I mean I was a student and obviously didn't know how good I had it sleeping in past 9:00 a.m. on a weekday. But back to the radio. It was on, I was only half awake, but quickly captivated by the best interviewer I have ever heard in my life, our dearly departed Peter Gzowski (the blog post "Mom and Peter Gzowski: A Case against the Devil Weed" will come sometime in the new year). It's a beautiful thing to hear Peter Gzowski interview someone, whether they be the Prime Minister, or Agnes, the potato farmer from PEI. You find yourself caring. It's such a simple thing, but it's big. Ask yourself, when Lisa LaFlamme asks the Prime Minister a question, do you really care? How do you think she would fare with Agnes? [Side note: Lisa LaFlamme? Shouldn't she be in a different line of work with a name like that?]

So my love affair with CBC Radio began. And I'm convinced it has raised my IQ. Since I began listening, and watching, I've gone from Robbie Alomar, Blue Jays junkie to informed citizen, able to discuss the implications of a falling (and rising) dollar, the impact of Ukrainian politics from a global perspective and be able to say "I heard this story once about a woman who knitted a tea cozy for a house" and not be lying. For my father's benefit, I will add that the knowledge of all but that last bit was also expanded by that expensive degree he paid for, but let's be real. I had some great Profs but none compare to Peter Gzowski.

Now on to television. I know what you're going to say, but the failure of Canadian television to master the situation comedy format is not the fault of CBC. And actually, who the f$*% cares about that? The sitcom is a vehicle for the distribution of American culture and values. Yes, I know Corner Gas is good, but it's a freaky miracle that Canadians will watch the happenings of Dog River when many of them seem to think I went to the University of Manitoba, located in Saskatoon. Which brings me back to my point....

Who are we? What about us? It's really too complicated a question to answer, but you can start by watching CBC. We debated who among us is the greatest on CBC. David Suzuki's "Nature of Things" and Pierre Berton rolling a joint on Rick Mercer's Monday Report are both on CBC. So is Rex Murphy (and Radio too). Very disparate points of view, very disparate methods of delivering that point of view. How about "This Hour Has 22 Minutes"? What about "The Fifth Estate"-- I mean Steven Turcott would still be rotting in jail if it wasn't for Linden Macintyre! CTV would probably be doing another story about bad drivers. NBC's Dateline would probably be doing another story about O.J. Simpson.

Okay so I could write a book on this, so I'll move on....

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is governed by the Broadcasting Act and the Federal Department of Canadian Heritage. It's yours. You've already paid for it, you dimwit! Why not give it a try? So when ABC and CTV and Much Music are showing infomercials and reruns of the Newlyweds, tune in to YOUR CBC. Turn off the rampant commercialization. And yes, CBC has commercials, but it's because of people like you who don't get off their asses and give it a try. If you cared more, CBC would be better funded and carry more local news and such and they wouldn't need to run stupid commercials. [By the way, be sure to also check out commercial free CBC Radio this holiday season].

So let's recap: Aunt Betty, Peter Gzowksi, makes you smarter, frees the innocent and once again, YOU ALREADY PAID FOR IT.

Not really my first blog post ever!

So I was on another blog hosting site and decided I liked this one better. The first six posts, including this one, are re-published from my original blog.

"My First Blog Post...ever!"

Originally Posted on: Wed, Dec 22 2004 2:39 PM

So after an absence of 4 years or more from this great wannabe democratic abyss I have returned. The website, created in 1998, is still around, but I haven't updated it in forever.

I've heard of blogs a lot in the past year, and I'm literate, so hey why not. Surely my random rants on life and all things Lise (I am, after all, the only common denominator here) are just as good as some of the neanderthals out there. Yes, my goal is nothing less than enlightening the world, and getting my mother to read this. Not sure which will be more difficult.

Actually, I owe the final step in getting this underway to Todd Maffin who is a national technology reporter with CBC. You can read more about what he does at http://www.cbc.ca/nerd/-- I've mostly heard him on CBC Radio 1, but I see he does some work for CBC TV too. He recommended bloglines in one of his radio columns, and as you can see, also on his website.

Anyway, feel free to read my blog. Or not. That's the part about this democratic wannabe technology that is actually true to its word. The part that's not may have to do with the tres chere technology you are using to read this, or the mucho dineros you spend monthly to get hooked up. But that's for another post....

for the profile...