Straight No Chaser - 12 Days

This is hilarious...

later man, jan

$25 AT A TIME...

Kiva.org had a post yesterday telling us to tune in to "Business Nation" on CNBC tonight, to see a feature length piece about Kiva.org featuring correspondent John Larson (www.kiva.org/lender/john2481) who actually went to Africa to find the entrepreneurs he loaned to!!!!

Of course - I can't find CNBC - not on my little tv:) I did find their website and copied the following intro...

"There’s a remarkable new venture that’s transforming the lives of people in some of the poorest countries on earth. Kiva.org is the innovative website that enables ordinary people all over the world to make tiny loans – as little as $25 at a time -- to small business owners in third world countries. NBC News correspondent John Larson reports. watch video"...

John and I watched it. It really is easy to change another person's life...
Just like the cliche "a hand up - not a hand out" How very true!

later man, jan

Christmas With a Capital C

I respect the rights of other people with other religions - however - in turn - I expect them to respect my rights and not be offended when I say "Merry Christmas"
later man, jan

Wanna feel good inside... giving is the way to go...

and this is way better than regular on-line shopping...

check out this website link to Kiva.org to find a new way to support those in need in our world...

There are many ways to give - but these are micro-loans that let you get your money repaid and able to be given again - WOW! now I can be a micro-lender to give a micro-loan...

There was so much traffic on the page today that it took me forever to get in when I decided to register! They use PayPal to send the money and you can check the status of each loan anytime. They also have an RSS feed for their blog and I have been fascinated by the stories and pictures. Where have I been, that I missed seeing this on the news! People lending to people!

If you have time, check out the documentary that spread this news a year ago at FRONTLINE/World called Uganda - A Little Goes a Long Way. In one year they have spread from Unganda to 11 other countries.

later man, jan

Washing Osama's Feet...

Can you stretch your heart and pray? "Father, forgive Osama. He doesn't know what he's doing."

If this image makes you want to dig deeper into your soul...

check out Greg Boyd's blog for background info and more links...

The truth hurts... I am still honking at that guy who cut me off at the light... so I have a long way to go.
later man, jan

Meth is the bottom of the hill...

I have been glued to this subject today...

The Partnership for a Drug Free America has a Meth Information and Resource Centre website full of resources for community education... you can find...

before and after pictures of meth users...

videos and slideshows highlighting the overall dangers of meth use...

personal stories of people who have tried to fill some emptiness in their lives and then... memorials for those who have proven that drugs don't discriminate and everyone is at risk...

but best of all - a recovery story allowing me to feel hope and not total despair and giving me the ability to thank you, Loving Spirit, for the gift of Life!

later man, jan

The Mom Song Sung to William Tell Overture with Lyrics

"The Mom Song"

Get up now
Get up now
Get up out of bed
Wash your face
Brush your teeth
Comb your sleepyhead
Here's your clothes and your shoes
Hear the words I said
Get up now! Get up and make your bed
Are you hot? Are you cold?
Are you wearing that?
Where's your books and your lunch and your homework at?
Grab your coat and gloves and your scarf and hat
Don't forget! You gotta feed the cat
Eat your breakfast, the experts tell us it's the most important meal of all
Take your vitamins so you will grow up one day to be big and tall
Please remember the orthodontist will be seeing you at 3 today
Don't forget your piano lesson is this afternoon so you must play
Don't shovel
Chew slowly
But hurry
The bus is here
Be careful
Come back here
Did you wash behind your ears?
Play outside, don't play rough, will you just play fair?
Be polite, make a friend, don't forget to share
Work it out, wait your turn, never take a dare
Get along! Don't make me come down there
Clean your room, fold your clothes, put your stuff away
Make your bed, do it now, do we have all day?
Were you born in a barn? Would you like some hay?
Can you even hear a word I say?
Answer the phone! Get off the phone!
Don't sit so close, turn it down, no texting at the table
No more computer time tonight!
Your iPod's my iPod if you don't listen up
Where are you going and with whom and what time do you think you're coming home?
Saying thank you, please, excuse me makes you welcome everywhere you roam
You'll appreciate my wisdom someday when you're older and you're grown
Can't wait till you have a couple little children of your own
You'll thank me for the counsel I gave you so willingly
But right now I thank you not to roll your eyes at me
Close your mouth when you chew, would appreciate
Take a bite maybe two of the stuff you hate
Use your fork, do not burp or I'll set you straight
Eat the food I put upon your plate
Get an A, get the door, don't get smart with me
Get a grip, get in here, I'll count to three
Get a job, get a life, get a PHD
Get a dose of,
"I don't care who started it!
You're grounded until you're 36"
Get your story straight and tell the truth for once, for heaven's sake
And if all your friends jumped off a cliff would you jump, too?
If I've said it once, I've said at least a thousand times before
That you're too old to act this way
It must be your father's DNA
Look at me when I am talking
Stand up straighter when you walk
A place for everything and everything must be in place
Stop crying or I'll give you something real to cry about
Oh!
Brush your teeth, wash your face, put your PJs on
Get in bed, get up here, say a prayer with mom
Don't forget, I love you
And tomorrow we will do this all again because a mom's work never ends
You don't need the reason why
Because, because, because, because
I said so, I said so, I said so, I said so
I'm the mom, the mom, the mom, the mom, the mom!!
Ta da!!! (more)

thanx to Ann for the link... this is great...
later man, jan

This is NOT A GOOD READ...

Dear diary - You won't like this but I can't get it out of my mind - I need to do something but I have no idea what - so I guess I am passing the buck...

The scale of brutality taking place in the Congo now is staggering...

What are we doing? What should we be doing?

later man, jan

FREE BURMA

Join the Global Day of Action...
Saturday, October 6, 2007
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Olympic Plaza
Calgary, AB

*** Check out the information and sign the petition at the Amnesty International website...

*** Sign a petition at Avaaz.org...

*** Write to your MP ...

*** Check out the Democratic Voice of Burma ...

*** This Thanksgiving Day - please remember to be thankful for all the freedoms we enjoy and pray earnestly for those in our world who do not have our advantages...

love ya , jan

Bono at NAACP Awards

The video below is of Bono accepting the honorary Chairman’s Award at the NAACP Awards last Spring. He finishes an inspiring acceptance speech with as much fire and passion as any African-American preacher.

And if you haven't signed up with Make Poverty History - google it and do it today!

later man, jan

free ringtones for your cell ?

Here's a quote from a website I like...

"I don't get ringtones. I mean, I know what they are, but I don't care enough about them to download any. I'm happy with whatever ringtones come with my phone. But my kids like them, and I understand some people buy them online. Buying ringtones? Why? I'll give you a selection of RLP ringtones for free."

so - if you think you might like to download a new ringtone - check out Real Live Preacher.com ... I was attracted to 'the polite one'...
but then - I'm also not techno-savvy enough to download something like this to my cell anyway - half the time I don't even hear the tone I have :) sigh -
later man, jan

Fraking Cylons... (video)

Dustin Adair, digital SFX artist who worked to bring the REAL metallic Cylon to life, creates this "toon-style" approach to an age old question. "What would happen if a 'Chrome Toaster' got tired of being treated like a second class Cylon? It's an uprising, Centurion-style. Better quality version at WeWereCenturions.com."

read more | digg story

Rappel from a downtown building???

Anyone remember those wild March Snowball camps?
Remember the crazy Venturer Advisor, Murray Beck?

Well, Murray wants to be a Superhero for the Easter Seal Kids and needs sponsors to donate money to the Alberta Easter Seals. He plans to rappel down the face of a downtown Calgary building at the Sun Life Plaza - 144 4th Ave SW - on September 6th, 2007 at 4:30pm.

There is plenty of room to come and sit and watch the superheroes. There is an outdoor plaza (with bench seating) in which the superheroes descend into. Spectators are welcome :)

Follow the link to thedropzone.ca and check it out...

later man, jan

Sign the Golden Rule Resolution - a Global Ethic for a Global Civilization

Most of us, at one time or another, have wished that we could send a unified message to "the powers that be". A message telling them that we expect them to treat our planet and everything on it, including us, with care and respect. The Golden Rule Resolution is that message.

read more | digg story

Buried Treasure...

So Don and Judy arrive at our place...
"Hey Jan" "Hey John" "Hey, everybody."
"Look what I found! This old lantern I got at the antique store! Look what I found inside!"

I look at Don, waving this piece of paper in my face. What is he going on about now? You know, it's always something with Don.

"Look, Jan," says Don, "this paper was folded up inside and there's writing on here. I wonder what it says. And it looks real old! Look, it's even burned in spots! "

Jan (not the sharpest tool in the box) finally begins to realize that Don is doing a real good acting job here and I had better jump right in. Peter is over the other side of the cabin, not really paying attention, but listening like most 6 year olds do and not missing a word.

"Peter", says I, "Come look at this! What do you think this is? Wow - it looks like a map to me!" Peter's eyes are starting to get round and he's acting real shy and not saying much - but he's hooked.

We start to look more closely - is that our lake? what about that creek - hey Don, doesn't that go right by your place? -- Pete, do you remember that picnic table - we had a party there last year -- and what are these marks? are they clues?

Well, to make a long story short - Don and Peter made a date to meet at his place the next morning at 10am - and Peter had better bring a shovel and maybe even a backpack. Don was going to go over to see another friend of his - Keelan, who was only 5 years old to see if she would like to help Peter with the clues on this map...

Next morning, everyone gathered for the reading of this map! There were a couple of young ladies who volunteered to help Peter and Keelan follow the clues... and all the rest of us followed - how could we not ???


Boy, am I glad we wore lots of bug spray - the trail took us along the lake shore and then plunged us into the bush where there were huge mushrooms and giant ferns and lots of mosquitos buzzing around...


Pete and his friends followed the clues and when they decided they must be in the right place, why they started digging around till they heard something go 'clunk'

There was this big, heavy tin box and the lid fell off and there were coins flying everywhere - well - everyone helped the kids fill their backpacks and they carried the loot back to the picnic table where everyone stood around in awe looking at the pile of coins.

Don suggested that the only thing left to do now was to divide the loot. So Peter and Keelan shared their find went home ready to visit the candy store, lots! Right Pete ???

Wow - what a day that was!

later man, jan

Interview with Ann Rice...

Anyone with a spare half hour can listen to this Audio Interview with Ann Rice...

...quoted from Oneplace.com ... in a broadcast from "the White Horse Inn, Michael Horton talks with Anne Rice, author of numerous books in the Vampire Chronicles series and Christ the Lord, Out of Egypt. In particular, the focus of the conversation revolves around her return to the Christian faith and her belief in the general reliability and historicity of the New Testament texts after years as an atheist."

couple of comments - she thinks Dan Brown's book was 'a hoot' and that he 'lied about absolutely everything'.

I don't ever want to be so sure about my faith that I can't be open to the voice I really need to hear - sigh
later man, jan

Trish - did we miss 2004?

2003

This was 2005 - if you look close, you can see Morgan :)

and then 2006

and just this year 2007


this was all I could find - maybe you didn't come out that year??
where have the years flown...
later man, jan

Momma Sandpiper lays guilt trip on me...

So - we're enjoying a day on our beach...
I'm in the water and talking to Sandra who is on a towel next to Meghan, soaking up the sun...
Look, Sandra, right behind you...
There's a sandpiper going in and out from under that tiny little foot high fir tree...
I wonder if there are good bugs in there...
Wait, maybe she has a nest...


Yep - four beige eggs with mottled brown spots - almost as big as the bird herself...
Right there on our high water line...
Right there where I have cleared the beach of grass and rocks and the water is great for swimming without having to trek 5 minutes down the sand to Grants place...
Where's that bird book...
Spotted Sandpiper - right - 20 days to hatch...
Sometimes lays more than one nest and one of her male playmates will be left to guard a nest...
So maybe she is actually a he - I'll never know :)
Sigh...

After two weeks of trying to stay as far away as possible, she finally stays in the vicinity and if I sit quietly, she will come back to the nest...
But we had to come home...
And they hadn't hatched yet...
Maybe when they hatch, that great big garter snake Sandra found will be waiting greedily for them...
We'll see what next week brings...

Anyway - we had a lot of luck with wildlife this trip...
Horned Grebes doing their daily bathing right out front...
Loons being noisily chased from a select piece of grassy beach by a Merganser duck...
Wonderful time watching a bald eagle while out in the boat (Rose, hope your photos are good, mine are too far away to see clearly)...
The Red Naped Sapsucker found a friend and the two were chasing each other through the trees for a couple of days...
And the usual hummingbirds at the feeder - but only 3 this year...
Oops - don't forget the bears - Al won't - but at least we found that Katie will actually bark at them - we thought she only noticed tennis balls. Although, she did tree one while chasing the ball, and came home without seeing the bear, but John saw it go up the tree. She'll learn, she's new to all this...

later man, jan

Rhubarb ! ! ! ! ! !

I used to have friends that made wine - sigh...
My mom used to make awesome rhubarb pies - sigh...
I have pulled some for the compost and loaded a bin for the garbage man -- and this is what is left - sigh


Susie homemaker I'm not :) and all Katie wants to do is play ball. Where did I put that chuck-it? Come on, dog...
Later man, jan

Saying Goodbye is tough...

Jake and Nikko spent a lot of time together...

waiting for the cabin to be built...
Jake was always braver than Nikko (specially in the water).



I wish I had a photo of the time the two of them treed that bear!

You could always find them curled up together on the same bed, resting up after a long day...

Jake was Peter's first dog...

... and had learned that it was safer to stay out of the way by the time Morgan came along...



Jake was always trying to lick my face and loved best to be snuggled by my side... I will miss him... we all will miss him.

Now he is with Nikko over the Rainbow Bridge in Doggie Heaven and I am sure there is someone there to throw the ball who will never get tired.

later man, jan

When I say "I Am A Christian"

I got this via email today and just had to share...

When I say, “I am a Christian”
~ Author Unknown

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I am saved!”
I am whispering, “I was lost.
And now I’ve chosen His way.”

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t boast with pride,
I’m confessing that I stumble,
And need God to be my guide.

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong,
I’m professing that I am weak
And pray for strength to carry on.

When I say, “I am a Christian,”
I’m not bragging of success,
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
And can never repay the debt.

When I say, “I am a Christian,”
I don’t think I know it all.
I submit to the Lord in my confusion
And ask humbly to be taught.

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect;
My flaws are visible
But God believes I am worth it.

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I feel no less the sting of pain;
I have my share of heartaches,
Which is why I seek His name.

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I really do not wish to judge.
I have no authority to do so;
I only know that I am loved.

later man, jan

Read your bible... Make up your own mind...

from a blog I subscribe to who calls himself nakedpastor. Check him out, he posts a lot and gives much food for thought...
later man, jan

Morgan's Hulk Impression...

When Morgan eats something tart or cold or whatever, he makes this face... mum says "do the Hulk for us Morgan"... this was strawberries and evaporated milk :)

Peter also has his version...

Both of these actions produce images of children that "only a mother would love" - or a grandma of course...

later man, jan

Some days futility reigns in my heart...

One of the highlights of my day is reading the cartoon strip For Better or Worse by Lynn Johnston. Today's Sunday Strip Fix has hit a nerve.

I look at our one can of garbage on Friday and then glance down the alley at all the neighbor's piles. Today at church we had cake and coffee with china plates and cups and plastic spoons. I use cloth grocery bags and have to be so careful not to get distracted at the checkout or I find everything stuffed in little plastic bags that I have no use for. We install low flow shower heads and the guy at the corner store washes his sidewalk with a garden hose and I know when I go to work tomorrow, at least one of the 3 sinks in the washroom will have a tap that won't turn off all the way. I remember a while back, Al had a post about all the people at his local recycling drop and he was the only one that turned off his engine while recycling.

Can't think of a way to end this rant - it just goes on...
later man, jan

Baby Giant Panda

Trish, you might like this tiny baby...




This link will take you to all the adorable photos from birth to 3 months.
I found the comments section also very interesting - people sure have differing thoughts but I do wish they could be a little more polite even when they disagree.

later man, jan

Darn that Weatherman...

Don't ya hate it when the weatherman is right ?

Last night he said - temperature is 6 with rain, turning to snow overnight and back to rain tomorrow - expect some slush on the roads in the morning...
DOH!



I haven't gone outside yet :)
later man, jan

More on the mudslide...

Linda in Revelstoke sent me a link to a site with awesome photos of the mudslide west of Golden. All the photos are courtesy of Parks Canada. We have seen the mud coming from the mountainside and wiping out the road for many years now and thought that man was winning.
DOH!
We always manage to forget the absolute power wielded by Mother Nature. These photos show how high up the mountain is sliding and show in detail the monumental task ahead to keep the #1 highway open.

thanx, Linda
later man, jan

A Nose Bidet?

I really love watching Oprah - and today she had a follow-up with an audience member who tested the Neti Pot . Dr Oz gave pointers on the use of the Neti Pot. Dr Oz is a regular on the Oprah show and he answers lots of 'unusual' questions about the functioning of the human body. I didn't really enjoy the segment on Pinworms but this nose cleanse appears to really help people with chronic sinus issues - has anyone out there tried it??


later man, jan

Instilling Goodness Sunday School: THE COMIC IS FINISHED

Instilling Goodness Sunday School: THE COMIC IS FINISHED

Trapped in Alberta...

Sitting here depressed and realizing how spoiled I am...
The news is not good and it took me a long while to realize that no matter how much we want to go - we can't get to the cabin! So there.
I remember being amazed the first time this mountain decided to turn into mud. Amazed at the look and the texture of the slime coming out of gaps in the forest and oozing down and overflowing the ditch and crossing the road. I remember when this stretch of highway was actually a passing lane (and I have all those memorized). Since that time, we have watched the big trucks and earth movers carving bypass channels down the side of this mountain. The trees across the road have died from being smothered in the goo. We drive by every trip and comment on how Mother Nature sure keeps trying to fight man's best laid plans. Obviously, this year she found another route. We'll see it in June when we make the trip.
For now, the route south would take us at least 10 and 1/2 hours just driving time - a bit much for a long weekend. Sure hope we don't have any squatters at our place letting in the mice. Sigh...

later man, jan

Beam me up Scotty...

Well, Scotty always predicted doom...

It appears that Scotty's ashes and those of some 200 others, after a brief time in space on April 30 of this year, were to be returned to loving family members as memorial tributes. Now it appears they crashed back to Earth in rough terrain and are still missing. A news story from MSN.com states that "The UP Aerospace payload included samples of cremated remains from more than 200 people, including James Doohan, who played the role of Chief Engineer Montgomery "Scotty" Scott in the original "Star Trek" series..."


From the blog of Scott Adams (creator of Dilbert) asks...
"Q. What do you call a crater left by a rocket full of cremated remains? A. An ash hole."

My favourite bumper sticker goes like this...
Very funny Scotty, now beam down my clothes !

ps - as I write this, I am watching Buck Rogers on Space channel - there must be a better way to wait for Phils moving truck to get here :)
later man, jan

Hey to all you helicopter enthusiasts...

Procrastinators Unite chapter ??? - Here's another time-waster... How well do you pilot a helicopter - I crashed and burned many, many times... I learn patterns but don't do well at random scenarios... good luck...

later man, jan

Medal of Merit for one of our own!!!!

Scouts Canada recognizes one of the best!!! As a former 76th Rover - a wife and mother of four children - in my opinion, Sharon deserves every award possible for sharing her joy of life with everyone she meets.

Congratulations Sharon - the world is a better place with you in it!

later man, jan

Lion Hugs...

Here's a news video story that will make you cringe...

tip of the hat to Janet my my head shearer...
later man, jan

If Phil is a Daffodil...

I am a Snapdragon What Flower Are You?

When only a movie cam would have done...

Morgan tonight - I can't get the expression on his face out of my brain - only 18 months old and showing a sense of humor that will probably drive us all crazy...

You really had to be there...
- relaxing in the living room after supper...
- his dad stands up to let Grandad sit in the corner chair...
- and in the blink of an eye...
- Morgan was up in the chair grinning...
- like he was ready to burst...
- unbelievable!!

Seeing that kind of quick thinking - and the fact that he actually understands the concept of one-up on you... well, where did he learn that?

Cause if he thought it up all on his own - is this family gonna be in trouble :)

later man, jan

Our IQ is 131...

between John and myself - we managed an IQ score of 131... now we don't know why we did it or even what it means... doh.
later man, jan




You're a Facts Curator!

The Classic IQ Test
Brought to you by Tickle

Procrastinators Unite - Chapter ???

Well, the kids have found another way for me to not get any work done at home --- have you all registered on Facebook? Where do we order tonight's dinner from? I understand that even though this is fairly new - it already has the nickname of 'crackbook' - sigh...

later man, jan

We are sad...April 16 Memorial Website

the following is copied from website Virginia Tech - In Memoriam ...

To honor and remember the victims of Monday's tragedy, the university has created the April 16 Memorial Website so individuals may share condolences, thoughts, and prayers.NOTE: Due to extremely high volume on the memorial website, you may experience slow performance.

Last updated 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 17

The Virginia State Police have been coordinating the notification of the victims' next-of-kin with local authorities around the country. At this time, all families have been tentatively notified.
Read a complete investigation update
Classes are canceled for the remainder of the week to allow students to mourn and begin healing. Campus will reopen Wednesday for administrative operations.
Norris Hall has been closed for the remainder of the semester.
Get further details in our special section

jan

There's snow in them thar hills...

The water line needed much assistance - not frozen but sucking in lots of silt to get trapped in the filter. At least twice daily the guys had to climb the hill to the barrel but there was only one day we missed our showers. We have no shortage of water or propane but it's sure nice to have enough pressure to run the hot on demand. There were no mouse droppings in the cabin - blessings - and thanx to all those wonderful wood choppers in the fall - the fire roared nicely and we had a wonderful week. I did lots of my normal 'creek maintenance' with hoe and rubber boots. I love squilching in the mud up the hill and the kids found beer creek still flowing to the mud flats and the waterfall had dug it's channel deeper than ever. Danielle fell in (so she said) and March 31 saw the first dip in the water. brrr. The Fish family were still in residence when we left for the coast and we will be back early next week for a few more days on the way home.

Our favourite place is still a winter wonderland... I've been waiting a long time to get back here...

later man, jan

need new fridge magnets?...

Advertised as "humorous religious fridge magnets are sure to offend friend and foe, saved and unsaved, alike."

This could be a very irreverent way to boost your Christian faith - at least, they sure got me to thinking how this could turn my fridge into a conversation piece - seems to be the room in my home where most folk gather :)

thanx frodo, later man, jan

God is all over YouTube...

Search the word God and say goodbye to the rest of your evening... but we all need to explore new ideas at times. Phil sent me to GodInc and I enjoyed God is a DJ but the one that really hooked me was MrDeity - I mean really... that's just who I am, I have to see them all!

later man, jan

Nova Scotia citizens missing...

Here's a link to a site calling all Nova Scotians suffering from Delusional Calgaria - check out the intervention video for help.

I think they are actually serious... to quote...
"Some Nova Scotians have been away from home far to long" ...
so, this is a friendly reminder about the province left behind and how it has changed. The New Nova Scotia is offering far more opportunities and the unbeatable quality of life remains unchanged.

later man, jan

Peter is 6

Peter had a great time today with a birthday breakfast followed by fun at Sunday School and then all those friends and family to come for supper --- it's a joy to see him so happy...
Having company is very hard work so after a long day, Morgan goes off to bed... but he is getting very good at giving night night kisses :)
Uncle Phil goes home to his computer and his comics and Pippin - he also had a long day putting together light sabers and hatching dinosaur eggs...
John and me - well we are just going to crash :) as usual.

later man, jan

For all you bird lovers...

who think you may have seen it all...

I have to thank Wendy for an email that sent me googling for a link...

... to a goose who may not really know she's a goose ...

enjoy... later man, jan

Spent any time planning your funeral??

Just thinking here...

I was singing one of my favourite hymns in church today and thinking I should add it to the list that is in my computer under 'thoughts for my funeral' --- you know, that file that John will never find in a million years, even if he remembers to look:)

Then I was reading a discussion on WonderCafe about this green alternative to cremation. I had always wanted to be cremated because - God forbid - if for some reason I am aware of what is happening, I sure don't like worms and stuff. And cremation appears the only other choice.

So today I hear about this freeze-dry alternative. Seems that after you are quick frozen and dried out, they can shake you to fine dust and put you in a jar. That way I could still be taken over the mountains (in a bio-diesel powered automobile) and scattered around at Beaton and add my little bit to the beauty of the spring flowers.

I googled the concept and found a link to the Redwood Funeral Society where they talk about the process, known as promession, that has been developed in Sweden and aims to address the shortage of burial spaces and reduce the mercury pollution created by dental fillings during cremation.

This news is from 2005 so I think that if dental fillings are the only ecological issue, then I am fine with cremation because my teeth are all store-bought. But if cremation also uses too much energy and adds toxins to the air (who me? toxic?) well, then, you guys left behind better look for a better solution thanx.

So well, whatever you think, I won't really have a choice after I'm gone - but maybe this post will stick in your mind anyway :)
later man, jan

So how brain dead are you???

Try this, won't you? CBC has this mental gym - where you can warm up for the Test the Nation: IQ...

I tried. Doh! It appears I only have 70% left in my brain and during the test I was actually getting frantically worried that it was even worse...

Let me know how you do... try it and find out how short 20 seconds really is...

later man, jan

Shutdown Day 2007- Alternative Uses for your Laptop

Alternative Uses for your Laptop

So, can you shut down your computer for just one day ???

I really think that if I did have a laptop, I would show a little respect and give it the day to just be in it's own space and perhaps just let it have a bit of alone time - you know - freedom to fullfill itself - sigh - but since I just have this darling pc, I will close the door to the room and leave it in peace - anyway - March 24th... it's a Saturday - and it's just for one day - what am I saying - ARRRRGGGHGHHHHHHHHHHHH
later man, jan

How many Flourescent bulbs do you use???

I like this idea... I think Australia has gone just a little far in banning incandescent lights... but people do need a push in the right direction...

Project Porchlight is a campaign of One Change, a not-for-profit organization based in Ottawa, Ontario. The campaign's goal is to bring together business, community groups and volunteers to deliver one free compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) to every household in Canada.

Check your bulbs - can you change even one???
later man, jan

I'm Ready...

In only 6 Weeks !!!!! We'll be There !!!! Beatonho !!!!
later man, jan

Careful you don't hit the dog :)

So how well can you park your car...???
Here's another time-waster to try...

Procrastinators Unite... later man, jan

Me Worship

This video appears to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth...
how sad...
link thanx to Think Christian.net...
later man, jan

No More Procrastinating for me...

Google took me to The End of the Internet... I have no idea how I got there, but I guess I can find something else to do with my life now :)

later man, jan

Watch your life disappear...

Here's a link (thanx Krunchie) to an interesting way to look at a your own personal procrastination as it happens - just sit quietly and watch this timelline and see your life fritter away before your very eyes...

later man, jan

Calgary Transit... sigh

I'm not usually much of a complainer. I usually grumble at home, but don't complain where it would do any good. Today I sent this email off to Calgary Transit...

I just missed the 4:05 tonight.

The 4:14 bus stopped at the green light on 6th Ave & 3rd St at 4:15 because there were already 2 buses in the stop and no room for more...

However as the light looked like it was ready to change, the young man driving this 108 bus rolled through the intersection...

Then pulled left around the 2 buses and angled into the curb in front of the church on the corner of 4th St.

All the people waiting at the stop ran up the block to catch him, except me...

I don't run too well, especially on snow and ice.

I went as fast as I could and when I saw the light turn green at 4th St. and he started to move, I yelled and waved to no avail...

The other 2 buses pulled out right behind the 108.

I was left. My knees are not pleased. And neither am I.

The next bus (the 4:24) arrived at 4:27 and by then I was in pain and very cold. The very nice lady driver on this bus tried very hard to squeeze every passenger on that she could - and a fine job she did, we are thankful for her.

I understand we are in need of drivers. Most of the ones we have now try very hard to make the best of a difficult situation.

I feel I deserve a personal apology from that young man driving the 4:14.

later man, jan

Feb 11th is Evolution Sunday for many Christians...

"Affirmation 10 of the Phoenix Affirmations states that Christian love of self includes claiming the sacredness of both our minds and our hearts, recognizing that faith and science, doubt and belief serve the pursuit of truth. "
"CrossWalk America has collaborated with Renegade Cinema to produce a short, very funny video that makes a serious point. You can watch the video on YouTube by clicking here. "
I can't say I found the video especially funny - however it definitely gets the point across - that there really is room to co-exist and believe in evolution and still remain in awe at God's creation.
I never could understand why folks get so uptight about this stuff...
later man, jan

Dad has a new home...

Dad is in his new home - he is on the 6th floor of the 4 year old Eau Claire Retirement Residence - all his meals served in the dining room, lots of cute nursing staff and his very own kitchen nook to make the odd pot of tea and nibble on his favourite shortbreads...
He can sit in his very own living room with an electric fireplace and his TV or sit at his table and look out a bay window with a view to the west...His bedroom has a single bed, side table, dresser and his desk. The bathroom and closet are on the left of this photo...

He thought his desk looked just like 'home" - I was so pleased...

And when we took Peter and Morgan down to visit - it cheered him immensely.

We will be back to help hang more photos - but for now he is fine...

God bless you, my daddy, we all love you so much and want you to be happy. We know they will take good care of you when we can't always be around.

How do you Experience God...

It's interesting, Phil, that last night you and I were discussing how God speaks to each of us in differing ways. This morning, my first stop was at http://www.crosswalkamerica.org/ and today's new blog was Some Patterns in the Static I usually enjoy Howie's style and this morning I found it has given me a lot more to get my mind around.

Peter had a great time with the Sunday School yesterday. The children were taken up for the communion time in the contemporary worship. He loves this place with the praise band and the fun music. Peter and his friend were chosen to hold the cracker plate. When people took a cracker, Peter was to say "God Loves You". When his mum asked him if he was shy - he just shook his head and said "uh uh" and smiled that little one that Grandma loves so much...

have a great day all
later man, jan

Chief Seattle didn't really write this????

Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth. We did not weave the web of life, we are merely a strand of it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves... - Chief Seattle 1786 - 1866

The only known photograph of Chief Seattle was taken in the 1860s as he neared his 80th year.

One of the blogs I follow... Golden Rule Radical has a new post today... and wow... this statement was just made up for a movie ?!? This statement that has always tugged at me and pulled those strings that make me feel guilty when I do dumb stuff like buying overpackaged junk food. (I do try to think about our earth, always ready to acknowledge that guilt does not necessarily stop me for long - sigh.)

This makes me reflect on how we take any spoken or written words as literally as we tend to do. (And I'm not just speaking about my Christian brothers who are sure I am going to hell! :) My bible is very important reading for me however, I know I don't believe everything absolutely. I do though, tend to take many things at face value when I see them in print. Probably because I am too lazy to do my own research. I depend on my younger friends to keep nudging me back to a more cynical (or is that analytical?) outlook.

later man, jan

do Dogs go to Heaven?

There is a post today on this discussion topic at WonderCafe.ca
thanx so much to JRT - your post made me cry...
A a google search and found many references - but check out the music from the Muppet Movie at FortuneCity
Phil also found a link to a flash animation at Indigo.org

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Later man (and all you dog lovers out there)... jan

Wow, my hyacinths finally burst open...

If you had visited at Christmas, you would remember my dismay because the hyacinths that I planted in October were only big fat green stumps that didn't seem to be thriving and I was so looking forward to that wonderful fragrance permeating my home - sigh - - -

well now my house smells lovely and they look very pretty - actually awesome for someone like me with a black thumb most of the time...

My mother used to say that all the plants in my house were the kind that thrived on neglect... how true... but I'm enjoying these right now and thinking of spring...

later man, jan