the air we breathe

The day came much sooner than we anticipated. The lower mainland (almost greater Vancouver) has received a failing grade in air quality from the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The worst part is that, according to a survey, most people are oblivious to it! Maybe we should change the slogan from "save the planet" to "save your heart", then people might take it more seriously.

i did not die

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

- Mary Elizabeth Frye (1904-2004)

wildlife, really?!

I watched a documentary a few nights ago about the treatment of show business animals and the filming of wildlife. Two highlights, or should I say "low-lights" from the documentary were,

1. the chimps we see on TV or in the movies are orphans. They are separated at birth and kicked and beaten so they are afraid to misbehave. As soon as they are a few years older they become too big and strong for the trainer to handle so they are sent to research labs, where they are kept in isolation, concentration camps or roadside zoos where they are not typically cared for. The even sadder fact is that they live the life of an average human, so for the few years we enjoy them on the screen, they will suffer 40 - 60 years.


2. the so-called wildlife documentaries of animals which we see on TV are well scripted movies played by tamed animals. Remember the cool Animal Planet movies from Walt Disney? Apparently they were all scams! And not only that, they presented a lot of mis-information about the animals featured!
   This is the place where most of these animals are trained these days and it is also the place where much of the filming is done. Take a look at their list of contributions; there are names like the BBC and National Geographic in there. And they don't deny it. The explanation being that it is too difficult to film real wild animals! Is there anything you can believe in these days??
   

bad day

I wasn't having a good day today; actually, I was having a pretty crappy day. I tried to drown my sorrows by eating a few pieces of dark chocolate with my tea, but it just wasn't working. And then the phone rang. I got another call in the middle of the first one, and a couple of other ones followed.

Before I knew it I had cheered up. Nothing had changed about the problem, it was just that I felt so warm and fuzzy knowing so many of my friends cared enough to take time out of their busy day to call and ask how I'm doing. And believe you me, it wasn't that big of a deal; I was upset that I wasn't given a fair chance to get what I (and others) felt I deserved.

It took a good workout at the gym to shake the rest of the sorrow off. All that I am left with now is knowing there is a bunch of great people out there supporting me when I need them, and that just feels AMAZING!

knowledge

Knowledge will earn you respect but not a husband.

- Jane Austin

Hmm, it's not always true, but times a many you may seen that guys just don't like smarter girls.

old, rich me

I have no faith in fortunetelling and all, but it just caught my eye: "You will spend old age in comfort and material wealth". Ha! so even the stars know that I am going to be rich! :))

days

ironic

As I was walking with my coffee in my hand, it suddenly hit me. I take public transport to get here to save the emissions from my car, but by the time I get here I am so cold and tired that I must have a coffee and usually something to eat. Both the coffee and the food come in non-environmentally-friendly containers and so, I am probably not doing any good this way! I am going to try to take a coffee mug with me and then pack a sandwich from home .... we'll see how that goes ...

GO SFU!

SFU became the first post-secondary institution in North America to achieve Go Green certification from the international Building and Owner Managers Association.

cherries

I was already feeling guilty about the divergence from my regime and buying the cherries from Chile when I heard the conversation:

- Mum, buy some of these, please!
- [whispering as she held a bag of potatoes] I don't have the money, I can't.

There was a long pause, as if time was still; and then the guy behind pushed his basket forward indicating to me that I should hurry. I paid for the groceries and walked out ... now I can't eat the cherries, I keep remembering their faces and their conversation ...

investing

People say you should have your money working for you. I have decided to do the working and let the money rest, because when your money is out there it can get fired. And you say where is my money? It was right here! And they say: "Yeah, I know your money, coming in late, taking extra vacations ..."

- Jerry Seinfeld

documentary

Welcome to Tehran is airing on Thursday January 10th at 10:00pm; if you haven't seen it I suggest you do.

P.S. sorry about that; the knowledge network is airing it.

today,

I feel taller ...

2008