I have been thoroughly enjoying the Google themes for the Sesame Street anniversary. Sesame Street was a big part of my childhood with my brother and sister. It is wonderful that it continues on to this day.
Archive for 2009
Sesame Street Anniversary with Google
In Beauty, Business, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Environment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on November 9, 2009 at 08:41Add Donna Magazine To Google Alerts
In Business, Contact Information, Education, Entertainment, Events, Media Writing, Technology, Writing (all kinds) on November 7, 2009 at 10:04Find out what is going on in the world of Donna Magazine. Include this magazine to your Google Alerts and be reminded to check the magazine daily. You can access Google alerts from this site: http://www.google.com/alerts. Thank you visiting the site to see what is new every day.
The Ladies Anthem
In Beauty, Business, Contact Information, Culture, Entertainment, Media Writing, Music, Radio Podcasts, Technology, Writing (all kinds) on November 5, 2009 at 08:22UrbanEdge Yoga
In Beauty, Business, Contact Information, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Events, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Religion, Writing (all kinds) on November 4, 2009 at 07:25Katie and Marc
In Beauty, Creative Writing, Disability, Education, Entertainment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Pets, Writing (all kinds), book reviews, travel on November 3, 2009 at 06:45Katie bumped into her boss as she was leaving the Radio Canada International building in Montreal.
The Wonderful Things About the Toronto Public Library
In Beauty, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Events, Health, Living, Media Writing, Music, Opinion, Technology, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on November 2, 2009 at 07:06I have discovered the glories of the Toronto Public Library thanks to my sister.
Excerpt from My Story of Transportation
In Creative Writing, Culture, Entertainment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), cars, travel on November 1, 2009 at 02:33My first bike had training wheels. I believe my Mom bought it for me and I would proudly ride around my neighbourhood in Greek town with my Mom near by feeling free for my age.
Canadian Diabetes Association Events
In Contact Information, Culture, Disability, Education, Events, Health, Living, Media Writing, Writing (all kinds) on October 31, 2009 at 07:11Mark your calendar for our November events!
1. ANNUAL SOUTH ASIAN SYMPOSIUM: On Diabetes and Heart Health
Sunday, November 8, 2009
2. TORONTO DIABETES EXPO
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
See below for details.
Aires Entertainment
In Beauty, Business, Contact Information, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Music, Technology, Writing (all kinds) on October 30, 2009 at 08:20J-Mar
ROLL WIT ME
If you are not redirected to the files page, click on cut and paste this URL into your browser:
http://fblz.in/YAB8
Sinfonia Toronto
In Beauty, Contact Information, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Music, Writing (all kinds) on October 29, 2009 at 04:24![]() |
Devamrita Swami presents at Urban Edge Yoga
In Beauty, Business, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Events, Health, Living, Media Writing, Religion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on October 28, 2009 at 08:05The newest non-profit Yoga Studio on the block promises
a unique Yoga experience with music, food and great company!
Toronto, ON – Urban Edge Yoga, a unique Yoga Lifestyle Centre, has opened its doors to the budding yoga community in Toronto. A grand opening event is planned on November 10 to launch its annual Yoga Lifestyle festival, InSpirit, featuring Devamrita Swami – A Monk of 40 years, Yale graduate and author of several books.
Yoga Festival
In Beauty, Business, Contact Information, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Events, Health, Living, Media Writing, Religion, Writing (all kinds) on October 27, 2009 at 02:52Dear friends,
Almost 15 days from now, Nov 10 we launch our Yoga lifestyle festival ‘InSpirit’ with Devamrita Swami, a Monk, Yale graduate and author of several spiritual texts. He stops over in Toronto as part of his world tour to take us through some not-to-miss workshops:
Freestylin’
In Business, Contact Information, Culture, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Music, Writing (all kinds) on October 26, 2009 at 05:24Mahdi
In Beauty, Business, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Home Decor, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Opinion, Technology, Video Work, Writing (all kinds), travel on October 25, 2009 at 07:01Coming Up on Donna Magazine
In Beauty, Business, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Opinion, Technology, Video Work, Writing (all kinds) on October 24, 2009 at 17:50Proposal to University Health Network
In Creative Writing, Culture, Disability, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Events, Health, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Music, Opinion, Technology, Video Work, Writing (all kinds) on October 24, 2009 at 17:45
Donna Kakonge Writes About the Plans She Has For an Upcoming Documentary - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com
First of all I would like to thank the selection committee for taking the time to review my application. I would also like to thank those people who made the UHN documentary at the Toronto General Hospital Psychiatric ward possible.
Spiritual Festival
In Contact Information, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Events, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Religion, Writing (all kinds) on October 24, 2009 at 06:50
Mangal-aarti Writes About a Spiritual Festival Coming to Toronto - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com
Dear All
This winter, we bring to Toronto an exciting Spiritual Festival – InSpirit from Nov 10-12 with Devamrita Swami. He is a world renowned monk from New Zealand who has travelled to every continent of the world for nearly 40 years sharing his spiritual expertise and realizations.
Wife Abuse (Excerpt from School Works and Other Essays)
In Culture, Disability, Education, Events, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on October 22, 2009 at 05:12
Donna Kakonge Writes About Wife Abuse in School Works and Other Essays - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com
Wife Abuses: Past, Present and Future
Any crime that happens in the home is easy to conceal from the outside world. Wife abuse is a dilemma surveyed in conservative numbers. It a more common crime in the home than society is willing to admit. But, what is wife abuse? Why does wife abuse exist? Will wife abuse exist in the future? What would it take to stop wife abuse? The answers to the above questions will be explored with a focus on a prediction of wife abuse’s future. The prediction is that there will be an increase in reported cases in 2001. (This was originally written in 1991).
Michael
In Beauty, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on October 21, 2009 at 05:58Driven like a car on the highest gear, Michael zoomed through life to obtain his goals. He was a perfect student, a perfect friend; perfect at sports and his deep brown eyes made him an honest person.
Torontonians wise to vehicle theft but not auto insurance, sources say
In Business, Culture, Education, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), cars on October 20, 2009 at 04:22By Rachel Muenz
A little education can go a long way. It can vault someone into a higher-paying career, help people understand different cultures and keep them off the streets. It can also help reduce car theft.
Excerpt from Digital Journals and Numerology
In Business, Contact Information, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Technology, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on October 18, 2009 at 03:26
Digital Journals and Numerology is One of Donna Kakonge's 31 books - Photo Courtesy of Dreamstime.com
Introduction
This book is meant to emphasize how powerful keeping a journal can be with the aid of numerology. I started writing one at the age of seven and keeping a journal has been a constant for me – more than some friends, some jobs and some family members. I used to get a thrill selecting my journals to write in. Now I have decided to try something new by using the computer that I already spend so much time on and money on to show how powerful keeping any journal…even a digital journal can be. Using the principles of numerology can also help in chronicling your life.
To buy this book, please visit http://stores.lulu.com/kakonged.
Negative North American media beat by Russia’s?
In Business, Culture, Environment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on October 16, 2009 at 03:49By Rachel Muenz
For some dumb reason I thought Russia had been hit much harder than Canada in the global recession. On Oct. 13, I happened to be reading the Moscow Times and almost all the front page news was about the recession. Canadian papers, in contrast, haven’t had much about the recession on their front pages in a while.
A Hairpiece – My Hair Story
In Beauty, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Music, Writing (all kinds) on October 15, 2009 at 03:51My first hobby was playing hairdresser to my Barbie dolls. I had my childhood in the 70s and 80s but I was not much different from Black children in the 40s who chose White dolls over Black dolls in a landmark study that lead to the desegregation of American schools. It was not that I liked chocolate skin over the cream of white colour; it really came down to the hair. I wanted straight, long, blonde, brunette or red hair, hair that blew in the wind and that I could toss over my shoulder. And when I could not wish it on my head, I used a towel instead.
Excerpt from How to Write Creative Non-fiction
In Business, Contact Information, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on October 14, 2009 at 04:12Excerpt from Spiderwoman
In Beauty, Contact Information, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Religion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on October 13, 2009 at 05:30
Donna Kakonge Wrote a Collection of Short Stories Called Spiderwoman - Photo Courtesy of Dreamstime.com
This is an excerpt from Donna Kakonge’s book Spiderwoman. It can be bought at: http://stores.lulu.com/kakonged.
New! Dropouts Published
In Business, Creative Writing, Disability, Education, Entertainment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Religion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on October 12, 2009 at 20:25Fiction and journalism stories about the mind is hot off the presses. You can buy for today only with a 14.92 per cent discount at: http://stores.lulu.com/kakonged. Just enter the code PINTA. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!
Winter activities that should be brought from country to city
In Beauty, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on October 10, 2009 at 07:24By Rachel Muenz
Back in January 2009, an article in the Toronto Star said Toronto should to do more to help its citizens love winter. The city should celebrate the cold and snow instead of complaining about it, the story said.
Warm gadgets for a cold winter office
In Business, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Home Decor, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Technology, Writing (all kinds) on October 9, 2009 at 03:11By Rachel Muenz
With winter on the way and a colder than normal fall already here, drafty offices can be a frozen Hell for any worker. But there are plenty of gadgets out there to help anyone stuck at a computer all day cope with the cold.
‘Healthy’ cereals often just sugar in disguise
In Culture, Education, Entertainment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on October 8, 2009 at 05:25By Rachel Muenz
You may have seen the Quaker Harvest Crunch commercials. The ones with the middle- aged dad using reverse psychology so his son and father won’t eat his Harvest Crunch. He tells them it’s “bad” for them with its fruit and nuts and doesn’t taste good.
Muse’s The Resistance: A Review
In Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Music, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on October 7, 2009 at 05:12By Brikena Ribaj
I rightly talk about music a lot as it plays a significant part in my quotidianity. Most summers, thanks mostly to my intimate associations and friendships with those in the arts, I tend to spend a good measure of time learning about new music. Often I am asked how I learn about new music and just as often I answer quoting my musician friends as well as the publications I make it a point to read on a daily basis. Some daily staples include the Rolling Stone magazine, Spin, Black Book magazine, as well as iTunes around midnight on Monday/Tuesday. Much like all else, music takes time and discipline and its student needs to be willing to do the right amount of homework for it. And some music deserves more homework time than others.
Ontario strongest wind power in Canada
In Beauty, Business, Culture, Education, Environment, Living, Media Writing, Technology, Writing (all kinds) on October 5, 2009 at 04:28By Rachel Muenz
Ontario continues to outpace other Canadian provinces and territories in the wind energy sector. The province has eight new wind power projects lined up, some of which are already under construction, according to the Canadian Wind Energy Association.
Away For Too Long
In Beauty, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on October 4, 2009 at 09:22by Kirk Verner
Wake up, wander the streets, wind stings my eyes,
I have forgotten what a real prairie breeze feels like.
Ontario’s invisible DriveTest strike
In Events, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), cars on October 3, 2009 at 04:52By Rachel Muenz
Lately, if you search “Toronto garbage strike 2009” on Google you’ll get around 224,000 hits. Even this year’s garbage strike in Windsor generates 109,000 hits on the popular search engine. But if you search “DriveTest strike 2009,” only 97,900 will come up.
5 video games with the best stories ever
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Technology, Video Work, Writing (all kinds) on October 2, 2009 at 04:58By Rachel Muenz
Storytelling in video games seems to be getting bigger and more important year after year. There are now professional video game writers who craft game stories as carefully as any novelist or scriptwriter.
Fall movie season perfect for seeing the fall of humankind
In Business, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Religion, Writing (all kinds) on October 1, 2009 at 04:10By Rachel Muenz
If you’ve thought there have been a lot of movies about the end of the world coming out lately, you’d be right. Based on data from About.com, September has the highest number of films dealing with apocalyptic themes out of all 2009.
Sonny Black
In Beauty, Contact Information, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Music, Radio Podcasts, Technology, Writing (all kinds) on September 30, 2009 at 06:40Want the best Canadian writing? Read short fiction
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on September 29, 2009 at 05:21By Rachel Muenz
A couple of weeks ago, British Giller judge Victoria Glendinning bashed Canadian writing in the Financial Times of London. She said our stuff is too homogenous and that it’s easy to get grants and be published if you’re Canadian, no matter how bad your writing is.
Rawle James Entertainment
In Contact Information, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Music, Radio Podcasts, Technology, Writing (all kinds) on September 28, 2009 at 07:16Lack of protection for H1N1 vaccine nothing new in Canada
In Culture, Disability, Education, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Technology, Writing (all kinds) on September 27, 2009 at 04:13By Rachel Muenz
Concern over the H1N1 vaccine is growing and Canada still doesn’t have effective legal protection for people if getting the shot results in injury.
Harry Potter theme park has company
In Business, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), travel on September 26, 2009 at 06:31By Rachel Muenz
When the new Harry Potter theme park opens in Orlando in spring 2010, it may end up being the most popular park based on either a single book or series of books. But it won’t be the first.
Canadian content making its mark on U.S. media
In Beauty, Business, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Music, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on September 25, 2009 at 03:05By Rachel Muenz
There’s been a lot of talk lately about how many Canadian TV shows have been picked up by U.S. networks this fall. But while U.S. TV has the most Canadian content, Canadians are having a decent impact on other areas of U.S. pop culture as well.
Canada’s university magazines beat the U.K.’s in word economy
In Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on September 24, 2009 at 06:25
Rachel Muenz Compares the Word Count of Stories Between Countries - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com
By Rachel Muenz
Apparently, Canada doesn’t think its university students can handle long articles. Either that or it just uses language more efficiently than its U.K. counterparts.
Based on a random selection of five articles each from five Canadian online publications for students and five from publications in the U.K., Canadian articles are over 120 words shorter than those in the U.K.
The Vegedables
In Contact Information, Culture, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Music, Radio Podcasts, Writing (all kinds) on September 23, 2009 at 04:00Canada needs to right past wrongs in response to H1N1 on reserves
In Culture, Education, Environment, Events, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Technology, Writing (all kinds) on September 22, 2009 at 04:15By Rachel Muenz
Many have said one good thing about the H1N1 outbreak in Canada’s aboriginal communities is that it has brought attention to the lack of basic needs they face. But, it’s doubtful anything will actually be done about improving living conditions in reserves across Canada.
The Best of Donna Magazine Published
In Beauty, Business, Contact Information, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on September 21, 2009 at 06:08The best from this online magazine is now packaged in hardcover, paperback and ebook format so you can take it with you anywhere. On the bus, in a canoe, wherever and whenever. Check it out at: http://stores.lulu.com/kakonged.
Clean energy company shows Ontario’s green services sector is greenest of them all
In Beauty, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Health, Living, Opinion, Technology, Writing (all kinds) on September 20, 2009 at 04:55By Rachel Muenz
Ontario’s environmental services, retail, and professional services sectors have the largest number of companies using clean power, according to information from Bullfrog Power.
Top 5 children’s books that are still fun to read as an adult
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on September 19, 2009 at 01:21By Rachel Muenz
Often, people read books as children that they think are the best things ever only to be disappointed when they return to them as adults. But there some children’s books that, whether you re-read them or explore them for the first time as an adult, are still great adventures.
Here, in my opinion, are the best kids’ books anyone of any age can enjoy:
Canada stuck-up about its writing, but not too much
In Business, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on September 18, 2009 at 04:48By Rachel Muenz
Canada has often been criticized for being too snobby about its writing.
William Deverell recently wrote in the National Post that in Canada “there is a push to reward insipid stuff that will never sell” and Canadian publishing is suffering because of this.
I partly agree.
The Writer’s Life Writer’s Book List
In Business, Contact Information, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on September 17, 2009 at 03:41@ Copyright 2003, Wally Bock
Here are some books about writing that I really like. They are offered subject to the following qualification.
Over the years I’ve read a ton of books about writing. What I have not done is make a comprehensive survey of the literature on writing. I’ve read what looked interesting to me.
J.J.
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Writing (all kinds) on September 16, 2009 at 02:46By Rachel Muenz
There was this kid who lived in a town near where I grew up. He was a friend of my cousin’s cousin and went missing when I was in elementary school and he was a teenager. His friends might have called him J.J. so I’ll call him that too.
Is the media biased against rural areas?
In Beauty, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Living, Media Writing, Writing (all kinds) on September 15, 2009 at 04:41

Rachel Muenz Writes About How the Media Portrays Rural Communities - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com
By Rachel Muenz
Almost every article I’ve read in urban newspapers about the countryside and its people seems to rely on stereotypes. Maybe it’s just because I’m from a small town and more sensitive to these things, but media coverage of rural areas often appears condescending.
Dropouts (Excerpt From Soon to Be Published Book)
In Business, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews, travel on September 14, 2009 at 07:24When I first started working in radio I had a lot of dropouts
Poor reception of radio quality on the reel-to-reel
I would bike down to the CBC building on Front Street with my red Yakota bike
That bike was “stoked”
The saddest thing was a light being stolen
Why can people be so mean?
Pen to Computer Screen (Originally Published with Digital Eve)
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on September 13, 2009 at 16:03Writing and the written word have been a major part of Trecia Harley’s life ever since she could remember. As a child she loved to read and be transported to another world. The magic of words was her main pastime growing up in Parry Sound, Ontario. Thus, writing became her favourite form of expression. Trecia attended the University of Toronto where she studied English Literature, History and Celtic Studies. She also completed a publishing certificate course at Ryerson Polytechnic University. “Throughout my entire education, I loved reading books, reading about the making of books, discussing the power of literature, and debating the need for it in daily life,” says Trecia. “To me, writing was, and will always be, THE ultimate form of connecting the minds of men.” This lead Trecia to becoming involved with The Breath, an online magazine. The Breath was the brain-child of two men from Toronto: Shane Belcourt (Anthony) and Jordan O'Connor. Shane and Jordan are musicians and artists in their own right in Ottawa. Shane and Jordan saw the early possibilities of the Internet and were excited by the idea of forming an arts collective site which would house an e-zine and independent Canadian record label. Shane and Jordan asked Trecia and her husband Craig to help out - and they were immediately hooked. Read the rest of this entry »
Simple writing is best for everyone
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on September 12, 2009 at 03:46By Rachel Muenz
Every English teacher I’ve ever had has always said using plain, clear language is best in any kind of writing. Authors don’t make readers think by language that’s impossible to understand, but by the complex themes and ideas they write about.
Caterpillar
In Beauty, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Pets, Religion, Writing (all kinds) on September 11, 2009 at 15:25Poison
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Pets, Religion, Writing (all kinds) on September 10, 2009 at 19:12By Rachel Muenz
Dolphin was going to kill the dog because it had desecrated the tree. The tree was the most beautiful monument he had ever seen. He liked it because it reminded him of a snake and he loved snakes and though it was carved with the names of kids who’d been shot to death, it didn’t call them heroes and it didn’t call their killers evil. It simply remembered the dead and he liked that.
Murder?
In Creative Writing, Culture, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Writing (all kinds) on September 9, 2009 at 12:17By Rachel Muenz
Stan hates Maude and her purple raincoat and the way she trips instead of walks. She even wears that ugly thing in middle of summer when the air chokes you and sits heavy on your head.
How safe is the H1N1 vaccine?
In Disability, Education, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Technology, Writing (all kinds) on September 8, 2009 at 18:16By Rachel Muenz
A friend of my family, who is a nurse, and her colleagues have always refused to get flu shots. When their hospital tried to make the shots mandatory for all staff, they went to the union to put a stop to that plan.
They certainly won’t be getting the H1N1 vaccine when it arrives this fall.
Get 20 Per Cent Off My Books
In Business, Contact Information, Creative Writing, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Technology, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on September 6, 2009 at 05:28You can get 20 per cent off my books this Labour Day weekend only. Please enter the code “WHITE” when you checkout. Choose from a variety of books, a CD and two audio downloads in hardcover, paperback and ebook format. The online store is at: http://stores.lulu.com/kakonged.
Video Release – Carl Henry
In Beauty, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Music, Video Work, Writing (all kinds) on September 5, 2009 at 03:43VIDEO RELEASE
YOU TUBE LINK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5emV1CjVu94
MOV VERSION
http://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/d5oen2
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Carl Henry
Working and living at home can sometimes cost you
In Business, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on September 4, 2009 at 04:42By Rachel Muenz
In this tough job market and with a load of student debt to deal with, many college and university graduates like me have had to move in with parents to survive.
When I tell people I’m living and working from home, they always say something like, “That’s great! You must be saving a lot of money.” This is true, but I’ve found it can also lose you money as well.
Wii’s impact on mental health growing
In Culture, Disability, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on September 3, 2009 at 16:55By Rachel Muenz
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Nintendo Wii became an integral part of mental health therapies in the future.
Though Wii is mostly being used for physical rehabilitation and fitness in hospitals and nursing homes, it also seems to be gaining a place in the mental health field as well.
Bob Phillips: Canadian
In Business, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Home Decor, Living, Media Writing, Music, Opinion, Technology, Video Work, Writing (all kinds) on September 3, 2009 at 07:54Bob Phillips was the editor of a bilingual newspaper in Aylmer, Quebec. This tells of his story as a sensitive man who tried to bridge the gap between two language communities in the place where he lived:
done
Judging a song by its title can be a delight
In Culture, Entertainment, Music, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on September 2, 2009 at 15:07By Rachel Muenz
Going by its name, you’d expect Martha Wainwright’s song Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole to be an angry rant about a former lover with lots of screaming. But, it’s actually one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard.
Economy Affecting Colour Choices
In Beauty, Business, Contact Information, Culture, Entertainment, Home Decor, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on September 2, 2009 at 07:30
By Gail Bergman and Indira Tarachandra
Toronto, Ontario – September 1, 2009 – The economic recession is affecting more than people’s pocketbooks. It’s also influencing their choice and use of colour.
That’s the finding of CIL Paints, following a detailed study of colour trends by its international team of colour experts.
Why being a triplet is annoying
In Health, Living, Media Writing, Writing (all kinds) on September 1, 2009 at 17:46By Rachel Muenz
When I first meet someone, the last thing I usually tell them is that I’m a triplet. Most people make a scene when they find out and I’d rather avoid that.
I love it when people act normal, as if being a triplet is an everyday thing, because it is.
Adoption
In Creative Writing, Culture, Disability, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Technology, Writing (all kinds) on September 1, 2009 at 00:09By Rachel Muenz
One afternoon Cori found a token and stayed on for the whole route pressed to the back with her nose against the glass, watching the city leak out behind the red and white canister of people. Someone had opened a window at the front of the streetcar and the air chilled her throat all the way down to her stomach.
PAINT FOR A CAUSE
In Beauty, Contact Information, Home Decor, Living, Media Writing, Writing (all kinds) on August 31, 2009 at 12:40
By Gail Bergman and Indira Tarachandra
Sico to Donate a Portion of Ceiling
Paint Sales to Breast Cancer Research
Longueuil, Quebec – August 31, 2009 – Think pink. That’s the message Sico is sending to Canadians this fall with the announcement that it will donate a portion of sales of its disappearing-pink Flat for Ceilings paint to support lifesaving breast cancer research.
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Public Service Announcement (Originally Aired in 2003)
In Beauty, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Music, Opinion, Technology, Video Work, Writing (all kinds) on August 29, 2009 at 07:07This is a public service announcement I did for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. For more information about health, please check out my books Being Healthy: Selected Works from the Internet and Natural Beauty on my online store at: http://stores.lulu.com/kakonged.
done
W.E.B. DuBois Celebration in New York
In Beauty, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Music, Opinion, Technology, Video Work, Writing (all kinds), travel on August 28, 2009 at 05:39Heading down to New York with some old friends of mine from undergrad, we discovered that there was a lot more to black history than we knew about before:
done
Grad School Public Affairs Class
In Beauty, Business, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Music, Opinion, Technology, Video Work, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on August 27, 2009 at 18:10Here is a recording of a public affairs class I took while doing my grad studies at Concordia University. The main important information is at the beginning. For more stories by Donna Kakonge, visit her online store at: http://stores.lulu.com/kakonged:
done
Love Town Records
In Beauty, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Music, Writing (all kinds) on August 27, 2009 at 03:14Afro Forever: Research Paper on Salon Utopia for the M.A. in Media Studies at Concordia University
In Beauty, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Technology, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on August 26, 2009 at 03:56Donna Kay Cindy Kakonge
Advisor: Dr. Martin Allor
Committee member: Dr. Kim Sawchuk
Outside Examiner: Dr. Lorna Roth
August 12, 1999
Afro Forever
Executions
In Education, Entertainment, Environment, Living, Media Writing, Writing (all kinds) on August 25, 2009 at 08:19By Rachel Muenz
The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen was the blood, spraying from the brick like fireworks. Glorious red. White shards fell among the pinecones, bits of his teeth. His square-jawed face erased. And the shriek had such power, it seemed to vibrate the stripe of sky, the only bit you could see through those God-awful trees. All of it painted by my nine-year-old hand.
Healthy Sunday
In Beauty, Education, Health, Living, Media Writing, Writing (all kinds) on August 24, 2009 at 08:16
Quitting Smoking Starts With Making Efforts to Change Your Lifestyle - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com
I went to a healthfood store called Evergreen up by St. Clair West and Bathurst Streets in Toronto on Sunday. My aim was to find some healthy food after speaking with a friend of mind in Montreal about wanting to change my eating habits.
The Politics of Hair (Proposal to Ryerson University)
In Beauty, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Music, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on August 21, 2009 at 07:35Voice Class For Actors – Walter Alza Acting Studio (Defunct)
In Business, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Writing (all kinds) on August 20, 2009 at 02:22You’ll be Happy You Opened Your Mouth!
This course will give you a powerful voice, instructing in diction, pacing and inflection for performances in voice-overs, TV and film.
Reading Malcolm Gladwell
In Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Technology, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on August 19, 2009 at 04:45I find I have been enjoying everything that Malcolm Gladwell writes. So far, I have read The Outliers, recommended to me by a former boss of mine. I have also read Blink and as I write this I’m listening to an audio ebook of The Tipping Point.
The information I have gained from Gladwell’s books has been phenomenal. His message of practice leads to perfect success in The Outliers is something that could inspire anyone. He backs up his arguments with terrific examples and it is these examples that is the key to his gift in storytelling and educating.
Whether you buy the books, whether you check the books out of the library as I have – read Malcolm Gladwell. I doubt you will be disappointed.
Random Bibliography of Media Books and Internet Resources – Offerered as a Free Download
In Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Opinion, Radio Podcasts, Technology, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on August 16, 2009 at 18:44I have a new book out called Random Bibliography of Media Books and Internet Resources. It is meant as a study aid for students of media and a refresher for professionals of media. You can buy the paperback or download it for FREE at: http://stores.lulu.com/kakonged.
What Happened to the Afro?
In Beauty, Business, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Events, Health, Home Decor, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Music, Opinion, Technology, Video Work, book reviews on August 16, 2009 at 17:15My hair obsession that has turned into a hair acceptance also turned into a book called What Happened to the Afro? Here is some video taken in Uganda in 1996 or 1997 of a braiding session going on in Kampala. You can buy the book at: http://stores.lulu.com/kakonged.:
done
Forging a Career in Journalism A Pioneer Voice in Radio (Originally Published with Impowerage.com)
In Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Radio Podcasts, Writing (all kinds) on August 16, 2009 at 04:25Robert Payne has been a journalist for 40 years. He has worked in Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Niagara Falls, London, ON and gained notoriety in Toronto, Canada where he now lives. In the early days of his career, he coupled his work at radio stations with being employed at Dominion stores while in the province of Quebec.
Power of the Third Eye Geomancer and Feng Shui Expert
In Business, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Health, Home Decor, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Religion, Writing (all kinds), travel on August 15, 2009 at 07:14Paul Ng is a geomancer and feng shui expert that helps to improve the lives of others, as well as former corporate manager. He has worked with Ernst & Young that was the largest accounting firm in all of Canada at the time as a data processing manager. He has been vice-president manager of a subsidiary of Canadian Pacific called Marathon Realty. This was the largest company in Canada. He became a director at CIBC and then gradually owned his own company.
Continually Learning Aiming to Make a Better World
In Beauty, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), travel on August 14, 2009 at 07:29Gini Dickie is a teacher-librarian, as well as a political activist in her own right living in Toronto, Canada. She worked as a teacher in northern Nigeria with CUSO-VSO, she worked at Expo ‘ 67 and she has been active working with Chilean refugees. She has worked in the inner-city Regent Park area of Toronto, as well as with York University. She also owned her own typesetting business for a brief period of time and everything she has done has taught her about the world around her, as well as about herself.
Not to Be Boxed In Always Wanting to Try Something New
In Beauty, Business, Contact Information, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Writing (all kinds) on August 13, 2009 at 04:52Hyacinth Harewood is a civil servant with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) working from home, former college professor, former businessperson, former volunteer and mother of five living in Toronto, Canada. She worked as a sessional lecturer with Carleton University in Ottawa, as a professor with Algonquin College in Ottawa for 16 years, has been working with CRA since the late 1980s, and once had her own sole-proprietorship business focusing on communications and written work. This consummate professional used to get up at 3:00 a.m. to work on her business, and then take care of five children to get them ready for school. She would continue working on her business while her children were at school and tend to their needs once they were home. She played the role of a superwoman well. This impressive woman who was educated at the University of Western Ontario where she studied French and Spanish, then received her master’s degree at the University of Ottawa in applied linguistics managed to juggle a life of work, family and children. She has been a terrific role model for her five children.
BELOVED
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Environment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on August 12, 2009 at 03:23Terry Otten suggests that while Sethe and the other slaves “might be considered simply victims in slavery, once they move towards freedom north of the Ohio River … they assume responsibility for their own ‘criminal’ act and become `victims’ of their own flawed humanity as much as the viciousness of whites.” In this essay, the validity of this statement will be tested against Beloved. References from the novel will show how Terry Otten is incorrect.
The Color Complex: The Politics of Skin Color Among African Americans
In Beauty, Culture, Education, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on August 11, 2009 at 06:10
The Color Complex is a Book that Discovers Some Blacks Obsession with Colour - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert
Too many blackfolks are fools about color and hair.
-Mabel Lincloln, interviewee in Drylongso: A Self-Portrait of Black America, by John Langston Gwaltney (1)
The Color Complex mentions the references made to skin colour in Spike Lee’s movies such as School Daze and Jungle Fever. Is hair one of the factors that lures many Black men like Flipper (Wesley Snipes) in Jungle Fever to white women? Why is it that it seems like the more successful a black man is he will have a white woman as his wife or girlfriend? Do black men have more a complex about colour and hair than black women do? Is this evidenced in the fact that fewer black women marry outside of the race and MAY feel more comfortable marrying and dating men darker than they are?
Abandon
In Creative Writing, Culture, Disability, Education, Health, Living, Media Writing, Religion, Writing (all kinds) on August 10, 2009 at 05:21By Rachel Muenz
Uneven rows of umbrellas bobbed towards her. Their metal frames frightened her to the edge of the sidewalk and then back into the alley against the cold dumpster. The thin spokes reminded her too much of wing bones. Her fingers dug at the air around her knees. She looked down and jumped, shocked to find nothing there.
Book review of Cane by Jean Toomer
In Beauty, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds), book reviews on August 9, 2009 at 02:41I came across this book for three dollars at a Lebanese restaurant in the McGill ghetto of Montreal. It was worth every penny, and proves that you can find good books for affordable prices.
The Inkwell
In Beauty, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Movie Reviews, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on August 8, 2009 at 06:43Set in 1976, this movie features the staple afros, braids and other various styles of black hair at that time. The interesting thing of note is that the family of Drew Tate, the main character in the movie, is depicted as working class and activist. The father wears a Black Panther beret and his sister-in-law calls him “Black Panther”.
Varda
In Beauty, Business, Culture, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Music, Video Work, Writing (all kinds) on August 7, 2009 at 05:41As she bops and moves looks real pretty and talks a fast game on Canada’s French music station, Musique Plus, Varda Etienne, 27 and a VJ, works on two shows: Bouge (the highest rated show on Musique Plus) and Groove. She does not like music that lacks movement, but, she has other things on her mind.
“What bothers me is how corrupted the world is today,” she says.
Channel Zero (Originally Published in the Queen’s Alumni Review)
In Business, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Video Work, Writing (all kinds), travel on August 6, 2009 at 04:53By Mary Luz Mejia and Donna Kakonge
He’s been dubbed “guerrilla film maker,” “boy wonder” and “video artist” – titles he doesn’t seem to mind and takes in stride as he charges toward the goal: “to establish and alternative universe to that of broadcast television.”
The Fool
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Living, Writing (all kinds), travel on August 5, 2009 at 07:49I was embarrassed to tell my boyfriend’s parents I was out of work again. It had been a year and I was on welfare, but at least I had love in my life. Richie, my boyfriend, just got a job as a public relations officer at the University of Toronto. He had been looking for a long time and was feeling lucky. When his parents came into town one mild January weekend for his birthday, we all decided to go down to Niagara Falls to the casinos. Gambling had never been my thing, but going was the only present I could afford for him.
A Good Home
In Creative Writing, Culture, Entertainment, Home Decor, Living, Media Writing, Writing (all kinds), travel on August 4, 2009 at 08:40By Rachel Muenz
I don’t like cleaning because it’s not something where you use your head and when I don’t use my head, it wanders into things I’d rather forget. But I don’t like living in filth either. I’ve had enough dirt in my life as it is. So that’s why I’ve got my fingers down the bathtub drain and the smell of Vim burning the inside of my nose. I find the piece of hair and pull. It keeps coming and coming, a whole ponytail slimy with old shampoo.
Happy Holiday!
In Culture, Entertainment, Events, Living, Media Writing, Writing (all kinds), travel on August 3, 2009 at 05:19The evil alternatives to Site 52: Part five of a five-part series
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on August 1, 2009 at 03:32
Rachel Muenz Writes About Politicians in Comise County as Parody - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com
By Zema Luncher
North Comise County politicians are disgusted with recent suggestions for the storage and use of garbage at Site 52. Protestors say a landfill is not the best option for the site and there are other methods that would be better for people and the environment.
“We could use one of those new-fangled methane things,” said protestor Shawn Ottens. “Yuh know, like they use over in Europe.”
Brainwashed by Site 52 protestors: Part four of a five-part series
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on July 31, 2009 at 05:43
Rachel Muenz Writes About a Character That Loves Garbage in Part Four of Her Series - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com
By Zema Luncher
Charlene Rawston used to love garbage. Instead of keeping it in bins or in the garage, she kept the bags in the living room where she could talk to them and share stories. When Site 52 was first proposed she wholeheartedly supported it, happy that other bags like her close friends would finally have a proper home. But then the protestors came and everything changed.
Financial degradation at Site 52 puts species at risk: Part three of a five-part series
In Business, Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on July 30, 2009 at 04:46By Zema Luncher
Protests at Site 52 are putting a severe strain on the financial ecosystem, damaging the habitats of taxpayers and politicians, says Comise County Warden Tom Gudgeon.
Blockades at the proposed dump site in Teeny Township are not only harming these species but the protestors as well, he added.
Kiddie Card Whiz (Originally Aired on CJOH-TV)
In Business, Creative Writing, Education, Living, Video Work, Writing (all kinds) on July 29, 2009 at 10:38This story aired back in 1993 with CJOH-TV in Ottawa, Canada while I was doing my undergraduate work in journalism at Carleton University. I was on internship there and found out about a 7-year-old at the time who had his own business:
doneSO IS THIS IT?
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on July 29, 2009 at 08:02By Hyacinth Harewood
I’m a parasite on an interminable past that will outlast my gourmet greed,
I’m Tantalus in consummation, never stopping eating – under the curse of my past.
Yesterday’s spices drive me to wishing wells of the future that never fulfill water,
Not a drip from the cup to the caking lip.
Come tomorrow ….
Tomorrow never comes,
Intercepted by an interfering today.
Horrific violence at Site 52 shocks county: Part two of a five-part series
In Creative Writing, Culture, Entertainment, Environment, Events, Living, Writing (all kinds) on July 29, 2009 at 00:34By Zema Luncher
Local politicians are starting to fear for their lives as protests to the dump site in Teeny Township heat up.
Comise County Warden Tom Gudgeon said people have been sending more and more letters of concern about the dump every day.
“My email inbox is always full so other important messages aren’t getting through,” Gudgeon said. “It’s also very painful on my eyes to read them all.
Ottawa Woman Loves Shea Butter Market Products
In Beauty, Culture, Education, Environment, Health, Living, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on July 29, 2009 at 00:18
Citrus is Just One of the Many Flavours of the Shea Butter Market Lip Balm Products - Photo Courtesy of SheaButterMarket.com
Christen Bennett, in her early 30s, is a family friend of Gifty Serbeh-Dunn, owner of the Shea Butter Market company. For a time while in Ottawa, Serbeh-Dunn lived with Bennett’s family. Out of friendship and a deep belief in shea butter, Bennett tries to promote the Shea Butter Market products in the Ottawa region.
Blue Death: A five-part series by the Teeny Tracer on how protestors are destroying money and lives at Dump Site 52
In Creative Writing, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Health, Living, Media Writing, Opinion, Writing (all kinds) on July 28, 2009 at 06:15The plight of North Comise garbage: Part one of a five-part series
By Zema Luncher
In homes across North Comise County, the garbage bag is kept hidden from sight in cupboards or garages, unable to socialize with the families it lives with and treated as less than the family dog. After a week, it is stuffed into a bin and left for hours until it is hurled into a truck for a long, crowded journey to an even more crowded landfill. Here, it is dumped in piles with thousands of other bags, left to be torn apart by seagulls, crows and other scavengers, never knowing the taste of clean water or the smell of fresh air.







































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