iPod Piece to Appear in Print

The iPod piece which I originally wrote and had remixed for public radio a while back will now be published by an academic journal shortly. Since in the original I had included various commercial music snippets, I decided to record an edited version of my original piece again as it would have taken too long and/or it would have been too tedious a process to get music clearance for it. After discussing it with friends of mine trained in (and about to get trained in IP) Law, it made good sense to create yet another version of a remix.

Abba? Seriously?!

Abba taught me a lesson this week.

Hippophobic

By Kirk Verner

It was a wondrous Sunday afternoon in the middle of August when I was graciously given the opportunity to ride my very first horse. I remember being young, fearless, a cowboy for a day.

UrbanEdge Yoga

Dear friends,

Don’t forget to join us tonight, Dec 7 @ 6.30 PM, for a special Mantra meditation workshop with our visiting guest and travelling monk His Grace Vaisesika Dasa who has been practicing Kirtan Yoga for over 35 years. Join us for soul stirring Kirtan – It is a must have musical meditation event of the year! Don’t forget the yummy feast that awaits you. Check details and RSVP at http://urbanedgeyoga.com/index.php?d=current&p=current&event=miEvent2

How We Treat One Another

It is interesting that around this time of year, many people start to think about how they treat one another. It’s the holiday season and good cheer is supposed to be the norm. This is the not the case for everyone.

December Book Sales

Another Lulu.com sales contest is underway! You can receive 10 per cent off all of my books and audio material by entering the code HUMBUG on checkout. This is a great time of year to buy a gift for the ones you love, and even buy a gift for yourself. Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with one of my 32 books.

You can select your books at: http://stores.lulu.com/kakonged.

Government’s workplace violence legislation falls short of protecting women

TORONTO, Dec. 3 /CNW/ – As the anniversary to commemorate the Montreal Massacre draws near, Ontario nurses say the provincial government’s workplace violence legislation doesn’t go far enough to protect women.

Media Advisory – Olympic Torch to come to Valcartier Garrison

VALCARTIER GARRISON, QC, Dec. 1 /CNW Telbec/ – The media are invited to attend a leg of the Olympic Torch Relay at Valcartier Garrison.

    When:    December 3, 2009, at 6:30 am (relay will begin at 6:50 am).

    Where:   Starting from Building 516 (Sports Centre) and along Général
             T. L. Tremblay Street. 

Urban Edge Yoga

Dear friends,

We want to invite you to two extremely special events in the coming weeks.

CRTC Decisions

The CRTC seeks input from Canadians as it undertakes an online
consultation on the implications of implementing a compensation regime for
the value of local television signals 

Raelian leader held in Turkish deportation center faces grave health threat

“Let all the human rights organizations hear my voice and ask them to

save me from this inhuman environment.” Negar Azizmoradi

MONTREAL, Nov. 28 /CNW Telbec/ – According to a statement released today by the International Raelian Movement, Negar Azizmoradi, leader of the Raelian Movement in Iran, has become seriously ill with a severe lung infection while being held in Istanbul’s deportation center.

R E P E A T — It’s A Whimsical Weekend for Thousands of Children at Downtown Yonge BIA’s Kidzfest/

- Big birds, cool cats and cartoon celebrities entertain at Yonge-Dundas
Square -

TORONTO, Nov. 27 /CNW/ – A mob of teeny toddlers will descend on Yonge-Dundas Square for a fun-filled weekend of kid-friendly rides, face-painting, crafts and interactive performances at the Downtown Yonge BIA’s Kidzfest – a free two-day event with guest appearances from cartoon celebrities Max & Ruby, Dora & Diego and Spongebob Squarepants on his 10th anniversary tour. On November 28th and 29th, adventurous tots will swing around the square in a colourful swing carousel, whirl around on the ladybug ride and take their ‘coverkid’ moment posing in a faux magazine shoot. Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs pack prehistoric fun into the first performance of the weekend, followed by a slew of musical guests including David Archibald and Maggie G. Fun will ‘let fly’ with Birds of Prey on Saturday, and Jungle Cat World brings a rip-roaring good time to Sunday.

Canadian Pacific announces industry-leading biodiesel testing underway

CALGARY, Nov. 27 /CNW/ – Canadian Pacific (TSX/NYSE: CP) and Natural Resources Canada have partnered on an industry-leading biodiesel fuel pilot project under the National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative, announced Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, and Fred Green, Canadian Pacific President and CEO, today. It is the first time biodiesel will be used in Canadian cold-weather rail service.

The Temptation to Buy a Car

Living in Toronto is difficult without a car. With all of this H1N1 flu virus talk going around, you cannot even cough on a bus without someone thinking you have been infected. Plus with the way the TTC has been running over a long period of time now, it seems ridiculous that now TTC wants to hike up the fees to $3 CDN, from $2.75.

Theatre at UrbanEdge Yoga

Dear friends,

Thank you for your participation and great response for the InSpirit events from Nov 10-12 with Devamrita Swami. Please check out the pictures at http://www.urbanedgeyoga.com/index.php?p=gallery&albumId=InSpiritNov09. These capture a few glimpses of the beautiful time we all had.

Writing Workshops and Self-Publishing Offered at Aangen Community Centre

Hello everyone in Toronto!

Please check out this site and scroll to the bottom for workshops I will be offering starting on February 21st and happening once a month. Here is the link: http://www.aangen.com/workshops.asp. Join in the fun!

Engine Gallery

Please add info@enginegallery.ca to your Address Book to ensure delivery of our e-mails to your In-Box. If you have trouble viewing this e-mail click the URL below or copy and paste the URL into your browser’s address bar. http://www.inbox-ads.com/cgi-bin/collector.cgi?linkID=4&CID=CID1258144164&rule_cell=&RID=144164367

Sesame Street Anniversary with Google

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.

Sico Paints 2010-2011 Colour Forecast

More Lively Colours Making a Comeback

as Canadians Seek New Beginning

Longueuil, Quebec – November 5, 2009 – Move over neutral colour schemes.  More lively hues will be making a comeback in home décor in 2010-2011 and it’s all about using colour as a mood-lifter in the midst of challenging times, says leading Canadian paint brand Sico Paints.

Devamrita Swami presents at Urban Edge Yoga

The 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.

Proposal to University Health Network

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.

Negative North American media beat by Russia’s?

Rachel Muenz Writes About the Recession in Russia - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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.

Winter activities that should be brought from country to city

Rachel Muenz Writes About Winter Activities - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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.

US President Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

President Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize - Photo Courtesy of Google

CBC reports that US President Barack Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009. His leadership in international affairs and aiming to bring peace to troubled regions are counted as reasons for this prestigious award.

Congratulations President Obama.

Warm gadgets for a cold winter office

Rachel Muenz Writes About Computer Gadgets - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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.

Ontario strongest wind power in Canada

Rachel Muenz Writes About Wind Power - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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

Kirk Verner Writes A Poem About Being Away - Photo Courtesy of Morguefile.com

by Kirk Verner

Wake up, wander the streets, wind stings my eyes,
I have forgotten what a real prairie breeze feels like.

Fall movie season perfect for seeing the fall of humankind

Rachel Muenz Writes About End of the World Movies - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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.

Harry Potter theme park has company

Rachel Muenz Writes About the Harry Potter Theme Park - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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.

Canada needs to right past wrongs in response to H1N1 on reserves

Rachel Muenz Writes About H1N1 on Aboriginal Reserves - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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

The 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

Rachel Muenz Writes About a Green Ontario - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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.

J.J.

Rachel Muenz Writes About a Missing Person - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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?

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)

The Publisher Writes About Some of Her Days at the CBC - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

When 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?

Simple writing is best for everyone

Rachel Muenz Writes About Simple Writing - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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

Kirk Verner Writes a Lovely Poem About the Beauty of Caterpillars - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

As you blossom from a furry bug into a beautiful butterfly, I watch in amazement.

I think I like you both ways?

Your orange fur looks like skin.

Poison

Rachel Muenz Writes About the Anger of a Man - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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.

Bob Phillips: Canadian

Bob 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:

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Adoption

Cori's Newly Acquired Cell Phone Tells Quite a Story - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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.

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Public Service Announcement (Originally Aired in 2003)

This 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.

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W.E.B. DuBois Celebration in New York

Heading 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:

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Grad School Public Affairs Class

Here 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:

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Executions

Rachel Muenz Writes About Blood, Guts and Gore - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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.

Two New Books Published

Donna Kakonge Has Two New Books Published - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

The first book is My Mind Book which features an example of creating a book that will be inspiring and bring the things you want into your life. It is based on the law of attraction, as well as inspired by Mind Movies that were sent to me.

The second book is called Stories in Red and Yellow: Digging Up Work Done in Yesteryear. This is a literary collection of non-fiction and fiction work.

Both can be bought, as well as other books at: http://stores.lulu.com/kakonged.

What Happened to the Afro?

My 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.:

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BELOVED

Book Review of Toni Morrison's Award-Winning Book Beloved

Terry 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 evil alternatives to Site 52: Part five of a five-part series

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

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

Rachel Muenz Continues With Part Three of Her Series on Garbage - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert.com

By 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.

Horrific violence at Site 52 shocks county: Part two of a five-part series

Protests Rock the Small Township Over Garbage - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert

By 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

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

Rachel Muenz Does a Parody on a Dumpsite - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert

The 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.

Study Finds New Technology For Fossil Fuels Can Cut CO2

EPRI Did a Revealing Study on Electricity - Photo Courtesy of Stockexpert

A study by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has found the replacement of fossil fuels technology with electric ones would result in energy savings. The energy savings are as high as 71.7 quadrillion BTUs.

These savings would cut CO2 by 4,400 million tons between 2009 and 2030.

Ode to Silence

Brikena Ribaj Loves Portland, Oregon - Photo by Brikena Ribaj

By Brikena Ribaj

One of the reasons I love Portland, OR, well, other than it being home to the best bookstore I have seen in North America, Powell’s, is how quiet it is.

Hypocrisy and the Lies of Time: An Angelic Dilemma

Hypocrisy is Highlighted in this Essay by Co-Authored by Brikena Ribaj - Photo Courtesy of Morguefile.com

By Brikena Ribaj & Scott Bradford

Hypocrisy and the Lies of Time:
An Angelic Dilemma
Hypocrisy of Time
He is ageless, the hunter
With neither beginning nor end
Changeless, yet the father of all change.
His gaze is eternal
Without preference or guile
He loves, yet loathes all.
And…thus…Cassiel…falls…

Happiness Shared

Nick Goodwin Writes About Happiness Being Shared - Photo Courtesy of Morguefile.com

By Nick Goodwin

One thing that I believe in is that happiness is most real when it is shared. It is the good and truth of understanding between two individuals. All of life’s greatest joys are based around a perceived connection.

Garbage Strike

Nick Goodwin Comments on Toronto's Garbage Strike - Photo Courtesy of Morguefile.com

By Nick Goodwin

Okay, so Toronto’s morale doesn’t seem to be out of whack at all. Maybe a little unfocused but somehow people are remaining happy even with the increasingly gross trails of garbage leading from overflowing containments. Are we to improvise and use our creative minds to construct this trash into something we can all gawk at? We need to come up with something.

It’s A Great Deal

This is the Cover Art for the Book The Write Heart - Photo From Dreamstime.com

Can you imagine that I am offering free life coaching on any of your life’s challenges for the low, low cost of one book sale from you? Yes – this is not a gimmick – it is true.

We can do the life coaching through email if you are long distance, or we could do it over the phone if you are local. We can also use such services as MSN and Yahoo Messenger if you prefer a more instant approach to the life coaching. I look forward to hearing from you. Make your dreams come true!

Muttluks to the rescue!

Rachel Muenz Writes About Muttlucks for Dogs - Photo Courtesy of Morguefile.com

By Rachel Muenz

They protect your feet from extreme cold when playing in the snow. Military personnel use them to keep the pads of their feet from burning up on the hot ground of Afghanistan. Broken glass and other hazards won’t hurt you because of these boots. You are a dog, after all, and you don’t always pay attention to where you’re walking whether you’re just fooling around or saving lives.

Appreciation

Discovering Appreciation Can Be Difficult in Our Busy Lifestyles - Photo Courtesy of Morguefile.com

By Nick Goodwin

Sometimes the hardest thing is being able to appreciate something when you know you have it the best. People can be insatiable and often the truth is that you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. If people could appreciate the “now” to a greater extent they could be more conservative, creative, and intelligent.

Inspiration

Feeling Inspired Can Sometimes Be an Effort - Photo Courtesy of Morguefile.com

By Nick Goodwin

I know what it is like to feel uninspired. Sometimes the only option is to channel this frustration and use your strength of mind. Create an opportunity for moving forward with something. Sometimes you won’t find the inspiration you’re looking for until you try something first. I’ve heard it said that experience comes from making mistakes, trial and error. If people did everything right on the first try we would have no need for communication.

The Shelter

Nick Goodwin Transformed His Life With the Help of a Shelter - Photo Courtesy of MorgueFile.com

By Nick Goodwin

I’ve come a long way from being kicked out of my house. My parents and I have managed to rekindle our relationship and these days we see eye-to-eye better than we ever have.

You could say that my first two years out of high school were my least productive. I was definitely a lost individual. High school wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, or more over, was too much park walking if you catch my drift. There were some rough times and I lost a few people close to me in those days.

“All Bagged-Up, With Nowhere To Go”

Garbage Strike Hits Toronto - Photo Courtesy of MorgueFile.com

By: Kirk Verner

As the first week of summer drifts through Toronto like a lost locomotive, my nose hairs tingle from the smell of rubble. Toronto’s trash is all bagged-up, with nowhere to go. Soon to be towering high over our heads, our trash will have to sit and decompose in our garages, alleys, and on our street corners until yet another city strike is settled.

As this strike rots its way into “Week 2” I decide to roam the streets in the city’s core, seeking the most unsightly of trash heaps.

I find a bus shelter that has been transformed into a wonderful compost pile. Equipped with blackened banana peels, mustard stained napkins, and more rodent droppings than you could find in any grain elevator, this inner-city glass shelter can now become an impeccable greenhouse…how innovative.

A short journey through the alleys of Chinatown reminds me of why I was warned to steer clear of this area of the city during this garbage strike. The smell of rancid sweet and sour ribs hovers in the air. The stench sticks to the graffiti that has been crudely spray-painted on the brick walls. Dead pigeons rest in peace and are clean of maggots due to the endless menu options for the squirming fly larva. The alley reminds me of photos I have seen illustrating the garbage dumps in Rio de Janeiro.

In my own garage, the problem worsens. Although horrid, the smell is not the concern. It is the sight of all I want to rid that really bothers me. It’s the garbage that reminds me of what I once loved, but now want nothing to do with. An old Playboy, the Farrah Fawcett issue, sits menacingly amidst plastic and Styrofoam; photos I will never again be able to look at due to her passing. A “Thriller” album I bought as a joke from a yard sale sits cracked and faded on the ever-growing pile a junk. A Michael Jackson bobble-head with the word “pedophile” finely painted across its chest frightens me every time I open the sliding door. Please take my garbage away!

The strike, I believe, should be a test for Canada’s largest city. Toronto needs to seriously start recycling more in order to tackle this heap of an environmental issue. Why is it always about money? At least a third of the ruin I come across resting on the city streets is most certainly recyclable. What are we going to do about it?

Toronto…a world-class city with third-world garbage issues!?

Instructions on Making Toilet Paper Puppets

Once These Are Done - Toilet Paper Puppet Dolls

I was walking to Chester Public School in Toronto, part of what is commonly known by most Torontonians as Greektown. My family lived in a two-bedroom apartment and there were five of us. My Mom and Dad were in one room and my brother, sister and I had the other room. Three single beds all stacked up side-by-side – wow…did we ever have fun having easy access to our siblings as play partners. I do not remember there being a lot of room for toys. We did get very creative though. Finished toilet paper rolls became puppet dolls. You see, there is an art form to making puppet dolls with finished toilet paper rolls.

Creating beautiful green (Originally Published in New Dreamhomes and Condominiums Magazine)

Helen Mills, vice-president of Green Gardeners, says that when you are inside at night and you hear a rustling outside, you may think it is the leaves in the wind. It is not the leaves, actually it is an earthworm and they are helping to decompose the leaves to help create the garden of your dreams.

Tips on Shopping for a Bike

A bike is a terrific way to get around, especially when the weather gets warmer. Some people even ride their bikes during the winter and this can save on lots of money when it comes to transportation. Here are some of the ways you can save on buying a bike:

Electronic Receipts

One way you can save on money is doing away with paper in your record keeping. Making use of this idea is as easy as using the power of the Internet.

The future of home building (originally published in New Dreamhomes and Condominiums Magazine)

Courtesy of Morguefile.com

While driving a rented car on his way to get his two boys their first movie ever, Antonio Gomez-Palacio, the chair of the Toronto Society for Architects, discussed his work and vision for the future of home building in the Greater Toronto Area.

Gathering People for Gardens of Diversity (originally published in the Toronto Voice)

More than 10 people came out to participate as volunteers for a conference being held by the American Community Gardening Association (ACGA). The conference is called Gardens of Diversity.

Cold Weather Heating Tips

As we battle the snowy storms outside and ignite the furnaces inside, sometimes keeping a place warm can be a real challenge. If you are the type to pump up the heat, you will probably end the month with heating bills that leave you cold.