RoadWarriorChick

Kick a little butt

2012-01-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

Jab, cross, jab
Three times a week I have faithfully being making by kick boxing classes.
Sometimes they are outside but most often not!

Raz Chan Outdoor classes

2011-Raz Chan

2012-01-30T17:14:00.000-08:00

Lonesome George 100 years plus

2012-01-17T11:26:00.001-08:00

Macleans magazine January 23, 2011 edition has a visual of Lonesome George, a rare Galapagos tortoise - it simply reads "The hunt is on for a mate for ....". UK Telegraph had more details about what Lonesome George was up to. In March 2008 I personally saw Lonesome George and the words that crossed by mind were lonesome and isolated. Think the dude would have a bit more success if he was able to escape his cement home and fetch his own women (and ideally not under the watchful eyes of scientists - how good is that for your mojo?

The Vancouver Crawl

2011-11-24T21:40:00.000-08:00

You just never know what you are going to find until you enter through the door.

Super easy Jazz, Carrot and Red Cabbage Juice

2011-11-15T13:03:00.000-08:00

When you are not travelling it is sometimes hard to keep your energy levels up.
Especially if you have been sitting at a computer for hours on end.
Even with the sunshine streaming in.

So I dropped everything and went off to make myself a juice. By the way if you are reading this blog you are going to discover you need to be very interactive with it. For example if you click anywhere on this posting the rest of it will appear.

This is my week for trying to eat healthier (just got back from Cornucopia)

Super easy - as long as you have a juicer.
This is what I tossed in:

1 ENZA Jazz apple (sticker removed; used one of those apple sectioners to cut it up; kept peel on)
about 1 teaspoon ginger (organic already chopped from the Ginger People)
5 organic BC carrots (just scrubbed with ends chopped off)
1/4 head of red cabbage
a handful of parsley (next time I will skip that - just wasn't fresh enough so I barely got a teaspoon out of it)

Put it through the blender and minutes later a nutrient packed juice.
It will take longer to clean the juicer than it will for me to drink down this stuff.

Mac and cheese to smear on your hips

2011-10-16T18:22:00.001-07:00

Juke joint in Atlanta Georgia

2011-10-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

Chicago Walking Tour - the photos

2011-09-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour Chicago

2011-09-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

In mid August I was in Chicago for a biz trip. I added an extra day and took the Chicago Food Planet Food Tour. Loved it. It wasn't a huge group, most were friendly (or not) and it was a pleasant way to explore Bucktown/Wicker Park.

It was my first walking tour - and it was accentuated with little food bites included a thin crusted pizza and a mini house brewed beer from www.piecechicago.com, a vegetarian snack from www.chicagofalalel.com - fresh and fabulous; a smoking ice-cream from www.icreamcafe.com; a delicious salad from Goddess & Grocer; the pictured house-made marshmallow and an iced chocolate drink (notice the lovely tush in the painting on Hot Chocolate's wall - makes me want to work out more).

The only thing I took one bite of was George's Hot Dogs (yuck - I don't eat hot dogs period but thought I should open my eyes - and then they mention how many hot dogs their supplier - in Chicago, more than 80% of the 1,800 plus hot dog vendors feature Vienna Beef products - all I could think about was the factory farm... well I won't go on - enough said). In all fairness there was a vegetarian option if I would have raised my hand at the beginning of the tour.

An almost hot breeze was with us for the several hours that we explored food spots and neighbourhoods. Kent was a very personable tour guide with Polish roots.

Manners and etiquette

2011-09-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

That's the headline in this month's annamagazine.ca -Manners and etiquette. It got me thinking about the state of manners in Vancouver. Annually I throw a couple of parties. I am ever so grateful when people do get back to me with a yes, no or a maybe. At least it tells me that the person on the other end of the invite are alive. Today I went to see my pedicure person (who will remain unnamed) and I asked if she had changed her email address. No - she had not. So I asked her if she got the invite. Yes, she did. And she meant to RSVP but got busy in life and work.

Hmmm. I'm not sure if I buy that. It only takes a sec to response, make a quick phone call, send a text message when you are invited to an event. We are all busy. And meantime as the hostess I'm trying to figure out how many people I'm inviting, what the mix is going to be like, decided on food, and all the other dozens of tiny details.

And she's not the only one. It just reminds me to RSVP to invitations that I get and to take a moment to say thank-you to others. And not to feel totally annoyed when I don't get a response. Maybe that person is giving me a hint and telling me that they don't want to be on the invite list.

Less Toxic Guide Will Save You Money

2011-09-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

One of my personal turn-offs when I check into a hotel is the smell of cleaning agents. I want everything clean - I just don't want to feel that I'm inhaling a chemical bath. I wish every hotel would check out a site like the http://www.lesstoxicguide.ca for some useful ideas and interesting facts.

In my own home I can, and do, make the choice to reduce my dependency on these cleaners.
By making a few changes you can easily at least a couple of hundred dollars per year.

Growing up I did what the parents in my family did - used things like Drano drain cleaner, Lemon Pledge polish, Lysol, and so many more cleaners and polishers. At the end I'm sure we just dumped them into some landfill in New Brunswick completely unaware of our actions.

The website is pulled together by the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia

Here is a sample of one of the postings:

Far from freshening air, chemical-based air fresheners and deodorizers add dangerous chemicals to the air we breathe.

Air fresheners work by using a nerve-deadening chemical that interferes with our sense of smell, by coating nasal passage with an oily film, by masking an offending odour with a different odour, or by deactivating the odour.

What I do like is that they do give you alternatives that you can buy or make:

    Baking soda in an open container will absorb odours in enclosed spaces.
    Zeolite, a mineral, will absorb odors as well as heavy metals
    Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
    Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.

    In homes without air exchange systems, open a window and run a central vacuum for a while to get fresh air in and stale air out. Or put a fan in a window drawing air out, and open another window to increase air circulation.

Toronto Blue Jays face off with Boston's Red Soxs

2011-09-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

Merimac rocking at the foggy boardwalk beach party

2011-08-19T17:32:00.001-07:00

In Saint John NB supporting the local beer - ALpine and moosehead I suspect.

Eastern Canada is very nice today

2011-08-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Hot, hot day

Footgear

2011-07-03T20:39:00.001-07:00

The pop cooperative June 31

2011-07-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

Cycling home stopped in to a pop up retail concept found at kingsway and 10th. We are immersed in 20/30 something
pop culture. Swinging table top doors, lobster trap lights and loud music along with keg beer and wine.

Canada Day 2011

2011-07-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening already and finally summer has hit Vancouver even if the evening still demands a jacket. I am sitting at tozbys trying to figure out my new toy an iPad. So far the typing end is not so great. No way will I be able to type as quickly as I can on my keyboard. This touchtone screen stuff is fine for short messages but I am stumbling along like a drunken fool. And just now I gave a buck to such a drunken fool as I was trying to multifunction with phone, iPad and people asking for handouts. Funny enough the same guy asked a bottle collector
For a dollar and he just kinda snorted,"can't you see what I am doing for a living?"

One tiny 43 mL of salad dressing

2011-06-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

On the left Renee's greek feta weighing in at 260 calories and 28 grams of fat. On the right Herb Italian at 60 calories and 6g of fat.

Thx to the young lady at Pizza Pizza at the Trenton North onroute road stop who pointed out the difference to me.

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Red Eye Flights- what to pack

2011-06-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

If you must grab a red-eye - one of those overnight flights that you always wonder the day after, "Why or why did I take that flight?" then here are a few items I suggest you pack.

Eyemask: trust me, most people don't shut off the screens of their TV sets (on Air Canada each seat comes with its own screen) so you feel like you are in a bad horror movie.

Lightweight blanket, shawl or extra sweater: unless you want to pay a couple of bucks bring one with you. They always come in handy to shut protech against any chills; to creater a lower lumbar support system or to wrap about your neck if you don't have a neck pillow.

Baseball cap: stops chills, protects your head from the person behind you, allows you to hide your face when you are sleeping and drooling.

Ear plugs or headphone sets: Again save a few $$ and bring your own headsets. Blocks out noise or at least allows you to select a audio station you want to listen to as you try to rest.

A wide mouthed water bottle (empty): I use my reusable coffee cup for water. Even on a small flight of a few hundred people, over 500 cups must be tossed on EACH flight. If you noticed on most flights the don't bother to recycle anything. I usually fill it before I board from a fountain.

Neck Pillow: Just recently I picked one up and I actually discovered that I loved it.

Slip on/Slip off shoes or slippers: Just to make those treks to the washroom easier.

Coopers Sailing Lesson #1

2011-05-17T11:35:00.001-07:00

Locus on Main Street

2011-05-15T19:47:00.001-07:00

This rather black spot on Main street hides some excellent well priced meals.


The grilled ahi tuna club came with tasty roasted potatoes, a tart picke, a tossed salad			- great flavour and at a very		reasonable $12.

Tasty full flavoured black beans, a grilled lime to add a kick of tartness - a great vegetarian tostada under $10

Pull a 60-tone FedEx 757 aircraft 12 feet

2011-05-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

ORBIS Canada hopes to raise $100,000 through this odd challenge - pull a plane! Donations support programs to prevent and treat blindness of children in developing countries. www.orbiscanada.ca

We were the odd #13 team out since we didn't have a full 25 helping to pull - but we did it in 4.4 seconds - once the other 23 last minute volunteers joined us.

It was a cool and blustery morning but many still came out to help pull a FedEx plane for charity.
A hot cup of coffee or tea would have been a bonus but none was to be found.

Our official time 4.4 seconds. Very cool. Can you believe it is mid May in Vancouver??

They even allowed Gerald one of our pullers to sit in the captains seat!

Cost of Top Attractions In Vancouver

2011-05-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have a young house guest staying with me who decided to see parts of Canada after a 4 month stint as an exchange student at an Ottawa University. She was a little shocked by the cost of attractions. I decided to do a bit of exploring and picked the top ten attractions suggested by Tourism Vancouver. These prices don't include the 12% HST so that also has to be slapped on top. Only had time to do a few of the sites.

Capilano Extension Bridge
Adult ....................................... $29.95
Senior (65+) ............................. $27.95
Student (17+ and with ID) ......... $23.75
Youth (13 - 16) .......................... $18.75
Child (6 - 12) ............................. $10.00

Art Gallery of Vancouver

Sept 7, 2010 - May 27, 2011 (tax included)
Adult	$19.50
Senior (65+)	$14
Student (with valid ID)	$13
Children (5 - 12)	$7
Children (4 and under)	Free
Family (max 2 adults and 2 children)	$50
Members	Free

(in very small type at the very bottom of the admissions page there is a donation entry evening from 5 to 9 PM on Tuesdays sponsored by Sunlife)

Vancouver Aquarium
Adult $21
Senior 65+ $16
Youth (13-18) $16
Student*$16
Child (4–12)****$13 (4-12)
3 and under free

Stanley Park Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

• $29.99 / Adults
• $27.99 / Seniors (over 65 - ID may be required)
• $27.99 / Students (ID may be required)
• $15.99 / Children (3-12 inclusive)

Pet Peeve: $3.00 charge for 15 minutes

2011-04-21T06:19:00.001-07:00

It's another road trip and I'm totally excited that I got to check out
the new Sandman in Calgary, Alberta.

Right off it was easy to find so no stress; easy and free parking. Check in was friendly and personable. They offered out a couple of coupons for Moxies and Dennys. And gave precise directions to my room. If the line up was long I would hope they would be less chatty but right now it was pleasant since I wasn't in a hurry.

The room is of generous size, the bathroom has a good shower and all the essentials are there (love that they don't have plastic glasses). The rooms are nice - flat screen TV (I must be the first person to use as I had to auto tune it for the stations); the room is stylish and decorated with a working desk and free wireless (so essential when I am travelling). Complimentary coffee in the room (but I will get my own coffee somewhere else - I just can't do CoffeeMate - they do a good job pushing that this is lactose free but if you really check out the ingredients - yuck - but I don't think that Sandman has an option to offer something else - dried milk maybe?)

And if you are into shopping plenty enough of stores from Ikea to Future Shop. For food you are limited to just the chains - FatBurger, Opa, Ricky's, Moxies (part of the hotel) and a Dennys. I ended up walking over to IKEA - if I had kids I would be coming here - good quick food at totally decent prices. And they even toss in some suggestions as to why you should clean up after yourself - gee, I won't even need to parent!

The cost was reasonable (at least my client will be happy as it was less than $135 ($12 in various fees - do I really have to pay the Destination Marketing Fee of $3.57 and the Provincial Tourism Levy of $4.90 - aren't I the tourist here?) I will ask at the front desk if I have to pay this charge. Oil rich Alberta doesn't really need my money. Come to think about it I got hit with these charges last autumn in Jasper.

My only peeve during this short visit: I wanted to print off my boarding pass but while I have wireless in the room I would have to pay $3.00 to access the business centre downstairs for 15 minutes. They need to take a peek as to what the Westin Montreal is doing - they also have wireless in the rooms. And you have to pay to access the internet in the lobby area but they do allow you to print off your boarding pass for free.

I'll wait till I get to the airport.

Sandman Hotel Calgary South, 8001 - 11 Street SE, 403-252-7263 www.sandmanhotel.com

Maple Syrup Anyone?

2011-03-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

On the weekend I went with my friend Heather to check out the Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival. Neither one of us had kids but heck it is food related so I'm in. It cost $3 to get in and if you wanted a buggy ride an extra $2.00 (mind you I hear it was ultra short) and then a few bucks for pancakes (but the line up looked too long and the the flipping wasn't happening fast enough).

What I just couldn't understand was why they had to buy second-hand fudge (ie. another company makes it) and wrap it up and sell it - no mention of where it was made on the wrap. The way it was presented it looked like it was all local stuff. No it wasn't.

Banana bread anyone?

2011-03-18T16:17:00.001-07:00

One bad apple

2011-03-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

I'm at the Toronto airport ready to fly home and stopped in one of the food/coffee stops close to my gate 33. They had Granny Smith apples which I love but at $1.49 per piece they simply were not worth my time. Smallish, bruised - badly bruised - why would I waste my cold hard cash. They had bananas as well at the same price - they looked great - if you were making banana bread.

I asked them about the fruit offerings and I was told that was how they always came in. It just is so frustrating to hear that since the Ontario Food Terminal is just 20 minutes away. You could easily have beautiful, crunchy, non - bruised apples every day. Right now it is tough time to buy apples - our local stuff was picked 6 months ago; imported South American fruit is just starting to come in so it is hard to find a good apple right now in the middle of March.

Great Coffee, Amazing Croissants

2011-03-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

This doesn't look like your typical coffee shop but Cherry Bomb is a terrific spot that I discovered one day when I was trying to find something that wasn't that other big American coffee shop that is on every other corner. You walk in and you are seduced by the aroma of freshly baked goods - I do recommend the almond croissants.

You can check them out just off Queen Street West at 79 Roncesvalles AvenueToronto, ON M6R 2K6 on the right hand side.

Park Inn on 27 near Rexdale

2011-03-08T03:59:00.000-08:00

Expedia came through once again. I was looking for an inexpensive place following a 10:30 PM arrival at the YYZ (did you know that all airports in Canada start with a Y). The Park Inn at Rexdale on hwy 27 at around $70/evening did the trick.

I was upgraded to a jacuzzi suite which was nice but no good for me as I'm travelling on my own, it is late and I'll be out the door by 7:30 am!

Complimentary internet that was easy to access, coffee machine in the room (I travel with my own tea bags - lemon tonight) - all the basics. You could have done cartwheels in room 106 as it was huge. Now at 6 AM - if you didn't want to venture out in the minus 8 (according to the jazz station I'm listening to) - you can have coffee in our room (with that dreaded powdered milk or some non dairy equivalent that is made up of som oil by product) but there is nothing out front but some take out menus. Mind you they do have a free breakfast that I'm going to check out. Seems most people are pleasantly surprised.

It would be a bonus if they actually had plates that weren't made of styrofoam so let's find out.

Okay so let's see lots of cereal i.e. froot loops, packaged small jams/peanut butters/ white or brown toast, coffee / tea, juices. They had warming plates out but they were empty. Given it is already 7:22 AM I'm not sure what time they fill those. The best part was a platter of cut pineapple, watermelon, melons and grapes - something fresh and living to consume.

And big drag - those cheap land fill clogging styrofoam plates and plastic knives and forks. I used the mug out of my room so skipped the cardboard for my morning coffee.

On a chilly Feb morning

2011-03-08T03:32:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the best mouth-watering treat to enjoy is a lemon drizzled piece of cake - this one I picked at at the Vancouver Farmers Market thajavascript:void(0)t, luckily for me, has been taking place every Saturday from 10 to 2 PM in the Nat Bailey Stadium parking lot. Brave souls as they are there whether it is pouring rain or you are freezing your butt off.

Lucky feet - golden feet

2011-03-06T03:39:00.000-08:00

Every now and then you just have to treat yourself to a foot massage - and I mean it is a bit of a love and hate affair as sometimes it is just painful as they probe and press your souls but...days later I was still feeling energized.

This spot is near Broadway and Cambie, close to the London Drugs, Whole Foods and Save on Stores that dominate this corridor.

Normally I park in the back alley and take the long staircase down - and I have to chuckle each time I see the sign on the door - no sexual services.

Golden doors - great for last minute appointments and you get a good deep massage.

Cypress snowshoeing

2011-03-05T04:07:00.000-08:00

Often I kick myself when I realize how easy it is to get out and there and enjoy the winter wonderland. Even though the city is warm going up to Cypress in early March brings you to a winter wonderland. We stayed in the provincial park and thus didn't purchase trail passes. We lasted for about an hour of hiking and passing many others. And then we enjoyed a bit of blood thinner along with a rather squashed orange (I had sectioned it prior to the hike). It snowed a bit but mostly we had brilliant blue skies. Cypress Park's website has plenty of details.

The Cause versus the cure

2011-02-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

Know Thyself: Tracking Every Facet of Life, from Sleep to Mood to Pain, 24/7/365

Cool. Just read the Wired Piece. Love the idea of what it could do.

This is one example that comes to mind. I'm very annoyed at the colour PINK these days.
Much seems to all have to do with the big C (cancer, that's right). It seems that PINK is also being used for bullies which nicely describes the C.

Millions and millions of dollars are being raised and yet we seem to be going backwards. The objective, to me, is wrong in most cases - I don't want a cure, I want to know the cause. Then the cure.

Now if there was a way to self track yourself so that just maybe, must maybe we could identify the triggers for theC I'd be into self tracking.

The cancer everyone seems to be getting is most likely something that we created ourselves - it could be GMOed foods, the ingredients in our cosmetics, the chemicals in our plastics, the drycleaning solvents, the fumes from our cars or maybe a particular area that you grew up in or lived for a significant amount of time.

If we could self track and compile and compare maybe we would come closer to finding the cause versus the cure.

The unexamined life is not worth living.

2011-02-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

Self-tracking.

It's a word that just came onto my radar for two reasons: Oprah's De-Clutter Your Life mag Mar. 2011 and Wired magazine (I swear I really do need to subscribe to that mag).

Now I'm not quite sure what it means yet but the 5 minutes of browsing seems to indicate is a measurement of your life, maybe to the point of obsession. First off I'm wondering if it is like the quote:

The unexamined life is not worth living.
Socrates, in Plato, Dialogues, Apology
Greek philosopher in Athens (469 BC - 399 BC)
I do think that everyone needs to take a step back to evaluate what they are doing, how are they respond to people, how they act from day and day, if their values have changed over time, what are their regular patterns, do they hold any irrational beliefs and why.

In that sense I feel we do need to examine our lives. I like this article that I found and it looks like Karl's site has some stuff that I would like to go back and explore.

But now I"m going to go and find out what this self tracking is all about.

Qucik and easy on-line city guides

2011-02-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

I always like concise guides esp. when I'm in hurry (like the night before and I'm wondering why I didn't do a bit more research on my upcoming 3 day getaway). It looks like Air Canada has a collection of 33 city guides that I will be checking out: AC City Guides

The Vancouver City Guide have tabs on getting around, food & drink, activities. I looked at the list of things to do and it seemed they were keeping it up to date as only Jan/Feb 2011 events were listed. And while it is no indepth in gives you a solid quick understanding of the basics. I think the one think I would have liked on the restaurant guide would have been stars to indicate if they had been past enRoute magazine restaurant award winners.

Nico's evening mouthwash olives

2011-02-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

Olives are a funny thing - I'm not sure when I started to actually like them. They are like many things in life that you start to appreciate as you get older. I sometimes still resort back to canned ones when I make olive paste but now I just hunt out all the wonderful varieties I find at the ethnic stores and farmer's markets. I still skip those offered out at Safeway and IGA since I have no idea of where they are coming from.

Stopped by the Vancouver Farmer's Market www.eatlocal.org and found my favourite olive stand - Dundarave Rave Olive Company My fav "Nico's Evening Mouthwash" - big plump olives hand-stuffed with blue cheese and caramelized onions.

I was meaning to enjoy them with some company but I don't think they are going to last more than 48 hours in the fridge. Right now they are next to my computer and I have enjoyed several as I write this post. $6.50 (with a $1.00 off on the weekend I was there since there was a Vancouver Farmer's Market special).

The colour of red

2011-01-07T13:56:00.000-08:00

Okay not our typical las vegas shot but just an hour outside the gambling city.

Metro NYC lacks customer attention Info on your machines Incident: 101112-000197

2010-12-17T14:51:00.000-08:00

Nov 15, 2010: So the Metro System in NYC ends up being another one of
those systems that send you a blanket email answer to what your question
or comment might actually be. In this case I made a suggestion that they
post the duration of their MetroCard right on the machine so that you
can access the info quickly and easily.

Instead of sending me a response and apologizing for making me lose $8.25 on their inadequate system they sent me a very long eamil all about their fare information. Talk about lack of customer service. The truth of the matter is that it is always Buyer Beware.

Never ever take a chance that the service being offered up thinks the way you do.
In this case I thought that the purchase I made would be valide for 24
hours from time of purchase as this is what I have experienced in the
past from other USA based transit system. But experience doesn't make
one any wiser.
I should have realized that when they gave you an offer for a one day
pass but then provided no other details at the point of purchase, that
the wise think would have been to purchase just a one trip ticket.
Lousy NYC Metro System.

On 15/11/2010 11:56 AM, MTA Email wrote:
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. Recently you requested personal assistance from our on-line support center. Below is a summary of your request and our response.
(My comment: Warning signs all over this opening bit - DO NOT REPLY - well why not?; you requested a personal touch but screw you - take a look at what we have to say below)

Info on your machines - Discussion Thread
Response (Andrea Popp) - 11/15/2010 02:56 PM
This is in response to your recent e-mail to MTA New York City Transit requesting fare information.
Please note that there are time-based MetroCards such as the 1-Day ($8.25), 7-Day ($27), 14-Day ($51.50), 30-Day ($89) and 7-Day ($45) Express Bus Plus Unlimited Ride MetroCards available for purchase to suit your travel needs. Unlimited Ride MetroCards offer an unlimited amount of rides for designated periods of time. For example, our 1-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCards can be used for an unlimited number of local bus and subway rides, including all transfers, from the day of their first use until 3 a.m. the following morning. As such, the total validity period for any Unlimited Ride MetroCard is determined by the time of its initial use, not from the date it was purchased, which may be more cost-effective during your travels. Please be aware that the Unlimited Ride MetroCard is meant for one-person use and you cannot use the Unlimited Ride card again at the same station or on the same bus route for 18 minutes. Unlimited Ride MetroCard is accepted on MTA New York City Transit subways and local buses as well as MTA Long Island Bus, MTA Staten Island Railway, and MTA Bus Company. Only 7-Day ($45) Express Bus Plus accepted on MTA Express buses and MTA Bus Company Express buses. For more information on the types of MetroCards that are available, we suggest that you visit our website by clicking on the following link: http://mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm   If you have further questions, you may call us at (718) 330-1234, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week or by mail to MetroCard Customer Claims, New York City Transit, 2 Broadway, Room B11.59, New York, NY 10004.
Thank you for having taken the time to contact us.
La Wanda C. Green
Associate Transit Customer Service Specialist II
Auto-Response - 11/12/2010 03:46 PM
> Title: What is a 1-Day Fun Pass?
> Link: http://mta-nyc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/mta_nyc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=318&p_created=1043780283

Clicking on the above question(s), if any, will open up a new window with a response to the question. If you have reviewed the response(s) and your question has been answered, you may return to the MTA home page.

If this response did not address your e-mail, use the Send E-mail button. You will receive a response as soon as possible; however, some responses can take up to 15 business days.

Customer (Chris Y - 11/12/2010 03:46 PM
As a tourist who does not have access to the web while standing at your pay booth you need to provide better info on the one day unlimited pass. I purchased it thinking that it must be good for a 24 hour period - when actually it expires at 3 AM daily. That is misleading tourists. Not pleased. Please be more accurate - it is misleading and dishonest.

Question Reference #101112-000197   Product Level 1: MetroCard

Category Level 1: Suggestion    Date Created: 11/12/2010 03:46 PM

Date/Time of Event: 11/10/2009 09:30 PM Location of Event: 54th and Ave of Americas

Looking for a couch to crash on?

2010-11-17T16:31:00.000-08:00

There are so many ways to find a room these days - and if you are like meeting people, getting a glimpse of how people live their lives/decorate their homes - house stays are a great thing to explore. Not so good if you are on the road for business but great if you are out exploring and wanting to learn a culture, explore the local's local or support those who want to connect with others.

CouchSurfing is an international non-profit network that connects travelers with locals in over 230 countries and territories around the world. Since 2004, members have been using our system to come together for cultural exchange, friendship, and learning experiences. Today, over a million people who might otherwise never meet are able to share hospitality and cultural understanding.

Hospitality Club's aim is to bring people together - hosts and guests, travelers and locals. Thousands of Hospitality Club members around the world help each other when they are traveling - be it with a roof for the night or a guided tour through town. Joining is free, takes just a minute and everyone is welcome. Members can look at each other's profiles, send messages and post comments about their experience on the website.

GlobalFreeloaders.com is an online community, bringing people together to offer you free accommodation all over the world. Save money and make new friends whilst seeing the world from a local's perspective!

Fun times in Vancouver

2010-11-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

Great time at the Vanocuver Art Gallery - FUSE - this event takes place just a few times a year but it is a blast. And it pulls out just about everyone from the city - from the young good lookers to everything in between.

So many things I want to do

2010-10-28T13:59:00.001-07:00

At the recent /Earthsave Canada Taste of Health/ show I picked up a
brochure from the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition
www.vacc.bc.ca/bikeskills talking about a commuter cycling skills
course. I really do need to improve my skills now that I have a bike,
helmet, rain gear (this is Vancouver after all), light (the last one
being stolen off my bike as I enjoyed a beverage at the Reagle Beagle -
darn theft - hope your karma catches up with you) and a willing spirit.

Planning your trip checklist

2010-10-20T07:20:00.001-07:00

There are some great blogs out there. I stumbled across this one and
thought I would check it out as I have friends who are planning to
travel with little ones. Funny enough most of the advise was very
suitable for a single or a couple. They are all items that I have
mentioned before but they have produced such a nice list, with brief
explanations, that I suggest you go visit them.

http://mylittlenomads.com/tips-and-advice-for-traveling-with-children/

*Planning Your Trip - here are the first nine mini headlines
*

1. *Check the validity of your passports.* Be sure they're good for 3
months /after/ the day of your arrival home.

2. *Scan your passports and email them to yourself*

3. *Notify your credit card companies before you leave*.

4. *Take more than one credit or debit card*.

5. *Make an /Out-The-Door/**list*.

6. *Put enough in your carry-on bags for the first day or 2 of your trip*.

7. *Count your suitcases, backpacks, handbags and keep the number in
your head*. This is simple and maybe painfully obvious, but it sure
helps. You hop in a taxi, "bag count — 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 — yep they're
all here". Easy.

8.*Use a small digital camera*.

9. *Book a hotel for your first nights of your trip — but then stay
flexible*.

Marmot Lodge - Breakfast at Embers

2010-10-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

If you are staying on the far side of town (20 min. walk into Jasper) there are several places you can try out for breakfast - Marmot Lodge, Lobstick Lodge, Amethyst Lodge or Chauteau Jasper - they all have the exact same menu. Hopefully they don't play the same music - slow romantic cheesy pop - rather unbearable day after day (in fact minute after minute for my boyfriend). Food was decent. I

would not ride across town but I would walk across the parking lot
We had you basic coffee - they leave a coffee pot on the table. And then selected two items. The waffle was crispy and tasted decent enough, some syrup, blueberries (that had been heated - mind you they are end of season by now) and sliced strawberries).

Belgium Waffle $9
Old fashion iron skillet Belgium waffle topped with warm strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream

Mountain Park Bennies $14
Traditional Style: with Canadian back bacon All served traditionally on a English muffin with
poached eggs, hollandaise sauce & gs, home style fried potatoes

Via rail tues 8.30 train

2010-10-12T21:25:00.001-07:00

Highlights of our trip so far:
Our friend Chester dropping us off at Terminal station in Vancouver

The lovely ladies who took our bikes and luggage. Good sense of humour.

Lowlights:
Found out that we didn't need to remove our bike pedals after we did it and no we did not need bike boxes.

We are in comfort class. Their term for economy class. The back of the bus applies in this case -- around 200 metres to get to our car.

We pack our own pillows and blankets as we are told there is an eight dollar surcharge. On board we get free pillows and blankets as they ran out of the packets.

Staff attitude. Could they be even less engaging save for one.

The dismal interior reminds me of Russian trains just before the collapse.

The bar on the overnight train closes at 9.30, why?

The plastic glasses you get your six dollar domestic beers cracked and poured into by the rather non engaging I would rather not be here employee who has had his job for thirty five years.

He was nicer on the second round once he realized that it was an honest mistake when we entered his realm.

The saga continues.
Pardon the typos
Sent via my BlackBerry

Talk about an ugly look

2010-10-05T03:42:00.000-07:00

My five years is up and I had to get a new licence/identification card
in BC.
Talk about ugly mug shots.

It used to be that when I showed my licence for a rental car
out-of-province people would comment on how gorgeous it was with the
view of the harbour behind it, a sunset and a photo of someone smiling.

Now the province has decided that we all need to look like we have been
arrested and have given us mug shots.

Whatever you do - DON'T SMILE

Sure they have enchaned it - its made out of longer-lasting, tamper
resistant material (which is what - plastic?)
It's got a barcode on it - not sure what that contains.
There is a laser engraved black and white photo - that is enchancing it?
There is a raised name and signature (and my signature is wierd enough -
ever try to get a good looking signature on those electronic boxes they
want you to sing on these days)
I'm now officially a hologram

And the tag line - BC - the best place on earth - welcome to your mug shot!

Okay pub food

2010-10-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

There must be a conspiracy with bc ferries and the restaurants in horseshoe bay. Why else could bc ferries be so incompetant in determining their ferry requirements? Another sad government project I must say. We arrive for a three pm ferry. We might get on the 7.30 one.

So either the horseshoe village needs more patrons or the islands want less traffic or someone is not heeding business at bc ferries.
Pardon the typos
Sent via my BlackBerry

Sandwiches on the run

2010-10-01T10:13:00.001-07:00

It took a bit to find a sandwich I would eat from Loblaws Quay store
- I wanted a grilled veggie sandwich but everything had meat, meat and
more meat. There was an egg salad. The shrimp was sold out (and given
the state of the shrimp industry I'm not sure I would eat it- I'm sure
it is farmed from some Asian country). Finally settled on the tuna
salad. Here's proof and truth of how I often eat when I'm on the road. I
did also get cut veggies and a 1/2 pint of organic raspberries that set
me back $4.00

What kinda got me on this was the amount of plastic used to wrap one
tiny salad - I used it as a lap protector.

Four hours too early at YYZ

2010-09-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Here it is the night before my Bday and I'm hanging out at Pearson airport with 4 hours to fill. Decided to check out the American Express Plaza (which is now the Premium Plaza - walk in for $35 or spend a lot for the delight of having a coloured credit card).

I was a little hungry and have already guessed that the food options over in the Maple Leaf lounge would be limited. It is a small buffet but I had some linguine with marina sauce. Not bad - reminded me of spaghetti out of a can only with thicker noodles (kinda like comfort food when you've been on the road long enough), a mixed corn salad with an oil vinaigrette, cookies (nice and tasty) plus some other options I did not try like a mango chicken curry, BBQ pork rice and some soups.

Checked out the wine but wasn't in the mood for a red and I'm not that keen on chardonnay wine these days (however I do give them a chance now and then as they seem to be improving or my taste buds are maturing).

Cost of hosting a BBQ pizza party

2010-09-24T04:31:00.000-07:00

As I flip through my receipts I came across the major expenses for hosting a BBQ double-grilled pizza party for 40. Now this was a no-host bar and it was partially potluck since everyone was asked to bring on topping (just one topping though many people seem compelled to bring more than one - but that is okay).

Your basic pizza:
Pasta sauce - $21 (and ended up with 9 jars left over - good organic tomato and basil that simmered for a few hours)
907 grams of Fleischmann's Dry Active yeast - $6 - I can be making bread for several months and still have some left over but it is good until 2011.
A 10 kg bag of Rogers' Flour - $5.49 - used most of it
Delsio 2.3kg mozarella cheese block - $26
Feta Crumble $12
KS Olive oil $11
Your basic salad:
8 heads of romaine $8.00
Parmesan petals $14 (I'm sure this stuff was fake parmesan - just didn't have the sharpness I expected)
Whipped up the salad dressing from existing ingredients
Skipped the bacon and those dried out bread things
And finallly just a few other items for the table:
Enormous jar of pepper rings $4
Juice $9 - 4 liters
Coffee, free trade, organic $17 with $3 coupon discount
Cappers - 4 small jars $6
And dessert which never got made - A brownie mix with ingredients that I could understand $7

Pretty reasonable - mind you there are a lot of other hidden costs but still not bad.

Spelt Pizza Dough Recipe

2010-09-20T10:30:00.001-07:00

And thank you so much for the lovely bottle of wine - it was great wrapped in that gray material (and funny enough the next day, after all the clean up I knew exactly who it came from versus other bottles that Ilooked at and thought hmm was this one from C or from S?).

Geoff was a huge help - esp. with the tarp out front which I didn't think we were going to need but am ever so grateful that we went to the extra effort. We checked out Real Canadian Superstore, Costco,
Homesense, Home Depot, Zellers, the Bay for a gazebo or some pop up scenario. With it being so late in the season no luck. Thankfully we stopped by at Three Vets (great camping/hiking store if you are ever in
need) and Geoff spotted these pools that are used for tarps - with a bit of modification they worked beautifully). And there is a Candian Tire store right across so I stopped in there - one gazebo for $99 - but we actually didn't use it so that is being returned. The $30 in poles and the existing tarp was perfect this time.

Spelt pizza dough recipe - 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cups of very warm water (ie 110 degrees) and 5 cups of flour (22 ounces
approx).

In larger mixing bowl add yeast to water. Wait 10 minutes. Once disolved add in salt, sugar, flour, oil and knead (in my case I used the Kitchen Aid Mixer with the dough hook) until dough is smooth and you can stretch it 3 to 4 inches without breaking it. Smooth into a nice plump ball. Coat lighting in oil and then then let rise or an hour (cover with a damp towel but I would add a piece of wax paper as the dough "grew" into one of my favourite Marikmekko tea towels. What mess to clean that!) You can punch it down. Toss in fridge and then about 2 hours before you are ready to use it take it out to let the gluten rest and warm-up.

Note on the flour - I just mixed in whatever portion I wanted - one batch was 50% white/50% spelt. Play with it!

On 19/09/2010 4:39 PM
Hey Chris, Thanks - to you and Jeff, who undoubtedly helped a lot - for a great party! I loved meeting some of your many friends and had a great time. Kumar's house is amazing - and the spelt pizza dough was fabulous ... I'd love to get the recipe. I also enjoyed meeting Carey ... and to learn about the "scheme" you two have talked about! Hmmm ... very intriguing ... :-)
Have a great week, D

Dexterity to roll out dough

2010-09-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

You came with Harin right? No hang on she came with M. I will check to
see if it is in the guest book or I will ask Micheal for it (she is a
seafood buyer and I'l like to chat with her a bit more - my own interest
in food you know). Kumar enjoyed chatting with you. And my sweetie Geoff
was a huge help (and so many people did pitch in).

On 19/09/2010 9:00 PM, harold R wrote:
> Thanks for the lovely evening ( as well as your friend) I know it
> takes a fair bit of work putting things together. Hopefully I will be
> able to reciprocate before we are all old and gray and don't have the
> dexterity to roll out the dough!!!!!
> Harold
> PS Have you by chance Harin's email
>
>

What a hostess!

2010-09-20T09:37:00.001-07:00

M & D: Thanks for the lovely chocoate (all gone all ready) and for
bringing smoked salmon (I know that also disappeared in a flash from the
table). Loved your write up in the guest book. And I was so glad Kim
could join us - she's just lovely.

The party was fun, I'm glad I hired some help (Kitana did a lot of clean
up the night before) but yet the next day we lost about 7 hours between
the two houses (do you know how many places pizza dough can hide in). I
don't know if you spent anytime at the front of the house but we had
this enormous tarp that we had put up - and thank goodness we did as the
rains did come down heavy. As one who does throw parties you know what
it takes - everything from smiling, chatting to checking on toilet paper
in the loo!

K's place is great for hosting parties and I'm lucky he is so generous
with me. When I get to my place I just look around wondering how in the
past I have had 60 to 70 people there. Yikes.

I'm off again next week. And then two weeks later. And on it goes.
Looking forward to a November gathering! And I will also pass Heather's
details onto you should you ever need helping hands.

On 19/09/2010 11:50 PM
> Hi Chris - A knock-out party, as is your standard! Wonderful guests, a
> stellar location (thanks to Kumar, who we wish to know better - and
> who MUST attend a vodka poop gathering), exceptional food...and how
> terrific it was to be able to re-acquaint ourselves with delightful
> people we have met before, and chat with others we haven't. Thank you
> thank you thank you. (Our darling daughter had a blast too...though
> rousing her this a.m. was a gentle affair!)
>
> I feel like you and I haven't sat and chatted in forever, but the few
> minutes we shared last night will have to suffice for now. We're going
> to do a poop night when we get our travels over with by November.
>
> Hope you survived, and the clean up didn't take every last bit of your
> unparalleled energy (of Geoff's!).
>
> Chat soon, I am determined.
> Thanks again.
>
> xox
> M

20 days to get a response

2010-09-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

On August 31st I submitted a comment/complaint or something or other
to Air Canada.
Imagine my surprise when I received the following message:

Thank you for contacting us. This is to confirm that we have received
your message and there is no requirement to re-submit your information.
Our current processing time is 20 business days for general customer
concerns and 7 business days for baggage related issues. We will make
every effort to respond sooner. We appreciate your patience and
understanding as you await our response.

I'm not even sure if I will recall what I was asknig about!

Queen Noor and Jordan

2010-09-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

This evening after kick boxing (or as I often say box kicking) I stopped in at Chapters at Granville and Broadway. "Leap of Faith - Queen Noor" caught my eye and so for just under $8 I picked it up. I'm only a few pages in but decided to google Jordan, one thing leads to another and I stumbled upon a very simply, informative, well written web called Backpacking: Budget Indepen....anyhow check it out.

I'm most likely over my backpacking stage - but never say never - but this would have been (and still is) such a useful site for anyone thinking of heading out to the wild. Don't wait. Just go and do it.

Economy seat widths

2010-08-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that seat width could range from 43 cm to 47 cm - and these are all economy seats on carriers likes Air Canada, Delta, Alaska. Check it out for yourself. I was recently on Finnair (they are not listed) and I'm sure that my seats from one airplane to another were wider. This legroom chart proves it.

Cheapflights.ca

Oh this is painful

2010-08-06T05:34:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow I try someone besides Thrifty car rental. Here I am in montreal for one day waiting and waiting and waiting.

I believe in customer service however can they stop selling the insurance, the gas options, the restaurant and road directions.

I have one day and I am in and out. It is almost nine.
Pardon the typos
Sent via my BlackBerry

Blue chip with thrifty is not blue chip

2010-08-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

I am standing at the counter waiting and waiting, hoping that I am going to get my reserved car.

During the summer Thriftys are often sold out and the rates double and triple.

Even though I rent cars from them year round it seems that during their peak everything slides.

I might have to explore some of the other options around. It has been awhile since I have checked.

My compact is not ready so I got a rav 4. At around eighty for the day.
Pardon the typos
Sent via my BlackBerry

Places to stay in Newfoundland

2010-07-22T10:32:00.001-07:00

I had this horrid habit of just wanting to keep everything. When I travel I'm always picking up bits and pieces of paper. Then I store then away in some cupboard. I must get better at doing something with the info. The challenge I have is that I've been to 35 plus countries and that means there is a quite the pile that I must tackle.

Here is one attempt:

All my Newfoundland maps: those I actually keep. I find it so easy to go into my basket of maps and pull out the ones that I need - either for myself or to pass onto someone else.

Not sure what a "mug-up"wlecome is but the Big Fish Bed and Breakfast info card sounds like a nice place to stay in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland - Maida Edey and Betty MacDonald are the hosts. www.bigfish-bb.ca Pouch Cove is suppose to be budding with artists, artisands an dmusicians and was founded in 1611. Rocky bluffs, duvet covers, internet access - 20 minutes outside of St. John's, midway between Torbay and Cap St. Francis.

Home Hotel on Signal Hill had daily, weekly, monthly and annual rates. Modern brick. Starting from 79 per night (mind you this was in 2009) - crisp bed linens, luxurious terry bath towels, free breakfast, newspaper, phone calls, high speed internet. www.hometels.ca

Local marketing: www.yieldcommunications.com

Marblewood Village Resort - they actually have skiing in Newfoundland. Now that sounds silly I know but I just didn't think they would have a Whistler or Ski Dagmar zone! www.marblemountain.com Steady Brook. Charming area.

The Beach House www.newfoundlandgetaway.com 10 minutes from the St. John's International airport.
Atlantica Restaurant is located inside the Beach House.

www.therooms.ca - no this isn't a place you can stay but you can visit - there is a cafe, gift shop, art gallery, museum. It looks great from the outside and is well worth a visit.

Obriens Whale and Bird Tour.www.obriensboattours.com I loved this tour - first off was the iceberg - late in the season and it wasn't super big but the strip of glacier blue ice, the kayaks that teased the iceberg, the Witless Bay Ecological reserve - home of the largest Atlantic Puffin colony in North America (these little guys are the size of a soda can), humpback whales (we lucked in to having 6 follow our boat and one breached - just as we were leaving); having layered clothing helped, camera is essential to capture memories, just 30 minutes or so from St. Johns, stay for a Lobster dinner (if you aren't a vegetarian)

Looking for an iceberg?

2010-07-20T08:12:00.001-07:00

http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/Icebergs/IcebergFinder/IcebergFinder.aspx

Check your windows

2010-07-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

Casually I enter room 330 at the aloft Montreal airport. Sprawl out on the bed for a bit. Work on some files. Then head downstairs for a late night nibble. As I stand by the elevator I glance out the window and think, wow you sure can see everything in that room. Then I realize that room is my room. Hmm, that made me think twice. Did I not notice that the room was so exposed? Should there be an alert sticker on the window?

Yoghurt - Yogurt - just make it gelatin free again please

2010-07-13T22:47:00.001-07:00

This is just a minor small little request.
But it is one that is just annoying.
I try to follow a fairly healthy diet - limit processed foods, minimize genetically tinkered with foods, reach more for fruits, nuts, grains.

Here I am checked into Aloft near the Montreal airport.
Was also earlier at the Maple Leaf lounge.

Reached for the small $3.00 yogurt at Aloft. Put it back down. Has gelatin. I don't do boiled hoofs and bones.
Same in the Maple Leaf lounge. Small, free (well you paid for it somewhere along the way) but gelatin is an ingredients.

Come on hotels and airport lounges.
Can you not offer up a gelatin free yoghurt?

Lower Limit on drinking

2010-05-31T15:14:00.001-07:00

There has been a drop in how much alcohol one can drink before they are over the legal limit.
It has dropped from 0.08 to 0.05 in British Columbia.

Of course you might be wondering how many drinks you can have?
Quite often, for me, it isn't how many drinks can I have but rather "okay I've parked, wasn't planning on having a drink, ended up drinking - will I be towed before the morning? Can I leave my car overnight? How many drinks are safe (aside from none as I already know that is safe).

And why don't they have some tests set up in the city for people to try it out themselves so they can see first-hand?

I wonder if MADD or those connected with this, have thought about how to make it safer for those of us who don't plan as carefully as we should. I sometimes just don't know what I might be doing this evening. And yes it might include a beverage or two.

http://www.educalcool.qc.ca/en/blood-alcohol-calculator/

I ran the simple test but then I discovered that in Quebec you can have .08 while in BC you can have .05.

For 2 drinks over a 3 hour period with a meal it was indicated that:

My blood alcohol content will be 31 mg/100 ml

You may drive legally

This graph shows how your blood alcohol concentration evolves over the course of an evening.

In Quebec, the legal limit for driving is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (.08). This applies to everyone except people driving with a probationary licence or learner's permit, in which case the legal limit is zero (0 mg). Nonetheless, it is always best to be sober whenever you get behind the wheel.

Waiting in line

2010-05-26T08:38:00.001-07:00

Great little local joint that has been hanging out in Kits for a long, long time (long since I've been going there for at least 15 years). And I tell you that there simply aren't enough cozy neighbourhood pubs/bars around. Regal Beagle is one worth checking out - good solid breakfasts (and cheap I might add if you go for the daily special).

Often they crank the volume up so loud that you end of lip reading - it is one way to ensure that the 40+ crowd does not stay.

Have you ever noticed that only young people stand in line - as I approached my 40s I remember thinking that lines were becoming a thing of the past. And now I only stand in them if I have a guaranteed ticket in hand.

And I don't wait for restaurants that don't take reservations unless they are taking care of me (for example at Vijs in Vancouver waiting is a pleasure as they always give you a calming little nibble or cup of tea or something that makes you feel like you are taking care of)

My heart aches for Bangkok

2010-05-19T06:07:00.001-07:00

I totally feel useless with the current war zone scenario that has hit Thailand.

My first and only memories of Thailand was when I was there in 1993.
It was my first ever backpacking trip and it fills me to this day with warm memories.

What has taken place over the last 17 years to destroy these kind gentle folk?
What went wrong?
What is being protested?
Did we ruin them?
And by we I mean North American culture - greed, the spread of internet and tv channels, poverty?

And I sit here at my computer, listening to the CBC and I wonder if the Thailand of my memories is just that.
How so very very sad.

I don't think will never ever know how not to kill - not when governments continue to support the killing of people who are trying to say there is something wrong here.

Boobquake - show your tomatoes

2010-04-26T08:26:00.001-07:00

Today it is boobquake - Monday April 26, 2010.

I was tracing a story on retail technology advances make shopping high-tech but be prepared to be watched and clicked over the Metro Canada only to discover it has expired. My eye caught the headline "boobquake".

Some comments were made ....who suggested in a ....prayer sermon a week ago that women who dress immodestly cause earthquakes by angering God.

Jen McCreight has decided to check to see if this is turn or not and is now encouraging others to flash a bit to skin see what happens on the richter scale today. http://www.blaghag.com/

While I'm a tad to modest to be flashing any skin today I do encourage you to flash your tomatoes should you feel the urge.

Brita Water Filters - cost a lot of money and then you toss into the garbage

2010-04-14T15:33:00.001-07:00

I send this request to a reporter at one of our Vancouver based papers and thought I would post it here as well. Just never know who might have an answer!

I think I have given up but as a last shot I thought I would email you and ask.
I have several tired and worn out Brita pitcher filters.
And I thought for sure I could recycle them somewhere in the city.

First of: my blue bin - I can't see any numbers so don't think I can and I suspect that I need to remove the charcoal (and I will say that they seem kinda tough to open - I did not succeed).

Second: called the recycling hot line - no success. The very helpful lady thought they did in the States but not here (I am heading to Portland next week but I'm sure the hotel would not be happy if I passed it onto them)

Third: Seems that London Drugs takes back a lot - they sell the Brita - but I'm informed by a clerk at the Broadway Kits store that they do not take these back.

Fourth: Search the web - well I found a petition for them; discovered that they are owned by Clorox (who also picked up Burt's Bee) but still no luck. http://fakeplasticfish.com/2008/01/take-back-brita-filter-campaign/

Fifth: Okay you are my last option as I have given this enough time and energy.

I figure that I have purchased my last Brita until they change their habits. The filters are not inexpensive and there are plenty of other options for filtered water in the city (i.e Choices has some sort of reverse osmosis water system that is inexpensive i.e. 11 liters for less than $2.00 and I suppose Vancouver tap water must be fairly decent).

Thanks for reading. And looking forward to your reply should you write on water filters one of these days (oops I did not search that out maybe you already did that)!

Canadian Direct Insurance - Renewals - Confirmation#

2010-04-14T14:49:00.001-07:00

One has to be careful when they are dealing with insurance companies - for example Canadian Direct has what I feel is quite a deceptive process for renewing. When you go to renewal it doesn't make it clear that you won't be able to confirm your details, it doesn't allow you to make any comments, nor does it allow you to review your options but it gladly just take your credit card number and advises you that the job is done.

Love it - if I wanted that level of service and if I didn't care how much I was paying. Except I do want to know what I'm payng.

It has been over a year since I last looked at my policy and I feel very strongly that I should have been allowed to review my options so in LARGE BOLD type the web renewal page should advise that - you cannot make any changes to your policy. It will renew exactly as last year. Call us. Got that. No changes. We won't even tell you what you are paying this year. But let me charge your credit card. So call if you want to make changes.

Call me stupid or lazy or maybe I just didn't get the message on the renewal screen.
Someone in this company is not thinking about the customer.
And I know that I'm not the first one to complain about this given what the renewal agent told me.

So now I need to spend more time to sort this out...

I sit on hold dealing with too many recorded voices trying to get a real person.
(Tip: when they ask if you have had an accident press #1 for yes - then you get a real person).
I have already send a message via the website but I am still annoyed.

I do not like not knowing how much I am being charged for my insurance this year.
I am annoyed that I have not been given the option to review my options.
I have been on hold for almost 10 minutes.

The woman I just spoke to advised me that your company is aware of the the hassle this automatic renewal gives to people.
I suggested that it should be bolder, bigger, brighter - whatever. However she really didn't give a flying fart about what I thought or felt or that I was upset. "It is all there on the website"

"The company is aware of this"

Right well maybe the savings I am getting makes it worthwhile for me to switch back to ICBC where at least I get mobile service and better insights into my policy.

It also makes me wonder what kind of hassle waits for me if and when I need to make a claim.

I don't feel comforted that she is not going to pass this message on as "the company is aware of this".

Right.

On 14/04/2010 14:13, insurancegeneral@canadiandirect.com wrote:

Thank you for renewing your policy

Thank you for renewing your policy. Please make a note of your confirmation number for your records.

Canadian Direct Insurance

Better Insurance. Less Money.

http://www.canadiandirect.com

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may be privileged. Distribution or copying of this email by anyone other than the named recipient is
prohibited. If you are not the named recipient, please notify us immediately and permanently destroy
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Moments to forget - Almost disaster on TV

2010-03-11T12:34:00.001-08:00

It was one of those moments that I will never forget.
4:30 AM at Robson Square in downtown Vancouver by the skating rink.
The Olympics. Surreal early morning. I'm excited.
We've got a short TV segment set up by BC Agriculture Minister

Jeff, the host on CTV/Canada AM, adds all ingredients, including the blueberries, flax, yoghurt, etc, to the blender.
Mixes it up with lots of noise.
The empty glass that should have been sitting there,
that I had moved moments before but didn't put back, was not there.

The glass that he could have poured the freshly made drink into was gone.
Because I had spotted a spot on that glass
And wanted the spot gone but then got off track.
So spot gone and glass gone.

Sitting on the counter is the show and tell drink.
The one that is just for looks.
The one that I had just made while squatting on the stage using the one outlet I could find.
And with seconds to spare had placed on the counter before they went live.
Jeff picks up the blueberry shake sitting on the counter.

Lifts it to his lips as Nanci the nutritionist talked.
He pauses, glass to the lips.
He pulls the glass back.
Looks at in curiously.
He then slowly turned the glass upside down.
Gave it a gentle shake, still nothing came out.
Shake it harder. Still nothing.
The flax seed I had used had set it.
It was totally horrific and funny at the same time.
Nanci grabbed a spoon and that is how he tasted it.

The director loved it.
"Great TV!", she exclaimed
And I survived.

(Okay maybe I won't get another project but I bet the ratings were high for that segment!)

Credit cards only for On Board Cafe???

2010-03-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

Another announcement from Air Canada that doesn't do a single thing for me.
Fact is it reduces my freedom.
Why are they doing this? Cash isn't good enough? The airline staff are pocketing money?

WHAT’S
NEW

Starting May 1, 2010, we (Air Canada) will be moving to credit-card only cabins on all flights where OnBoard Café or Duty-Free Boutique products are sold.

Enhanced Internet Access in the Maple Leaf Lounge - that's not true!

2010-03-08T08:37:00.001-08:00

Oh great I got another email from Air Canada trying to tell me that they have enhanced my internet access.

What they really are telling me:
They don't trust me.
I'm not sure if this is going to be available to my guests when they come in.

I don't see a single new benefit for me in what they outlined below. I do know that now I won't be able to stop at the Tim Horton's on the way out and pick up the lounge signal as I depart the airport in Toronto (now that would have been an enhanced benefit - let me check into the lounge when I arrive so I can be better prepped before I go grab my luggage).

Do you see any benefits that I'm missing out on?? And I have a rather complicated name so I know that I will have hassles with this service (it is bad enough when I try to change my reservations at Thriftys - and I won't do Budget (aside from one Toronto location where the people are lovely).

As a Elite member, you enjoy complimentary Internet access in the Maple Leaf Lounge when travelling on any Air Canada, Jazz^® or Star Alliance™ flight.

The Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada now feature an enhanced wireless Internet connection. In order to access this complimentary enhanced connection you have to be properly registered at lounge reception desk, so please ensure you:

Always present your Air Canada Elite ID Card along with your Boarding Pass when checking into the Maple Leaf Lounge;
Access the Data Valet Internet sign-in page and provide your full name and flight number as it appears on your Boarding Pass when logging in on your computer.

We hope you make the most of both of these unique privileges and look forward to welcoming you on board.

AC101 Toronto-T1 to Vancouver Electronic Boarding Pass

2010-03-08T08:01:00.001-08:00

You got to be careful when you send your boarding pass to your smart phone (mine is a blackberry).

The tricky part for me is that while I can send and receive emails I do not have the wireless web access on my blackberry.

Why you might ask? Well I don't need to be connected 100% of the time for starters. It costs extra to be connected. And I'm already paying for cell phones, high speed internet access, office and home phones, cable TV and goodness knows what else. Okay I admit it - I'm also rather cheap or frugal or whatever you want to term me.

So I show up at the airline counter the other day in Toronto.
That is when I discover that I must retrieve my electronic boarding pass.
And that I might need to display this message to airport security.

I now know that I must continue to do the web check-in and ask for a printed boarding pass as this method doesn't work for me.
It might work for you - good for you if it does.

Alibi Room's Peace of Mind

2010-02-20T17:11:00.000-08:00

Our seafood choices are sustainable. Meat products are local, naturally raised or free run.

Amazing beers, totally reasonable prices, great sounding food

Beers like maple stout, insane, back hand of god, red roof cider and on it goes.

Pardon any tpyos
Chris Yli

New Year's Eve my warrior heart found itself at the Yale

2010-02-09T19:54:00.001-08:00

Classic spot in Vancouver - didn't realize they were tied into the Cecil, the infamous strip joint (whose rooms I'm sure are now sold out for the Games even if they had not sold a room by late December).

Lots of fun watching Billy Dixon with the Solid Gold Sisters of Soul.

The Solid Gold Sisters of Soul were a blast - since there was no change room it was fun to see them prepping in the girls loo. Lillooet Fox, Carleen Lay and Vicky SJohall.

The hot buffet was a disappointment only because they had no controls in place so many people were lining up for seconds and my the time I got there with my two friends - well I think there was some stuffing left. But we did get the party favours and the free champagne (but why do they call it free when you had to part with $40 or so at the door).

Hmm, don't be a Yale YIP as the passes aren't accepted on NY Eve - hopefully they at least offered those people first choice of tickets as the even was a sold out affair.

And I see I had a few more email addresses I had wrote down onto the rather ripped up guide - sorry Michelle - I was going to get those photos to you. As for Hahanee - hmm, okay maybe I was having too much fun as I talked to just about everyone it seemed (that is what happens when you are rounding up dates for your friends!)

Photos hopefully will be posted very soon!

Toxic contamination starts at home....

2010-02-09T09:02:00.001-08:00

This is the headline that appeared the Vancouver Sun in 2008 (yes that is the right year).
Yet we really have not had an outcry from the public at large.

But it might be because we don't want to give up our beauty products, our household cleaning supplies and the other items that give us the niceties of life (where would be be if we could not scotch guard the couch?) And I think about all the goodies I get in my hotel room - it used to be that I would want to take home all the soaps and shampoos offered up but I have now discovered that it is better to leave them untouched and just bring my own - better for my body and better for the planet. (Just think about a hotel with 500 rooms, each room is filled, each guest uses a bar of soap and leaves it behind, the housekeeper picks up and disposes of 500 bars of soap - and that is just one day).

The study was funded by the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences http://www.niehs.nih.gov/index.cfm and the National Science Foundation http://www.nsf.gov/ The study was done in Cape Cod because the area is known to have a higher than average rate of breast cancer. 120 women volunteered urine samples for a study being done on chemical exposure.

At first, when told of the results, they thought it was due to chemical spills, waste dumping or secret military experiments.

However it seems that most of their exposure came from normal stuff: harmless looking plastics, flame-retardant clothing, beauty products and household cleaners. If you spend a lot of time home or indoors you have to worry about indoor pollution.

What to be on the look out for:

Phthalates (common plastic ingredients); bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic bottles; anthracenes (from paving materials and diesel); solvents (paints, varnishes, some ink): flame retardants from upholstered furniture; parabens (an anti-microbial agent common in cosmetics).

***
Another headline "Boy died from spraying too much deodorant". 12 year old Daniel Hurley used too much deodorant spray in a confined space and ended up dead. Dr. Andrew Hitchcock, the consultant pathologist who carried out the study stated that "What we have in this case is someone who may well have had a cardiac abnormality in the presence of solvent. There is a very reasonable assumption that the passive inhalation of the solvent almost certainly led to his death." He also felt that Unilever, the manufacture of Lynx, give enough warnings on its cans that excessive amounts were not to be used in confined spaces.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1087772/Boy-12-collapsed-died-using-Lynx-deodorant.html

http://www.natural-skincare-authority.com/index.html I googled the term Lynx (since I think it is a UK product but then I don't buy male products at all so I really don't know) and the link above came up with some pretty harsh comments about this line from Unilever.

Nakedizing machines - what next?

2010-01-26T09:34:00.001-08:00

  The drive to put full-body scanners in all major airports is meeting with resistance from activists and lawmakers. "We don't need to look at naked 8-year-olds and grandmothers to secure airplanes," Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, said Friday. The pro-privacy stand does not follow traditional ideological lines; Republicans and Democrats have united on the issue now and in the past.  http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-tc-nw-privacy-scanners-0108-jan10,0,1792648.story   CASPIAN (Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering) is a grass-roots consumer group fighting retail surveillance schemes since 1999 and irresponsible RFID use since 2002. With thousands of members in all 50 U.S. states and over 30 countries worldwide, CASPIAN seeks to educate consumers about marketing strategies that invade their privacy and encourage privacy-conscious shopping habits across the retail spectrum.  http://www.spychips.com/ http://www.antichips.com/ http://www.nocards.org/

Improve my travel experience - right

2010-01-21T17:46:00.001-08:00

I just got this email today and I have to laugh. Improve my travel experience??

It is not going to improve until they get rid of the majority of mindless follow the rules people they currently are hiring at the airport for security checking. They are so busy following the rules that they don't even really consider the person going through the system.

They can save thousands and thousands of dollars and man-hours if they would actually use some intelligence.
But no that isn't going to happen - they will just continue to humiliate and destroy the travel experience.

The note:

Transport Canada has just eased its carry-on restrictions for all flights to the U.S. As this should improve your travel experience, we wanted to make sure that you were aware of this new policy.

Effective January 20, 2010, you may bring one standard bag and other necessary items into the cabin on flights from Canada to the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

You can find more information about the new regulations, including specific details regarding the types and sizes of carry-on baggage permitted, on the Transport Canada website.

Also, we want to remind you that carry-on restrictions have not been introduced on flights within Canada, or to international destinations outside of the U.S. Our carry-on policies for these itineraries have not changed.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard on your next flight to the U.S.
And seeing you naked. (My note.)

Words of wisdom from a Canadian Poet

2010-01-21T13:24:00.001-08:00

I am a traveller. I have a destination but no maps. Others perhaps have reached that destination already, still others are on their way. But none has had to go from here before - nor will again. One's route is one's own. One's journey unique. What I will find at the end I can barely guess.

Poet, novelist, artist and librettist P.K. (Patricia Kathleen) Page
Died, age 93, January 2010, Canada

Wow, great words to share that I read in Stephen Hume's column in the Vancouver Sun.

Some headlines to laugh at...

2010-01-18T17:48:00.001-08:00

Okay I am really really trying to declutter.
I need a good friend right now, along with a bottle of wine, and I should have them just drop paper piles into the recycle bin for me.
I would be done in an hour or so I'm sure!
As it is I'm reviewing bits and pieces.

These headlines are from a 1999 issue of Glamour - why was I keeping them??

Sharing your randiest x-rated experiments (from ice cubes to Alka-Seltzer)
How do you tell him that you have a STD (one that you have or once had)
Is Oral sex "sex" (was this during the Clinton era?)
Can I injure myself using sex toys?
Lube alert
Silicone implants: a new study says they're safe, but are they really Ok?

Toss.

Ah than a short piece on JKF Jr.s close shave - looks like King of Shaves Shaving Oil was it.
But we now all know what happened to JFK Jr. - gone. one close shave too many. sad.

Som Tam Thailand

2010-01-18T17:41:00.001-08:00

Decluttering means getting rid of stuff. And right now I'm tackling a huge pile of paper that has grown and grown over the years.

The problem is I get caught up in reading and then I jump on the internet and I read further.

Right now I'm just so wanting to have some som tam, a thai salad of shredded green papaya, fresh peanuts, dried shrimp, long beans, lime juices, tomatoes, fish sauce and spices.

Thailand was one of my first backpacking trips all on my own.
And in 1993 it was an exciting but scary trip.

I went there with my Lonely Planet guidebook and notes from my friend Sandy who had been there moons before me.
And I went there before the the internet - it amazes me to think about how I used to travel.

It was an incredible trip and my taste buds were ignited in more way than I could imagine.

This article that I'm about to toss was written by Lisa Moricoli Latham in American West in June 2000.
And I googled the words Som Tam and the hints were immediate - the following link has a recipe that I want to try out later.
Beautiful colours and an easy to read recipe.

http://www.mycookinghut.com/2009/11/19/som-tam-papaya-salad/

One day I might just start to scan some of my photos from that trip.
If simply to remind me of the excitement that I used to have when I returned from a trip and then waited for my photos.

An urban blimp

2009-12-14T14:10:00.001-08:00

A city's personality is showcased by its architect, its people, its shops, how roads and sidewalks are laid out, and by its advertising.

I just noticed the other day the billboard that is poking its head up at the end of Burrard Bridge heading towards Kits. In my brain I thought, great more advertising for the Olympics and I get to look at some ugly sign. My local metronews.ca had a quick piece on it - I know know that big, old trees were cut down for this concrete ugly sign, that it creates a barrier to enjoy the vista, and that it is actually erected by the Squamish First Nations. It is the first of six that will be erected in Vancouver, North Vancouver and along the Sea to Sky Highway. Actually anytime I see a splash of ugly billboards along some street of road I immediately think it is native land. I don't care for it but people look and advertisers buy so it does give them revenue ugly as it all is. Three metres high by nine meters wide - Jim Pattison has its own sign company and does the same even though it is scattered across a much broader landscape.

What I really dislike: the electronic billboards (talk about a waste of energy) and those ones that have shutters that shuttle back and forth (talk about noise and energy waste). We live in a world of advertising that is getting more and more diluted. Another billboard, another ad flyer, another email blitz - come to think about it, it really wastes our energy!

Travel tip: Record every single card in your wallet

2009-12-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

This was a bit of an onerous task but I took 30 minutes out to record each and every card that I had in my wallet onto my contact manager system (in this case outlook).
It seems that I'm often somewhere where I need my Costco number (to upload and print photos), my library card (to go on-line and reserve a book), or one of my many travel cards. Now it is synced between my computer and my blackberry. Let's see if this helps me or not over the next few months.

Of course bear in mind that if you lose your electronic device all your numbers are going to be listed in full view. I have encrypted my numbers (you could substitute a number for a letter as long as you use the same one all the time; you could change one word into a foreign language, you could put all your numbers in backwards, you could scramble them in some other fashion - just remember to be consistent).

What's being packed into your cosmetics?

2009-12-08T07:42:00.001-08:00

We are all connected in the world from what we put into our bodies, what our bodies are exposed to and what we willingly apply to our skin.

The funny thing is that you feel that you can trust all of the high priced items that are presented to you in beautiful over excessive packaging.
Hope all wrapped up, that surge of excitement that you feel thinking that the most current lipstick is going to make you have lips that are kissable and that wrinkle formula is really, really going to address those wrinkles (and little did you know that what you thought was a wrinkle in your 30s is nothing compared to the gutter line in your 40s - goodness only knows what the remaining years will bring on!)

I'm always trying to find ways to package my body, face and hair treatments into smaller and smaller containers - how much do I really need to pack? When I backpack it was a matter of elimination (how many dual purpose items can I find) and for business travel it is a matter of space, weight and airline regulations.

As I get older and more questioning I want to know what is in my products. Ages ago I discovered www.cosmeticsdatabase.com - I like how they rate items, advise you if they don't have enough data, and tell you more/less safe products. As far as I can see it is free.

Two others that I have seen mentioned recently in The Epoch Times include www.beautypedia.com (author of "Don't go the to Cosmetics Counter without Me" - subscription base of $24.95/yr) and www.safecosmetics.org (they have an area that compares US regulations to Canadian and European standards - that looks interesting).

Early October in Anaheim

2009-11-18T16:36:00.001-08:00

The tin foiled wrap package lands on the purple formica table. The steam
and fresh smell of fresh corn tortillas escapes and gently burns my fingers.

I am facing a oval plate laden with beans (which I taste but I really do
not need to fart all day tomorrow), some mushy rice which I will skip as
the flavour doesn't do anything for me, a mixture os grilled chicken,
chunky pieces of onion re and green peppers that I laden onto the shells
and add the quacamole and salsa sauce.

The dish is garnished with a radish rose and a slice of orange. Stikes
me as funny.

Frankly I did not know what else to order off this working class menu.

Did get a dos equis xx which is thirst quenching.

In the background the jukebox is blaring out Mexican ballads

For some reason it reminds me of Finland.

The walls are decorated with bud light neon lights and other beer promo
pieces. As you walk in you have the coolers full of beer soft drinks
and water.

Overall decent value 12 for the fajitas 4.50 for beer salsa and chips
for free and bowl of guacamole for five. This is in Disneyland after all.

Deal? Air Canada introduces Preferred seats for more legroom

2009-11-18T08:16:00.001-08:00

I love the emails that I get offering something better - they make it sound like they are doing me a favour.

"At Air Canada, we're always looking for ways to improve your travel experience.
We've just introduced Preferred seats*, which allows you to choose seats with extra legroom for increased comfort.
Discover the difference a little more legroom can make"

So they are giving some flyers a little extra legroom.
What happens to us just every day flyers?
Do they sneak away an inch or two from the "cheap seats"
And in the past I had access to those seats without having to pay extra.

"Preferred seats refer to the bulkhead and exit row seats in Economy Class that offer added legroom.
These coveted seats are now available to all Air Canada and Jazz^® customers for a fee that varies by fare option and destination."

Of course they are coveted - it is bad enough now that quite often you can't even open your laptop fully.
And goodness forbid that you actually drop something on the floor.
You need to be a cirque de soleil performer to pick it up.

"As an Elite^® member, you'll enjoy complimentary access to Preferred seats with a Latitude fare option!"
Great I'm an elite member already - earned by a lot of short haul flights but always in the Tango Plus class. Have you looked at the Latitude fares? My clients would shot me.

You will also continue to enjoy your existing Top Tier Privilege, which offers you access to select rows in the front of the Economy Class cabin and is now referred to as Priority seat selection.

And I always wonder - do these people exist?
Is there really a Benjamin Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Air Canada

Never an address, or a phone number or anyway to contact that person and say - No I don't like your office.

Who trigged the fire alarm at the YVR??

2009-11-16T11:54:00.001-08:00

After years and years of flying it always amuses me to learn about a new way that luggage can be delayed.
Today someone or something triggered the fire alarm.
With the Olympics less than 90 days away I'm sure are pleased this is happening now and now on day one of the Games.

So fire alarm is pulled and that equals shut downs.
This means that the luggage roundabout is not going around and around reuniting luggage with their owners.

It hasn't been to long for our flight AC 025 but it looks like the other 4 or 5 flights have been here for a bit.

There was just an announcement - they are going to try and unload the luggage manually starting with a Montreal flight.
That is kind of AC Baggage to attempt to do this. At least some people will get on their way soon.

I'm just thrilled that the internet is free at the YVR.
I have no where to go in a rush and since I have wireless I don't mind waiting for my luggage.

AC Lounge - food is free and cheap

2009-11-16T05:11:00.000-08:00

And by cheap I mean that the yoghurt offered up has gelatin - forget that if you are a vegetarian, many of the cereals offer up hydrogentated oils - just what a busy person needs - another way to clog up arteries and the majority of items offered up don't give you the list of ingredients.

With so many people suffering from food intolerances, allergies, and other such ailments you would think they could make it just a little easier on the jet setters.

Hey let's not worry about H1N1

2009-11-12T04:16:00.001-08:00

Need I say more?

Another famous Canadian Icon

2009-11-12T04:15:00.001-08:00

I've seen the big blueberry and here is our version of the big apple
snapped at a apple orchard in the Eastern Townships.

Eastern Townships of Quebec - a pretty drive

2009-11-12T04:13:00.001-08:00

Quaint wineries along the way - some with sculptures throughout their
property; images of times gone past such as these old vineyard shoes
and ice grapes waiting for a freeze gently cradled in nets.

Hauntings in Kits

2009-11-11T11:55:00.001-08:00

Always always double check your seats

2009-11-11T06:44:00.001-08:00

Travel realities

I am in the Schiphal airport sitting on my bag outside the locked door of Aviapartner - the group that handles luggage for BMI.

I have left my Roots tote bag full of all my travel stuff on the plane.

I had plenty of time to double check my seat but I never did.

That has caused me to reverse my entrance into the airport, back through security and passport control, ran all the way to the gate, frantically trying to remember landmarks.

The Red Pub door was brilliant. At least I was going in the right direction.

Adding to Portland's Weird Culture

2009-10-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

The city that likes to stay weird welcomes another player to the world of coffee.

Wille Yli-Luoma ventures off the snowboarding track for a bit of time to explore roasting coffee beans, offering mad scientist style siphon coffee, and setting up shop on Burnside. Wille has approached this project with the same focus he's given to snowboarding - attention to the smallest of details and aiming for near perfection - makes this coffee shop a very interesting addition to Portland. Check out the in-store roaster - pretty cool.

www.keepportlandweird.com
www.heartroasters.com

Zero Footprint

2009-10-29T09:35:00.001-07:00

0.7 total emissions (tonnes of CO2/flight) is what a flight from YYZ to YVR takes.
www.zerofootprint.com has more details but the info I picked out was that every flight I take releases carbon dioxide (co2) into the atmosphere and contributes to climate change. When I offset my flight (i.e. pay $11.20 for the length of this flight into a fund like Zerofootprint) I am contributing to certified environmentally friendly projects.
Basically I'm paying for my pollution is my take.

Is that a bad thing or a good thing?

I'm still a little lost on the carbon taxes, being carbon neutral and so forth but I am attempting to understand it.

All I know is that I am guilty of being a heavy user of carbons (or rather I release a lot of carbons by my actions) which is a bad thing.

Over the past 20 years I have spent so much time in airplanes that I hate to think about what I should put into a carbon bank account.

I might be able to offset it somewhat because I rarely use my car, eat lower on the food chain (that's right - the less animal products that you eat the fewer carbons are produced), volunteer for an earth-friendly group and am fairly aware of the impact my living has on the planet.

It is still a thought. Given the damage that Europeans, North Americans and now China it is time that we took some responsibility.
One thing I haven't done is have children - some might call that a selfish act - but I must say that not having children means that my carbon footprint will be much less than so many other people. Mind you I have two cats...oh the list goes on.

Who the heck is Alice?

2009-10-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Another item that I got - give Alice to a friend and they get $10 off but it has already expired as of 7/1/2010 - oh wait we are still in 2009. So let's see what www.alice.com is.

Well it is rather cool, though I think it is designed for the States (and thus I did not bother to sign up) but I did check out the blog and it is all about keeping your house organized with a sense of humour.

What I do like, from my quick 4 minute tour of it, is that they do have some green soul and aren't just pushing all the many, many products that are out there that can make you feel so guilty if you don't use them.

And this one looks very fun - find out if you should toss or keep.
stilltasty.com

Beads change colour like magic

2009-10-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

I'm such a sucker for stuff like this. It is a bracelet that I picked up at the Chicago Blogher conference that I attended in 2009 on behalf of ZESPRI Green and Gold.

This simple piece of leather with some plastic beads has some pigment that is embedded in the plastic and when used in combination with the sun's energy, or rather its ultraviolet light it changes colour. Now these beads won't change (ie lightbulbs should not affect them) unless there is UV rays (the same ones that can burn your skin and are a source of radiation).

So now I'm keen to hang onto this piece and see how quickly it changes when I'm outside i.e. on a cloudy day, a sunny one, a rainy one and so forth. And what else is cool is that I can put them under by sunglasses, expose them to sunlight and if they stay plain white then my lens are giving me protection - and if not, then the UV rays are making their way into my eyeballs.

Plus I can even slather on some sunscreen onto the beads - the more they change colour, the less protection I get and vice versa - no change in colour means lots of protection.

How cool is that? So anyhow you can check out their website at www.stevespanglerscience.com.

SOHO Fall Show Vancouver

2009-10-21T07:40:00.001-07:00

As a Road Warrior sometimes my trips take place in my hometown of Vancouver. In this case I actually got on my bike, put on the helmet and crossed the controversial Burrard Street bridge, found parking at the Fairmount Hotel and attended the SOHO fall conference (I'm not big on acronyms but it stands for Small Office / Home Office - which is what I am, I think, therefor I am?)

There are so many trade shows, conferences and associations that you can join so how do you know which ones are right for you?
I struggle with this all the time since I'm a self employed professional with strong links to several companies.

So I trotted off to this conference, paying my $10.00 (a discounted rate as Canada Post sponsored the event).
Just for a couple of hours....was it worth it?

For me yes - the presentation put on by Canada Post/Venture One on direct mail was insightful, gave me some additional resources that I will find useful and gave me some ideas that I can offer up to my clients.

I only caught the tail end of another presentation but it was on goal setting - prospecting, building value of existing customers, and closing business. It was another session I wish I had attended from the start. And while I'm not in day in/day out sales, sales are still a valuable measure of my performance in a marketplace.

There was a small trade show - the hard part sometimes is walking by a booth and wondering what the hell are they offering.

Several caught my attention (and since I'm trying to cut down on the amount of paper I pick up I'm writing this post so I won't forget about the ones I want to check out).

www.trailblazersystem.com Sounds like a decent on-line coaching/guidance program geared to entrepreneurs & self-employed professionals.

The join SOHO now regular rate $149/year now only $111.75 - www.soho.ca/offers and www.mysohoworld.com

Junior Achievement of BC Volunteer Program. I used to be a member of Junior Achievement way back when and it intrigues me that it is still being offered. The program snapshot page I picked up doesn't have a website but it does tell me it is sponsored by Odlum Brown.

Park n Fly - two complimentary days parking - you just never know when these might come in handy - but I have to be a member to get this one. (and in this case I have to keep the form and fax it to their offices - that for some reason seems a bit old-fashioned to me but I still have a fax machine that I can turn on. Fax form to 604-273-0279

SMARTT - (which actually is the company that hosts my website) had a booth so it was great to see real people. I've always been able to get through to them and while my needs are small I'm been happy with the service. Mind you I do pay $32 / month which works out to almost $400 per year. And this is where I start to get confused - how many services do I have or need? Between Smartt, blogs, squarespace, telus, rogers it does get a bit frightful. Anyhow they have a free offer www.smartt.com/freebook - the 6 week online business makeover - SEO & e-marketing for small business.

Several Canadian government agencies were represented Canadian Intellectual Property Office (an agency of Industry Canada). www.opic.ic.gc.ca oops the English one is www.cipo.ic.gc.ca - file online, search IP databases and learn about IP (patents, trademarks, copywrits, industrial designs and integrated circuit topographies - what the heck is that?)

Tin foil

2009-10-19T08:59:00.001-07:00

The tin foiled wrap package lands on the purple formica table. The steam
and fresh smell of fresh corn tortillas escapes and gently burns my fingers.

I am facing a oval plate laden with beans (which I taste but I really do
not need to toot all day tomorrow), some mushy rice which I skip as the
taste is just so-so, a mixture of grilled chicken, chunky pieces of
onion, red and green peppers that I laden onto the shells and add the
guacamole and salsa sauce.

The dish is garnished with a radish rose and a slice of orange. Stikes
me as funny as it is not something I expect in a Mexican restaurant. It
does add a note of freshness.

I did not know what else to order off this working-class menu. I don't
read Spanish and my understanding of Mexican dishes is minimal - I think
of them as being fatty, deep fried, greasy.

I did get a thirst quenching dos equis xx.

In the background the jukebox is blaring out Mexican ballads

For some reason it reminds me of Finland. Old tunes mixed with new.

The walls are decorated with bud light neon lights and other beer promo
pieces. As you walk in you have the coolers full of beer soft drinks
and water.

Overall decent value - $12 for the fajitas; $4.50 for beer; salsa and
chips for free and the only pricey item was a small bowl guacamole for
five. This is in Disneyland territory after all.

Two other travel/work websites to explore

2009-09-30T10:50:00.001-07:00

For over 30 years, the single most useful and comprehensive resource—now THE free portal—for Work Abroad, Study Abroad, Cultural Travel Overseas, and International Living.

Now that is a pretty major claim to make BUT it does look pretty intriguing. http://www.transitionsabroad.com/

http://www.whichbudget.com/en/ and this looks like another discount flight site. I tried one routing (Helsinki to London) but all I got were google maps showing the towns around the airport (which at times isn't a bad thing when you are trying to sort yourself out in a new region).

Travel tip: Record every single card in your wallet

2009-09-29T06:59:00.001-07:00

Puffins in Newfoundland

2009-09-27T19:10:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year I headed to the "Big Rock" - or rather the Island of
Newfoundland. This time I took a tour and was lucky enough to see one
of the world's largest puffin colonies, six whales that stayed near
our boat for over an hour (and I was actually thrilled to see one
shoot straight out out of the water as our boat pulled away - a photo
that will always be in my memory), and an icebery with a glorious blue
streak through one side.

Highly recommend a tour of Newfoundland.