Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Food Inc Documentary
I want to share with readers a documentary called Food Inc. Many of you may have heard about it or even seen it and now with its Oscar nomination for best Documentary Feature many more will too.
What struck me most about this documentary is its ability to give us a broad view of the food industry. Right from the beginning the viewer was given a sense of the marketing tactics designed to make us feel comfortable with the food we are consuming. Pastoral lands, sunny, happy, healthy pictures found on the wrappers and boxes of various products giving us the impression its coming from humble family owned farms. We come to understand how different that is from the reality of the food industry itself.
My limited understanding of where are food comes from was surely expanded within minutes of pressing play on the DVD player. I was plunged into the conditions of animals; chickens, pigs and cows but not with a shock agenda but just the reality. The reality that is born in part due to consumer demand but more so from, what I gathered, was a corporate take over of food production, manufacturing and distribution. The four players in the US market appear to have set the the target to become bigger, faster and care little for anyone who may come in the way of their business plan.
We are given a clear view of the treatment of people who work in the factories including illegal immigrants or farmers who by choice or coercion partner with the big corporations. It was astounding what goes on behind the scenes to which you and I are so far removed as consumers. As poorly as the animals can be treated, so to is the human being. Intimidation, muzzling, life ruining, fear mongering, callus tactics to keep people in line and money directed where it needs to go….up the corporate food chain straight to the share holders.
One man’s story, a seed cleaner Moe Parr, really pulled on my heart strings. The Monsanto Company, who now owns the patented gene in 90% of America’s soybeen seeds, went after this older man fiercely in court. Without going into any further detail, it was an eye opener into just how far these companies will go and its not pretty. Barbara Kowalcyk who lost her two year old son to E. coli, received no proper response from anyone even though a trace lead directly to the company that provided the tainted meat. All of this has prompted her and her family to become safer food system advocates.
What about what’s in our food? Wow! that was a whole other surprise. I thought I was quite well versed on my food labels but what I knew didn’t even scratch the surface. Touching on health concerns like diabetes, other illness and death associated with products we consume weekly truly put things into perspective.
Not surprisingly, none of the companies would be interviewed. Given how they respond to criticism through threats and litigation while keeping everything hidden from the public, we should have deep concerns. There were many brave people who did speak up in this documentary at great personal/financial risk. There were individuals who also gave us hope for the future such as Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms and others who provided reasons to take a trip to the organic section of our grocers. Loosening the strangle hold these companies have on many people and small business/farmers, comes through an informed buyer.
Again, this not what I call a full throttle “anti” anything film. Instead I found it to be informative. It is as balanced as it could be without corporate voices stepping out of their shadows to truly reveal themselves. It was holistic in its approach; shining a light on the food industry and the results of decisions made for us and by us. The next step upon seeing this film is changing the way food is produced, how we shop and making better choices for each meal.
I must emphasize it was well researched and did its best to give us a reason to care. Its not going to scare you completely away from food but it will give you some insight into the lack of transparency, principals and values that factor into the food industry itself.
If you are into documentary film as I am, you may want to go rent this one and see for yourself.
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Texting while driving
As my husband set out late last night to play hockey I said, ” Be careful there could be a lot of people driving home from celebrating the Olympic closing day and may be drinking and driving.” What I see more often though is those texting while driving and of course the cell phone users.
British Columbia has made it illegal to use these devices while driving, everything must be hands-free, but still you see the losers who disregard the message being sent. Using cell phones while driving is dangerous! Texting while driving is dangerous and insane!
Just the other day I saw a young woman texting while driving. Head hunched down with fingers going, she did the head bob where she looks up and down to determine what is happening on the road versus what is happening on the screen. I debated on rolling down my window and shouting at her when we were at the stop light but didn’t. Maybe I should have, I don’t know.
What I do know is, we need to take this very seriously. There is nothing being said via phone or text that is more important than human life. Too many people have died from such activity and its time to realize it must stop. Oprah Winfrey has taken this issue on with a pledge sheet the public can sign. This is the one woman in the US I feel can make a substantial difference.
People know how I feel about the proliferation of tech devices infiltrating our every moment. A previous post took a humorous look at this; I told the story of sitting on the toilet listening to a woman on her cell phone in the bathroom stall next to me at Ikea. Ridiculous! Equally annoying is people texting someone else while having a conversation in person.
How about those that stand at the store counter paying for their items while still on their phone; no recognition of the sales person/cashier…how rude! Mothers and fathers pushing the baby carriage while texting or on their phone I often said ” I wonder if when the child is listening whether they think everyone talks to themselves.” Then there is the family dog trying to go for his/her happy walk with the owner immersed in a text or phone conversation. It is sad that we have lost the ability to be in the moment and how many beautiful things one missed while walking along.
It is time, if nothing else, for us to take these things out of the cars! Full attention must be paid to the task at hand for personal and public safety, it is a no-brainer. It gets bad when you have to add cell phone operators and textors to the the other hazards such as potential drunk drivers and weather/road conditions.
Stiff penalties are needed. Right now it is $167 fine and 3 points on your driving record, I advocate for an increase in that fine and possibly other measures if you are found to have caused an accident. It has been said the 117 people die every year in BC from not paying attention while driving, hundreds more are injured. If we know somebody who still doesn’t get the message, should we let them know how we feel? I love my family and friends and I truly don’t want to ever have to lose them to an accident especially one related to texting, emailing or cell phone use. It is senseless.
Next time I will roll down that window and say my peace, I don’t have to be rude, I just have to say “if you care about yourself and others you will put that device down and just drive to your destination safely.”
Do you care about this issue and have you made the change to hands free or no devices in your car?
Men’s Hockey Gold!
A day to celebrate in Vancouver, the Men’s Canadian Hockey team just won a Gold medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics!
The Women’s team did the same thing just days ago and we couldn’t be happier for both our teams success. This has been quite the Olympics for all of our athletes winning more Gold medals than any other nation, we have broke a historical record too!
This city has been on fire since the beginning and I could not be prouder of being not only Canadian but a Vancouverite. I’m surprised by my reaction to all of this as I do know there are things about this event that hang out behind the scenes. However, to see the world enjoy our city and see all of us come together to make it a great experience for those visiting, I’m happy.
The energy has been electric, the faces of people throughout have been beaming and overall I believe it was helpful to take Canada to a new patriotic high. We have taken a page from our neighbours to the south that show us what that looks like to be patriotic and celebrated along side them. Wonderful, relationships developed and further solidified!
Canada’s Olympic Women
Yes, you know it, can’t help but sound the trumpet, bang the drum, toot the horn join everyone with a big CONGRATULATIONS! to our women athletes. Can you believe it? They are wearing more Gold, Silver and Bronze than the male competitors….13 out of 17 medals won by these sports women.
I know, I’m on the gender bandwagon, but its me. If you want something else go to a gender neutral blog post. I’m celebrating women and sports!!
At the end of the year maybe Squire Barnes (Global TV Sports) will see fit to highlight their achievements. (still peeved about his lack of female representation) Can’t get around this one, these women are cleaning up and enjoying the results of their intense training and dedication to sports.
Yesterday, I watched as our women’s hockey team took the Gold. Today, there is some griping about them celebrating with champagne and beer on the ice after the ceremonies, whatever! Joannie Rochette, a figure skater was inspiring to watch, in the face of so much personal tragedy she still managed to achieve her goal and made everyone extremely proud. The fact that she was still competing was enough for us all, to see her skate so beautifully was remarkable. Our hearts opened with compassion in learning about her mother’s passing and then sang with her achievement. Clara Hughes, she sets the bar even higher as she has won medals for cycling and speed skating in both the winter and summer Olympics. Add in a famous Jennifer moment – Jennifer Heil the freestyle skier enjoys the nations praise with her silver medal. It’s all good!
There are more women to list here but maybe at the end of it all I will compile the list of names and raise a toast to womankind. Why?….because we in North America have been accepted into the sports world (though there is room for improvement, I’ll leave out referencing battles here) but there are women in many other countries that are still struggling to get started. Funding/support for women sports in many parts of Europe still lags behind and imagine what it is like for other less developed countries. Interest abounds but support does not. By seeing what women can do, it may open the doors for the younger generation to pursue their dreams of enjoying a sport, representing their team or even standing on an Olympic podium.
These women serve as inspiration, role models and hope. They are clearly worth the investment. I’m happy for all the world athletes male and female but as always get myself just a little higher when I see women breaking records and exceeding expectations. For all the women athletes well in our past; that risked all, put up with countless stupid comments, were segregated and sometimes humiliated, pursued the dream and designed the team…Vancouver’s 2010 Olympics shows your efforts to open the door was worth it!
Babe Didrikson Zaharius was my role model when I was growing up. I saw one film about her and never forgot her name. She inspired me to run and for many years I enjoyed long distance running and many other sports. Check out the following to learn more about this great Olympian.
Flat Abs at the checkout
Lose 100 pounds of stress fat, Body after Baby, How she lost the weight after pregnancy, Curb your cravings, Flat Sexy Abs, Your hormones your weight…shall I go on or are you already sucking in the stomach muscles and gearing up for the gym.
The minute you stand in a checkout the eye can’t help but scan the magazine covers. If not reading the latest headline about Brad and Angelina or the sex lives of the chronically relationship disabled, we are most likely catching a glimpse of what the body could look like if we did……something.
Wading in the sea of bikini wearing, air brushed stars and models I couldn’t help but laugh inside about the irony of loading our carts with food only to get a dose of why not to have bought most of it in the first place. Maybe the trick is to use the time wisely as you enter the aisles of doom.
I have some ideas for the next visit on how we can go from passive shopper to workout wonder!
1. After properly sanitizing the handle on your cart (yuk!) grip it hard and release, grip hard and release, repeat… do at least 3 reps of ten.
2. In the vegetable section, with bag in hand, lunge toward the back of the fruit and vegetable sections with a strong reach. Lift back leg slightly off the floor and reach forward. Not only will you get a stretch into the leg and arms but the freshest fruits and vegetables are placed at the back anyway.
3. Squat down, tighten that butt as you reach to the lower shelf for that can of green beans. Just doing a quick bend over doesn’t cut it, feel those buns contract and release as you squat for each item.
4. If your laundry soap comes in a plastic container with a handle, do three quick bicep curls per arm.
5. This is more of resistance training….avoid the cake aisle. Realize the happy wishes and icing colours are just trying to draw you in, resist I say. Take that opportunity to tighten the abs and release, tighten, release.
It is important to realize that all those supposedly happy, weightless, tanned, perky breasted, wrinkle free, washboard abs, buns of steel, yummy mommies and models are not much different than the rest of us. Except, they have a good plastic surgeon, an overpaid physical trainer, in house chef or the finances to buy better, magnified body image pressure, good technology to air brush the flaws and enhance the appeal, the best hair, expensive makeup to cover everything, regular spa treatments and a wardrobe stylist so they don’t have to think about what to wear. Other than all of that they are just like the rest of us.
Maybe it would be fun to explore what it would be like if magazines were covering men:
Lose that beer gut, From couch bum to tight buns, Exercise your way back into that Speedo (OK, bad visual), Minding your midlife spread, Burn off those sympathy pregnancy pounds, Lose your remote control lose weight, How to perk up your pecs. —– Of course each magazine would have the tanned twenty something year old guy on the cover.
I’m not mocking being healthy that is good, but it is even better to be a great human being. So, here are the tags for my mock magazine:
You don’t need flat abs to accomplish your goals
Size only matters if you let it
Fake anything is just that, “fake” – finding your authentic self
The minute your born you’re dying – fighting age is a waste of energy
Live life in the temple you were given.
So, next time we all walk into that store, cruise the aisles and get spit out at the other end for a walk down body image lane; take a deep breath and know you don’t have to buy what their selling.
Standards for the News
Privately, I have received questions about my trashed post…” What was it?” or “Why did I do that?” I explained about the coverage of the death of the Georgian Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili and how I felt anger towards the station(s) that aired the images of his crash. My post was reflective of that and was originally titled Shame on CTV.
I had spoke with CTV back East and in Vancouver, expressing my disgust right after it was aired. I was informed by one station that due to an overwhelming amount of calls and emails from the public it was going to be removed, but it continued. The Vancouver CTV station apparently still felt it was “news worthy.” They don’t want to censor their news.
I had thought about it so much, I felt that by venting the way I did on my post I would be forever reminded of the image. What I have learned is that taking away my own post was not going to help me process my feelings nor protect anyone from remembering the sadness of the event. From people I trust very much I received the message loud and clear… I don’t need to shield anyone, including myself, from what I feel. It was my authentic voice.
So, this is what I want to say as the talk lingers about the tragic loss of life on opening day, the lack of compassion and forethought shown by the media and the subsequent arguments brewing on the safety of the track itself.
On such a beautiful day where millions of people tuned in to celebrate the Olympics; to see people they know or admire, to be apart of history in the making whether near or far, to commit into memory or be there in person we relied on the media to make a choice as to what was important for the public to see. That day they made a bad choice!
There has to be standards, some respect and common sense applied to the news and indeed the media at large when covering what is clearly a horrific accident. It did not take me a second to realize this poor young man was dead or at the very least severely injured. It did not happen in front of our eyes so that the cameras could not cut away fast enough, they had time to assess its “worthiness.” In the end, there was no need to share it with the world in the way they did.
What is the public right to know? How far does the media need to take a story in order for us to be properly informed? At what point do we say, “enough!” This doesn’t fall under the statement “if you don’t like it change the channel,” I wasn’t given that opportunity. This wasn’t some stupid TV show or movie where we see hundreds of images of fake death every half hour, this was real. Maybe, that is it. Maybe because we so much fake death, the news team thinks we are so desensitized, we can handle the real thing. Well, I’m not.
I have seen death up close and its not pretty. I make an effort to shield myself from over-exposure to such imagery because I don’t want to have file after file in my head of such dark human experiences…real or imagined. The news media needs to police itself better and truly answer “what is the justification?”
Find a better way to break a story rather than relying on shock value. In fact, value the viewers more, the family of that young man and protect any integrity left of the station itself. Some things do need to be censored, we don’t need to see everything all of the time. There are things in life that are far too disturbing and hurtful which serve no purpose when they are shown to an unsuspecting audience. The media has to recognize this fact and act accordingly.
Now, as they open up whether the track itself was designed poorly, we are sure to see a media frenzy of speculation and blame. We lose site of the loss of life, the viewers are deflected to another drama and therefore maybe there is some thought that we will forget their role in exploiting this tragedy.
I thank those who made me realize that I can’t escape just by deleting a post, I was upset about the coverage, I felt terrible for the family and I felt frustrated upon calling the stations. It was great to hear so many viewers were equally disgusted and that gives me great hope. Taking the time to make our feelings known is the only way to ensure this happens, shall I say, less frequently as I know that our culture may not allow for the shock and horror news to truly bite the dust. I ask that we all hold the stations accountable, we are not unfeeling viewers. For CTV viewers Vancouver, contact 604.608.2868.
Trashed post – Opened mind
For the first time in my blog history I have just got up and out of my bed to remove my own last post. I was very upset by the CTV’s (one of our local television stations) decision to air the crash and death of the luger from Georgia, on this celebratory Olympic day. Like many people who saw it, I was terribly hurt.
It took me some time after writing to realize why…..I don’t like the dark.
Sometimes in this world it is hard to keep your light burning. Dark colours, dark movies, dark comedy, dark clothing, dark news, dark shows, dark books and dark thoughts. People talk with me about protecting yourself from darkness by envisioning being surrounded by light but it is exhausting to do. I am highly in tune with my surroundings and therefore it takes a lot to shut out the noise.
It appears that there are tests for me to see how well I can keep focused on what I believe is my path. Today was that day, I failed. I gave my energy away and left nothing to nurture myself. Many of you may relate to this. It is my sincere hope that the coming months will be wrapped in a warm blanket of more love, more light, more laughter and more nature.
As I have gotten older I feel an even greater urge to run my hands over beautiful things, even the colours I’m attracted to have changed. Splashes of vibrant colours is something I crave, I took to orange some time ago and even my little Suzuki Swift is burnt orange. I rest my eyes more frequently on art, nature, words or music that washes me with a sense of serenity. Buying flowers gives me immense pleasure, I would have my home full of them if I could afford it.
I watch the birds fly in and out at my bird feeders and I talk to them as I go in and out my door. A squirrel or two has entered my garden everyday, along with raccoons to have me pause in my evening to remember I share this land. Most of what goes through my mind in one day is kept quietly locked up in this secret vault, it is my toy chest. When I have a day like today where dark people and dark things set to enter I go back and open “my” mind. I go to my soulful place where all that is good about living is safely stored and ready to remind me of my purpose.
Out my bed I rose to write this for me and for you. Its personal but hopefully it will encourage anyone who may read this, to find the things that make you, you and what makes you happiest. Time in a day is better spent in the light and then have the quietness of night to reflect on the magic of it all. Here’s to the people, places, creatures and things that bring light into this world!
2010 Olympic Torch Relay
As I write this post the Olympic torch is making its way through my city. Today Canadians and indeed the world will celebrate the opening of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This is the longest domestic torch relay in Olympic history, 45,000 kilometres in total.
There are teams of people behind the scenes making this happen. Police officers and security, Doctors, drivers of the Vancouver 2010 buses, event organizers at each stop and so many others who lent their expertise to make it a successful run across the country. It also was shared briefly with our neighbours to the south, as it crossed the Peace Arch border into Blaine Washington.
There have been many notable people who had the unique opportunity to run with the flame Michael Buble, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sarah McLachlan, Jann Arden, Sydney Crosby, Steve Nash and more. Famous or not the joy on the faces of participants was magnificient to see.
This city has been under construction for a very long time, though some people complained about how much money was spent, there is no doubt there is benefits in the venues and infrastructure created. There are always going to be protest and there was another today, it happened in the poorest neighbourhood. It was ironic that one of the persons carrying the torch was a long time resident and contributor to the neighbourhood itself. It was noted by the President of the Downtown Eastside community that most, if not all, the protesters don’t even live in their community. The Veterens waiting a short distance away in full uniform and band playing were concerned they would not get to see the torch pass by. A minor re-routing and it was off and running again.
At 6pm PST the ceremony begins and regardless of where you stand on the issue of the Olympics it brings many people from around the globe together in a way nothing else does. I can’t pretend I don’t have concerns about certain aspects of the Olympics, IOC, some related humanitarian issues and the hidden costs. However, this is great country and a fabulous city and it welcomes people from all over the world yearly. I hope what people take away from their experience here is how beautiful this place is.
Oh, and while were at it we can get rid of the misinformation, we don’t live in igloos, we don’t all speak French, and we don’t all use the word “eh!”
The West Coast rocks! Check out this song called “I Believe”
Jane Goodall: Reason for Hope
Last Friday night I dimmed the lights, grabbed my blanket and settled into to an hour with Jane Goodall. The DVD is called Reason for Hope A Spiritual Journey, narrated by Harrison Ford it allows us to see this woman beyond her career.
For those who may have been living on another planet and don’t know who Jane Goodall is, she is a primatologist who dedicated her life to improving our understanding of apes and chimpanzees. The significance of her research and findings are too numerous to mention, but we now know how close we really are. Especially as it pertains to communication, behaviours and establishment of family connections. Shockingly, we saw through her video documentation, that dominance and anger can result in extreme acts of violence not previously thought to exist in their communities but certainly well documented in human evolution. This served in some ways to frame the context of hope. In observing chimps and apes making tools, hunting and caring for their family, the world was brought to a whole new understanding of these magnificent animals.
This PBS video followed her in Tanzania, Paris, San Francisco and England. Jane lives out of her small suitcase these days as she has made it her mission to bring the message of conservation to the masses. With the fast and furious devastation of forests normally inhabited by the apes, chimpanzees and many other creatures and insects, Jane’s priority switched from research to spokeswoman for protection. Her hope, to spark the passion of the next generation to see the value, take on the responsibility and be stewards of our precious lands and animals.
This glimpse of her life went beyond just following her around and listening to a recounting of life and experiences, it was a transformational video for me. We were invited to see this woman in her world, uninhibited, completely open, speaking about beliefs and going beyond the science she has dedicated her life too. She exposed herself so that we could see her spiritual side and connection to Gombe in Tanzania. In one poignant piece in the documentary Jane shares a profound moment in her past, a moment of pure clarity when nothing else existed; she was one with her surroundings in a way few will ever experience. Jane’s exploration of the human condition and the need to remain hopeful in a world that often wants to teach us otherwise is not only fascinating but inspiring. I came away cleansed.
In an upcoming post I will explain further what happened after the show had ended and what I learned about myself. I encourage everyone who is reading this to watch the DVD. You will have an opportunity to travel to places you have never seen before, hear the words of one of the greatest women of our time and come away possibly with a starting point for your own spiritual journey.
Jane Goodall: A Reason for Hope DVD
(If you buy from PBS you are also helping support Public Broadcasting which makes this even more special)
Candice Olson Divine Designer
While I’m blogging I am keeping one eye on the TV, Divine Design is on. Two episodes in a row and even if they are repeats I still watch it. My confession, she is my favourite interior designer! Candice has such a great sense of humour and a wonderful team of professionals that work along side her. It is a feel good show with no fake drama, as is often the case in other HGTV and W Network design shows.
I have followed her show since the beginning and have yet to see one room that I could not live with. Speaking of living…I think I will have to move to Toronto just so I increase my chances of having Candice work her magic on my home. It is unfortunate reality that this may never be the case but still there is always the weekly ability to share in the joy of a beautiful home renovation through other lucky participants.
For me it is how well she combines so many elements to a room that one may not think of pairing. Crystal with wood, multiple fabrics that add texture, paint and wallpaper complimenting the space and accessories that look like they were made specially for that home. The decor mirrors what the home truly needs. I love that she respects many of the traditional or period features but still blends modern needs and touches. Lighting is one of the strongest elements in her rooms and that is what we learn is an important feature to invest in.
This is one stylish woman, she has impeccable taste in clothing too. I don’t know where she shops but the fact that she is considerably taller would not deter me from spending the day rifling through her wardrobe. Even when she was pregnant she dressed with style and class. I admire her energy and find myself smiling at the TV, smiles like laughter can be infectious.
To see the joy her rooms bring to the homeowners is well worth the 1/2 hour spent watching the tube. It is really like winning the lottery and it appears that those who are lucky to be on the show really understand the magnitude of their good fortune.
If there is ever a time when she decides to take her show on the road and come out to the west coast, I’m making my self known! I will be on a campaign trail like no other. In my area there are always million dollar lottery homes being built for hospital charities. Besides the wonderful benefits of raising money, they are beautiful in many ways and have attracted designers such as Sarah Richardson to add their expertise. Still, I have never walked in and said “It is magnificent and I wouldn’t change a thing.” With Candice Olson I know I would say just that and more.
My career counselling self always marvels at how some individuals are the true representation of passion for their craft. She can’t pull off what she does without truly loving her job and the people that surround her. It makes me happy to see success come to those that deserve it, not only because they worked hard but also because they positively impact other people. Candice Olson does that for the homeowners and the viewers, a great show that I hope lives on many more years into the future.
Don’t be surprised if I revisit this, there has got to be a way to get her out of Toronto!
Here is a great video that speaks to not only her talent but exactly the type of person she is, a warm, caring, exceptional person.
