brace for coldest winter in years

It's cold and snowy today. They've extended our yard waste pickup to Dec 12th this year as the snow came suddenly before all the leaves had fallen off the trees.

I was back on the treadmill at the gym this morning and caught up with a bit of TV while I was there. I watched this foodtv show called 'French food at home'. The lady was making savoury French tarts such as a rustic spinach tart, a carmelized endive tart, and a fennel and blue cheese quiche. She also made a tomato tart with mustard that looked like pizza but apparently tastes nothing like it. It helped take some of the mystery out of these dishes. At least now I know how to cut an endive and a fennel!

I heard on the news there was a fire on Main St. where I walk all the time. A 100 year old pub was destroyed.

I went to the liquor store and got a bottle of ice cider from Quebec as a gift for a friend, something different, I hope. Wonder what it tastes like? I saw it in a magazine. I also bought a gift card there for one of K's teachers.

It seems the lawn companies can no longer spray the grass with pesticides starting next year. So they are offering a 'hand pulling' service as the non pesticide sprays don't work well. Should be interesting to see how this pans out.

Well, time to haul the xmas decorations out of the basement!

News

Landmark heart study expands to genetics
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071130/heartstudy_genetics_071130/20071130?hub=Health

Cholesterol tied to heart disease but not stroke
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071130/cholesterol_071130/20071130?hub=TopStories

Warning to brace for coldest winter in years
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071130/cold_winter_071130/20071130?hub=TopStories

Man discovers lost bracelet 25 years later - inside a chicken
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_17246.aspx

Neither snow nor sleet nor death stops this mail
http://www.thestar.com/article/281278b

Online breast cancer test could save your life
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_17234.aspx

Duke scientists map 'silenced' genes
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071130/silenced_genes_071130/20071130?hub=SciTech

Man dies after cell phone explodes

Went to the gym today and did an exercise class, it's really windy outside. I was admiring this lady's gold bracelet and this other lady mentioned that the best place to buy pure gold is in Dubai (middle east). The sale of gold is well-regulated there. I'll have to keep that in mind. (smile)

I picked up a few groceries. I found a no-fat egg nog which tastes ok considering. And who doesn't love egg nog? Then I bought a couple of gifts.

Did a bit of house cleaning today, Thursdays seem to be my day for that. Then I made a pork pot roast for dinner, seems to have turned out pretty good.

L was very moved by a 'Free the Children' presentation today at her school.
http://www.freethechildren.org/aboutus/index.html

K is intrigued by the special 'Holiday' rice krispie squares, one of which he got from school. It has red and green rice krispies mixed in.



News

Man dies after his cell phone explodes
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_17210.aspx

Lottery winner's past could affect his million dollar jackpot future
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_17208.aspx

What you don't know about cholesterol can hurt you
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_17200.aspx

Cell phone toilet finding service launched
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071129/cell_toilets_071129/20071129?hub=SciTech

Sticky molecule may hold key to nerve disorders
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071129/sc_nm/nerves_molecules_dc_2

Night shift cancer link gaining acceptance
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071129/night_cancer_071129/20071129?hub=Health

Toy recall list

I don't know where the day goes...it just seems to fly by every day. We got our first Christmas card today.

My aerobics instructor turns 30 tomorrow. She's not looking forward to it and she's usually quite enthusiastic. I have trouble remembering that long ago! I suppose it is a landmark age.

News

Recalls aimed at children posted by Health Canada
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071128/recall_list_071128/20071128?hub=Health

Latest robots laugh, cry and solve rubik's cube
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071128/japan_robots_071128/20071128?hub=SciTech

Homework survey finds most students struggle to complete tasks - hmmm...
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_17160.aspx

Miracle healer at your fingertips

I had a healthy lunch today. L recently got the idea to make her own pizza from whole wheat pita bread. So I got some part skim shredded cheese, pizza sauce, sliced up some vegetables (onions, tomato, green pepper) and made my own vegetarian pizza. It was delicious and filling. We make sure to cut the pita in half, and that makes 2 servings with just the right amount of carbs for a meal. The great thing is that everyone can put whatever they want on theirs and it's as quick as making a sandwich.

News

Miracle healer at your fingertips
http://www.thestar.com/article/279986

City women at greater risk for breast cancer

If you caught 'The Amazing Race' episode last night, they were in Africa. I was impressed with the 'Goth' couple. I cried with the girl when she said something to the effect that, she's playing the game, but she's not blind to the poverty around her, the fact that all those smiling friendly people have so little. I laughed at their 'dance challenge', they were so creative and funny, real free spirits.

News

City women at greater risk for breast cancer
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071126/breast_density_071126/20071126?hub=Health

Too little milk, exercise, sunshine hurting kids
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071126/rickets_kids_071126/20071126?hub=Health

One in three Toronto families live in poverty
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20071126/poverty_report_071126/20071126?hub=TorontoHome

Don't think too much about big decisions
http://www.newsweek.com/id/71514/page/1

Men are magnets for fictional 'chick flicks'
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071126/chick_flicks_071125/20071126?hub=Entertainment

Prolific pandas

I just heard Walmart will open here 24 hours starting Dec 1 for the xmas season...wow.

L is having 4 classmates over this afternoon to work on a project. We're the only ones with a minivan which they need to do some filming, so we're it. Kids this age almost need their own apartment. She saw a great movie last night with her friends 'August Rush', they loved it.

K was able to enjoy the snow with his friend yesterday morning, they did some tobogganing and general horsing around in the snow which is what they love to do at that age. I just noticed that K likes pop music CDs more than ever (and videos as always). For awhile it was mostly just video games and remote control cars. This weekend he is studying basketball rules for a gym test. I learned something about the finer points of the game as I am in no way a sports fan.

I seem to have caught back to back colds (with cough). Or maybe I relapsed. Now the kids are sneezing. Just what we need.

My sister got this recipe from a recipe exchange, I've been meaning to try it as it sounds simple:

'This is a recipe for a scone-type bun and the name reflects its craggy appearance. Rock buns are the first thing one learns at school cookery classes in Britain - well at least in my mother's and my school days.

8 oz All purpose flour with pinch of salt & 2 teaspns. baking powder.
4 oz Butter
4 oz Sugar
4 oz mixed dried fruit such as raisins, sultanas, currants
Grated zest of half a lemon
1 egg mixed with a little milk

Rub the butter into the flour.
Stir in the sugar, zest and dried fruit.
Using a fork, stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture until it just knits together.
Using 2 forks, place little heaps onto greased baking trays (approx. 12)
Bake at 400 f . for 15-20 minutes.
Cool on a wire rack

The perfect thing to have with your afternoon cup of tea.'


News

Prolific pandas
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071123/ap_on_re_us/panda_super_couple

The best MP3 phones on the market
http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/57/music-anytime-anyplace-mp3-phones

Healthy holiday snacks
http://www.ediets.com/news/article.cfm/2/cmi_2430445/cid_1/code_30174

Simple fun with simple toys

Picked K up from a sleepover today and took him for a really necessary haircut. The hairdresser sold us some expensive shampoo based on the fact that we both have dry hair. L went to tennis with her dad, then to a birthday party. The kids have their piano lessons tonight. I'm planning to start on my thirty plus xmas cards this weekend, we'll see. E-cards are environmentally friendly, but I guess I'm being old-fashioned.

News

Simple fun with simple toys
http://www.thestar.com/article/278256

Top 10 fashion gifts for women

I've been serenading myself in the car with the Il Divo Christmas CD and keeping myself happy.
Here's a clip of one of my favourite songs that they do...



News

Top 10 fashion gifts for women - this looks like a good list
http://shopping.yahoo.com/b:Top%2010%20Fashion%20Gifts%20for%20Women:784712900

Green Christmas- your holiday can be environmentally friendly
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_17036.aspx

Active mothers raise active children
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071123/exercise_071123/20071123?hub=TopStories

Toronto area amnesiac helps neuroscientists
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071123/memory_loss_071123/20071123?hub=Health

Snow Day

It's a snow day today. L's school is closed, so we're keeping K home as well. Have to get the winter boots out.

I went for a walk this evening in the snow. It was quite nice, felt like Christmas. It's strange though, it became winter virtually overnight. Now here we are in boots, scarves and mittens and shovelling snow off the driveway.

Happy Thanksgiving to the U.S. folks! Apparently they had balmy weather in New York.

News

Being grateful brings emotional, physical benefits
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/502167.html

Cross border shopping for a car seat illegal
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071121/car_seats_071121/20071121?hub=Health

Painting found in trash sells for more than 1 million
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16959.aspx

Pedometers may encourage weight loss

It rained all day today and we might have a big snowstorm tomorrow. Spent a good part of the day at a Parent's lunch fundraiser for K's school. I bought some Bravery Heart jewellery to support Sick Kids hospital. Bravery bead programs are available for children with life threatening illnesses. Children collect a different bead for each procedure they have while visiting the hospital. The beads they collect represent the child's personal journey throughout their treatment and rewards them for their bravery. www.braveryhearts.com Not to mention the jewellery is really cute. I got myself a necklace that attaches with magnets, so neat.

I do think we have to get a pedometer, see article below.

Well, back to the daily routine, what's left of it. Couldn't miss my blog entry!

News

Researchers find mirror fools phantom limb pain
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071121/sc_nm/pain_phantom_dc_1

Babies may make social judgements
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071121/ap_on_re_us/infant_judging_1

Pedometers may encourage weight loss
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071121/weight_loss_071121/20071121?hub=Health

'Green' product claims

Did a bit of Christmas shopping today, actually got 3 gifts, yay! Went for a walk in the afternoon, it was pretty mild out. Saw lots of people raking leaves. This lady was lamenting how she doesn't even have any trees and she still has to rake so much. You can't even see the grass for the leaves on some yards. The last yard waste pickup is next week. It may snow by the end of the week, not great for driving around.

News

Beware of 'green' product claims
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16918.aspx

Tokyo eateries rated world's best
http://www.thestar.com/article/278060

First wireless memory card for digital cameras

News


First wireless memory card for digital cameras
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/raskin/14652

Lighting up could help you quit smoking
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16768.aspx

Heart disease kills more U.S. women under 45
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071120/Heart_disease_071120/20071120?hub=Health

Weird sorcerer story

I bought a 'grapple' at the grocery store today. That would be a grape-flavoured apple. It looks like an apple and has a kind of grape flavour. I also got some Dole sparker drinks, cranberry-raspberry flavour. It's quite good and only 70 calories, but it does have some aspartame. We had tried it at my friend's on Saturday.

News
Egg in underpants - weird sorcerer story
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16879.aspx

Operation Red Nose comes to parts of Toronto for Holiday
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16896.aspx

Flickr to map the world's latest photo hotspots
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071119/tc_nm/yahoo_flickr_places2_dc_1

Thyroid cancers way up
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071119/cancer_rates_071119/20071119?hub=TopStories

Brain differences detected in migraines
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071119/sc_nm/migraine_brain_dc_1

Noah's ark flood spurred European farming

We went to a friend's house for dinner last night, she made a great lasagna and lots of vegetables which I love. They had been to a family wedding in Bermuda this summer and groups of them rented these 1 to 5 million dollar homes by the coast to stay in for the week of festivities. So it cost between 3 and 7 thousand dollars in rent split between 3 or so families per house. Apparently hotels are more expensive. Maybe we can stop there sometime on one of those cruise ships.

L got a great new Babolat tennis racket, so she's really happy (now she has more control of the ball). M and K went downtown to the Raptor's basketball game. There's a lot going on today, with the Santa Clause parade and an Argonaut football game. They took the subway.

I'm reading about food chains and the carbon cycle in K's Science book. He didn't do so well on the last Science test, so I'm trying to force some help on him. It's interesting stuff. The Priestley experiment, conducted 200 years ago demonstrated how dependent plants and animals are on each other. He had 3 glass jars. He put a mouse in one, a plant in one, and a mouse and a plant in another one. Well, the mouse alone died. But the mouse and plant survived together. Plants provide oxygen and sugars, animals provide carbon dioxide and water. That sort of stuff.

I just figured out roughly how many stamps I need to get to mail my Xmas cards.


News

Noah's ark flood spurred European farming
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071118/sc_nm/farming_flood_dc_1

Bed bugs a creeping fear for residents, landlords
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071115/bedbug_spread_071117/20071117?hub=TorontoHome

Bloor St. condo breaks record for priciest unit sold
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20071117/record_condo_071117/20071117?hub=TorontoHome

Tallest condo in Canada coming to downtown T.O.
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16840.aspx

Amazon to unveil e-book reader
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071116/tc_nm/amazon_ebook_dc_3

Union Villa Open House

Quite a nice day today. M and I went to the Union Villa open house (long term care facility) and xmas bazaar this morning. M bought some cookies and I got a little necklace. Lovely place. We had a tour of the long term care facility. It's good to know what's available in the community. We got free beverage coupons for doing the tour, I guess.

News

Thieving monkeys out of control in northeast India
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071117/od_afp/indiawildlifeanimalmonkeysoffbeat_071117080843

Family stress may affect when girls hit puberty
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071116/early_puberty_071115/20071116?hub=Health

Van Halen

This is where we were last night, it made the local news. We saw Van Halen. It was LOUD. Van Halen's son Wolfgang (with Valerie Bertinelli) is now a guitarist in the band. David Lee Roth is back.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071116/rim_concert_071116/20071116?hub=Entertainment

K started taking synthroid (low dose .025mg) today for his hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid which can slow your metabolism). The doctor feels he should take it until he's about 18 yrs old, ie, through puberty to be on the safe side, although his condition is mild. It seems that it's quite a common condition. So he is to watch for symptoms such as sleeplessness, headaches, heart racing...which would mean the medication needs adjustment.

I went to the Markham Country Decorating Show today, (the first day of wearing winter coats, actually). I bought some nice banana walnut bread, little assorted Mennonite cookies, and some bead scarves for gifts. They are made of several rows of long colourful strings of tiny beads (imported from India the guy said), that you can wear like scarves around your neck for a decorative effect, or even as a waist belt accessory. I also got one for L just in case. Something different.

M and I met with L's guidance teacher this morning, a lovely person. L's been doing some good career counselling work with her, you really can never start that stuff too early.

More News

Regifting becoming more acceptable
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16817.aspx

Real estate in Florida is tanking so why aren't Canadians buying?
http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/277054

Simple grain (chia or salba) offers health benefits to diabetics
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071115/salba_071115/20071115?hub=Health

Santas warned 'ho ho ho' offensive to women

Feeling tired today. Decided to skip exercise class this morning as there's a lot going on today. I also seemed to be running a lot of errands yesterday. The town is gradually replacing water meters in people's houses, so they are coming to our house this morning. I have a doctor appointment after that to renew my blood pressure medication. Tonight we're going downtown to a rock concert. A friend's company is sponsoring the event complete with earphones. Last year it was Aerosmith, but it's always a surprise every year. We have access to a VIP suite which is sweet in itself. All this stuff is fine, but the daily routine suffers (cooking, cleaning, chores, exercise). Ok, so I'm no fun and I don't enjoy getting tired.

The kids' piano teacher's husband smashed one of his toes recently. He brushed past a fire extinguisher at work and it fell on his foot. Must've been really painful. I guess you wouldn't want to sue your own company?

News

Tropical fish can live for months out of water
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071114/sc_nm/belize_fish_dc_1

Santas warned 'ho ho ho' offensive to women
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071115/wl_asia_afp/lifestyleaustraliachristmasoffbeat

Subaru Impreza first small car to make top safety list
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071115/safe_car_071115/20071115?hub=TopStories

Stair signs get shoppers to skip escalators
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071115/staircase_signs_071115/20071115?hub=Health

Left brain picks desired sounds from cacophony
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071115/sc_nm/brain_noise_dc_3

1 Bloor St. goes on sale

News

Condomania hits as 1 Bloor St. goes on sale (This is the centre of Toronto)
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20071113/Condo_mania_071113/20071113?hub=TorontoHome

Foods that can lower your cholesterol
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16705.aspx

More than one third of Canadians rely on food banks
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16578.aspx

Small planets forming in the Pleiades: Astronomers
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071114/sc_nm/space_planets_dc_1

Unknown health impact of nanotechnology
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071114/sc_nm/nano_dc_1

Older women victims of bias in Canadian ICUs
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071114/hospital_gender_071114/20071114?hub=TopStories

Holiday gift card advice

Gorgeous day today, glad I went for a walk and even had a coke froster drink! The new piano tuner came and seemed very professional. Getting all my gift ideas sorted out in my head. There's an article below that says the only gift cards that get used for sure are the gas and grocery ones. A friend is actually doing her up her Xmas cards this week. We're starting to get a few invitations for the coming weeks. I'll be happy just to shake off this cold and cough I picked up.

News

Many Europeans choose internet over TV
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071113/internet_use_071113/20071113?hub=SciTech

Holiday gift card advice
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16700.aspx

Google money story
http://www.thestar.com/article/275914

Beta carotene protects memory
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071112/hl_nm/alzheimers_diet_dc_1

Canadians snapping up American real estate while dollar stays strong
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16689.aspx

Prehistoric women had a passion for fashion

Remembrance Day holiday today. K had a dental checkup and L went for a haircut after about 10 weeks.

I joined del.icio.us and actually started using it to add my favourite blogs, etc. So, instead of adding them on your browser (like in 'Favorites') you add them to del.icio.us and then you can see your favourites from any computer. Instead of filing them in folders, you save them with category tags. Neat.

News

Prehistoric women had a passion for fashion
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071112/sc_nm/archaeology_balkans_dc_1

Omega-3s, fruit, veggies, lower risk of dementia
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071112/omega_memory_071112/20071112?hub=TopStories

Chocolate began as a beer-like brew 3,100 years ago
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071112/sc_nm/chocolate_beer_dc_2

Fighting fat and climate change
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071111/ap_on_sc/global_warming_diet_1

Remembrance Day facts and symbols

Made my monthly visit to church today. It's getting busy. The middle-aged choir was amazing, I even saw the priest tapping his feet. This is a catholic church so usually it's not like that, could be they have a new choir director. A man made a touching speech in a request for donations to the Shepherd's Trust, a trust fund being started up for the priests' retirement. I did cry when the choir finished up the speech singing 'All that I am', referring to the personal sacrifices the priests make for us. This little girl sat quietly in the pews reading a book page by page all through mass. Her dad told me she was 7 years old. I can tell she has a bright future.

L needs new jeans, so we're going to the mall. Hopefully it's not too crowded, it's that time of year.

I found this video on www.simplythrifty.com, called 'Do you love to save your money'. It's hilarious.




News

Remembrance Day facts and symbols
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16645.aspx

Online game nets billionth grain of rice donation (Freerice.com)
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071109/free_rice_071109/20071111?hub=TopStories

Got pain? Exercise it away
http://health.yahoo.com/pain-management-2007/levy/86/got-pain-exercise-it-away/

World's most expensive audio system

Picked K up from a sleepover then took a 10 minute walk to the church xmas craft sale. Lots of people were buying the beautiful gift baskets. I just bought a little trinket to support one of the foreign missions. I noticed some delicious looking homemade jams, spice mixes and baked goods. L's off to her tennis lesson, K and I are off to the food bank for a couple of hours to do some volunteer work. I think I caught a cold at one of my recent trips to the kids' doctor, always little kids coughing in there, cute as they are! M's been having some shoulder pain which I think is arthritis. He had an ECG at a routine checkup a few days ago which came back normal, so it's likely not his heart. Interesting that the pain seems to have cleared up on a gorgeous, sunny, dry day like today.

News

World's most expensive audio system costs over $157,000
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16597.aspx

Mix up your workout routine
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/gabbyguide/5393/mix-up-your-workout-routine/

Breakfast Television misses out on Twister record at Rogers Centre
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16610.aspx

Minimalist toys offer safer alternative
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071108/minimalist_toys_071108/20071110?hub=TopStories

Diwali

L's friend invited her to celebrate Diwali with her. They even plan to do fireworks. This is like Christmas for Hindu Indian people and there is a good write up in today's paper about it
http://www.thestar.com/article/275045

News

Fossil DNA could be key to aids vaccine
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071109/dna_vaccine_071109/20071109?hub=Health

NY girl of my dreams - an odd story
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16592.aspx

Emotional eaters most prone to regaining weight
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071109/emotional_eaters_071109/20071109?hub=TopStories#commentSection

Looks like H&M is the place to shop

I noticed our newspaper is being delivered right in front of our door these past few mornings. In the summer there have been times I found it way out in the driveway. Could it be that Christmas (and a tip) is coming?

Big accomplishment for me today, I put air in my own car tire! It's a good feeling.

K goes to the doctor today to check on his thyroid condition, to see if he needs medication. I notice he's still working on the Halloween candy every night.

At the No Frills grocery store today, they had cauliflower on special for 99 cents. A senior lady beside me said 'Can you imagine if you were a farmer and spent so much time growing these, only to have them sold for this price? I've grown these in my garden and they are tough to grow'. All I could say was 'Well, let's buy some then!'. I did buy some carnation evaporated skim milk to try making my own 'Hong Kong Style tea', as I always buy a cup when I'm at that store and the lady had mentioned what kind of milk they use. She likely doesn't use the skim milk version.


News

Crowds flock to buy Roberto Cavalli line at H&M
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071108/cavalli_handm_071108/20071108?hub=Entertainment

Statscan finds Exports to China growing
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071108/china_exports_071108/20071108?hub=Canada

Photobucket advances tagging concept
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071108/ap_on_hi_te/techbit_photobucket_tags_3

Boy's 'privy prop' keeps lid on
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071106/ap_on_fe_st/odd_privy_prop

Long lasting immunity found for some vaccines
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071108/sc_nm/vaccines_lifetime_dc_2

Australian scientists decode whale sounds
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071108/sc_nm/australia_whales_dc_1

Financial Independence

Winter weather today, frost overnight, black ice caused accidents. It's a cold one. I heard Christmas music playing at the mall this morning. Hoping not to buy too much junk this year and steer towards more meaningful gifts. That usually means more expensive. We'll see.

I just found this link to non-clutter gift ideas
http://www.jdorganizer.com/GiftsNotClutter.html

News

The dollar (U.S.) is slip slidin' away (a story of financial independence)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/fool/20071107/bs_fool_fool/119445302812

Loonie (Cdn dollar) surge
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071107/loonie_rise_071107/20071107?hub=TopStories

Many employees throw out their Secret Santa gifts
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16520.aspx

The life she saved was her mom's and more

Went for a brisk walk in my fleece pants before lunch. It's cold, but I couldn't face the treadmill at the gym today, it can get boring. I called a new piano tuner, it's that time, heard he's good.

News

How to retire at 30
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16507.aspx

Bloor Street condo draws a crowd as units about to go on sale
http://www.thestar.com/article/273716

The life she saved was her mom's
http://www.thestar.com/article/273716

Poll finds nearly 80% of U.S. adults go online
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071106/tc_nm/internet_poll_dc_2

Australian researchers find hunger switch
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071106/sc_nm/australia_weight_dc_3


New versions of curry ingredient to fight cancer
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071106/sc_nm/cancer_curry_dc_1

Top Toys 2008 and more

I heard these young men from Canada called Ryandan on the radio this morning, they sound really good. They are identical twins (Ryan and Dan). They are singing 'The Face' from Phantom of the Opera in this video. In the second BBC video, you can meet them. They will sing at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.







Here is another neat video. I got it from my sister. It was meant to get teachers talking about the future and it's been spreading worldwide.




News

List of top toys for 2008
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071105/top_toypicks_071205/20071105?hub=TopStories

Gene explains why breast feeding makes kids smarter
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071105/sc_nm/breastfeeding_iq_dc_1

CT scans effective at finding heart blockages
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071105/ct_scan_heart_071105/20071105?hub=TopStories

Pain medications may ward off Parkinson's
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071105/Parkinsons_071105/20071105?hub=Health

Pay by cell phone and more

News

Pay by cell phone
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16371.aspx

Is your computer keyboard filled with germs?
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16360.aspx

Vitamin cocktail warnings
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16400.aspx

Time shift effects

News

Study ties time shift, pedestrian deaths
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071103/ap_on_sc/time_change_accidents_10

About smoke alarms and more

I noticed 'The Amazing Race' is starting up again this Sunday on tv. Hope I catch it, I like that show.

This morning at the gym I happened to be talking to this unassuming looking lady. It seems that she works at home in her own consulting business as a statistician. She worked in bio-statistics for an institution before going out on her own. Turns out she has a Phd (doctorate) degree. Her son is also a Phd and has an MBA and works in banking. Her daughter is an engineer. What a smart family. I didn't ask what her husband does!

I finally picked up a winter coat at the Gap for K. And it was on sale. It looks nice and warm and fits him perfectly with a bit of room to grow.

L had her asthma checkup at the doctor. Her readings were 4% higher than the last time, which pleased him. She stays on that new singulaire medication and will see him in another 3 months, hopefully not before.

News

What you don't know about smoke alarms can kill you
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16396.aspx

Assembly kitchens and more

We only had 4 kids trick or treat at our house yesterday. We usually get at least 20, sometimes 40. Wow. Now I have all these treat bags left over. The Christmas season is here. The stores could barely finish with Halloween, then the Xmas stuff went up. Have to start thinking in earnest about the Christmas list, and soon it will be time to do the Christmas cards. I notice people are starting to hold their Xmas parties in November now.

Someone at the gym asked me today if I was retired. I thought, do I look old enough to be retired? Makes you think.

I just heard about this new concept called assembly kitchens, all ingredients chopped and prepared, you assemble a few weeks' worth of meals to take home to cook, they clean up. Supposed to be a real time-saver and a nutritious alternative to fast food.
http://www.easymealprep.com/

News

Canadian wins award for artificial arm prototype
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071101/prosthetic_arm_071101/20071101?hub=TopStories

Major retailers cut prices as dollar hits new high
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071101/loonie_high_071101/20071101?hub=TopStories

Middle class money
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071101/lf_nm_life/wealth_millionaires_dc;_ylt=Apw5Rwfk_aiQvYRhTdXqECTq188F