Supporting Earth-like Life

Recently in the news:  "European astronomers announced the discovery Monday, along with news about 50 other planets outside our solar system, at a U.S. conference. The most exciting of those planets is only the second to be confirmed as lying within what astronomers call the Goldilocks zone: not too hot and not too cold for liquid water to be present – water, of course, being the key to supporting Earth-like life."   

Details at:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/newly-discovered-planet-in-the-goldilocks-zone-just-right-to-support-life/article2162816/ 

I appreciate their discovery and report.  My subsequent reaction is... Perhaps we all could remind ourselves, politicians, big dirty, power-hungry industries that we should be maintaining the support of Earth-like life here on Earth itself.

Just saying...

Blonde Philosophy 101

On Monday evening, I completed the introductory cycle of New Acropolis' Active Philosophy Workshops.  I feel enlightened as I walk the path on my constant (yet often interrupted) quest for wisdom.  Many thanks to the instructors for their patience in answering my frequent questions. 

According to an UTNE Reader article, Philosophy classes are conspicuously absent from (US) secondary schools' curricula.  The author of a related article "...argues that a philosophical foundation is an essential tool for discerning and skeptical students and citizens." 

I recommend the New Acropolis introductory classes to anyone who wants to share in "...reflections and philosophical dialog in order to face today's world challenges and contribute with actions to a new and better world." 

There's something to be said about meeting in person, about "being there" and discussing with others over reading a book.

Know thyself and don't stop asking questions!

T

Pet Peeves and Conciliations

Finally!  A day of rest.  

This week of vacation was peppered with family roller-coaster rides (of the emotional kind), many appointments and meetings.  

The felines of the house >^..^< went for their medical checkups and shots.  >^..^<  I advised the animal hospital staff to keep it to the minimum and no, I can't afford to have their friggin' teeth cleaned. 

They're not even "my" cats (well, who owns a cat, anyway?).  One was adopted from the animal shelter five years ago as a birthday present for one of my own offspring.   The other was gladly received from another family's home (one with loud, overly affectionate children) and as I thought at the time, would be a good companion for cat #1. Cat #1 established her position as Alpha cat.

Cat #2 needs special, expensive food so as to prevent urinary tract problems.  Cat #1 likes eating the food too.  No harm in that for her but that means I have to purchase this food twice as often as needed.  Give the cat another canary, as my dear old Dad used to say...

One consolation through these stre$$ful visits, was the courteous, caring transportation service provided by Ottawa Pet Cab.  Thank you :-)


People should think of these things before getting a new pet (especially one for a child and the parents end up caring for it...)  As I go through our downsizing project, I ponder the costs and benefits of our furry family members.  When we choose a new location, I will likely be tempted to move "pet friendly" from the "nice to have" to "must have" checklist category. I'm soft-hearted, that way.

On the subject of pets - especially in the approaching year of the rabbit next month, please, please resist impulses to purchase a pet bunny.  They require more care than you may think. 


Thanks for reading.  Have a peaceful, caring day.

Women's Alliance Party/Parti Alliance Femmes

WAP/PAF is a grassroots movement with concerns about the future of our country. They want to give everyone the chance to join in the conversation.

WAP/PAF will be having a small inaugural meeting from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at the Canadian-Chinese Heritage Centre, (the former First United Church), at 397 Kent Street, immediately past Florence St, on the right. The agenda is to inform you about the new party and invite you to share your concerns about the Canada we want.

You will be the first people to find out what it is all about! If you can't make this meeting, there will be others.

For more information, please call 613-232-9202 and they will return your call.
Or you are welcome to write to them at Women's Alliance Party WAP/PAF,
340 Laurier Ave.West, PO Box 308, Stn A, Ottawa, ON  K1N 8V3

Their website won't be launched until the first week in February but please note the URL:  www.womensallianceparty.ca

Please share this information widely with others, men and women, whom you think may be interested in standing up for Canada.

T

Women philosophers: Hypatia of Alexandria

True Blonde Causes

Back in December I started a True Blondes Directory on my web space at the National Capital FreeNet.  

Its purpose is whimsical yet well-intended to list and promote the causes and services of just a few of the intelligent blondes I know and respect.  There are more.  It's just a matter of time and energy in harvesting them.  

I just recently planted the seed.  Let's see what develops :-) Let me know if I forgot you.  Sorry o_O 

T

Blonde quote about temptation

"I generally avoid temptation unless I can’t resist it."

 Attributed to Mae West

Thanks to Paulo Coelho who listed some of Mae's quotes in his Character of the Week blog posts:  http://paulocoelhoblog.com/2010/12/05/character-of-the-week-mae-west/

From what I have read so far on Wikipedia, I am impressed with her talents.  She seemed like quite the sharp-witted, outspoken and creative woman who moved to Hollywood to become a comedienne, actress and writer.  I am too young to have been exposed to and influenced by her work.  There's still time, I guess ;-^

According to one of her quotes though, she was not a natural blonde.  Apparently, someone wrote a play in honour of one of her dirty blonde quotes. 

And finally, one that caught my attention:

"I’m no model lady. A model’s just an imitation of the real thing."

Be your own real thing, ladies.

What are the benefits of racing?

I am not a fan of races, especially those that burn fuel, make excessive noise, contribute to landfill and disrupt our natural environment.  Of course, I understand the need for emergency vehicles to reach those in distress in good time. My life was gratefully saved in one circumstance. 

What is it with our competitive nature, to rush to the end?  What is the thrill? What is the benefit? 

Readers are invited to comment and list benefits of motorized racing.

Fair giving for healthy living

I was impressed by recent news stories about super-rich people dabbling in philanthropy.  Let us watch with interest this endeavour's progress.  Perhaps it will prolong or prevent a revolution of the classes, especially with the U.S. embroiled over the push to extend tax cuts for the rich.  Are they serious? 
 
We wouldn't want to see a Canadian billionaire's hard-earned money thrown at a cause whose organizers take a big chunk for administrative costs and CEO salaries.  Would the list of willing contributors donate to causes that have higher profiles and offer luxurious lottery gifts or consider something down-to-earth - something long-lasting?  

By no means should we guilt them into giving.  It should be done willingly.  Though instead of starting another foundation and hiring old cronies or having your name plastered on yet another Cancer research centre, how about investing in safer food, sustainable farming and clean water supplies?  How about decent shelter and safe, healthy recreation for young people?  How about affordable education and meaningful work projects?  Could this quirky approach reduce the number of illnesses and level of crime that may creep up in twenty or thirty years?  But that's not as immediate and sadly, doesn't seem as glamorous to our adolescent mentality.

On a local and personal note, I would like to see landlords resist the opportunity to raise rents above the legal guideline for the second year in a row since they managed to get approval by the provincial body involved. I shake my blonde head when I hear about rich family members competing to see who can give more to a local charity when they could consider offsetting the rent that their tenants pay. 

Let's close this rant with a link to a recent news story on a cancer death rate study.  This likely could apply to any debilitating disease - physical and mental.  If a person stresses and worries that she can barely afford to pay rent and put food on the table for her family, what are the chances that one day, she will be able to afford the medication and treatment that could prevent her early demise? What if we could reduce the chances of the illness even happening?

Food for thought.

A Blond Nod and Bobble to Lisa Simpson

On Sunday evening, I really enjoyed watching some of the politically incorrect animated television comedies with my teenagers. 

In the season 21 episode "To Surveil with Love", Lisa Simpson is faced with a personal dilemma after she attempts to defend her position in a school debate.  Her opponent used a shady attempt to belittle Lisa's argument and logic because she is... blond.  Whaaa?!

I guess it is acceptable that this subject was given sub-plot value to the civil liberties one.  It was in-didly-deed hilarious to hear tattle tale citizen Ned Flanders state in so many words that "instead of being like Big Brother, I was more like a Little Sister." 

When Lisa's blondness was centered out at a town hall meeting as she expressed concerns over public surveillance, I guffawed as the mayor's blond bimbo girlfriend attempted to provide support - although misguided.  Yes, there are some exceptions to the evolving blond thought theory...

Although I could not agree with Lisa's extreme decision to darken her hair color, I applauded her efforts to defend her position and point out the flaws of the debate judges, the audience (and maybe society) in their own responses to her appearance and assumed intelligence as a brunette.    I laughed aloud when Lisa revealed her blondness underneath the darkened locks and one of the horrified judges gasped "Roots!"

Kudos to the show writers for their creativity and wit.  The Simpsons' official web site:
http://www.thesimpsons.com/recaps/season21/

Please note:  Canadian English spelling of words were substituted by their U.S English cousins, to accommodate our neighbours to the south ;-^  

Go peacefully, openly and ... fair :-) 

T