Amazing Escape

Check out this video:



The six-month-old baby survived the incident. Apparently the train hit the stroller and pushed it along. But didn't actually crush it, even though that's what looks like happened. Incredible save!

Jon and Kate (the show) is over

So apparently it's official. Jon and Kate is over. TLC has been sayingsomething like "be sure to catch next week's episode, it will be one of the last" lately in ads. But still, sad to see it over. I love those children!!! Hopefully the parents get their shiz together though and settle their lives. These ridiculously cute kids need it.

Mmmmm delicious

There are these new rice cakes flavoured caramel chocolate chip and they are actually delicious!! With little chips. Very sweet, but still quite healthy and filling. Awesome!!!

Go out and try them. That is all.

First photo of Jaycee Dugard since discovery

The first photo of Jaycee Dugard will be featured on the cover of People, out this Friday. People reportedly paid big bucks for this first photo.

Can't tell much from the photo, she seems quite happy and reportedly is happy to be back with her mother. But will be really interesting to find out the psychological effects of what has happened to her. I can only imagine... She is currently living with her mother and her children. Her children also just found out that Jaycee was their mother -- they thought she was an older sister.

It all just seems so disturbing. How can it be such a joyeous reunion? Definately for her parents. But did she have any recollection left of her parents? She had been hidden away and probably brainwashed for 18 years. It doesn't seem like she was trapped in that makeshift tent. So it's a wonder she never ran away from her captures. So there must have been significant "brainwashing". Which is why I find it difficult to understand how she can be so happy to be back with her family and not just confused/psychologically damaged.

It has also been revealed that the kidnapper, Phillip Garrido, was a registered sex offender. He was sent to jail for 50 years for kidnapping and raping another victim. He was let out after 11 years. I really believe in the punishing aspects of prison terms and believe criminals should be allowed some sort of life after prison. But if they have a serious pathology and are at risk of seriously harming other individuals, there needs to be some sort of monitoring. These people should not get away with keeping people in horrible conditions in their backyards for EIGHTEEN years.

I'm so happy for her family that have her back in their life. But really hope they have the patience and determination to care for her and her daughters. It will be very difficult to establish some sort of normalcy and integrate them back into society.

The Arugula Files

This is a food blog that I enjoy. The blogger lives in the United States. There is a big emphasis on fresh, whole ingedients. The photos are amazing and always make me very hungry. The blog inspires me to cook better and try new ingredients. (I've developed a new love for arugula. Mmmmmm)

Paying to work for free

The issue of unpaid internships is really coming to the forefront lately. And with good reason.

With so many jobless and many going back to school, internships seem like a great way to break into an industry. Yet companies are sprouting to take advantage of the already broke and indebt (students).

The New York Times ran this article about companies charging students to find them an internship. And this is not minimal fees. The companies listed charge approximately $5000-8000 to provide the student with an UNpaid internship. This is ridiculous! Not only is the person working for free, they must pay this middleman to find the position for them.

Internships seem like a great idea, but unpaid ones seem like grounds for exploitation. I think very short unpaid internships are great. You get an inside look at the offices and going ons. Get to meet the people and learn more about the work. But an unpaid internship for longer than a few months just seems ridiculous.

How can you expect quality work from someone without even paying them minimum wage? How is someone supposed to live off no income at all? I've seen internships advertised, without pay for upwards of a year. It's not like going to school, where one can apply for scholarships or loans either. The person is committing 40 hours a week to unpaid work. It's terribly unfair.

Huffington Post

This is a great website for news. It pulls news from all different sources and puts them in one place. There are also frequently interesting people that write columns. At the moment, there are articles by Ben Stiller, John Kerry, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Check it out!

The Huffington Post

Bofinger meat fest

I had such a great dinner last night at Bofinger. It's a Montreal institution and conveniently located only 15 minute walk from my house.

It's excellent and cheap bbq! And texas-sized portions. Good for a cheap student like myself.

I got two pork ribs with texas toast and mac n cheese for $8. It was soo delicious. They have a wide range of meats. And then you choose a sauce and a side. Most meals are under $10. I love this city!

Craftster

I love this website. I don't think of myself as much of an "arts and crafts" person. I guess I more just want to be one..

But this site is so awesome for inspiration and ideas on making anything! Right now I have been looking at the home decor ideas. Really want to do some cool mural/art piece on my large, empty, white wall. Hopefully get at it next month when I have some free time!

The site is great because users submit photos of completed projects and usually also provide instructions for completing the "craft". The projects are really cool and artsy too. Not lame embroidering!!!

Sunny Fong wins Project Runway Canada

Sunny Fong won this season's Project Runway Canada. No surprise there, as his clothes were impeccable throughout the competition. Canadian reality television is such a bore.

I didn't particularly like Sunny's runway collection -- too much feather and leather. I think he worked much better with tailored outfits and actually using colours (which is seemingly taboo for the final runway show). I thought for a second that Jessica may possibly win it. She did have some cute clothes. But really, Sunny's talent level was remarkably higher than any of the other contestants.

Canadian reality television really needs to rethink sponsorship. Why have Winner's sponsor a show that encourages its contestants to create high-end, conceptual clothing? I'd much rather be watching car adventisements than have Winner's products pushed throughout each episode.

Also, why have Ottawa host the competition? Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal could all possibly be considered fashion cities. But instead they place it in a city where possibly no design lines have ever started??

But glad that Sonny won. He is very talented and as sweet as can be.

Pesticide Ban

The Canadian Cancer Society is urging the government to ban "cosmetic pesticides" -- those that are used for aesthetic reasons.

This is a great step towards living healthier and more sustainable lives. It is not a set-in-stone fact that pesticide use is linked to cancer. But there is growing evidence and being exposed to such potent chemicals on a daily basis just seems intrinsically wrong.

Pesticides are used extensively on lawns just for the look of lush, green grass and are used in gardens in kill insects and weeds. Yet, much can be done in terms of biodiversity to eliminate or at least ward off pests. Certain plants can be paired with vegetables and fruits that repel insects.

As the article states, Quebec has already banned the use of these pesticides and Ontario will be following suit on April 22nd.

If this legislation comes into effect there will hopefully be a greater push towards chemical-free lifestyles. If it is harmful to spray chemicals on the lawn, hopefully people will begin to see that it it must be harmful to spray chemicals all throughout their houses and eat food that has been grown (or in the case of bananas dipped) in chemicals.

With less chemicals entering our bodies on a daily basis, I really believe that we will start to see cancer rates drop.

Bamboo laptop

I recently read about this product in Reader's Digest and looked into it online.

Asus has created a bamboo laptop. It is an incredibly innovative new design. Bamboo is the strongest wood in the world (so I've heard). It is also biodegradable and the website says, a "perfect renewable resource". I am guessing it would need to be disassembled before it is... composted? There is still much plastic/metal on it, with just the bamboo encasing the computer.

It is incredibly stylish though, and environmentally friendly!

Fantastic coffee at Caffe Artigiano

I have recently discovered, by way of a coworker, an excellent coffee house in Calgary.

Caffe Artigiano is originally from Vancouver and only has one location currently in Calgary. The location has a very high-class, italian coffee vibe to it and prices to match, of course. I've only had the espresso, but it is fantastic. Very rich and strong. They also have a variety of snacks that look nice as well. This will definately be my new favorite caffeine spot. I've been craving high-quality coffee for a while. Especially since living in Bangkok and the fact that there are no specialty coffee houses in Calgary.

The location is as follows:

332-6th Avenue SW

I'm tempted to buy some ground espresso to bring home (my coworker says, while it is delicious, it smells like feces). They have also been advertising "the best coffee in the world". Speaking of feces, I'm wondering if this is the amazonian cat poo coffee. Not sure whether or not I would like to try this. Mostly I just want to try the coffee that has this claim. And at $10 a cup it's not THAT expensive (twice the price of the latte... for the best in the world). But knowing me, I would probably love it and go back time and again.

Everyone loves free stuff

I found this great website recently that has tons of coupons and offers for free stuff.

It's called Smart Canucks

I've already received in the mail, a tampon case with samples from OB. I also used a 30% off coupon for American Eagle.

All the below are free!

True Lemon mixes to flavour water.
Ben and Jerry's free ice cream cone day.
Orange Julius smoothie
Kashi Granola Bars

Check it out. The site is updated quite frequently and some coupons expire quickly!

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon is the story of an autistic boy's quest to solve the mystery of who killed Wellington, a neighbourhood dog, and ultimately, his quest to be understood and comfortable in this highly sensory and communicative world.

The style is very simple, but this is necessary to make the condition of the narrator seem plausible. Not only is Christopher cited as the narrator, but also the supposed "writer" of this story. The plot is quite simple as well. But I think the reason for this book is to show, rather than tell, the effects of autism. I may not have learned anything new about the disorder. But the book does an excellent job of describing the intense challenges Christopher faces in his everyday life -- meeting new people, eating certain foods, navigating subway systems -- that most other people find effortless.

It is also a very convincing account of the difficulties faced by those surrounding the autistic individual. Christopher's parents are constantly struggling to keep him happy and under control. Christopher is bright, intelligent and thoughtful, but cannot handle new experiences, confined spaces etc. The reader really sympathises with the parents whose 15 year old son can start yelling and hitting without notice and who they cannot even comfort since he won't be touched.

The action of the book only really picks up three quarters through, which is disappointing. I found the train/subway adventure Christopher took from his home town to London really thrilling. At this point you understand all he is up against and know how easily he can fail. I was so relieved and surprised when he made it there.

The entire subplot of Christopher's mother's affair and later, remarry, is almost convincing. Christopher's complete loss of trust for his father (even thinking he will soon murder him) is heartbreaking. The ending is perhaps too perfect, but still satisfying.

Obama is coming to Canada!!

Barack Obama will soon be making his first international trip as president to Canada. The dates are unknown. But I'm sure it will leak and Ottawa will be crazier than the Stanley Cup championships and Canada day combined. Canadians love Barack. I think there was a poll recently that showed we preferred him to our own prime minister (my grandmother would be on the opposing side).

I do believe that the Canadian government affects us much more than who the Americans elect. But the American president does have an incredibly large influence on the world in general. I think we are also relieved that the Americans have made a smart decision... and it's been a long time coming.

The article states that "busloads of Canadians" will be making the trip to DC for the inauguration. I think this is huge. When was the last time even a small crowd assembled for the inauguration of a Canadian prime minister? (Do we have a ceremony?)

Obama has a weird status though. Many would agree that he was the "celebrity" of 2008. And he didn't shave his head, crash his Mercedes or adopt Cambodian triplets. But he is being featured on Entertainment Tonight topless at the beach. This is probably too much. But I do think "Obamamania" is a healthy state of happiness. And optimism that things will get better and the world will make a bit more sense now.

Jessica Alba is ready for bed

Jessica Alba recently wore this "outfit" to the premiere of My Bloody Valentine. "We applaud Jessica for wearing a runway look, which can be tough to pull off, with such ease and elegance," says People. Yes, it's a runway look. But was it meant to be worn as evening wear? Let alone, out of the house?

They're not even really cute or sexy pajamas! Just really classic, silk ones. I like how she thinks the clutch and shoes dress it up. Maybe she is starting a new trend -- mom chic. But they don't even flatter her body!

http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2009/01/09/runway-to-red-carpet-jessica-alba-in-dolce-gabbanas-silk-pajamas/

Tasty Thai

Thai food is exotic. It can be unexpected. It can confuse, but it more often than not pleases. It often contains heaps of spices and herbs, totally unknown to the Western palate.

To be excellent Thai food must always be a perfect blend of the four tastes -- sweet, sour, spicy and salty. Too much of one and the balance is ruined. The dish becomes overly sweet or more often, too spicy!

After a year of living in Thailand, I have decided that these are my favorite Thai foods. I have used both Thai names and English ones.

1. Som Tam

The combination sounds strange, but the results are amazing. This is a light, crisp salad with so much flavour. Shredded green papaya, carrots, tomatoes, long beans, roasted peanuts and shrimp or crabs (I opt out of the seafood) are mixed together in a morter and pestle with a sauce of palm sugar, garlic, lime, fish sauce, and as many chiles as you can handle! Served best with sticky rice. Amazing!

2. Red Curry

A great, flavourful curry. Can be made with any sort of protein: chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu. The curry paste is a labour of love; a combination of red chilli peppers, shallots, garlic, galangal (Thai ginger), lemon grass, coriander, kaffir lime, pepper and salt. The paste is cooked into cocounut milk to make a soup base. With many meat curries in Thailand, there are few vegetables. Red curry warrants plum tomatoes, pea eggplants, onions and basil. I think Thai people are now adding more and more veg to curries to up the nutrition value. So carrots, brocolli, potatoes etc are now being seen.

3. Tom Yum Kung

Most people think of phad thai and coconut curries when they think of Thai food. But I would argue that Tom Yum Kung is the epitome of Thai food. Thais love it and eat it all the time. It's the perfect blend of the four flavours. Fresh ingredients and amazing flavours all put together. It is a soup of shrimps and mushrooms (the oyster variety) with galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, coriander, chillis and onion. This soup is a bit of an aquired taste, just because it is so unique. And beware, it can be incredibly spicy!!

4. Massaman Curry

This is a Muslim curry, influenced by India, and originated in Southern Thailand. It is different from the other cocunut curries because it is thick and sweet and contains potatoes and peanuts. The paste also contains cinnamon, cumin, cardamon, cardomon and cloves. More resembles a really hearty stew. Delicious!

5. Phad See Ew

Thick, rice noodles cooked in soy sauce with pork, eggs, and Chinese brocolli. Usually a dose of MSG on top. Not the healthiest of Thai foods (very greasy!), but delicious and a great hangover cure.

6. Mango Sticky Rice

Another one that sounds strange, but tastes incredible! Very sweet desert. Really ripe, yellow mangos are eaten with sticky rice cooked in coconut milk. Sweeter, condensed cocunut cream is drizzled all over top. Wow.

7. Tom Kha

A coconut soup generally contained chicken, but other proteins can be used. Quite similar to Tom Yum, but a milder taste. Sweet and satisfying.

8. Noodle Soup

A typical breakfast and lunch in Thailand. Can be found on every street corner (probably in all of Asia!). There are many variations and some strange things that can find their way into your bowl (crouton things, liver, congealed blood...) The quality of the meat and the flavour of the broth can vary dramatically. It can be hard to find a good bowl. But usually pretty decent if the four spices (chillis, sugar, fish sauce, vinegar) are all mixed in to your liking. I enjoy mine with the 'sen yai' noodles used in most Phad See Ews and with pork.

9. Fresh Satsuma Juice

While not a meal, this is a great drink sold on the corners in Thailand. Fresh, mini oranges squeezed and the juice is directly bottled with (usually) no salt or sugar added. Incredibly sweet and refreshing.

10. Panang Curry

Round out the top ten with yet another curry. This one is sort of halfway between the red curry and masaman. Sweet and savory, but not as intense as masaman. It is a 'dry' curry, which means it is fried instead of boiled in the coconut/curry sauce. So it is not a soup. Great flavour, but tradionally is made with no vegetables added. Good to have with some rice and veg on the side.

Honourable mentions: Phad Ga Phrow (meat fried with sweet basil), Fried Tofu and Vegetables, Pork Satay with Peanut Sauce, Phad Thai, and sweet Thai milk tea.

Travel for free (almost)!

I've found this really cool website, called Help Exchange . It has listings from people all over the world who will allow you to stay (for free) at their house/guesthouse/farm etc. in exchange for a few hours of work a day. It would be a really cool experience and such a cheap and interesting way to travel. You would be able to see many different locales and learn from the locals!

There is another resource like this, called Couchsurfing . But I think working for someone would make me worry less about overstaying my welcome. Also, some of the jobs on Help Exchange sound like fun. Some may be a lot of work, but listings usually have the required amount of hours to work each day. So it should be manageable. Some of the guest accomodations sound lush as well! (Private cottages in the Italian countryside... )

In the same vien, another great site is WWOOF. Lets travellers travel the world and work on organic farms, while gaining free accomodation. I've heard good things about doing this to travel Japan (where housing can get quite expensive).

Not Knut!

A man recently went into the cage of Knut, the most famous polar bear at the moment, because he thought he was lonely. Really, I think the man just wanted to get closer to this ridiculously cute little guy. Pictured is Knut as a little cub, but he is now only 2 years old but weighs in at 440 pounds!

Lonely? This is the most photographed and visited bear in the world! Knut was leared away from the man with a piece of meat. The man stayed in the cage for 20 minutes and would only get out when police arrived.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/081222/world/international_us_germany_bear_1

It's 2009!

Happy 2009 everyone!! I hope it's an enjoyable year and you've made some good resolutions!!