Season’s Greetings

Wishing all my friends and readers who are celebrating at this time of year
A Happy Yule
A Happy Hanukkah
A Merry Christmas
Enjoy a wonderful and magical holiday!

Right-wing Take Over. Left-wing Call to Arms…er…Feet.

I’m sure I’m not the first person to notice this trend toward conservatism. But holy cow! What’s up? It’s not even just conservatism, it’s NEO conservatism. I mean, can humanity not last survive without a dip back into the dark ages once in a while just to feel alive? Do we need to reach deep into our god-fearing roots and put all women back in a box just to remember what fighting for equal rights is all about? Seriously…I’m curious.

It has been suggested that this rise of conservatism is partly due to the backlash against the rise of atheism. Certainly we heathens have made great strides in recent years. But I think it’s more than that. It’s got to be. I mean, as much as I’d like to wave the happy red A flag, I don’t think we can take all the credit for a worldwide political/religious shift. Can we? Besides I can’t imagine a right-wing world domination is exactly what we were striving for. We scared them and they mobilized. Yeah! Oh…wait…stop!!

Seriously. Stop. Canada, in what might be defined as it’s shiniest moment in history (not) has withdrawn from the Kyoto accord. No flag waving here right now. So Chretien, our former Liberal Prime Minister, takes this moment to remind Canadians that the Kyoto Accord and the gun registry are only the start of blood smears on the chopping block:

The Conservatives have already ended gun control and Kyoto. Next may be a woman’s right to choose, or gay marriage. Then might come capital punishment. And one by one, the values we cherish as Canadians will be gone. ~ Jean Chretien (The Globe and Mail)

Granted, this could be a scare tactic put forth at an opportune moment by the ailing Liberals. I wouldn’t, however, completely ignore the warning. The Conservatives have an agenda and Steven Harper is making darn sure that his grasp on power serves his purposes.

Look down South. The Republicans who are more and more sounding like gun-toting, religious and bigoted wing-nuts have a faithful following. And I’m not talking about a small following. The crazier they sound, the more people seem drawn to them. Now let’s look over at Israel. In an article I read this morning, apparently the ultra-Orthodox Jews, or Haremdim, are ever-expanding and striving to return to the glorious days of yore when women weren’t seen or heard. As the Arab-spring shakes the Middle East, secularism is being trading in for religious parties in democratic elections. Even a political map of Europe shows a sea of blue in what used to be a red dominated region.

Here’s the big question. Is it about values or is it about money? Or a little of both? Often money is at the bottom of everything. With a shaky economy in…pretty much everywhere…people generally embrace a conservative approach to finances. Conservatives and big business march hand in hand slashing social and environmental programs for the sake of the bottom line. The Conservatives serve the businesses, the businesses support the Conservatives. It’s a win-win situation for them.

So what are we left with? A bunch of lefties spinning their wheels? Or is that just me? Could be. But I’m growing springs on me feet. I’m ready to jump up and start doing something. I don’t know what yet, but I do know we can’t just sit on our plump Canadian butts and wait for the inevitable. It’s been a long time since we’ve really had to fight for something. Many of us have forgotten how, many of us never knew how. I sit and write reactionary pieces on my blog trying to spread the news in hopes it might make a difference. Big whoop. As a great…Yoda…once said, “Try not. Do or do not. There is not try.” And I say, don’t react, act. (now I have to follow my own words)

Is this a good news piece, you ask. It depends on how you look at it. For me, it is in a way. There’s nothing like a good, life-affirming fight for what you believe in. On my next post, I’ll let you know about my progress.

What are you going to do?

In Search of Good News

As of late I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of bad news coming from all over the world. I’m losing sleep over it. Certainly, one could say “At least you’re not losing your life.”. Which, of course, is true. My mere discomfort is really nothing to complain about. I am not alone, however. In this world of fast paced information we can be bombarded with news of mayhem all day long from all corners of the earth. Studies are showing that it is actually affecting our psyche. From a study posted on Medical News Today, it has been proven that watching news on a traumatic event can cause “negative stress reactions or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)” in some people (20% of 89 participants). Dr. Ramsden, who conducted the study, concluded:

Acts of violence erode our sense of security and create intense feelings of anger, fear and helplessness. Watching these events and feeling the anguish of those who are directly experiencing them can impact on a certain percentage of individuals causing longer lasting effects.

This is not the only study out there. In fact, the Department of Veterans Affairs in the United States have posted information on their website about PTSD from Media Coverage, what it is, the symptoms and how to deal with it. Imagine, then, the number of stressed, angry, disenchanted, frustrated, fearful people there are in North America alone. Let’s stretch Dr. Ramsden’s study (probably not scientifically sound but let’s do it anyway) to incorporate 20% of 600 million people…that’s a lot of stressed out people! How do you think that affects our communities and society as a whole? Is negative news actually self-propagating?

So this started me thinking. Surely there must be something positive happening somewhere or the world would implode in disaster. I know that in many bad news stories there’s often something that comes out of it that’s positive. For instance a story of a good samaritan, extraordinary bravery, community charity or cooperation, the development of a new law or a leap in medical advances. So I tried surfing the usual news channels for a “happy” news story and came up with very little. Then I discovered the Good News Network but was quickly informed that I’d have to pay for good news. Gee. Bad news is free. Well, now it’s a challenge but I’m up for it. I need a change of scenery, to stop and smell the roses…whatever you want to call it. Do you think an infusion of positive news, at least enough to counterbalance the bad news, might change our outlook, our daily lives, our communities, and perhaps the behaviour of society? I think maybe it might.

So, just to get the ball rolling, I found an article in today’s Globe and Mail on two promising new breast cancer drugs. Studies have found that pertuzumab and afinitor both slow the progression of breast cancer in women who have very advanced cases and have proven to be very safe with only a few moderate side-effects if taken individually. The reaction of doctors?

You don’t see that very often … It’s a spectacular result! ~ Study leader, Sandra Swain, medical director of Washington Hospital Center’s cancer institute

What’s your good news of the day?

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More: How the News Impacts Your Health and What you Can Do About it

Blogging: Runs in the Family

My 8-year-old son just published his first post on his new blog The World of Red Writer. It’s taken me a while to convince him to sit down and write out his thoughts (You know kids, not too keen on sitting still and doing anything for too long – except maybe video games). He’s a huge movie buff and has a lot to say about the ones he enjoys so I’ve encouraged him to do something constructive with his ideas. Hopefully, he’ll continue and hone his writing skills. The world of blogging can be quite exciting and I hope the interaction will thrill him.

Thanks for having a peek.

Science and Scientists: According to a Republican Strategist

Wow. I don’t even know where to begin. See it for yourselves and tell me you didn’t laugh your head off…while your chin hits the ground in shock and dismay because this woman is a Republican strategist. Oh…my…god. Save your children!! Don’t let them near science and scientists! They’re all rapists!

The Daily Show – October 26, 2011

(If for some reason you can’t view this video, go to www.thedailyshow.com and see the video from October 26th or http://watch.thecomedynetwork.ca/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart/#clip555075. Go to time mark 5:37.)

Words of Caution and Wisdom: Michael Ignatieff on Libya and the Arab Spring

As the Conservatives are patting themselves on the back for a job well done in Libya, this Globe and Mail article written by the former Liberal leader, Michael Ignatieff, cautions us against believing that what has happened in Libya has anything to do with us. I do agree that Canada played its role in Libya really well, and for that I will give the government credit. But let’s not let it go to our heads. The people of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa are ushering their own future and we have to be willing to accept whatever they choose.

We like to think we made it happen. First in Kosovo, now in Libya, we believe our air power made it happen. The truth is we didn’t make it happen any more than we made the Arab Spring happen. The air operation itself would never have been approved at the United Nations without the green light from the Arab League. The people of Libya, the people of the Middle East made it happen. We all need to understand how little this is about us. Otherwise we risk succumbing to the illusion that we can shape the future in the Middle East. (Opening paragraph, Michael Ignatieff)

Please see the full article here. I can guarantee it is worth the read.

Thank you, Mr. Ignatieff.

The Pain of Getting a Flu Shot in Ontario

They say you shouldn’t write when your frustrated…or is that bake…well, whatever. I’m frustrated and I’m taking a risk by writing so be forewarned but I need to vent.

I heard, before school started this year, that Americans were getting their flu shots at the end of August. Ok, granted, they have to pay for it, but to me, that sounded like a good time. Imagine having your kids immunized before they even start school. That would be so convenient and effective. So, school started and I began asking around to the other mothers (one of them was a doctor), at the clinics, and at the pharmacy, when we could get our flu shots here in Ottawa. No one really knew. Not even the doctors or pharmacists. I thought that was very strange but what can you do if no one knows? I’ll wait a few weeks, I thought, surely by the beginning of October someone will know something.

Nothing. No news but the “Get your flu shot” emails started flying around so I figured, there’s gotta be information soon. It’s now the middle of October and I just found a list of flu clinics that START on October 30th here in Ottawa. So I picked up the phone and called our pediatrician’s office. I asked when flu shots would be available there.
“Are your kids high risk?” She asked.
No.
“Well, we only get enough doses for high risk patients.”
So what if I can’t make it to a clinic, can we get one from the doctor then?
“Once all the clinics are closed (middle of December), if you still don’t have one, call us and we’ll see if we have any doses left.”
So, I basically have to go to a pharmacy or a City of Ottawa clinic (and stand in a long line) to get a shot, or I don’t get one.
“This is the way it’s been distributed.”
Great. Thanks.

Out of curiosity I checked The Public Health Agency of Canada’s website. They have a FluWatch calendar on which they clearly state that “Week 35 (August 28th) marks the beginning of the influenza surveillance season for 2011-12″ in Canada. As of that date there were already cases of the flu in several locations in Canada, although not wide-spread by any stretch. But it is still out there. Let me do the math then. Flu season starts the end of August and we can’t get immunized until the end of October. That’s two months of virus brewing fun! Not only do we have to wait until mid flu season, in order to get immunized we have to jump through hoops (at least here in Ottawa) to get immunized. Knowing the general public, who are already wary of the effectiveness of the shot, how many do you think will go out of their way to get it? How does this protect the public? What am I missing here?

Every year we are bombarded with advertising recommending that we get the flu shot, that’s it’s very important to stop the spread of the virus. And yet it doesn’t seem to be a priority of the health agencies and doctors to get us immunized early and easily. I mean, why not have immunization clinics in schools? Why not stock all doctor’s clinics with enough doses to take care of all of their patients? (Of course the last time I tried to make an appointment with my doctor I was told I’d have to wait two months…but that’s another story). Why not have the immunizations available at drug stores at the end of August? Why not make it EASY??? What’s so hard about that?

Of course getting the flu shot is important and is particularly critical if you’re around babies, the elderly, or other people who are high risk. I’m not at all advocating not getting the shot…in case there was any misconception. I’ll be getting one and will likely trudge out to one of these clinics AND I probably won’t be happy about it – in fact, I plan not to be (oh yes, I’m holding a grudge).

Of course I’ll be there…IF I don’t get the flu first!

To Get Your Flu Shot if you’re in Ottawa:
City of Ottawa Clinics
Shoppers Drug Mart Clinics

Mother Hubbard Strikes Again: What to do with them Squash…

Ok, I know, squash should be a no brainer. Cut ‘em in half, stick ‘em in the oven with butter and sugar and roast ‘em ’til they’re done. But I want something different! I bought two beautiful Heart of Gold squash on my trip to the farm. It’s a variety I’d never heard of before but a little bird told me that they were sweet and delicious, so how could I resist? Then today I was faced with the dinner dilemma. I don’t have much in my cupboards and my kids don’t like squash (harrumph) so I had two choices, I could cook them the usual way and the kids won’t touch them, or I could cook them in a way that would disguise them. Now, please understand that my kids are pretty good at eating most things. Normally I don’t have to disguise anything BUT if I can disguise and cook something new and interesting, why not?

So what does one do when one needs to find a recipe using specific foods? GOOGLE!

My search put me on track of stuffed squash…one recipe calling for stuffing with bulgar…which made me think of quinoa…and low and behold I found a recipe I could work with (I even had almost all the ingredients)! And OH! WOW! is it ever tasty! (the little bird agreed) Below, I have shamelessly copied the recipe from the site I found for your convenience. Believe when I say that the cooking experience is almost as delicious as the eating. The scent of the spices and apples is to die for. Enjoy!

Gingery Quinoa-Stuffed (Acorn) Squash
(from allrecipes.com)

Serves 4

2 acorn (or heart of gold) squash, halved and seeded
1-1/3 cups quinoa
2-2/3 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 apple, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced (tragically I had no fresh garlic so I used 2 teaspoons of garlic salt)
2 (2 inch) pieces fresh ginger, minced (I never have fresh ginger unless I shop for a recipe so I used 2 teaspoons of ground ginger)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 dashes crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place the squash halves, cut-side up into a small baking dish, and bake until tender, about 45 minutes.
2. Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, 20 to 25 minutes. When done, stir in the butter until melted, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion, green pepper, and celery; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in the apple, and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes more. Add the garlic and ginger, cook 2 minutes more, then stir in the vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes; season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Although the original recipe doesn’t say this, I believe the quinoa and the apple mixture should be combined.
5. When the squash is tender, scoop out some of the flesh, leaving the halves 1/2 inch thick. Roughly chop the acorn squash, and combine with the quinoa and apple mixture. Spoon the mixture back into the squash shells, and sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven, and bake until the cheese has melted and is bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Let me know if you try it! Bon Appetit!

A Beautiful Fall Day: More Pumpkins Part II

As we drove along the country roads, the sun glistened through the leaves of trees already displaying fiery oranges and brilliant yellows. In the fields, stocks of wheat tossed their golden heads to the rhythm of the soft breezes. Further beyond cattle grazed as they had all summer but with an indescribable calmness that only seems possible on this kind of day. The road wound southward toward and then along the river which reflected the glories of the day back to us. We smiled to ourselves, consumed with an inner peace. Boy did we ever pick a great day to do this!

The spotted orange of the pumpkin fields indicated that we had reached our destination. We drove up the hilly lane toward the farm, our entire bodies brimming with anticipation. The surroundings were enchanting, kind of like “chicken soup for the soul”. The comfort and warmth of a farm-house surrounded by fresh autumn harvest produce and old barns filled with antiques and lovely reminders of yesteryear set the stage. We couldn’t wait to park and leap from our seats onto the welcoming grounds.

As he ambled carefully between the rows of pumpkins, his blond locks, highlighted by the sun, drew the attention of everyone nearby. His big blue eyes sparkled as he wrapped his little hands around the huge round forms that were so new and so exciting for him. You say his name, “Henry!” and his face lights up brighter than the day. As I watched him I suddenly missed my own children. I missed them as toddlers. I remember how they had had the same uncapped excitement at the freedom to roam and explore when they came to this farm. And I missed them as the school children they are now. How much they still would have enjoyed being there.

“We’ll bring all the kids next week after school!” My friend Karen nodded as she assisted Henry’s endeavours to discover. She felt the twinge too. Not guilt per say, but we both needed to come back and we needed all of our children to experience the same satisfaction we had gained from our little jaunt into the country. We wanted to hear their perception of the place in words reflecting their unique little minds. “Yes. Next week.” I said and locked the idea securely in my mind’s agenda.

Heritage squash, small pie pumpkins, fresh apples, sweet corn and a cornucopia of baked goods soon beckoned us and soothed our conscience. Oh the lovely things we could bring back home! We filled our baskets with all sorts of goodies as we were already smelling the aromas of fall inspired soups and pies and hearing the crunch of little teeth breaking into crisp fruits and vegetables (and a few ginger cookies too). Hundreds of overflowing pots of autumn Chrysanthemums – brilliant yellows and oranges, deep reds, and pretty purples – captivated us too. They surrounded us on all sides. How could we leave without one?

We did leave, eventually, but clearly the trip never left us. There are some days that just never leave your mind. If you close your eyes, you can capture their essences very easily. In a way I hope that next week’s trip with the children will be the same but I know it won’t. It may be similar, it may even be better, but it will definitely have a completely different dynamic – cooler, different time of day, more people, and more hectic. It will be a new fall day to write about. Eh, Karen? (Please see Karen’s beautifully written version of events on her blog “Virtually There” and the gorgeous photos she got of Henry. You’ll also discover my big OOPS! for the day!)

And, for heaven’s sake, get out and discover YOUR beautiful fall day!

I Hate Animal Mills!

“This is by far the largest commercial breeding facility that we found in Canada, involving the worst conditions we have observed.” ~Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of the Canadian branch of Humane Society International

Recently, nearly 500 dogs and puppies were rescued from a puppy mill just 90 minutes northwest of Ottawa in Shawville, Quebec. It could be “the largest animal cruelty case in the province’s history.” Many of the dogs had been denied their basic needs and were suffering from medical issues like skin conditions and respiratory problems, to name a few. All of the animals were given over to the Human Society. Funding is needed to help care for the animals as more than 100 need critical veterinary care. More than 90 puppies have been born since the rescue and they are expecting many more. Space, as well as food and medicine are also required.

The City of Toronto has already put restrictions on pet shops in an attempt to put puppy and kitty mills out of business. “Now, retailers will only be able to sell canine and feline friends that came from shelters, humane societies, rescue groups or that were donated by someone.”

Responsible pet owners want to do the same thing here in Ottawa. The Humane Society of Ottawa Carleton has already asked city council to stop the sale of animals from commercial breeders in local pet shops. They have also asked Ottawa’s citizens to write to their councillors and say that they support a by-law banning the sales of animals bred by unscrupulous breeders.

To repeat myself, I hate animal mills!! With a passion. So I decided to start a petition on Change.org which will, in a week’s time, be sent to all Ottawa city councillors. If you want to sign this petition in support of a new by-law, please go to here and leave your name. The welfare of animals will take a step forward if this by-law passes here. I hope that when it does, more municipalities will consider enacting it.

A dear friend recently told me a wonderful quote by Gandhi which is so fitting in this case. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” So let’s work toward making Canada a great nation!