I got this article from my friend and I thought I'd post it on to y'all.
Posted (and easier to read) at:http://dawn.thot.net/ccd_via_rail2.html
Supreme Court of Canada to Rule on Access Rights of Persons withDisabilities
Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD)Press Release - May 17, 2006
The leadership of Canada's disability community will be in the Supreme Courtof Canada at 9:30 am on May 19th, where the community's access rights willbe interpreted by the country's highest court for the first time. In October2003 the Canadian Transportation Agency [CTA] ordered VIA Rail to make itsrecently purchased rail cars accessible to persons with mobility and visiondisabilities. In March 2005 the Federal Court of Appeal overturned thisdecision, saying people with disabilities who can't use the new trains willhave to find other means of transportation.
Before the trains were purchased, using 100% taxpayer money, former LiberalTransport Minister David Collenette promised the trains would meet the CTA'strain accessibility standards. When told the trains were inaccessibleCollenette washed his hands of the matter, suggesting VIA seek the CTA'sguidance on the issue. VIA refused. Faced with Canada being the onlydeveloped country in the world where new inaccessible trains could bebrought into service, and with the CTA unable to act on its own initiative,the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD), on behalf of it broadmembership, applied to the CTA for a ruling on whether or not the trainswere legal.
"First we were lied to, then we were left to bear the unbelievable costs oflitigating against a crown corporation which seems willing to spend more onlegal fees than the CTA found it would cost to make the trains accessible",said Pat Danforth, chair of the CCD Transportation Committee.
VIA boasts of having achieved an "incredible bargain" by outbidding Iraq andMorocco, for trains by paying slightly more than their scrap value.Competitive bidders were scarce for these trains. They could not have beenbrought into service in the United States, Britain or France for their lawsenforce access.
In addition to the access problems identified by the CTA, Transport Canadahas ruled the trains do not meet Canadian safety standards.
"Having saved hundreds of millions of dollars by buying inaccessible trainswe believe Canadian equality rights law, prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of disability, compels VIA to give back a small portion of that amountto make the trains accessible".
This is the issue to be decided by the Supreme Court of Canada.
My thoughts:
I definately think they should have to make the trains accessible. I travel VIA to get home on occasion and I would be really disappointed in them if they told me to "find alternate means of transportation". That seems really unfair... and un-constitutional (or whatever the Canadian equivalent would be.) I hope they enforce it that hey have to make the new trains accessible. Imagine being a first-world nation with inaccessible trains! No good can come of that.
5.31.2006
5.30.2006
5.29.2006
Song of the Week
"The Love Song" - Jeff Bates
First time I felt it, think I was five years old.
I was scared, had a nightmare; Momma was there for me to hold.
Daddy, he was different; he never said it much,
But I heard him loud and clear when he brought home that ball and glove.
Then it took on a brand new meaning,
I wasn't just a boy no more, when she moved in next door.
Where you from? What's your name?
Wanna go to my game?
Got the keys to my Dad's old truck.
Turn the radio off to remember the song,
We held hands and there we was,
Love.
Pages kept on turnin', there I was with someone else.
First time in my lifetime, I wasn't livin' for myself.
I knew I wasn't fallin', anywhere I'd fell before.
This place was different: it was deeper, it was more.
Then it took on a brand new meaning,
Yeah, it was strong and it was true, knew what I had to do.
Found a ring, hit my knees,
Couldn't talk, couldn't breathe,
My heart had me all choked up.
Said: "I do," as we cried; wedding bells,
Waved goodbye, the whole church knew it was:
Love.
Then it took on a brand new meaning,
When the doctor said: "It's time to watch your miracle arrive."
Thank the Lord, cut the cord.
Take her home, help her grow.
And complete the circle of love.
Love.
That's the circle of love.
To fade out.
First time I felt it, think I was five years old.
I was scared, had a nightmare; Momma was there for me to hold.
Daddy, he was different; he never said it much,
But I heard him loud and clear when he brought home that ball and glove.
Then it took on a brand new meaning,
I wasn't just a boy no more, when she moved in next door.
Where you from? What's your name?
Wanna go to my game?
Got the keys to my Dad's old truck.
Turn the radio off to remember the song,
We held hands and there we was,
Love.
Pages kept on turnin', there I was with someone else.
First time in my lifetime, I wasn't livin' for myself.
I knew I wasn't fallin', anywhere I'd fell before.
This place was different: it was deeper, it was more.
Then it took on a brand new meaning,
Yeah, it was strong and it was true, knew what I had to do.
Found a ring, hit my knees,
Couldn't talk, couldn't breathe,
My heart had me all choked up.
Said: "I do," as we cried; wedding bells,
Waved goodbye, the whole church knew it was:
Love.
Then it took on a brand new meaning,
When the doctor said: "It's time to watch your miracle arrive."
Thank the Lord, cut the cord.
Take her home, help her grow.
And complete the circle of love.
Love.
That's the circle of love.
To fade out.
5.28.2006
5.27.2006
No YC for me :(
So as you probably guessed I didn't go to YC after all. I felt all icky horrible the day we were supposed to leave and I went across the parking lot to get money out at TD and grab some lunch at KFC and I almost fainted on the way back from the walk! We were literally supposed to leave in like half an hour from the time I got home, I was all packed and I had to tell Mark I couldn't go! :( I'm not too happy 'bout it, but such is life. Better me stay here and get well than go there and have a crappy time and faint half-way through the day and have to spend the weekend in a hospital or at the very least a first-aid tent.
Mark picked me up the new Riley CD and Riely signed it himself, Riley remembered me!! WOOT!! I was so stoked by that. Mark called to tell me that he hoped I felt better soon. :P I went on Wiki to see what they had on info for Riley and it is sorely lacking so I may have to write an article on it! (Steve if you read this, my very first Wiki article! LOL) If I post it I'll post the linky here.
Mark picked me up the new Riley CD and Riely signed it himself, Riley remembered me!! WOOT!! I was so stoked by that. Mark called to tell me that he hoped I felt better soon. :P I went on Wiki to see what they had on info for Riley and it is sorely lacking so I may have to write an article on it! (Steve if you read this, my very first Wiki article! LOL) If I post it I'll post the linky here.
5.26.2006
Comcast Part Three
Things I dislike about comcastic customers Part Deux:
- People who won't talk to me because "you’re a girl, you don’t know anything about technology"
- People who won't talk to me because "I won’t speak to you job stealing Canadians"
- People who start the conversation with "I have internet with Comcast" (if they didn't why would they be calling for COMCAST INTERNET tech support)
- People who have the TV so loud I can’t hear them or who yell so loud to spouses, etc. I have to move phone away from my ear
- People who utter the statement "It says press next to continue what should I do?"
- People who won't talk to me because "you’re a girl, you don’t know anything about technology"
- People who won't talk to me because "I won’t speak to you job stealing Canadians"
- People who start the conversation with "I have internet with Comcast" (if they didn't why would they be calling for COMCAST INTERNET tech support)
- People who have the TV so loud I can’t hear them or who yell so loud to spouses, etc. I have to move phone away from my ear
- People who utter the statement "It says press next to continue what should I do?"
5.25.2006
Food Remedies
An interesting fwd:
HEADACHE - EAT FISH!
Eat plenty of fish -- fish oil helps prevent headaches. So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain. (Stay away from a lot of bottom feeding fish that are high in mercury content)
HAY FEVER - EAT YOGURT!
Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season. Also-eat honey from your area (local region) daily.
TO PREVENT STROKE - DRINK TEA!
Prevent buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea.
INSOMNIA CAN'T SLEEP - HONEY
Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.
ASTHMA - EAT ONIONS!
Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes.
ARTHRITIS - EAT FISH, TOO!!
Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (Fish has omega oils, good for our immune system.)
UPSET STOMACH - BANANAS-GINGER!!!!!
Bananas will settle an upset stomach. Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.
BLADDER INFECTION - DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!!!!
High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.
BONE PROBLEMS - EAT PINEAPPLE!!!
Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.
MEMORY PROBLEMS - EAT OYSTERS!
Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.
COLDS - EAT GARLIC!
Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. (Remember, garlic lowers cholesterol, too.)
COUGHING - USE RED PEPPERS!!
A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution-it can irritate your tummy.
BREAST CANCER - EAT Wheat,
bran and cabbage helps to maintain estrogen at healthy levels.
LUNG CANCER - EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE AND VEGGI! ES!!!
A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables.
ULCERS - EAT CABBAGE ALSO!!!
Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers.
DIARRHEA - EAT APPLES!
Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. (Bananas are good for this ailment.)
CLOGGED ARTERIES - EAT AVOCADO!
Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE - EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!
Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure. Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too.
BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE - EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!
The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.
Kiwi:
Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E & fiber. It's Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.
Apple:
An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.
Strawberry:
Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant, power among major fruits which protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals. (Actually, any berry is good for you. they're high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep you young
Blueberries:
The best and very versatile in the health field, they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies.)
Orange:
Sweetest medicine. Taking 2 - 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer.
Watermelon:
Coolest Thirst Quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting xidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are Vitamin C & Potassium. (Watermelon also has natural substances [natural SPF sources] that keep our skin healthy, protecting our skin from those darn uv rays.)
Guava & Papaya:
Top awards for Vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene, this is good for your eyes. (Good for gas and indigestion.)
Tomatoes:
Are very good as a preventative measure for men, keeps those prostrate problems from invading their bodies.
5.24.2006
YC
I'm heading off to YC in Edmonton for the weekend so I won't be able to post again until Monday or Tuesday. I'll backpost some things from the weekend when I get back though. ;)
Here's a linky on YC to keep you all amused while I'm gone! LOL
http://www.ycgeneration.com/yc2006
Here's a linky on YC to keep you all amused while I'm gone! LOL
http://www.ycgeneration.com/yc2006
5.23.2006
5.22.2006
Song of the Week
"Girl Next Door" - Saving Jane
Small town homecoming queen
She’s a star in this scene
There’s no way to deny she’s lovely
Perfect skin, perfect hair
Perfumed hearts everywhere
Tell myself that inside she’s ugly
Maybe I’m just jealous-I can’t help but hate her
Secretly I wonder if my boyfriend wants to date her
She is the prom queen, I’m in the marching band
She is a cheerleader, I’m sitting in the stands
She gets the top bunk, I’m sleeping on the floor
She’s Miss America
And I’m just the girl next door
Senior class president
She must be heaven sent
She was never the last one standing
A backseat debutante
Everything that you want
Never too harsh or too demanding
Maybe I’ll admit it, I’m a little bitter
Everybody loves her, but I just wanna hit her…
Chorus
I don’t know why I’m feeling sorry for myself
Spend all my time wishing that I was someone else
Chorus
I get a little bit, she gets a little more
She’s Miss America
And I’m just the girl next door
Small town homecoming queen
She’s a star in this scene
There’s no way to deny she’s lovely
Perfect skin, perfect hair
Perfumed hearts everywhere
Tell myself that inside she’s ugly
Maybe I’m just jealous-I can’t help but hate her
Secretly I wonder if my boyfriend wants to date her
She is the prom queen, I’m in the marching band
She is a cheerleader, I’m sitting in the stands
She gets the top bunk, I’m sleeping on the floor
She’s Miss America
And I’m just the girl next door
Senior class president
She must be heaven sent
She was never the last one standing
A backseat debutante
Everything that you want
Never too harsh or too demanding
Maybe I’ll admit it, I’m a little bitter
Everybody loves her, but I just wanna hit her…
Chorus
I don’t know why I’m feeling sorry for myself
Spend all my time wishing that I was someone else
Chorus
I get a little bit, she gets a little more
She’s Miss America
And I’m just the girl next door
5.21.2006
Funny Icons
So here's something rather random.... they're msn icons (dollz, avators, etc. etc.) but Boo sent them to me today and they make me laugh!
5.20.2006
5.19.2006
The Ghetto
So tonight I found myself in the ghetto of Lethbridge, like this place was seriously... well... ghetto. LOL I went to guy's house and he's like a druggie & a dealer and so are all his buddies and the people in this place can get you anything you want... for a price. They beat people with aluminum bats & live in an apartment where the entire apartment is like just a bit bigger than my bedroom!
It's in the part of town by the sex shops, bars and where most of the crime (stabbings, drug deals, shootings, etc.) of Lethbridge go down. I met a crack addict and we saw an "escort" it was stellar! LOL Made me think of Cartman's song "In the Ghetto."
It's in the part of town by the sex shops, bars and where most of the crime (stabbings, drug deals, shootings, etc.) of Lethbridge go down. I met a crack addict and we saw an "escort" it was stellar! LOL Made me think of Cartman's song "In the Ghetto."
5.18.2006
5.17.2006
Redbull Flugtug
Have you guys seen these commercials for Redbull flugtug? They're insane! It shows all these people in "flying machines" trying to fly them off a pier that inevitably ends in them falling in the lake instead! It's just crazy!
"A Flugtag (German: flight day, airshow) is an event in which competitors attempt to fly in homemade flying machines. The flying machines are usually launched off a pier about 6 metres (18 ft) high into the sea (or suitably sized reservoir of water). Most competitors enter for the entertainment value, and the flying machines rarely fly at all. The first Flugtag took place in Austria in 1991"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flugtag
http://www.redbullusa.com
"A Flugtag (German: flight day, airshow) is an event in which competitors attempt to fly in homemade flying machines. The flying machines are usually launched off a pier about 6 metres (18 ft) high into the sea (or suitably sized reservoir of water). Most competitors enter for the entertainment value, and the flying machines rarely fly at all. The first Flugtag took place in Austria in 1991"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flugtag
http://www.redbullusa.com
5.16.2006
Dairy Queen Blizzards
Here's something... a list of all the Blizzard flavours DQ has to offer:
DQ Blizzard Flavours
5.15.2006
Song of the Week
"Starry Eyed Surprise"
Written by Oakenfold, Gray, Binzer & Neil.
Vocals: Shifty Shellshock of Crazy Town
Oooh La La
I see stars
I’m seeing stars x6
Once again, I find myself with my friends, dancing the night away,
Its like the party never ends.
Then again we don’t want it to stop, 'cause tonight’s the night it goes sweatbox, laser beams, flashing lights, wild cards,
Men from Mars, dressed in Stars and stripes,
Eclectic electric
Ladies of the evening
drinking booze and mingling …..
Mashing to the music, I can do anything
Freaky dicky star speckles and pink butterflies
and life is nice, so nice.
I walk into a club and I’ve found paradise,
I’m seeing stars, I can’t believe my eyes.
Oh my starry eyed surprise, sundown to sunrise,
I dance all night, we’re gonna dance all night, dance all night to this DJ.
Ah Sugar, dance all night to this DJ.
Oh my starry eyed surprise, sundown to sunrise,
Dance all night, we’re gonna dance all night, dance all night to this DJ,
Ah Sugar, dance all night to this DJ, dance all night to this DJ, lover dance all night to this DJ.
Like the record spins on the trails we blaze
The walls are closing in but that’s ok because I’ve been waiting all week to feel this way and it feels so good, so good.
I’m on top of the world the coolest kid in the neighbourhood
So let me be your star for one night that’s right.
Sweatbox, laser beams, flashing lights, you’ve got to feel the rush, feel the spice of life.
Love-life, Shifty rolls the dice snake eyes surprise.
Iceing..Mesmorizing. the minds are sick ones 'cause what we are, is victims of fun.
Come on, come on, the fun is just begun; come on the fun is just begun. Ha Ha!!
Oh my starry eyed surprise, sundown to sunrise,
dance all night, we’re gonna dance all night, dance all night to this DJ.
Ah Sugar, dance all night to this DJ.
Oh my starry eyed surprise, sundown to sunrise,
Dance all night, we’re gonna dance all night, dance all night to this DJ,
Ah Sugar, dance all night to this DJ, dance all night to this DJ, lover dance all night to this DJ.
It goes
Oooh la la
I see stars
I’m seeing stars x2
Oh my starry eyed surprise, sundown to sunrise,
I dance all night, we’re gonna dance all night, dance all night to this DJ.
Ah Sugar, dance all night to this DJ.
Oh my starry eyed surprise, sundown to sunrise,
Dance all night, we’re gonna dance all night, dance all night to this DJ,
Ah Sugar, dance all night to this DJ, dance all night to this DJ, sugar dance all night to this DJ, dance all night to this DJ.
5.14.2006
Happy Mother's Day
Here's one in honour of Mother's Day... the msn article of the day is mother knows best and it's a bunch of mom quotes, so I'll post it for y'all:
"Hers is the voice of reason in times of chaos. She provides words of comfort when, it seems, all hope is lost, sensitivity when others show indifference. A mother can be wise, supportive and humourous, and her advice is often alarmingly simple and sensible.
We asked participants in MochaSofa's Mother's Day contest to share Mom's best words of wisdom. Among the tried and true - "Always wear clean underwear" and "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" - we received shining examples of why we often turn to Mom for her unparalleled perspective.
"Hers is the voice of reason in times of chaos. She provides words of comfort when, it seems, all hope is lost, sensitivity when others show indifference. A mother can be wise, supportive and humourous, and her advice is often alarmingly simple and sensible.
We asked participants in MochaSofa's Mother's Day contest to share Mom's best words of wisdom. Among the tried and true - "Always wear clean underwear" and "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" - we received shining examples of why we often turn to Mom for her unparalleled perspective.
The following are some of the most unique, funny, practical and inspiring responses from our readers.
Love & marriage
"A woman has to paddle her own canoe in life and if she has a partner to help paddle, it's a gift."
- Leilani Laurie, Calgary, Alta.
"During the first year of marriage, don't do anything you're not prepared to do for the next 50 years."
- Laurie Macey, Comox, B.C.
"If you want to know how a man will treat you after the "honeymoon" phase has worn off, watch carefully how he treats and interacts with his mother."
- Bonnie Milne, Calgary, Alta.
Work, finances & personal development
"Whatever you do, do with your might. Things done by half are never done right."
- Shelley Myron, Etobicoke, Ont.
"Comparison shop, comparison shop, comparison shop! Clip coupons, wait for sales...and, most importantly, ask yourself: Do you want it, or do you really need it?"
- Liana St.Denis, Cornwall, Ont.
"Dare to dream."
- Valerie Hogue, Mississauga, Ont.
"The only failure in life is NOT trying."
- Ruthie Burritt, Western Shore, N.S.
"It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice."
- Danita Gammon, St. Catharines, Ont.
Friendship
"Don't let the turkeys get you down."
- Michelle La Grange, Calgary, Alta.
"If you want friends, you have to be a friend." - Deanna Fisher, Lumsden, Sask.
"You are known by the company you keep, so choose your friends well."
- Kathleen Cripps, Peterborough, Ont.
"You can be pretty, you can be smart but, most importantly, be nice."
- Donna Kennan, Scarborough, Ont.
Parenting
"[Regarding my children] Spend half the money and twice the time."
- Heather Witherden, Winnipeg, Mba.
"Treat your parents with love & respect - they can be your best friends or your worst enemies."
- Bonnie Charuk, Bowmanville, Ont.
"Don't give any advice to your married children unless they ask for it."
- Kathy Vincent, Canyon, B.C.
"You can never spoil your kids with too much love."
- Lisa Brennen, Kanata, Ont.
Humour & grace
"Always wear a good bra...sometimes the only support you get is from your underwire." - Nima Patel, Toronto, Ont.
"Spilled milk or stained clothing need not be a national catastrophe."
- Micheline Lachance, Montreal, Que.
"Use your manners. They work every time!" - Irene B. Park, Calgary, Alta.
"Attitude is everything...By changing your attitude, you can make the best of even the worst situation."
- Dawn Davidson, Thornton, Ont.
"Remember that long before you were a wife, mother, employee, you were just you. Take care of you."
- Kate Gameiro, Winnipeg, Mba.
Faults & flubs
"Don't worry about the mistakes you make. It's how you deal with them that matters." - Lynne Bayzand, Sechelt, B.C.
"Don't ever be too stubborn to accept an apology."
- Lynette Paarup, Calgary, Alta.
"The only people who don't make mistakes are the ones who don't do anything."
- Julia Chambers, Brantford, Ont. "
http://lifestyle.sympatico.msn.ca/MothersDay/Transcontinental/articles/Mothersadvice.htm
5.13.2006
Dandelions
I know they are a weed, but I think there is something truly fabulous about a field full of dandelions. The yellow is such a happy contrast to the green of the grass. I love how soft the petals are and how many there are on one flower. Here's one from childhood:
"Mama had a baby and it's head popped off!" (at which point you "pop" the head off the dandelion. LOL)
They can be eaten the sweet milk is used in food products as well as the flowers themselves in saldas and the like:
http://www.mountain-breeze.com/kitchen/dandelions/
http://frugalliving.about.com/cs/foodtips/a/042302.htm
What I like about dandelions the most though is how quickly they grow and turn to seed. One day there are pretty yellow flowers and the next white puffy cotton-ball flowers "wish flowers" we used to call them and we made wishes as we blew them away on the wind!
I took some pics yesterday, the first was taken this morning and the second this evening.
"Mama had a baby and it's head popped off!" (at which point you "pop" the head off the dandelion. LOL)
They can be eaten the sweet milk is used in food products as well as the flowers themselves in saldas and the like:
http://www.mountain-breeze.com/kitchen/dandelions/
http://frugalliving.about.com/cs/foodtips/a/042302.htm
What I like about dandelions the most though is how quickly they grow and turn to seed. One day there are pretty yellow flowers and the next white puffy cotton-ball flowers "wish flowers" we used to call them and we made wishes as we blew them away on the wind!
I took some pics yesterday, the first was taken this morning and the second this evening.
5.12.2006
Bunny Movie Stars
So here's an interesting website, I may add it to my links, but for now I'll post it. It's a site where they reinact famous movies in 30 seconds with cartoon bunnies! Some of the movies include: "Brokeback Mountain", "Titanic", "Freddy vs. Jason", "Star Wars" and "Scream". They are all uber funny, check it out:
http://www.angryalien.com/
http://www.angryalien.com/
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