Mark La Pointe's blog
Ahhhhhhhh...Coffee
While we’re well aware of the cons to drinking coffee, we’ve learned that the positive benefits can sometimes outweigh the negative effects. A 2006 issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch claims that moderate coffee consumption, (3 to 4 cups per day) is actually beneficial to your health. Here are some reasons to keep lining up in the drive-thru.1. Coffee is the #1 source of antioxidants in our diet While fruits and veggies are still the richest sources of antioxidants, it turns out that for most of us, coffee is the main basis of antioxidant consumption (according to the Institute of Coffee Studies at Vanderbilt University). Black tea and bananas came in second and third place, respectively. Surprisingly, both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee provide similar amounts of antioxidants.
2. Coffee increases your metabolism Studies also show that coffee is very beneficial in terms of weight loss. It is a common misconception that coffee is an appetite suppressant, however, your morning cup can significantly speed up metabolism by about 10 percent. The National Research Council on Diet and Health found that metabolic rates will be highest during the first three hours following consumption. Just make sure to skip the added sugars, syrups, and whipped toppings found in many store-bought coffee drinks.
3. Coffee can improve short-term memory(if you can remember to drink it!) According to studies published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, caffeine is a cognitive stimulant that actually boosts brain functioning. Furthermore, coffee reduces levels of beta amyloid, a protein in the brain that is responsible for Alzheimer’s disease. It's also yummy.
4. Coffee lowers the rates of some cancers According to WebMD, coffee drinkers are 50 percent less likely to get liver cancer. By drinking 2 cups per day, you’re also slashing your risk of getting colon cancer by 25 percent. Some studies have also found ties to lower rates of breast and skin cancers as well.
5. Coffee can reduce risk for Type 2 diabetes WebMD also asserts that coffee contains chemicals that lower blood sugar, making heavy coffee drinkers half as likely to get diabetes as light to non-coffee drinkers. 1-3 cups per day can reduce the risk for diabetes by single digits, but people who drink 6 cups or more per day can slash their chances by up to 54 percent.
6. Coffee is actually good for your teeth We all know that one of the biggest cons of drinking coffee is a stained smile, but the beverage can also have a positive effect on teeth. According to a 2009 article published in the Wall Street Journal, people who drink coffee are less likely to have cavities. Roasted coffee beans have antibacterial effects against microorganisms like Streptococcus, which play a hand in causing tooth decay.
7. Coffee can help prevent/stop headaches Have you ever wondered why caffeine is one of the main ingredients in migraine medication like Excedrin Migraine? WebMD explains that blood vessels increase in size during a migraine-- caffeine works to decrease the size of blood vessels before they can affect nerves in the brain. So, drinking coffee in the early stages of a headache can help minimize the severity later on.
LOVING YOUR INLAWS
It's Mother-In-Law Day -- Here are just a few tips from experts on how to deal with your in-laws:* Treat your spouse well. Nothing pleases parents more than knowing that their son or daughter is being well-loved and pampered. (brush them regularly and give them lots of treats to keep their coat shiny)
* Present a united front. Never squabble with your spouse in front of his or her parents. If you think hot issues may come up, discuss how you will deal with them ahead of time. If they erupt, stifle yourselves until you can deal with it in private. (wear shin guards for "under the dinner kick protection")
* Recognize the fact if you were raised in a different family structure. Remember, his or her mom believes her baby is perfect. (you may know differently. "WHO LEFT THEIR SOCKS IN THE FRIDGE AGAIN?")
* Ask mom-in-law to teach you how to cook a certain meal that he comments on while visiting her house -- even if it's stewed possum. And if her cooking is terrible, forget about honesty being the best policy. (Blame the possum)
* Frequently ask their advice, even if you don't plan to take it. They'll be glad to feel they still have influence on their child's life -- even if they don't. (this also works on bosses)
* Discover what their likes and hobbies are. Even if it's hunting and you're an animal rights activist, show interest and don't start an argument. (unless it's hunting YOU)
The EZ ride home with Mark and Viv ends
It is Friday February 26th, 2010, and I’m not very good at goodbyes.Nearly a year ago exactly, I was called to the boss’ office.
Viv was already sitting there. “What do you think of doing a show together?”, he asked.
“I can NOT work with that woman”, I growled.
“What…with this jerk?”, Viv shot back.
And so it began.
It has been almost a year of millions of laughs and smiles and silly jokes. It was the kind of job you looked forward to stepping back into every day, because you knew you were going to forget your problems and just have fun.
And now, just one week short of our one year anniversary…I have to bid my favourite on air pal goodbye. While I save 5 dollars on an anniversary card…it will be hard to see her go.
Viv is off to another job for our company. I can’t adequately describe how talented, funny and crazy she actually is.
She has the roar of a lion…and the heart of one too.
She is fearless, thoughtful, and can burp like a giant jungle ape.
Once, I saw her fly around the world backwards, to go back in time so that she could make it to a shoe sale. Although that might have been Superman.
I couldn’t be prouder and happier and sadder.
It is Friday February 26th, 2010, and I’m not very good at goodbyes.
Making work outs-work out!
I've been doing a little working out for a while now. Proper nutrition is absolutely key...so I'm always reading up on new science and ideas. I found this and thought I would pass it on to you. Good luck with your work outs!What you put into your body directly effects what you get out of it. So, if you’re cracking a beer before you grind out an 8-miler, you’re doing yourself a disservice. You should wait and crack that beer when you get back (seriously). So, according to some experts...here are some better ideas. As always...be careful. BEFORE
• Caffeine -- A study at Vanderbilt concluded the following: Caffeine’s use ... has been proven to increase physical endurance but has many side effects and precautions. However, caffeine’s use for short-term endurance appears to have no affect on the athlete.
• Water -- If you’re dehydrated, depending on how dehydrated you are, it could take as long as 24 hours to build yourself back to a rehydrated state. Further, on a shorter-term scale, you don’t want to chug a bottle of water 5 minutes before you go running. Water is absorbed by your stomach and small intestine at 5ml per minute and 500ml per hour respectively, so you should be able to fully absorb most of a bottle of water if you chug it one hour before you plan to work out.
• Not sugar -- Whatever you drink, make sure it’s not loaded with sugar. As extreme as some sodas claim to be, they offer only a short burst of energy which burns out and can cause you to "bonk." This happens when your body’s energy stores (glycogen) are burned up and your metabolism isn't able to keep up and produce more. This leaves you with no energy, and a fairly wobbly set of legs to limp home on. (which you likely already have)
• Half-strength sports drinks -- Sports drinks, like Gatorade, are too concentrated as they are sold to be effectively and efficiently absorbed by your body. The reason it’s effective at all, though, is because it replaces electrolytes that you sweat out during exercise. Just replacing water does not replace those ions (like sodium). And when you have those ions in your body, it is easier for it to retain water. However, to be most effective, dilute your sports drink by one half before drinking it to hydrate (that goes for after your workout as well)
AFTER
• Chocolate Milk -- Milk has water and electrolyte like sports drinks, but also includes protein which is key for helping you to recover after a strenuous workout. Putting it on Count Chocula doesn't count.
• Protein shake -- A protein shake is potentially a better choice than milk if you’re more concerned with getting the correct number of milligrams of l-carnitine than you are quaffing some chocolaty goodness. However, it’s best if you go old school with protein shakes, too, and make your own using whole foods as opposed to buying prepackaged muscle-milk-type drinks.
• Beer -- Researchers at Granada University in Spain found out something pretty cool a few years ago. When it comes to recovering and rehydrating after a workout, beer is a little better than water. Sadly with beer...goes chicken wings and nachos...ooop back to working out again.
Looking to be a little less? This may help.
Here are some simple, easy-to-remember diet tips from doctors, chefs, and the general public. They’ve been compiled by award-winning author, Michael Pollan in his latest book, Food Rules:• Rule #1: If it grew on a plant, eat it. If it was made in a manufacturing plant, skip it.
• Rule #2: Avoid foods with ingredients you wouldn’t buy for your pantry, like celluose, ammonium sulfate and xanthan gum. They’re simply additives created to extend shelf life, make old food look more appetizing than it really is, and get you to eat more.
• Rule #3: Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the color of your milk. Cereals like that are highly processed, and full of refined carbs, sugars, and chemical additives.
• Rule #4: Do all your eating at a table. Your desk is not a table. Pollan points out that if you eat while you’re working, watching TV or driving, you’re eating mindlessly, which means you’re eating a lot more than if you were at a table, and paying attention to what you’re doing.
• Rule #5: You can eat all the junk food you want – as long as you make it yourself. After all, it’s a lot of work to make French fries, cakes and ice cream. If you had to make them yourself, you’d eat a lot less.
• Rule #6: Eat when you’re hungry, not when you’re bored, or need comfort, a reward or entertainment. Try this test: Reach for an apple. If you’re not hungry enough to eat it, then you’re not really hungry.
One of those days
Sooooo...Thursday started out okay. Viv and I got to chat with Chantal Kreviazuk before her show at Centennial Hall. She was wonderful...friendly...shared a few laughs, and invited us to the show. I had the honour of introducing the show...which started with local singer Meaghan Smith (who was tremendous...funny and wow what a voice).I got to sit backstage for a bit with a few of the hard working stage guys. (they said I should plug the Matt Dusk Show on the 12th, because they think he's awesome!) I did the intro, and sat down to enjoy the show. Chantal came out, did a few songs and started making fun of the "radio guy who she did an interview with, who told her she sounded like Josh Groban".
Of course EVERYONE in the place thinks it's me...BUT IT WASN'T.
At that moment I just wanted to crawl under my chair...when she said it was the "20 something talk radio guy". I am waaaaaaay past 20 anything, and I know she is not that blind...plus...EZ rock is not a talk station...WHEW!.
AFTER she left our studios she went for a chat elsewhere, and that's where that happened.
It was one of those Seinfeld moments...where you just know that you've done nothing wrong...but you're doomed anyway. Despite watching the rest of the show from under my chair...the music was wonderful...and as always, it was a pleasure to see a concert in the intimate setting of Centennial Hall. At some point over the next few days the Chantal interview will be posted up on the website...so check back for it.
Chantal is coming tomorrow!
EEEK! Viv and I are going to meet and have a chat with Chantal Kreviazuk tomorrow on our show. She will be in town at Centennial hall tomorrow night, and has been kind enough to agree to stop by. I've been enjoying her latest disc "Plain Jane" (love it), and trying to figure out what to ask...that would:(a) Be interesting...and
(b) Not make me look like a total dork.
Any thoughts you might have would be helpful...email any questions you might have for me to ask to mlapointe@radio.astral.com and hurry!
If it's funny, it's not SPAM
I get them all the time, so I'm sure you do too...Forwards. The emails that someone on your list found funny...so it lands in your inbox along with the other assorted spam, and occasional ACTUAL USEFUL email. I got this one this morning from my pal Roger, and thought I would pass it on this way...so I'm not clogging your Inbox.10 RULES FOR GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
1. It is time to clean out the refrigerator when something closes the door from the inside. (or tries to break out)
2. Keep it clean enough for healthy, dirty enough for happy. (my favourite)
3. Never make fried chicken in the nude. (see: bacon, soup, or anything with the word "flaming" in it)
4. Do not engage in unarmed combat with a dust bunny big enough to choke the vacuum cleaner. (do what i do...move out)
5. You make the beds, you do the dishes and six months later you have to start all over again. (true that)
6. If guys were suppose to hang clothes up, door knobs would be bigger. (I have rooms I haven't been in for weeks...I just can't find the doorknob anymore)
7. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance. (the quicker the better)
8. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator. (does this mean the little bar fridge I have in the bathroom or the side by side I have in the bedroom?)
9. Cobwebs artfully draped over lampshades reduce the glare from the bulb, thereby creating a romantic atmosphere. (plus it keeps the spiders warm)
10. When writing your name in the dust on the table, omit the date. (note: writing your name will lead to you being blamed for not dusting)
Marriage 10 Commandments...an old one
I know this is an old one...but I ran across it this morning and thought it was kind of silly. Worth a smile or two.THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF MARRIAGE Commandment
1. Marriages are made in heaven. But so again, are thunder and lightning. Commandment
2. If you want your spouse to listen and pay strict attention to every word you say, talk in your sleep. Commandment
3. Marriage is grand -- divorce is at least 50 grand. Commandment
4. Married life is very frustrating. In the first year of marriage, the man speaks and the woman listens. In the second year, the woman speaks and the man listens. In the third year, they both speak and the neighbors listen. Commandment
5. When a man opens the door of his car for his wife, you can be sure of one thing: Either the car is new or the wife is. Commandment
6. Marriage is when a man and woman become as one; the trouble starts when they try to decide which one. Commandment
7. Before marriage, a man will lie awake all night thinking about something you said. After marriage, he will fall asleep before you finish talking. Commandment
8. Every man wants a wife who is beautiful, understanding, economical, and a good cook. But the law allows only one wife. Commandment
9. Every woman wants a man who is handsome, understanding, economical and a considerate lover, but again, the law allows only one husband. Commandment
10. Man is incomplete until he marries. After that, he is finished.
You may have one or two of your own to add...have at it!
Tv or not Tv
With the Conan-Leno late night debacle all but over, let’s look back at some other big tv boo-boo’s. Entertainment Weekly lists what it calls "TV's 50 Biggest Bombs and Blunders." Here's a dozen or so from the list.1. NBC putting Jay Leno at 10pm.
2. Fox yanks "Family Guy" off the air, twice in 1999 and 2002.
3. ABC airing "Cavemen" based on the Geico ads in 2007.
4. ABC episode of "Moonlighting" were David and Maddie hook up in 1987.
5. UPN infamous sitcom "The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer" in 1998.
6. Premature exiting: Pernell Roberts from "Bonanza" in 1965 at the end of the 6th season. Shelley Long walked out of "Cheers" in 1987 at the end of the 5th season, and David Caruso leaving "NYPD Blue" during the second season of the show.
7. NBC airing "Coupling" an adaptation of England's sex obsessed version of "Friends" in 2003.
8. ABC overdoes it with "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" between 2002-02.
9. The WB cuts Felicity's hair, producers decided it would be dramatic for star Keri Russell to chop off her signature long, curly mane at the start of the second season.
10. NBC and World Wrestling Federation teamed up to create an alternative football league The XFL in 2001.
11. Terrible late night talk shows including Fox with "The Chevy Chase Show" in 1993 and the syndicated "The Magic Hour starring Magic Johnson" in 1998.
12. ABC letting reality hosts destroy the Emmys by celebrating the Emmys new category Outstanding Reality Host nominees "Survivor"'s Jeff Probst, "Dancing With the Stars"' Tom Bergeron, "Deal or No Deal"'s Howie Mandel, "Project Runway"'s Heidi Klum, and "American Idol"'s Ryan Seacrest host the entire show in 2008.
13. CBS Jackie Gleason apologizes for "You're in the Picture," a game show which featured celebrities sticking their heads into an illustrated backdrop, then guessing what famous scene they were a part of.
14. ABC when "The Brady Bunch" added Cousin Oliver in 1974.
15. CBS for dropping a bunch of kids in a New Mexico ghost town and letting them created their own society, called "Kid Nation" in 2007.
Feel free to add one of you own!
Hangin' out with the Barenaked Ladies
Whew...yesterday was a crazy one. Anytime we have special guests coming in, we always get nervous. I go on line and try to dig up some cool stuff to ask. I pace. I double and triple check stuff. More pacing. Check the clock. You get the idea. Yesterday the Barenaked Ladies were awesome. Funny, polite...just a couple of cool guys you want to chat with all day. It's easy to forget who they are and all they have accomplished. 11 albums now. 20 years of music. Wow. The new album will be out the end of March...so watch for it. And watch for album number 12 at some point, that we may have named by accident yesterday..."What...you don't like diarrhea?" To hear the entire interview...click this linkDecision, Decisions!
THREE WAYS TO MAKE A DECISION WITH CONFIDENCE from Women's World[1] You’ll be happier with a decision if you make it between 9 and 11am. Why? Because science shows we’re biologically primed to think more clearly and make more intelligent choices during that time. The reason? In the old days, our ancestors had to decide their hunting routes in the morning and since figuring out where to find food was a major daily decision, we’re now hard-wired to be better decision-makers in the morning. Plus, morning’s the time your confidence is highest, and you’re less likely to be anxious or depressed.
[2] Don’t make a decision when you’re hungry. Cambridge University researchers found that subjects who had skipped a meal were 50 percent more likely to make an irrational decision. It makes sense: When you’re hungry, you’re more likely to be cranky and irritable, which can lead to bad decision making. Also, Florida State University researchers found that low blood sugar – which can occur when you don’t eat for a while - can also affect our decision making. In fact, when given a choice of three different answers over 60 percent of subjects picked the worst, most illogical one when their glucose levels were low.
[3] Think about something else. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that thinking too hard about something actually disrupts the balance of the two hemispheres of the brain, leading to poor decision making. So if you’re struggling with a decision, think about something else for a while. The answer should come to you.
or...i might suggest "eenie meenie miney moe", a coin toss, or doing exactly the opposite to what your spouse says to do. I take no responsibility for consequences!
Bads that are good for Kids.
FOUR BAD HABITS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR KIDS Some bad habits may actually have some benefits for your kids. Here’s the scoop from First magazine:• Myth #1: Texting ruins their spelling. That’s False. A lot of teens can text 80 words per minute, mostly because of shortcuts like “OMG” and “LOL.” A study in the journal Reading and Writing found that teens who use slang in texts, IMs and Twitter updates do just as well on spelling tests as kids who don’t communicate electronically. Why? Because they understand that “chatspeak” isn’t acceptable in schoolwork.
• Myth #2: All sweets promote cavities. That’s False. In fact, eating dark chocolate and drinking hot cocoa may protect your child’s teeth as well as as fluoride. Scientists at Tulane University found that a compound in cocoa beans promotes the growth of enamel-hardening crystals, which make teeth less vulnerable to bacterial damage and decay. Tannins in chocolate make bacteria “slippery” – which keeps microbes from sticking to your teeth and forming cavity-causing plaque.
• Myth #3: Staying up late turns kids into zombies. That’s actually a toss-up. Staying up late all the time does make kids groggy and less able to concentrate during the day. However, letting your child stay up late occasionally may make them more alert the next morning – as long as they can sleep in. A study at Stanford University found that volunteers who stayed up as late as 2 am fell asleep faster, and woke up less often than those who went to bed early, because people sleep more soundly when they go to bed really tired. However, a regular sleep schedule is best.
• Myth #4: Videogames can ruin your kid’s eyesight. That’s False. Researchers at the University of Rochester in New York found that volunteers who played an hour a day of high-action videogames were 43 percent better at seeing color contrast – the tiny difference from one shade to another in the same color family. A skill that’s crucial to everyday functions like reading and interpreting the facial cues that reveal people’s emotions.
So Mom...can I stay up late texting, playing video games and eating chocolate???...Can I? Huh???
Jetting off somewhere?
If you're heading off on vacation anytime soon...you likely already know about new security measures at airports. If not...you better start making some calls so you don't end up being late or worse! If you do happened to get stuck...just hope you run into this guy...check out the video on this link.Happy Holidays Everyone
Just wanted to say thanks for another fun year. We hope you've been enjoying the Christmas music...after today's Christmas eve show, I'll be gone for a few days...then back for a few morning shows before new years...listen in if you can...other wise, just have a wonderful holiday with friends and family. Stay safe and happy and healthy.If you want to track Santa on Norad...try this link.
Happy Festivus Mr. Castanza
HAPPY FESTIVUS! Wednesday is Festivus. Festivus is an annual holiday created by writer Dan O'Keefe and introduced into popular culture by his son Daniel, a scriptwriter for the TV show Seinfeld. Although the original Festivus took place in February 1966 as a celebration of O'Keefe's first date with his wife, Deborah, many people now celebrate the holiday on December 23, as depicted on the December 18, 1997 Seinfeld episode "The Strike". ... According to O'Keefe, the name Festivus "just popped into his head."... The holiday includes novel practices such as the "Airing of Grievances", in which each person tells everyone else all the ways they have disappointed him or her over the past year.
... Also, after the Festivus meal, the "Feats of Strength" are performed, involving wrestling the head of the household to the floor, with the holiday ending only if the head of the household is actually pinned.
... These conventions originated with the TV episode. The original holiday featured far more peculiar practices, as detailed in the younger Daniel O'Keefe's book The Real Festivus, which provides a first-person account of an early version of the Festivus holiday as celebrated by the O'Keefe family, and how O'Keefe amended or replaced details of his father's invention to create the Seinfeld episode.
... Some people, influenced or inspired by Seinfeld, now celebrate the holiday in varying degrees of seriousness; the spread of Festivus in the real world is chronicled in the book Festivus: The Holiday for the Rest of Us.
Easy Snow Shovelling
Assuming you just can't get someone else to do it...you need to be careful when you start heaving around the white stuff. NOW is the time to think about it...so that when it hits, both you and your back, are prepared.Andrew Drewczynski, an ergonomist at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, says technique is important. But most people don't know anything about it. "They just go out there and start flailing away." ... By outfitting shovelers with heart-rate monitors and digital strain gauges, researchers with the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety Center for Safety Research in Massachusetts learned that poor technique is both inefficient and hazardous. T
he researchers concluded that a bent-handle shovel design can reduce back strain by allowing a shoveler to stand more upright.
Other experts have come to different conclusions, deciding that a straight-handled shovel optimizes leverage by allowing a greater range of lower hand positions.
... By analyzing the technique of professional shovelers such as grave diggers and construction workers, ergonomic experts have learned that the secret to efficient shoveling is moving a relatively light load at the correct rate. For most people, the ideal load of snow per shovel-full is 10 to 15 pounds. Each shovel stroke should take four to five seconds, or 12 to 15 strokes per minute. Although the greatest theoretical efficiency is achieved at 18 to 21 strokes a minute, this is an Olympic-type standard, unsustainable for all but the most powerful and well-conditioned.
... How far you throw the snow is also crucial. After extensive studies, experts have generally concluded that the optimal throw distance is about 3.3 feet.
... Drewczynski says many people bring a deeply flawed approach to the task of shoveling snow: "They don't like doing it, so they try to get it over with as fast as they can. They overload the shovel and they try to work too fast."
... Another common mistake: improper equipment application -- like using a wide, plow-style shovel to lift and throw loads of snow. For digging and moving snow, most people should use a light shovel with a relatively small blade.
Or...got a neighbour with a teenager? A little cash can go a looooooong way towards a snow free driveway!
Most Popular Youtube Vids of 2009
YOUTUBE'S MOST-WATCHED VIDEOS OF 2009 (Global views)1. Susan Boyle - Britain's Got Talent (120+ million views)
2. David After Dentist (37+ million views) -- In May 2008, 7-year old David DeVore Jr. was taken to the dentist to have an extra tooth removed. Because this was David's first surgery and his mother couldn't be there, his father decided to video tape the experience to share with her and their family. After the surgery, David was feeling extra loopy from the anesthesia he was given. While in the car, he was asking his father questions like "Is this real life?" and "Is this going to last forever?" and also telling him that he had four fingers. Seven months later, David's father uploaded the video on Facebook. Being overwhelmed with people wanting to see the video, he decided to upload it to YouTube, but didn't notice there was a private option. Just 3 days after the upload, it had been seen over 3 million times. The video has been a cash cow for the family. The DeVores were made 'YouTube Partners'. This gives YouTube the right to run ads over the videos they post and, in exchange, are given a share of the revenue. They also sell "David After Dentist" T-shirts.
3. JK Wedding Entrance Dance (33+ million views) -- The wedding occurred on June 20, 2009 at Christ Lutheran Church, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The video was posted on YouTube a month after the wedding at the request of the bride's father who wanted to share it with relatives who weren't there. The video begins with ushers closing the church doors with everything appearing normal, getting ready for the start of a wedding. "Forever" by Chris Brown then begins to play to the surprise of the audience. The ushers, groomsmen and bridesmaids then progressively dance down the aisle, culminating in the groom, Kevin Heinz, tumbling through the group. Ultimately, Jill Peterson dances down the aisle, eventually met by her husband-to-be. According to Jill, "[they practiced for] an hour and a half" before the ceremony.
Thanks!
I just wanted to take a minute and say thanks for all the cards and best wishes...for both my birthday (yesterday) and Christmas. It's been wonderful hearing from everyone...and it's always nice to be remembered. We hope you're enjoying the Holiday music...and Viv and I are planning some Christmas fun for our Christmas eve morning show next week. thanks again!Support some local kids
I received this email the other day and thought I would pass it on.Hi Mark,
I’m not sure if you can help but I’ll ask anyways. My daughter goes to SK at Academie de La Tamise (The Thames Academy) on Dundas and Highbury. The principal, Josee Corrigan entered the school in a competition put on by Aviva Insurance. The website containing our idea is located at [ http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf1082 ]http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf1082 People supporting this idea can go online to [ http://www.avivacommunityfund.org ]www.avivacommunityfund.org, register once and vote for our idea (search “La Tamise”). This takes 2 minutes.
They can then go back online the next day and vote again. This takes 10 sec. The problem is that our school only has 160 students and with staff and parents voting their little hearts out, we’re only getting 650 votes a day. Centres with more people and support are killing us as they have about 9,000 votes. Aviva picks the top 25 vote getters and chooses the best ideas from there. They choose ideas until all $500,000 of prize money is given out. Our idea is the only one from London and it can beautify a small part of London if we can get enough votes.
People can vote everyday until Midnight EST Thursday December 17’th. If we can get everyone in London to vote imagine what that says about London’s support. 350,000 votes, we’d kick butt. If you can, we’d appreciate the plug. If you go online, you can see how desperately the kids need this funding. All it takes is 10 sec. a day. I’m curious to see if our fellow Londoners can respond to this too. you can reach me at the number below if you have any questions. I know, you have to be careful what you plug.
Thanks again for your time.
Thanks Steven
Good luck Steven and to all the kids at Academie de La Tamise!
The Gadgets of Christmas
Talking key chains, hats that sing and dance, electronic gerbils...the gadgets of Christmas. Here's a few more...clink on the links to see them.Giant Stress Ball: Sometimes the average stress ball just isn’t quite enough on those really bad days at the office. So why not ask for one of these giant stress balls this Christmas? No different than the usual type, except a lot bigger.
Nevada Stainless Steel Playing Cards: They’re extremely light so they won’t damage the card table, but they will do serious harm to your bank balance, setting you back about $100.
Electronic Mooncandles: They glow like any normal candles minus the oozing wax and the potential fire hazard. From the remote control you can choose between two brightness settings as well as 4 or 8 hour light. On one model there is an option to change the color of the glow from the remote control.
Sound Asleep Pillow: It functions as a normal pillow, or you could attach the removable audio jack, plug in your mp3 player and drift off with the soothing sound of music oozing out from between the sheets.
Big Bubble Maker: Remember those little pots of bubble liquid we used to have as kids? Simply dip the oval shaped stick into the liquid and blow. Yeah well this is just like that. But a ka-zillion times bigger. Drag it along with you to make huge bubbles. They even claim to be as big as a bus! Comes with a recipe book so you can cook up your own magic bubble formula from household liquids.
Happy Shopping!
Saving and celebrating
HOW TO SAVE MONEY THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON From BetterBudgeting.com (with clever comments from me)Most folks are pretty cash-strapped these days, but believe it or not, it IS possible to enjoy the Christmas season without a big budget.
Christmas Cards:
* Christmas cards always go on sale in December, and the longer you wait the better! (great advice as long as you thought of it LAST year)
Wrapping Paper:
* Use pretty magazine pages or the comics section of the paper to wrap small gifts. (I have done this and been made fun of. BE WARNED...your choice of magazine is crucial here. No one is interested in learning that you have a subscription to "Hugh Jackman's Naked Behind" weekly)
* Use your children’s artwork. (it's only cluttering up the fridge door anyway)
* Save used wrapping paper all through the year, just roll them back onto the paper tube and place a small piece of scotch tape on the edge to hold in place. These really work great for small gifts where the previously folded lines won’t even show. (Also a great way to save on kleenex and paper towels!)
* Make your own gift tags by cutting a small piece of matching wrapping paper and folding it in half. (I find a big black magic marker will write right on the wrapping paper just fine...no tag required)
Cut up old Christmas cards make wonderful gift tags too! (again...careful selection of which part of the card will keep you out trouble. Try to not cut Santa's head in half. And never use cards that old flame's gave you, or this year's Mistletoe will go entirely un-used.)
Decorations:
* The stores have incredible sales every year for decorations, buy close to the holiday or even better, after the holiday! You could fill your house with nice Christmas decorations every year for a small fraction of what they originally cost! (then you could put them away in a spot in the basement or garage where you will never find them again. I have 3 Christmases worth of decoration SOMEWHERE.
* Save your children’s (or grandchildren’s) holiday crafts and artwork from school each year, after a few years you’ll have a houseful of free and beautiful decorations. As an added bonus, your munchkin will feel good about seeing his artwork on display. (they also make great kindling for the Yule fire)
* Pop some popcorn and string it up all over the house. Or cranberries. Or bacon. I do love bacon.
Fun and FREE Christmas gifts
Money tight? Or maybe you just like the personal touch...here's a few things you do for someone at Christmas that don't cost much at all.Coupons: You can easily make coupons this Christmas for your friends, family, and coworkers, for free. Think of what they’d like to do -- a movie night, a game night, a dinner at home - then create the coupon for them to redeem later in the year. If you have a computer, you can be pretty creative with photos or clip art...make em fun!
Homemade Treats: Homemade treats make the perfect free Christmas gift. Candy and coolies are always appreciated - especially for those who don’t bake themselves. (hint hint)
Photo/Memory collection: Whether it's for your friends or family, a collage of pictures makes a great free Christmas gift. A great idea is look through your files of photos of your loved ones. Print the pictures out on photo paper and assemble them on large piece of cardboard. This makes a great free Christmas gift. You can also make a "memories" type photo album...and instead of printing it, save it to a little flash drive for their computer or digital frame.
A Romantic Dinner: This is a great free Christmas gift idea for boyfriends/husbands. Prepare your girlfriend/wife a meal from scratch on a night that you know will be really hectic for her. For example, if she calls to tell you that she's going to go and finish up the Christmas shopping that evening, have dinner ready when she gets home. She'll love you for it. (listen to "I saw mommy kissing santa clause" for inspiration)
A Night Off: Do your friends have a really hectic life? Work, kids, soccer practice, etc? Give your friends the nights off. Offer to take their children to soccer practice and then take them to your house for dinner. This will allow your friends to relax after work. A night of relaxation is a wonderful free Christmas gift.
A mix CD: Everyone has favorite songs. Make your loved one a CD that has all their favorite songs on it this Christmas. If it's for someone extra special, put songs on there that remind you of them. This is another great Christmas gift that is free. It just requires searching for the music and burning the CD. A disc of holiday music would be a good thing too...just in case they're out of the London area and can't listen to the non stop Christmas music on EZ rock.
Best and Worsts of 09 begin.
WORST INVENTIONS OF 2009 according to Time magazine• Time Magazine has named NASA’s Ares Rocket as the Best Invention of 2009, saying it “dazzled even the skeptics.” But they also came up with the worst inventions of the year.
• The Smile Police: Employees at Keihin Electric Express Railway in Japan have their smiles scanned by software to maximize cheeriness. (Nothing like a fake forced smile to brighten your day. Just try not to growl).
• The Jane Austen Monster Mashup Novel: It started with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Please let it end soon. (although I would like one as a stocking stuffer...in my Zombie stocking)
• Snuggies for Dogs: It's bad enough that humans wear "the blanket with sleeves." Do we have to put them on dogs as well? ( I disagree...what if the dog is on the sofa and he wants to change the channel or read. In a normal blanket, his paws would freeze and drop off instantly. In a Snuggie...he stays warm)
• The Gas-Mask Bra: You have to admire the good intentions of the inventor who made a bra that converts handily into a pair of gas masks. (don't ask...I have no idea what the panties turn into)
MISSING FROM THEIR LIST AND KIND OF COOL
The Slap Chop...LOVE THE COMMERCIALS!
The Wedding bra...with a countdown timer that can only be deactivated by sliding a ring into a special compartment. Seriously. This is an actual thing.
The Guitar t-shirt. Just go to this link.
Got any to add??
Facebook and Twitter crazy
Check out the link to the You tube video of a couple interrupting their wedding ceremony to update their "status".He could have stayed home and Tweeted "I do".
Gift ideas...and warnings!
I didn't write this one...but there's some interesting ides to consider.THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY YOUR WIFE FOR CHRISTMAS
Here’s what one blogger had to say:
Kitchen Utensils: Some men are very fortunate to still have a wife that cooks supper every evening. Unfortunately, those are the same foolish men that will turn around and buy their wife a griddle for Christmas. This is a really bad idea. (Unless you enjoy getting bashed in the head with a griddle)
Clothing That Is Not One-Size-Fits-All: Clothing is simply too risky because you are likely to pick the wrong size. Too big and they think you are saying they are fat, and too small means that you are hoping they will lose weight. Either way, you come out looking like a fool. Leave that whole category alone.
Self Improvement Anything: Along the same lines as the clothing category a husband should never attempt to be a self help guru. Buying your wife that “How to Become a Sex Goddess Overnight” book or video is not likely to draw rave reviews. Leave the whole yoga, weight loss, personal growth area to the men that like sleeping on the couch.
Any Small Appliance: Okay so you really do need a new vacuum cleaner. Gentlemen, if you attempt to slide that in as a Christmas gift you will likely be the only one that ever uses it. A gift for Christmas should not be something that requires her to do daily work.
Tickets to the Local Tractor Pull: Now, unless your wife is the biggest fan on Earth of tractor pulls, then you better not make this mistake. The point is, if the gift is really for you and you are trying to disguise it as a gift for her, you are risking a very early divorce. Keep your priorities on her, and buy those tickets to the tractor pull separately.
Fake Anything: While most men are smart enough to not try to the fake jewelry thing, they are not above going for that fake Gucci bag or iPod. Have the common sense to buy your wife a Christmas gift that did not come from the back of someone’s van. Yes, guys. They know the difference.
Oh Christmas Tree!
With the Christmas tunes in full swing, here's a bunch of info on snagging the right tree.Decide Where to Place the Tree - Avoid placing your tree near a heat source (sunny windows, radiators, heating vents, and fireplaces). Try to keep the tree out of high traffic areas where it might be bumped or overturned, or where someone might trip on light cords. Avoid any spot that might be dangerous, such as next to a fire in the fireplace or up on a wobbly table. Measure Twice - Before you go shopping or hunting for that "perfect tree," you'll need to decide where it will fit in your home. See placement tips above, but once a spot is chosen be sure to measure BOTH the ceiling height and the width of that space. Write these numbers down on a piece of paper. Also, measure your tree stand to determine the maximum diameter of the tree trunk you can use in it. Finally, measure the height of your tree stand as well as the height of your treetop decoration. Use all these measurements to determine the perfect height and width of the tree you'll select for your home. Take a Tape Measure - Take the tape measure with you when you shop. You'll need it to measure the trees you consider so you don't take home a 7" diameter tree trunk for your 5" diameter stand or a 9 foot tall tree if your ceilings are only 8 feet. Before Leaving Home - Take heavy gloves to protect your hands, and a tape measure to help select the right size tree. Find an old blanket to protect your car from pine needles and sap. Take twine or rope to tie it securely to the car (unless you know the tree lot will provide this). Locate a saw so a fresh cut can be made before placing the tree in water. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water so your tree can start drinking water as soon as it gets home and has a fresh cut. Find your tree stand (or determine if you'll need a new one) and set it up. Confirm the maximum tree trunk diameter that will fit into the stand.
Tree Stands - Choose a tree stand that is sturdy and the right size. Pay attention to the size of tree trunk that each stand will accommodate. The taller your tree, the bigger diameter of the trunk. If you have a tall, wide room, be sure to get a large stand for the large tree you'll select. If you'll put your tree on a table, a smaller stand will work fine. Look for tree stand models that hold lot of water. You'll spend less time refilling the water pan throughout the season. Get a stand that is easily adjustable so the tree can be leveled. For more, see our article on Top Picks for Tree Stands. Choosing a Tree - Trees with shorter needles (such as Fraser or Noble Fir) are often easier to decorate than others, as they offer some space between branches for decorations as well as some stronger stems to hold heavier ornaments. Learn more about the many types of Christmas trees and find out the characteristics and uses of each type. Get more information on types of trees. Space Between Branches - Keep in mind that a tree looks better when the ornaments hang straight. Many trees today are groomed to be lush and full, so aware that ornaments may hang at an angle on these sheered trees. For ornaments to hang straight you'll want a tree with some space between the branches. To test a tree, take an unbreakable ornament with you and hang it on several branches to see if there is room for it to hang straight.
Select a Fresh Tree - How can you tell if a tree is fresh? The needles should look shiny, green, and fresh -- not dry or brown. They should not fall off when you pull on a branch. Read more about Selecting a Fresh Christmas Tree in this article from About. Transporting your Tree - If possible lay the tree inside your car or trunk for the drive home. This will be difficult unless you have a large van or truck. If you drive with the tree on the roof of your car, you must tie it securely to the car. You may want to wrap it in a tarp or old blanket.
Make a Fresh Cut - Once you are home cut off at least 1/2" from the bottom of the trunk so the tree will begin to soak up water immediately. Get It the Right Height - Depending on your ceiling height, measure and cut more off the bottom of your tree so it fits perfectly in your space. If you're not going to display the tree inside your house right away, stand it in a bucket of warm water in the corner of your garage, sheltered patio, or basement, out of the sun.
Make Sure It Is Stable and Level - Your tree should stand perfectly vertical. If your carpeting is thick or uneven, you may need to put down a piece of plywood so the tree stand sits on a flat, level base. Protect Your Floor - Place a plastic or other waterproof covering on the floor where your tree will stand so you don't ruin the carpet or get watermarks on hardwood flooring. Place the Tree in the Stand - To keep loose needles off your floor, you may wish to get the tree in the stand outside. Whether you install it inside or out, you will need to tip the tree on its side and tighten the leveling clamps of the stand around the base of the trunk. Next, with help, lift the tree to a standing position, being careful not to damage the feet of the tree stand. Then make any needed adjustments in vertical alignment so the tree stands straight. Finally, carry your tree (with the stand attached) inside and into the room it will live in and fill the water reservoir of the stand with water immediately. Optional: Secure the Stand to a Base - If you have a very large tree or are worried about it tipping over, you should try to attach your tree stand to a large, flat piece of plywood before you put the tree in the stand. This will broaden the base of the tree and give it stability.
Adjust the Top - You may need to make small adjustments on the top of your tree, depending on your ceiling height and the type of ornament (angel, star, etc.) that will be placed on the top. If your tree is too tall, clip away any stray branches that may be in the way, but avoid chopping off the tallest vertical branch if you can. This is usually a stiff branch and will be a steady foundation for the tree top decoration. Use any clippings you may have to decorate your mantle or to make a centerpiece. Trim Any Straggling Branches - If any of the lower branches look imperfect or hit the furniture or walls, trim them off. Try to trim at an angle that is about parallel to the floor, so cuts are less noticeable. Use these extra boughs and branches to decorate your mantle or table, keeping them in water until you arrange them.
Water, Water, Water - Always keep your fresh tree in a stand that holds lots of water. Check the water level daily. For the first few days, you may even need to refill the water every few hours! (Set a timer to remind you to check it.) After about a week the water intake will slow down and daily refills should be fine. Water, or more? - Plain water is all you need to keep your tree fresh, though there are water additives and sprays you can purchase that promise to keep trees fresh longer. Ask about them where you buy your tree, or at a local garden center. How to Water - The best way is also the hardest way. You'll need some towels, a water jug, and some patience. Climb in close to the tree stand. If you can't see the water level, place one finger into the water reservoir and begin to add water slowly. (A watering can with a long spout is helpful.) Stop adding water when you feel the water on your finger. Wait a few moments to make sure no water leaks onto the floor. Secure It - If you have children or pets running around and are concerned about them knocking the tree over, be sure to secure it to a wall or a stable piece of furniture. Tie it securely in several places with fish line, twine, or cording attached to small eyehooks. Be sure that the tie lines are out of reach and won't pose any danger to children or animals.
When Christmas is Over, Recycle - Call your waste management company or city hall to find out how to recycle your tree for mulch. Do Not Burn Your Tree! - You should never burn your Christmas tree or branches, as this could present a severe fire danger. Dispose of your tree according to local regulations via trash collection, chipping for mulch, or recycling.
Wha? Huh? Bu?
Sorry. Feeling a little left out of all this American Thanksgiving hoopla. The parades, the music specials (Beyonce and Mc Cartney tonight), the turkey...and the shopping...THE SHOPPING!! We've heard about the big deals going on south of the border...and as good as they sound, I don't think I would have the heart to line up all night for a 4am opening in the cold and rain...to then battle with my neighbours over a cheap tv. But perhaps I don't understand the true meaning of Christmas. The extra turkey dinner would be AWESOME though. (Bust out the stretchy pants for a quick practise run before Christmas dinner). No daytime football watching or parade viewing for me, but I will do my best to make it through my day with a "thankful" attitude.Great Service
I find, that all too often I will be too quick to complain about things, but far too slow to compliment. And this time of year with frustrations and too many things to do...it can get even worse. So...just for fun...Viv and I have started a little thread on our facebook fan page, where you can take 30 seconds and pay a compliment to someone in a local business, who really went out of their way to do a great job for you. The helpline person who really helped when you called, the store clerk who was friendly and efficient, the cab driver who got you home. Let's say HEY to the unsung heroes...facebook folks can click on this LINK...become a fan of the show and put in your 2cents. You'll be helping set the tone for a HAPPIER Happy Holidays.Brain Aerobics
From Frankenstein to Einstein, great thinkers through the ages have all known one thing: No matter how much you exercise your mind, you can’t be a couch potato and still be the smartest person in the room. Here’s how to boost your mental muscle according Prevention magazine:• Take a nature walk. Researchers found that walking in a park instead of on a city sidewalk increased memory and attention span by 20%. Lucky for us, we have a ton of parks in London. Springbank, Forks on the Thames, and don't forget the Ponds. Crowded sidewalks and noisy traffic require the brain to focus on getting you from point A to point B, but natural settings don’t have those distractions, so your brain can use the downtime to process information.
• Get your blood flowing. A study from the University of Pittsburgh found that aerobic exercise actually increases the size of the brain’s learning centers. Bigger brain equals bigger thoughts (or at least more room for the few thoughts I have to run around in)
• Lift weights with your eyes closed. Dr. John Martin is a neuroscientist at Columbia University. He says that strength training fine-tunes the brain’s balance centers. Since we rely heavily on vision to coordinate movement, pumping iron with our eyes closed forces the brain to work smarter and make new connections. (you might want to warn your gym partner about that one...don't want to konk them on the noggin with your barbell)
• You’ll think faster if you play ball. German researchers found that 10 minutes of bouncing a ball from hand to hand increased the attention and concentration of volunteers. Learning to juggle fires up the wiring between brain cells, so they can carry more information. (plus if you get good, you're just a unicycle away from a new career!)
