On Bullying

Three things I've learned about bullying/oppression:

1. It is easier to be neutral than stand up for the oppressed.
2. Doing nothing essentially gives permission for oppression to continue.
3. Being oppressed can only last as long as it is allowed.

On Potlucks

People are much more likely to appreciate and remember a dish that wasn't picked up last minute at a supermarket.

(Homemade Middle-Eastern inspired platter)

On Town Squares

Although the view can be breathtaking, shops and restaurants located at the heart of large town squares are usually the most expensive ones.  

(The center of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic)

On Thinking

No matter how ambitious and forward-thinking one is, it's nearly impossible to spend a day free of thoughts from the past. 

(Pensive figure near Sherbrooke, QC)

On VTS

Using "Visual Thinking Strategies" is a stimulating way to get the younger generation interested in old(er) paintings.

(A painting from Vienna, Austria)

On Black Snow

Although black ice may be hazardous for drivers, this is more dangerous for our environment.

(Dirty snow in downtown Ottawa)

On Apples

An apple a day may keep the doctor away in the short term, but they contain high levels of pesticides so opt for organic ones to avoid doctors in the long term.

(An apple tree in the Czech Republic)

On Fur Coats

"Whether it came from an animal on a fur farm or one who was trapped in the wild, every fur coat, trinket, and bit of trim caused an animal tremendous suffering- and took away a life."

-PETA

(My cat taking comfort in mom's OLD fur coat)

On Sports

Having a pastime that involves some kind of teamwork is integral to building character and acquiring a competitive edge.

(My brother playing soccer in Montreal)

On Marathons

Make sure you are wearing light, tight clothing even if you are running in -28C temperatures.

(Winterman Marathon in Ottawa this past weekend)

On Rethinking Breast Cancer

It is an extremely important issue, for both women and men, but finding humorous ways to remind people to get tested doesn't have to be so serious.

On Monopoly

Even a popular century-old game can undergo major changes in an effort to remain modern.

(The new Monopoly piece replacing the Iron)

On Raindrops

Simply staring at light drops falling in a puddle can provide an odd sense of relief.

(Raindrops falling near my head)

On Pets

It's important to remember that they won't be around forever so try not to take their love for granted.

(My beautiful lazy cat)

On the Madness of Love

"There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness." 

-Friedrich Nietzsche 

(Cake for a friend's wedding shower)

On Ice Sculptures

Apparently it's a lot easier than it looks and sculptors can manipulate thousands of tons over a small surface area.

(Alien Queen at Winterlude in Ottawa)

On Justin Trudeau

He is so much more than just a pretty face and if he can work the country the same way he works a crowd, he'll succeed with flying colors. 

(Trudeau speaking in Orleans yesterday)

On Lectures

Only the best speakers can really keep a whole classroom's attention in an era of smart technology.

(Jeremy Dias at uOttawa on homophobic bullying)

On Sustainability

Even though Canada opted out of the Kyoto Protocol, it's still in our best interest to find innovative ways to improve the environment.

(The "Living Wall" at the Faculty of Social Science at uOttawa)

On Children

The young ones never listen to adults' wisdom; they must always figure things out by themselves, and it is frustrating for grown-ups to act as permanent guardians.

(Famous quote and drawing from "The Little Prince")

On Hold-Ups

Do not talk about someone's courage before witnessing it in a real-life situation.

(Student artwork based on "The Outsiders")

On Movies Online

Although scarce and sometimes difficult to find, there are some truly great films available online.

(Louis Malle's Au Revoir les Enfants)

On Dog Training

When in the middle of dog training it's important to be consistent and on the same page as your partner.

(Buster, a friend's dog-in-training)

On Stereotypes

Just because they are rife in all parts of the world, it doesn't mean we should perpetuate them.

(Map of European stereotypes)

On Riots

Make sure you know exactly what people are rioting about before you decide to join in.

(Random riot outside Parliament last year)

On Hoarding

There is nothing wrong with keeping a cluttered house as long as you know where to find everything.

(Random house in New Edinburgh, Ottawa)

On Jellyfish

Although the experience of getting stung by one is surely unpleasant, they do make great appetizers.

(A jellyfish salad at a Japanese restaurant in Montreal)

On Cat Grass

Eating greens is as important for humans as it is for most animals.

(My cat choosing grass over playtime)