Hi Everyone:
'Tis the season to be jolly? I say 'tis the season to get sick.
I just read an interesting study (http://beta.ca.news.yahoo.com/study-echinacea-common-cold-finds-herbal-remedy-doesnt-20101220-142959-023.html) about echinacea not being as effective in preventing or shortening the common cold as some of us thought.
Personally, I've tried echinacea and while I think it may have prevented me from getting a cold or two in the past, I wonder how much of this perceived "prevention" was due to placebo effect as opposed to reality. Then again, I have at least a friend or two who swears by the stuff. It's really up to your experience and what you believe to be true or not.
This study challenged me to question what previous studies have said, for as a journalist (and a curious person in general), I believe it is important to question everything I read rather than automatically assume and/or believe that it is true. Although I acknowledge that doing so is not always easy as I have my personal views, convictions and biases, I do my best to use my brain efficiently and question things. By doing so, I better understand why I think the way or believe what I do and it makes my beliefs and convictions stronger. "Just because" doesn't cut it for me. Then again, I am only human (as Alexander Pope said, "To err is human...") and will probably never master this area, but at least I can do my best!
I also plan to never stop striving to be more open-minded and respectful of other people's opinions as theirs are as equally valid as mine. The world would be a more peaceful place if we could just agree to disagree rather than argue about who is "right" and who is "wrong" (life is full of grey areas after all) and not put people down because their views differ from our own. If we want to be respected, should we not respect others as well? Alas, I digress...
And for those fine folks who are interested in the animal kingdom, including mating rituals - how 'bout them she-squirrels (http://ca.news.yahoo.com/promiscuous-squirrels-sleep-every-potential-mate-study-shows-20101220-030008-235.html)?
Enjoy!
Dahlia
*Updated January 2, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Meet Red Chair HR: A Celebration of People Award Nominee
Tonight's Celebration of People (a collaborative partnership of community organizations, which include lead partner Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, CNIB, East Region, Ontario, providing services and programs for people with disabilities) Awards Dinner is the ninth annual event of its kind. The awards presentation coincides with December 3 - designated by the United Nations as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The awards "recognize the achievements and contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations promoting accessibility, inclusion and full community participation by citizens with disabilities" (www.2.citizenadvocacy.org/.../about/).
One of the nominees in the Employment category is Red Chair HR.
Red Chair is unique because it "is the only private staffing service available in Canada that specifically accommodates people with disabilities in finding and securing temporary, freelance and permanent work placement. Through education, employers learn of the benefits of an inclusive and diverse workplace; while employees with disabilities have access to skill marketing, résumé writing and interview preparation services" (http://www2.citizenadvocacy.org/celebrationofpeople/en/finalists/).
"We skill market people's talents and abilities to potential clients," Kimberley Butler, the founding president and CEO of the agency, told me during a chat late this morning.
"We really make sure we connect with that person, so we know what their intentions are and what they want ... I don't feel people should just settle (for any job)."
Butler, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis earlier this year, started the agency in March, as a way to help both herself and others (http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/02/28/13059751.html).
She added: "I feel there's a huge business case for hiring professionals with disabilities and an inclusive and diverse corporate culture. Red Chair is part of that culture."
I agree! Bonne chance tonight, Red Chair HR!
The awards "recognize the achievements and contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations promoting accessibility, inclusion and full community participation by citizens with disabilities" (www.2.citizenadvocacy.org/.../about/).
One of the nominees in the Employment category is Red Chair HR.
Red Chair is unique because it "is the only private staffing service available in Canada that specifically accommodates people with disabilities in finding and securing temporary, freelance and permanent work placement. Through education, employers learn of the benefits of an inclusive and diverse workplace; while employees with disabilities have access to skill marketing, résumé writing and interview preparation services" (http://www2.citizenadvocacy.org/celebrationofpeople/en/finalists/).
"We skill market people's talents and abilities to potential clients," Kimberley Butler, the founding president and CEO of the agency, told me during a chat late this morning.
"We really make sure we connect with that person, so we know what their intentions are and what they want ... I don't feel people should just settle (for any job)."
Butler, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis earlier this year, started the agency in March, as a way to help both herself and others (http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/02/28/13059751.html).
She added: "I feel there's a huge business case for hiring professionals with disabilities and an inclusive and diverse corporate culture. Red Chair is part of that culture."
I agree! Bonne chance tonight, Red Chair HR!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
OpenFile: Dahlia's First Published Article on the Site and Your Chance to Suggest News Stories!
Hi Everyone!
Here's the link (http://ottawa.openfile.ca/ottawa/file/2010/11/cupcakes-conquer-capital) to my first OpenFile article, which was published yesterday.
OpenFile is a collaborative community news site in the capital.
If readers believe there is a local issue that should be covered, they can make their suggestions by visiting openfile.ca (surprise surprise), signing up and opening a file. A journalist will then be assigned to write the story. After all, journalists are meant to be "the voice of the people," right?
I attended OpenFile's launch party at the Spin Bar & Kitchen (at the bottom of The Marriott at 100 Kent) last night and spoke with founder Wilf Dinnick (a former CCN correspondent who has also worked at news outlets such as ABC News and CBC) who said that while 10% of Torontonians were suggesting stories at one point, that number has now risen to 40%! Wilf is hoping the number will go up to 80%, so his freelancers will suggest the remaining 20% of ideas.
I wholeheartedly agree with him: we, as journalists, SHOULD be covering stories that aren't being told and doing so from angles that haven't yet been thought of! And what better way to do that than with the help of you, our dear readers and fellow Ottawans?!
I'm so happy that OpenFile has arrived in the Capital and look forward to penning more stories that matter for the site.
I also think that my editor Nick Taylor-Vaisey's business card sums it up best: "Your story is the news"!
Power to the people!
Here's the link (http://ottawa.openfile.ca/ottawa/file/2010/11/cupcakes-conquer-capital) to my first OpenFile article, which was published yesterday.
OpenFile is a collaborative community news site in the capital.
If readers believe there is a local issue that should be covered, they can make their suggestions by visiting openfile.ca (surprise surprise), signing up and opening a file. A journalist will then be assigned to write the story. After all, journalists are meant to be "the voice of the people," right?
I attended OpenFile's launch party at the Spin Bar & Kitchen (at the bottom of The Marriott at 100 Kent) last night and spoke with founder Wilf Dinnick (a former CCN correspondent who has also worked at news outlets such as ABC News and CBC) who said that while 10% of Torontonians were suggesting stories at one point, that number has now risen to 40%! Wilf is hoping the number will go up to 80%, so his freelancers will suggest the remaining 20% of ideas.
I wholeheartedly agree with him: we, as journalists, SHOULD be covering stories that aren't being told and doing so from angles that haven't yet been thought of! And what better way to do that than with the help of you, our dear readers and fellow Ottawans?!
I'm so happy that OpenFile has arrived in the Capital and look forward to penning more stories that matter for the site.
I also think that my editor Nick Taylor-Vaisey's business card sums it up best: "Your story is the news"!
Power to the people!
Monday, November 22, 2010
OIW's Book Fair (Nov. 20th-21st): Jim Watson's Visit Symbolizes Appreciation and Support of the Arts and Culture
Ars longa, vita brevis (Art is long, life is short) - ANONYMOUS
I had a wonderful time at the Ottawa Independent Writers' (OIW) Book Fair (Nov. 20th-21st) at Dominican College yesterday .
I helped my client sell one of his earlier self-published books and caught up with a writer/editor friend (I hadn't seen her in a while!). I networked with fellow writers and met two potential clients.
In addition, I met mayor-elect Mr. Jim Watson who dropped by the event!
Watson's (who takes office Dec. 1st) pleasant banter with writers and book-buying enthusiasts and mere presence sent a clear message to the arts and non-arts communities: I support culture and believe it is an important part of Ottawa.
After all, we know that our current Mayor Larry O'Brien (who Watson beat with a landslide victory in the Oct. 24th election) would have never considered attending such an event because it wasn't corporate enough. Sorry it wasn't focused on Landsdowne, Larry boy!
Thank you, Dominican College, for allowing the OIW to host its book fair on your humble premises.
Thank you, dear writers (and book-buyers!), for making the day so enjoyable!
And last but not least, thank you, Mr. Watson, for reminding us that we will finally have a mayor who supports and appreciates the value of the arts!
I had a wonderful time at the Ottawa Independent Writers' (OIW) Book Fair (Nov. 20th-21st) at Dominican College yesterday .
I helped my client sell one of his earlier self-published books and caught up with a writer/editor friend (I hadn't seen her in a while!). I networked with fellow writers and met two potential clients.
In addition, I met mayor-elect Mr. Jim Watson who dropped by the event!
Watson's (who takes office Dec. 1st) pleasant banter with writers and book-buying enthusiasts and mere presence sent a clear message to the arts and non-arts communities: I support culture and believe it is an important part of Ottawa.
After all, we know that our current Mayor Larry O'Brien (who Watson beat with a landslide victory in the Oct. 24th election) would have never considered attending such an event because it wasn't corporate enough. Sorry it wasn't focused on Landsdowne, Larry boy!
Thank you, Dominican College, for allowing the OIW to host its book fair on your humble premises.
Thank you, dear writers (and book-buyers!), for making the day so enjoyable!
And last but not least, thank you, Mr. Watson, for reminding us that we will finally have a mayor who supports and appreciates the value of the arts!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Remembering Those Who Fought for Freedom!
Happy Remembrance Day, everyone!
Today is the day we remember and silently give thanks to the (mostly) men and women who willingly gave their lives to fight for freedom. Such a sacrifice must not be disregarded.
According to CBC News (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/11/11/remembrance-day-ceremonies.html), this November 11th marked the first time there were no surviving World War I veterans.
It was also a first for Gov. Gen. David Johnston to preside over a Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa, which drew over 30,000 people. Johnston is the Armed Forces' new commander-in-chief.
Ceremonies were held throughout Canada as well as abroad.
At the cenotaph at Kandahar Airfield, relatives of fallen soldiers were among more than 200 people who gathered to pay their respects.
Wreaths were placed and flags lowered to half-mast to honour the 152 Canadians killed in Afghanistan since 2002.
The commander of the Canadian mission in Kandahar, Brig.-Gen. Dean Milner told the crowd it is worth recalling that the soldiers being honoured died for the "common cause of freedom and human decency."
"It is important that we take the time to mark this day, especially here in Afghanistan," Milner said. "[It is] a place which is so close to the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought in this theatre"
(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/11/11/remembrance-day-ceremonies.html).
Milner's colleague, Lt.-Col. Doug Claggett, welcomed the families to the base.
"It's obviously hard for them, but the fact is they are able to come over here and meet the serving soldiers," said the chief of staff of Canada's Task Force Afghanistan. "This is our way to extend our thanks to their sacrifice"
(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/11/11/remembrance-day-ceremonies.html).
Prime Minister Stephen Harper marked Remembrance Day in Seoul, Korea, where he is attending the G20 summit. He placed a wreath at the Korean War Memorial to pay respect to the 516 Canadian soldiers who lost their lives between 1950 to 1953.
"Today we honour and remember those members of the Canadian Forces who fought in one of the toughest wars in our history, to defend South Korea against an oppressive communist invader," Harper said in a statement. "Our forces fought bravely alongside our allies to defend South Korea and played a pivotal part in ending the hostilities"
(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/11/11/remembrance-day-ceremonies.html).
Whether or not someone supports war is irrelevant. We, as Canadians, all value and cherish peace, freedom and democracy.
For people who want to replace the red poppies with white ones, I say shame on you for wanting to end an age-long tradition. Remembrance Day honours the war dead - those who gave their lives of their own volition for freedom and justice - not the act of war itself. There is nothing wrong with honouring bravery and valour!
As for Premier Dalton McGuinty whose priorities were introducing HST and creating then cancelling a flawed eco tax over making Remembrance Day a statutory holiday in Ontario? Don't get me started. I expect this situation to occur in Quebec not in Ontario; however, I will refrain from going off on a rant about our incompotent weasel of a premier.
After all, my blog is about the courageous soldiers not the anything but brave McGuinty.
Thank you, dear soliders! We will never forget!
Today is the day we remember and silently give thanks to the (mostly) men and women who willingly gave their lives to fight for freedom. Such a sacrifice must not be disregarded.
According to CBC News (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/11/11/remembrance-day-ceremonies.html), this November 11th marked the first time there were no surviving World War I veterans.
It was also a first for Gov. Gen. David Johnston to preside over a Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa, which drew over 30,000 people. Johnston is the Armed Forces' new commander-in-chief.
Ceremonies were held throughout Canada as well as abroad.
At the cenotaph at Kandahar Airfield, relatives of fallen soldiers were among more than 200 people who gathered to pay their respects.
Wreaths were placed and flags lowered to half-mast to honour the 152 Canadians killed in Afghanistan since 2002.
The commander of the Canadian mission in Kandahar, Brig.-Gen. Dean Milner told the crowd it is worth recalling that the soldiers being honoured died for the "common cause of freedom and human decency."
"It is important that we take the time to mark this day, especially here in Afghanistan," Milner said. "[It is] a place which is so close to the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought in this theatre"
(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/11/11/remembrance-day-ceremonies.html).
Milner's colleague, Lt.-Col. Doug Claggett, welcomed the families to the base.
"It's obviously hard for them, but the fact is they are able to come over here and meet the serving soldiers," said the chief of staff of Canada's Task Force Afghanistan. "This is our way to extend our thanks to their sacrifice"
(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/11/11/remembrance-day-ceremonies.html).
Prime Minister Stephen Harper marked Remembrance Day in Seoul, Korea, where he is attending the G20 summit. He placed a wreath at the Korean War Memorial to pay respect to the 516 Canadian soldiers who lost their lives between 1950 to 1953.
"Today we honour and remember those members of the Canadian Forces who fought in one of the toughest wars in our history, to defend South Korea against an oppressive communist invader," Harper said in a statement. "Our forces fought bravely alongside our allies to defend South Korea and played a pivotal part in ending the hostilities"
(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/11/11/remembrance-day-ceremonies.html).
Whether or not someone supports war is irrelevant. We, as Canadians, all value and cherish peace, freedom and democracy.
For people who want to replace the red poppies with white ones, I say shame on you for wanting to end an age-long tradition. Remembrance Day honours the war dead - those who gave their lives of their own volition for freedom and justice - not the act of war itself. There is nothing wrong with honouring bravery and valour!
As for Premier Dalton McGuinty whose priorities were introducing HST and creating then cancelling a flawed eco tax over making Remembrance Day a statutory holiday in Ontario? Don't get me started. I expect this situation to occur in Quebec not in Ontario; however, I will refrain from going off on a rant about our incompotent weasel of a premier.
After all, my blog is about the courageous soldiers not the anything but brave McGuinty.
Thank you, dear soliders! We will never forget!
Friday, October 22, 2010
My Latest Article - Cupcakes Abound in Ottawa!
Hi Everyone!
I know it's been a while since you last heard from me.
Let's just say that I have been *busy* BEYOND belief!
Anyway, please check out the following link (http://www.culturemagazine.ca/food/new_cupcakery_adds_balance_and_flavor_to_the_ottawa_dessert_scene.html) to my latest article.
It's about a very sweet topic!
Enjoy!
I know it's been a while since you last heard from me.
Let's just say that I have been *busy* BEYOND belief!
Anyway, please check out the following link (http://www.culturemagazine.ca/food/new_cupcakery_adds_balance_and_flavor_to_the_ottawa_dessert_scene.html) to my latest article.
It's about a very sweet topic!
Enjoy!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Happy October - Here's a Link to a Past Article!
Happy October, everyone!
Life has been and continues to be extremely busy, one reason being that I am editing a client's manuscript (non-fiction).
However, I am finally blogging again and encourage you to check out one of past my articles published during my undergrad. It can be found at:
http://www.invisiblecitiesnetwork.org/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=91
Later this month, I will have an article published in (Cult)ure magazine, and let's just say that it's about a deliciously sweet topic. Oh, and it's not about a past Madonna album (and a great tour as well!).
Have a wonderful day!
Life has been and continues to be extremely busy, one reason being that I am editing a client's manuscript (non-fiction).
However, I am finally blogging again and encourage you to check out one of past my articles published during my undergrad. It can be found at:
http://www.invisiblecitiesnetwork.org/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=91
Later this month, I will have an article published in (Cult)ure magazine, and let's just say that it's about a deliciously sweet topic. Oh, and it's not about a past Madonna album (and a great tour as well!).
Have a wonderful day!
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