That's Canadian, eh?

I stumbled across this article yesterday about Canadian English. Fascinating read. The article covers distinctive Canadian vocabulary, pronunciation and spelling.

According to the authors…

“There are… slight differences between American English and British English, and since Canadians are influenced by both, Canadian English is a mixture of both American and British features.”

True.

“Canadian English includes words borrowed from other languages which do not appear in other varieties of English. … Most of these borrowed words refer to features in the flora, fauna, geography and topography.”

Really?

The article then goes on to point out distinctive Canadian words, many of which I have never heard before. I can’t remember ever using the words biffy, sniggler, sook, or utilidor in a sentence or conversation.

But there are also some other gems such as toque (spelled incorrectly as tuque), off side, chesterfield and eavestrough.

Interestingly, no reference to the most Canadian of all expressions... “eh.”

Art Gives Back - The One & Other Project

One of my colleagues recently became the centre of attention in Trafalgar Square in London, England. He was randomly selected to participate in a special “living monument project” called One & Other, conceived by artist Antony Gormley.

The One & Other project involves a different person occupying the Fourth Plinth* in Trafalgar Square on their own for one full hour. The project runs 24 hours a day for 100 days without a break.

Many of those chosen are using their one hour to showcase their talent or to raise awareness for various plights or diseases.

My colleague was no exception… He made and broadcasted a chain of messages from friends (some even in real-time) – to help raise money for Sightsavers International.

Check out the streaming video of Tim's "performance art" here.

*The Fourth Plinth is the name given to the empty plinth in the north-west corner of Trafalgar Square in London. It was originally designed to display an equestrian statue but there were not enough funds available at the time to create a statue, so the plinth remained empty.

Bode's new strategy

There has been much debate about whether Bode Miller will return to the 2009/2010 World Cup season, let alone the Olympics. And he’s not confirming any thing one way or another. Most assume Bode has hung up his skis – particularly since he left before the end of the World Cup season last year.

But last night LB had a “revelation” and, after much discussion, I had to agree that he might be onto something.

Bode will not only return to the World Cup… Bode will compete at the Olympics and win. Big time. We know this because we’ve been watching The Superstars.*

Don’t see the connection? Let me explain.

LB thinks that Bode has been using "The Superstars” as part of his strategy to psyche out his competition on the World Cup. The theory? The competition sees Bode on the show, notes how uncharacteristically unfit he has become and believes he won’t be coming back to the World Cup for the upcoming season. They rest easy.

But the show was been pre-taped months ago!

So while the rest of the world is lulled into a false sense of security that Bode won’t be a threat on the ski circuit this year, Bode is actually working out furiously and preparing to take back his World Cup title and several Olympic medals! They won’t even see him coming!

Sound like a complicated theory? Well it is, but it’s just the kind of complicated strategy someone like Bode would go for. In this article: Bode Miller is real winner of ‘The Superstars’ (sort of) the writer points out that Bode’s performance during the competition showed “some seriously intense strength and strategizing… That’s the kind of thing Bode was doing all season, it seemed.”

Only time will tell if LB’s theory turns out to be true. And if it does, you can let people know you read it here first.

* The Superstars is a lame reality show that pairs athletes with celebrities to compete in a number of sporting events. Just to clarify, we only tuned in because we heard Bode was participating and wherever Bode is… well, it’s sure to be entertaining.

I will need to Bing that...

Bing is Microsoft's answer to Google. It recently launched in May and is slowly - very slowly - gaining a following.

For me searching on Google has become second nature. I'm not the only one. What was once a trademark name with "Google" has now become a verb.

But I'm open to trying new things. So I've been checking out Bing and I have to say that it totally kicks Google's ass when it comes to image searches. You can sort by layout, size, color... As someone who is often "liberating" images for use in PowerPoints, this is pure heaven.

And the video search feature also provides you with additional options Google doesn't currently provide such as the ability to search by resolution, length, source and more.

The Web search can produce different results and rankings when you compare the same terms on both Google and Bing. I'm not sure which one is better, but I think I may actually prefer the Bing user interface.

Where Bing falls short is on the News search functionality. There aren't any options to push news alert to your email but they do offer RSS.

I'll continue to test Bing out and maybe next time someone asks me a question that requires some Internet research I'll reply: "Hold on and let me Bing that."

The best article EVER!

It's July, which means it's Tour de France season. I love this time of year.

Who I don't love is Lance Armstrong. For many, many reasons. He's back after several years off from the Tour. It's week one and he's currently in second place... by a tenth of a second. This pains me.

But I found some solace yesterday in this article: Top 10 Reasons to Hate Lance Armstrong.

I seriously laughed out loud at reason #6: "He hangs out with Matthew McConaughey." And I'll let you see the #1 reason yourself. It's something I've believed for years....

*sigh* Now THAT my friends is good journalism.

P.S. I was further uplifted yesterday when Titi Voeckler won stage 5 of the Tour!

What I Learned From My High School Yearbooks

Cleaning… Ok, well really just purging some stuff at home. We have accumulated so much stuff!

Anyway, in my adventures of dusting my High School yearbooks literally fell into my hands. So I decided to take a look-see.

The revelations were… ummm… interesting.

Here are my observations:

1. I was intense.
2. Mr. Lem ROCKED!
3. I excelled in English class without actually attending classes.
4. I had bad hair.
5. Others had bad hair.
6. Track pants and Beaver Canoe t-shirts/sweatshirts were considered the pinnacle of fashion prowess.
7. Teens – back in the day – actually ate and had normal bodies.
8. Mark Deason was/is funny. (Note to self: Must Google him to find out where he is now.)
9. I liked “Mountain Men.” Still do. I married one.
10. I’m now out of touch with many that were “destined” to be my best friends forever.

Nothing says Canada like a stilt walking band wearing lumber jackets

Looking to host the ultimate Canada Day party? You're in luck.

While researching some entertainment possibilities for an upcoming corporate event (non-Canada Day related), I stumbled across this Canadian themed entertainment package from a company called Contraband International based out of London, UK.

The package includes "...Mounties, moose, and stilt walking lumber jack musicians, lumber jacks and performance chainsaw artists."

Oh, and apparently one of the moose options is a bucking moose bronco! (Only one rider at a time please.)

If you check out their site here, you just might be able to get it all ordered in time for July 1st. But I don't think the scantily clad girl in the Canada flag bikini standing on an ice break comes with it.

The great weather / tomato debate

I'm confused by the upcoming forecast. What is the difference between "cloudy periods" and "mainly sunny?" Even the descriptive pictures look the same.

Perhaps weather forecasters get bored using the same language day in and day out? Maybe this is their take on tomato vs. tomahto?

Shut up, smile and nod...

Crikey, it's depressing out there. News cast after news cast talks about the recession, people being laid off, car companies failing, banks failing, companies cutting back... Honestly, the list goes on and on and on...

And yet I have somehow managed to be employed in an industry that is growing, well booming actually - particularly during these trying times.

I work in transit. (Most of the time... but that's another story.) Transit ridership is at an all time high. People can't afford their cars or the gas to move them. And then Obama promised mucho dollars in his "stimulus package" that has a direct impact on what we provide. We are BUSY and GROWING and if anything... I'm OVERWORKED and looking to HIRE new people.

So, I should be happy, right?

Well, I am. Except that I can't really share that. Most of the people I know have been affected by the current economy. Conversations usually start like this:

THEM: "How are things for YOU, being in Marketing and all? Usually the first to go, I assume..."

ME: "Ummm... good. Can't complain."

THEM: "But you must be worried about your job? Your company?"

ME: "No, we're ok. Just need to stay focused. Have had a good year actually."

THEM: (Shaking head in disbelief.) "Oh, right. But you can never be too careful..."

So I just shut up, smile and nod.

Oh glorious day!

Today I will not...

• work with any financial models, charts or graphs
• respond to work email
• answer the phone
• drive anywhere

Today I will...

• waste the morning away on the couch in my jammies
• listen to music LOUDLY (and perhaps even dance and sing)
• play a few rounds of Tiger Woods' golf
• stroll through the village and buy something totally cool, but unnecessary

Cycle Commuters are Crazy

Gah! I nearly took out a cyclist today with my car. Not on purpose mind you, but it was close enough for him to swear at me (loudly) and for me to feel like a schmuck.

I'm all for staying fit, reducing your carbon footprint, etc. but I have to wonder if cycling in this area is... um... appropriate.

I work in a corporate business area right off a major highway across from the airport. It's just one company headquarters, after another, after another, after another. The blocks stretch on and on... Kind of a corporate wasteland really without even proper sidewalks (or good coffee within walking distance.)

The speed limit in this area is posted at 50 km/h but the actual speed of most cars is 80 km/h+. Add in the trucking/logistics traffic associated with the airport and you have one pretty sketchy area for driving, let alone cycling. (Which makes me think that cycle commuters just might be a little on the crazy or suicidal side...)

Anyway, I didn't see the cyclist across the three lanes of traffic as I went to turn left. He blended right into the background. Probably because he was wearing all black. So while I should be more aware of cyclists while I'm driving, its up to cyclists to be more visible too. Try wearing bright colors or even better... something reflective... and I'll do my best not to run you down.

Neighbourly Relations

Looks like the new neighbours are getting ready to move in. I'm intrigued by them. So far I've learned:

• He owns half the buildings in town (ok, keep in mind I live in a very small town).
• He bought the house across the street because his great, great grandfather built it.
• There are rumours he used to be involved in the drug trade.
• He's into motorcycles.
• He recently married a significantly younger woman with dyed bonde hair.
• They both drive Cadillac Escalades but can't park them in the driveway at the same time without one bumper hanging off into the road.

Yes, the neighbourhood is getting more and more interesting by the day...

Wylie Coyote vs. the Taco Bell Chihuahua

Okay, I might be evil but I'm totally on the coyote's side here.

>> Coyote attacks and kills small dog.

Admit it. If it was Wylie Coyote vs. the Taco Bell chihuahua you would totally agree with me too.

Sigh....

Just thinking of my mom in Mexico sipping margaritas.

Mmmmm... Bacon Explosion

5,000 calories. 500 grams of fat. But it's bacon... and bacon is soooooo good. Okay, maybe not good for you, but... wait... would this qualify as an acceptable food under the Atkins diet? If so, sign me up!

Ladies and gentlemen... I give you the Bacon Explosion:

Full story here.

Potluck Causes Riot at Work

Quick update about the potluck from my previous post...

Turns out legal counsel DID NOT BRING THE KFC (Gah!) and settled on roast chicken instead because it's healthier. It nearly created a riot here at work. There are employees who are STILL BITTER about the "bait and switch."

One person dryly commented that they were going to sue for misrepresentation.