Yikes!!!!

Worst Movie Ever Made. Yet, somehow spectacularly entertaining. Now playing at the Mayfair Theatre. 'Birdemic: Shock and Terror'. Here's the trailer. Takes a while to get going, but.... prepare to be TERRORIZED!!!

Summer On!!

Had a wonderful morning on Tuesday, attending the release of the Royal Swans! Pairs of elegant swans leave their winter home at an indoor facility and are strategically released in pairs, at various sections of the Rideau River. Such a beautiful sight seeing these birds glide effortlessly down the river.........

Hopeful Hearts Spring Auction

This is Frankie, a one year old Newfie/Husky mix from Iqaluit who was rescued by Hopeful Hearts Rescue: an amazing organization that provides safe, loving homes for dogs who are homeless. Especially dogs who are seniors, and special needs dogs. It has just been discovered that Frankie requires major surgery on his hip joints, a very costly operation. Once he is back on his feet, he will require a new home and would undoubtedly be your new best friend. How can you help Frankie? Go to Hopeful Hearts' website, www.hopefulhearts.ca, and bid on one of their auction items. The Hopeful Hearts Spring Auction will raise much needed funds to help dogs like Frankie. Of course, donations in any amount would also be most appreciated! Thank you!

Canada's National Bird !

Did you know that Canada doesn't have a national bird? Crazy, but true! The United States declared the BALD EAGLE as its national bird in 1782. It's time we jumped on that bandwagon! I must congratulate James Cowan, executive director of the 'Canadian Raptor Conservancy', who has launched a campaign to get Canadians talking about it. Even tweeting about it. You can add your suggestion by filling out a form at www.canadianraptorconservancy.com. There are guidelines though- to be considered as Canada's national bird, the bird should be found in EVERY Canadian province (OK, 'most' of them!), the bird can NOT already be a Canadian provincial bird (ie: the loon is Ontario's provincial bird), it can't already be the national bird of ANOTHER country (ie: the bald eagle is already taken!), and the bird should be one that the general public sees on a regular basis, and is easy to identify (so much for the pileated woodpecker!)
With these guidelines in mind, so far the CANADA GOOSE is the clear favorite with 27 percent of the votes! However, someone pointed out one drawback to the Canada Goose being chosen as our national bird: apparently bald eagles make a habit of eating Canada Goose. USA's bald eagle eats Canada's goose. Hmm.
James Cowan's choice? A choice also shared by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty: the red tailed hawk, which is currently in second place.
I love the image of the red-tailed hawk as Canada's national bird.

But not as much as I would love the LOON to take the honour. Is there a sound that defines Canada more than the cry of the loon? (next to the theme from Hockey Night in Canada?) But, the northern loon is currently the provincial bird of Ontario, so under the guidelines it can't be considered.

Here's my suggestion: we ask Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty to de-list the loon as our provincial bird, leaving the loon free and clear to be Canada's national bird.

I'm sure that this project would also give Premier McGuinty a welcome distraction from trying to sell Ontarians on the HST.

Tyler Huneault's Garage Sale! Please Help!

pictured above: Tyler Huneault and Lucas Rossi


TYLER’S 9th ANNUAL GARAGE SALE

All proceeds to benefit

“SIALIDOSIS Research” at McMaster University

WHEN: Saturday, May 8, 2010 (* rain or shine)
TIME: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: 1407 McMahon , corner of Albion

Tyler is an 11-year old Ottawa boy. As a baby, he was diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic disorder called SIALIDOSIS. In fact, he is the only known child living with this disorder in North America. The simple explanation of it is that Tyler's body does not produce a certain enzyme, which breaks down and disposes of waste nutrients. As a result, those nutrients are being stored in his body’s cells, and are now causing the functions of Tyler's major organs and bone marrow to deteriorate. SIALIDOSIS is a fatal disorder as there is no known cure. Most children affected within the same family of genetic disorders have life spans ranging from infancy to mid-teens. With that being said, enzyme replacement research for SIALIDOSIS is being conducted at McMaster University. While it is fortunate that SIALIDOSIS is so incredibly rare, this also means extremely limited funding for any research, and very little focus on the disorder. For this reason, we strive to raise funds to assist with SIALIDOSIS research at McMaster University through our Annual Garage Sale.


WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP:

1. Donate items to sell.. Items may be dropped off at our home. If you have an item that is of high value that you would like to sell, but don’t want to donate all of the proceeds, a partial donation would also be greatly appreciated. If it doesn’t sell, it will be returned to you. Heavy items like appliances can also be sold, however we are unable to pick up or deliver them for you. We would be happy to display them on a photo table with the price and contact information. (Baby safety items like cribs and car seats cannot be resold because of by-laws for safety regulations)

2. Make a financial donation. Cheques should be addressed to McMaster University , and indicate Sialidosis Research Fund in the memo line of the cheque. Income tax receipts will be issued by McMaster University .


3. Volunteer to help at the Garage Sale. Even a couple of hours would be greatly appreciated!


4. Hold a garage sale, then donate some of your proceeds to McMaster Univ.

*** If you can help, please contact Giovanni at (613)2201534,

or by Email at giovannipublicist#yahoo.ca***

Thank you for your generosity!