“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”

mahatma gandhi

Parts of this can be difficult to see, but if you can watch it goggies everywhere would appreciate it. Very interesting perspective on the 'nanny dog'.

parabens – relax already, or why I don’t care if there are parabens in my moisturizer

I was watching Breakfast Television this morning and there was a woman on promoting her new book and revealing products to avoid that contained…parabens! Dunh duhn duhhhhn. I would normally have just ignored this but it’s been on my mind. I was with my mummy picking out a new moisturizer for her and she was discarding options because they had parabens in them. I’ve heard the claims but never really cared personally. Since my family was altering choices based on it I wanted to know more. How are they dangerous? How much parabens pose a threat? What sort of study was done to discover this and has it been duplicated or backed up by other researchers/institutions?

I found the below articles which validate my gut reaction; let me tell you they were a lot harder to find than those espousing doom and gloom and cosmetic industry conspiracies. I was looking for something that said ‘relax, you probably won’t die’ and I’d forget about the whole thing. What I found was the Canadian Cancer society, among others, saying that the initial 2004 study which declared a link between breast cancer and parabens didn’t have sufficient information for them to back the claim. I found out that 18 or 20 breast cancer tissues studied had parabens in them. I also found out that healthy breast tissue wasn’t examined so couldn't be proved to be paraben-free. If the healthy tissue also had 18 out of 20 instances of parabens then we don’t really have a link do we? They weren’t tested so we don’t know. We also don’t know how the parabens came into the systems of the women whose tissue was used. Was it ingested, from naturally occurring parabens in fruits and vegetables or synthetic parabens in black tea, spices etc.? Or was it absorbed from skin lotion and various cosmetics? The study doesn’t say.

Parabens: Is the Danger Real?
Stuart H. Kalan MD
kaplanmd.com

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens.” (2002 Prof Zoe Draelos, Summer Scientific Meeting, New York, AAD, 2002).

 In fact, two common parabens, Methylparaben and Propylparaben, which are used widely in cosmetic skin products, are also used to preserve spices, black and green teas, beer, fruit juices, jams, and wine.

New data on parabens suggests no adverse hormonal effect on the body
Katie Bird
cosmeticsdesign-europe.com

According to Schellauf, PHBA is not known to have any estrogenic effects and is found widely in plants and human food, so trace exposure in the human organism poses no health risk.

“The study confirms the results of a number of research studies, which concluded from their work that parabens are metabolised rapidly and to a large extent in living organisms and therefore cannot exhibit any adverse effects,” said industry trade body Colipa.

Antiperspirants and breast cancer
cancer.ca

In January 2004 new research published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found an ingredient called parabens in 20 human breast tumours. Parabens are preservatives used in many pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic products (including a range of cosmetics applied to the underarm and breast area). The researchers stated that parabens have been known to mimic the effects of estrogen, which can promote breast cancer tumour growth.

Canadian Cancer Society perspective

The research published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology did not show a direct cause and effect relationship between antiperspirants, deodorants and breast cancer. The findings are interesting, but the study was small. More research is needed to provide definitive answers about this issue.

Parabens: Are They Really a Problem?
Paula Begoun
cosmeticscop.com

Current research investigating how parabens act when administered orally, topically, and subcutaneously to rats has shown that "parabens are metabolized rapidly and to a large extent in living organisms and therefore cannot exhibit any adverse effects." According to these studies, parabens are "fully metabolized before they enter the blood stream." In a review of the estrogenic activity of parabens, the author concluded that based on maximum daily exposure estimates, "it was impossible that parabens could increase the risk associated with exposure to estrogenic chemicals."

Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer: Questions and Answers
National Cancer Institute
cancer.gov

The belief that parabens build up in breast tissue was supported by a 2004 study, which found parabens in 18 of 20 samples of tissue from human breast tumors (5). However, this study did not prove that parabens cause breast tumors (4). The authors of this study did not analyze healthy breast tissue or tissues from other areas of the body and did not demonstrate that parabens are found only in cancerous breast tissue (5). Furthermore, this research did not identify the source of the parabens and cannot establish that the buildup of parabens is due to the use of deodorants or antiperspirants.

I don’t doubt that the cosmetic industry wants the most cost effective solution to prolong their products shelf life. It is after all a business. They want to make money and lower costs just like (gasp!) every other business in the universe. I do doubt that Elizabeth Arden, John Frieda and Bobbi Brown are meeting in shadowy underground bunkers to scheme and plot world domination.

I do know that if a product lasts more than a few months it has to have an artificial preservative in it. I’m the last person to keep doing something just because that’s the way it’s always been done, but I would rather use one that has been studied and used for decades than something new that we can’t know what, if any, long term effects it may have.

Just a thought.

clara on a soapbox - the email i sent protesting dog culling. For Robine, Hood and Aiden

Dear Bobby Woods and Rob Clarke,

I was horrified to learn about the dog culling practices that lead to the deaths of family pets Robine, Hood and Aiden in Buffalo Narrows. I can't believe this is happening in Canada. I understand that feral dogs are an issue in northern communities but there are other solutions besides shooting dogs in the street. Yes that is probably the easiest - are we really discarding our ethics and morals because it is easy? Legally dogs need to be held for 72 hours according to the Saskatchewan Stray Animal Act, why were these three dogs shot and thrown in a dump within 24 hours of being found missing from their fenced backyard area. I look at my beloved family pet, a beagle/newfoundland mix who was in fact rescued from the streets in the US. Imagine if they practiced this in the community where she was found? I would never have her in my life, her short life ended in a landfill. Then I picture Hood, the dog who had a bullet hole between its eyes as it turned to face the threat to his pack. I cannot contain my grief. I am so disappointed in Canada for allowing this.

There are points that you made that are valid Mr. Mayor, such as limited funds and public safety. Absolutely valid. However as I said before just because it's difficult doesn't mean we give up. Have you appealed to the province, the country for aid? If so and you were denied tell the public - we will put our outrage at this practice towards that end. Have you asked local property owners to foster dogs for 72 hours so you are not breaking the law by taking away the chance for owners to claim the animals? Have you instituted fines and penalties for those who do not spay or neuter their pets? Punish the people who cause the problem not the animals who are a result of such callous negligence. Have you asked the province or country for more frequent veterinary services, perhaps even subsidized to encourage people to do the right thing? Between subsidized vet costs and stiff penalties for not having their pet spayed or neutered I am confident that you would have great results. This would save unwanted animals from an undignified death in the street, and innocent children from mauling and death by feral dogs.

Mr. Clarke, Mayor Woods, I beg you - have compassion for life. It is precious and it is not easy.

But it is worth fighting for.
______________________________

Give your support on facebook - Justice for Robine, Hood and Aiden.

dear mr/ms anarchist,

Hello, how are you? I am fine. I have seen you on the news. Please stop breaking my city.


From the graffiti I’ve seen I take it you would like to abolish banks, police and prison. I’m pretty sure if society descended into such a state you would be the first to go. Running wild and destroying things would only draw the attention of some sort of road warrior gang (who have organized themselves into a coherent group) and you would be robbed, beaten and possibly violated.


Now Mr/Ms Anarchist, I understand that you feel neglected and mistreated by the system. Here are five helpful tips to gain perspective on life in Canada:

1. Go to Iran or Singapore and protest something.
2. Get arrested in China and ask the prison guards for a sweatshirt or socks because you are chilly.
3. Go to Saudi Arabia and complain to a gay guy (if you can find one) about your civil liberties.
4. Take some homeless people from Toronto down to Mexico and ask people for change. Don’t forget to take the guy who lives in a bachelor apartment in my building and panhandles. And that street kid listening to her ipod who swore at me when I wouldn’t give her any money.
5. Watch the news.

With just a few simple steps you too can go from this:

To this:

eff you local scenery

What a terrible night.

The subway was not running between Bloor and Lawrence; I had a beautiful pup at home who needed walks and noms so I did what any self respecting dog lady would do – I started walking home. From Bloor. To Eglinton. Ugh.

Just past Rosedale I was getting into the spirit of the walk, looking at the shops and restaurants I never usually pass by, enjoying the crisp winter air when I was attacked.

I was distracted by this great looking restaurant called ‘Avant gout’ (which makes me picture King Henry with a giant turkey leg and platters of delicious meats and breads and pitchers of wine) when I felt a horrible pain in my leg. I had walked right into a horizontal pole sticking out onto the sidewalk. It was one of those parking lot gate arms. It ripped my pants (one of only two pairs I have for work!) and took a huge gouge out of my leg. It’s very bloody and impressive.

It made me realize how Canadian I am though. When I walked into the bar I gave a vehement ‘FUCK’ then immediately apologized. I don’t know who I was saying sorry to – the pole? Any passersby who may have been scandalized by my language? Who knows. But only Canadians will get stepped on, bumped, pushed or prodded and apologize to the one who did it. Yay (?) us!

ridiculous

What. The. Eff.

I don't know how I feel about this.

manhandle

Yesterday I was heading home with a large box of Easter chocolately goodness my Mummy had sent me.

It wasn’t monstrous but it did completely fill my arms. As I was nearing the entrance to Dundas Station I saw a weirdo handing out something and I thought “Well I don’t even have to pretend I don’t see him, my hands are full so clearly I can’t accept anything”.

He was kind of slurring and of questionable hygiene, handing out little bottles of energy drinks from a cardboard box.

Now there have been lots of product giveaways at Yonge and Dundas, usually accompanied by signage and people wearing matching t-shirts and cheerful dispositions. This was a far cry from that so I was not interested in these mystery ‘energy drinks’.

I move to walk right by and he tries to get my attention so I say ‘Sorry’ and continue down the steps. He doesn’t get out of my way, oh no he is determined that I am going to have this drink. He hovers over me and ends up sticking this little bottle RIGHT IN MY CLEAVAGE!

I gasped.

I said "Um, innapporiate!", set my box down, plucked out the offending bottle and tossed it back at him with a finger wag and a stern NO!

The cheek of him!

please stay off the ttc…

…if you are an asshole.

Unsure if you fall into this unpleasant category? Well ask yourself these questions:

• Are you unreasonably angry when you are touched by another human being on a crowded subway?
• Do you voice your discontent to the general public/offending person/your loud and similarly obnoxious friend?
• Do you ram your way on the subway car and stop moving as soon as you are safely aboard, with no thought to the hopeful passengers behind you?
• Do you make a mad dash to get off the train, throwing elbows and not saying ‘excuse me’?
• Do you lean against a pole rather than hanging on, so that no one else can use it?
• Do you argue at full volume with the bus driver/booth attendant?
• Do you leave your backpack or huge purse on so that it may hit other people, often rubbing their backsides inappropriately?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, congratulations – you are an asshole. Please drive or take a taxi.

Sure there are a lot of annoying things people do on public transit, its part of it. Don’t be surprised when it’s crowded or you get jostled, hundreds of thousands of people take the TTC each day. If a driver asks you to pay or stop listening to loud music, just do it. Make a complaint later if need be but don’t sit there and argue with them, you won’t win and you’ll just delay everyone else.

Now I’m sure we’ll all continue to run into assholes on the TTC, and I’m equally sure that I and other passengers will continue to be disgusted or amused at the ignorance displayed. However I must ask, as ineffectual as the plea may be – please, please for the love of public decency take a taxi and spare us.

whisky/bodily fluids?

Did anyone else see this ad in the subway? I saw it at St. Clair but it must be elsewhere. It���s an ad for Gibson���s Whiskey and it says:

12 YEARS OF FOREPLAY
ONE LONG, WARM FINISH.

Um, is anyone else disturbed by this? Upon reflection I realize they are probably trying to say that drinking this whiskey is like having an orgasm but their unfortunate use of the word warm in this context makes me think they are saying that drinking a glass of this is like drinking a glass of semen.

Ya heard me.

They say finish and warm after a foreplay leader. Might as well say salty or jizzy. Honestly. Warm was a poor choice. Granted I realize this may be some whiskey term so I���ll recant if someone enlightens me. As of this moment I stand by my critique. Poor wording chaps, poor wording. Some (and by some I mean Jeremy) may argue that my mind is in the gutter but I can���t be the only one. I wish I could find a picture of the ad but no luck so far. I���m sure you would all agree with me should you see it. Shameless. And quite frankly gross.

president and ceo of my foot in your ass

I was on the subway this morning and there were two girls behind me who were practicing a presentation. Their thesis was about ‘white collar sweat shops’ and how bad the office environment was. Well that was the succinct version. It was more something like ‘the socio-economic implication of 80’s and 90’s corporations on the work environment, stemming from its roots in the Roman Empire’. I did NOT stick that Roman Empire thing in there to be funny it was actually worked in somehow. They were going over how imprisoned and suffering the ‘worker bees’ were, rather loudly, and even went so far as to use their surroundings as an example.

“Like, look at the subway, people are jammed in to race to their desks where they will be chained all day, answering the phone and emails, only grabbing a quick bite at lunch. Just like in a sweatshop.”

Sage head nod “Totally.”

Really? Really?!?

I’m sure little Timmy in Singapore will be glad to know he can take a moment to check his email when his fingers start to bleed or go grab a Booster Juice, quick mind you, when he starts blacking out from hunger.

Honestly. If you’re going to compare something to a sweatshop you’ll have to use the sweatshop conditions for comparison, not constant email checking, arduous though it may be.

Now I’ll take a moment here to say I don’t necessarily disagree with the comparison, if it were done properly, but I did feel my feathers ruffle when these kids were bashing the work I had chosen.ended up in. Someone who could very well have never actually had a job ( I don’t remember my student loan allotment leaving room for Gucci purses), was very confidently condemning the entire train for conforming to...well, life I suppose. If someone who worked in an office for even a year brought up the topic I would probably listen with an open mind and interested ear.

Then I remembered how in first year university you read a line in a textbook and your mind is blown open and you become very concerned for the rest of humankind who doesn’t ‘get it’. No one seems as smart as you do in that moment. Ah, sigh. Good times.

In conclusion, by the time my stop rolled around I was chuckling to myself and quite looking forward to getting to my ‘cage’ and recording the whole thing for prosperity.

Well done ladies. Even though I felt like turning around and saying ‘Hey! It’s donut day today, I bet you don’t get a free donut this morning! So there.’ I have to say - Good luck on your presentation.

i can cook

I may not be a gourmet cook or one who can make a meal fit for a king but I am a good cook. A simple if somewhat careless cook.

For our anniversary a few years back I made Jeremy din, including these crab & cream cheese wontons that were just delish. My specialty in University was hangover foods. An egg on English muffin breakfast sandwich, finely grated asiago cheese���.so yummy. Or a baked potato with melted cheddar, sour cream and green onions ��� a popular dish. Many mornings after a night out I would make one of these for all the people who passed out in our house. Sometimes I didn���t even know them (some treat someone had picked up from the bar no doubt). But they got breakfast. For Mother���s Day din at the pseudo in-laws I made delicious honey dijon deviled eggs and I ruined NOT A SINGLE EGG in the process. They were perfection - things of beauty, though I used a bag to fill them and subsequently they slightly resembled poops. As you can see.

But I digress.

For some reason Jeremy has gotten it into his head that I am a terrible cook who could burn water. Maybe it���s because when we started dating this time around I only ate takeout or was drunk most evenings and probably ruined a few meals. Who knows. So far I am barred from cooking dinner for us, which is okay as Jeremy is a good cook. However I am sick of doing the dishes. And I do miss cooking. I���ll just have to strong-arm my way back into the kitchen. Well more likely sneak. I���ll start with baking because I think Jeremy will find that less threatening. I���ll slowly embed myself as a regular part of the kitchen until he���s used to my presence, like they do with gorillas and such in their natural habitat. Then one day ��� BAM, I���ll be using the George Foreman grill. Mark my words. I will grill.

eat me paypal

Argle. Before I start I should say that I think Paypal is a great idea and way to shop without flashing your personal info all over the internet. That being said their customer service can suck my ass. For the last few days I’ve been trying to update my credit card info (expiry) with Paypal, to no avail. It says it can’t verify the address, and I’m like – it’s the same address you already verified, I’m just putting in the new expiry date! I sent several emails, received a few inane responses (e.g. ‘try clicking ‘save’ when you’re done’). Are you kidding me? I even made empty threats like ‘I would hate to have to cancel my paypal account’; really what the hell else am I going to use on eBay and I don’t think I could give up eBay if I tried. Finally I figured it out for myself (although Jeremy insists it was his idea), deleting it completely and starting over. I’m still waiting on them to put a charge on my card so I can get some code and activate it…so the saga may yet continue but lets hope not.

Anyway after I’ve fixed the problem I get another email, which made my brain hurt. This could just be because I was an English major so I’ll lay it out for you.

I've reviewed your account and discovered the issue - the problem is that
your credit card company was unable to verify for us the billing address
listed to your credit card. So, when you added your card and we contacted
the credit card company to verify the address, they weren't able to.

How does this explain the problem? All you’ve said is that the problem (cause) was that the credit card company could not verify the address therefore (effect) they weren’t able to verify the address. You can't say the same thing two different ways in hopes that I will think that it's a valid explanation.

Do you have a manager that proofreads your emails? Because they should. I realize this could be my analness coming in to play but really, it doesn’t answer anything, just uses a lot of words to say ‘we don’t know what’s going on’.

The letter closed with:

....and I hope you've received the service you've come to expect from PayPal

Oh I have. Trust me. Sigh.

what the eff?

It was luverly when I left for work this morning. It’s fucking snowing! Like hardcore blowing snow!

I have bare legs!

I wore Birkenstocks to work!

Damn it.

meeting

This morning I had to be to work for 7.30 to set up for some meeting. It wasn't like last time tho, they are getting everything fully catered. All I had to do was the morning stuff: breakfast tray, fruit tray, coffee and whatnot. I set everything out and was very proud of myself. Then I went to stuff the rest of the days food into our fridge. I almost cried. There are several huge platters of food and cases of pop.......And everyone leaves their crap in the fridge here so I had some major organizing to do. I pulled out two shelves piled things dangerously high but somehow managed. I worked up quite a sweat let me tell you. When I came back to my desk a woman came out of the meeting and said she had a problem. My first thought is 'whatever! I had a list! I double checked everything!!' but of course I smiled brightly and said 'I'm sorry, what can I do for you?' turns out she was right. No one thought to put plates on the list, guess they thought it was common sense. heh. I looked over and all these suits are using their coffee saucers to eat. It was funny enough to stop me from feeling like a wiener.

free meal and something annoying

I went to Cafe Volo last night, a client treated me to dinner. If you know me at all you know I am not one of those people who orders salad when someone else is paying. Tho I did only get bruschetta, I tried a new kind of wine. I would never pay that much myself so I figured what the heck. It was great.

On another note, I try not to get to annoyed when this happens but I usually fail. I get into the elevator this morning with someone and they're going to a floor above mine. So I think sweet, a smooth uninterrupted elevator ride. Then the thing stops halfway to my floor and some dink gets on and presses the button to get off one floor up. This happens quite a bit. These people can't walk up one flight of stairs? C'mon.

stupid people

Any moment now I am going to snap and beat someone to death with this phone.