“Changing the Conversation”: Campaign Distractions on the Road to the White House

 In an episode of Mad Men, the popular series set in the early 1960s, Madison Avenue advertising executive Don Draper offers this advice to a colleague: “If you don’t like what is being said, change the conversation.” This dictum is not limited to the realm of advertising. Last week’s coverage of

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction” – Lasers

 From the Original Star Wars films to the latest releases in the Halo series, laser weapons are some of the most commonly used devices in science fiction. Although they are very commonly used in both science fiction and the real world, the way in which lasers function is rarely addressed.

Thirst impressions: Summer’s Here & the Time is Right for Wine and the BBQ

 I have a few selections for you based on the July 21 release, but there are also a couple that come from previous releases you might want to still search out as they offer great value for the taste buds. Let’s start with a new wine into Vintages from an

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction” – Cyborg Continued

 In my last blog, I talked about the exciting advancements being made in the field of medical cybernetics, and the future possibilities cybernetic implants and replacements offer for those who's bodies have been damaged. Medical cybernetics are being designed to replace damaged body parts, but the cybernetic systems used by

Live Performance Is Not Dead

 Do you  ever feel like it’s just too much effort to go to see a live performance when you can stay at home and watch whatever you want on your numerous devices? You'd have to get out of your ratty bathrobe, leave your house, turn off your cherished cell and

Pia Ashley Rocks the Ottawa Music Scene

 If you have not yet heard of Pia Ashley, you soon will because this local singer/songwriter is rocking the Ottawa music scene. Pia began writing and singing at 12 years old and became completely hooked once she got her first guitar at 16. Now 28, she has performed at The

Rail on the Rise: Getting Products to Tidewater as Efficiently as Possible

 Canadian rail continues to extend and expand its network to encompass the entire world. “Our railways have worked diligently with customers to improve service,” said Michael Bourque, president and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada (RAC). “They have signed service level agreements with many shippers and collaboration agreements with

Vive la France!

 The best surprise of the Normandy trip was the pleasant drive through the rolling hills and dotted farm houses that encapsulate the entire region. In six days of driving though Normandy we had only one day of overcast skies and rain. Otherwise, it was sunny with not a cloud in

Summer Sizzlers: Summer Loving in La Vie en Rose

 La Vie en Rose’s summer swim line channels 60’s Hollywood glam fused with the influence of an exotic getaway. Brittania Beach is the perfect back drop for summer romance in La Vie en Rose’s flattering, fun and fashionable swimwear. Stylist: Katarina Kuruc Assistant: Stephanie Vizi Photographer: Quame Scott (Q3 Studio) Models:

Travel: Arras, Lille & Normandy, France

 Vive La France! (PART 1 OF 2) We arrived at Charles de Gaulle/Roissy International Airport in Paris and transferred to the Train à grande vitesse (high-speed train) for Arras, Nord Pas de Calais. Arriving in Arras, opposite the railway station, is the War Memorial, which depicts a French WWI soldier

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction” – Cyborg

 DC Comic's Victor Stone, also known as Cyborg, is one of many superheroes who had his powers thrust upon him without warning. Victor was visiting his parent's laboratory when an accident occurred, killing his mother and leaving him severely maimed. In order to save his life Victor's father rebuilt his

Fable Dinner at Sidedoor

 By Dalal Saikali Photos by Alessandra Gerebizza We set out to write a critique of a culinary event that we attended. We expected to be able to write: "each delicious part of the duck was utilized to its best potential." "The noodles were perfectly done." "Flavours were especially selected to

Dressing for the Season

 Fashion can be many things to many people: creativity, self-expression, lifestyle, professionalism and image. Regardless of how one perceives clothing, the single underlying influence that binds all looks together is seasonality, which has specific criteria for the Spring and Fall. Within the two seasons that dictate the ebb and flow of

From Keys to Strings

 From keys to strings, a musical adventure begins! Friends never ask why I took up the piano. Not so with the banjo! When they discover I devote time to the banjo rather than the piano, they panic: “Stick with the piano; it’s a much nicer instrument! Women don’t play banjo!

Disabilities in Public Life

 Fifty-two years ago, in 1960, Massachusetts Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy threw his hat into the ring as a presidential contender. In November of that same year, at the age of 43,  Kennedy would be elected as the United States of America’s 35th president thanks to a combination of his father’s

Piano Plight, Fright and Delight

 I love traveling, but there’s always this snag that comes up. As a pianist, I get antsy if my fingers can’t find a piano to play. I become irritable; my skin breaks out. My obsession to locate a piano when away has led me into some weird and wonderful places,

Aussie Folk Artist Marta Pacek: “Canada is my second home”

 It’s not uncommon for Australians to land in British Columbia upon arriving in Canada – forming a connection with the country as they discover it through the lenses of the beautiful West coast scenery and laidback demeanor. And to dash across Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec and East Coast soil – playing

Living In the Past: Review of The Chemistry of Tears By Peter Carey

 In an interview at this year’s Toronto Luminato Festival the author Peter Carey suggested that in many ways we’re still living in the 19th century. The remarkable technological advances that were cause and consequence of the industrial revolution did not, in the 19th century, produce any real awareness of their

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction” – Aquaman

 Aquaman is one of the members of DC Comics' Justice League, although he does not gain nearly as much respect as his peers. Aquaman's powers may not be as impressive as Superman's or Green Lantern's, but they would certainly be useful in the real world. In particular, the ability to

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: Real Actors!

 I suspect most people think the word actor applies to those people you see on network TV. Admittedly, occasionally one sees some real acting skill in the plethora of shows out there, most of which exist to numb our beleaguered psyches after a hard day’s work. And admittedly, those cloned

Gluten-Free Waffles

 Inspired by an older recipe that I enjoyed years ago before I eliminated gluten from my diet, this gluten-free recipe produces lovely, light waffles. In addition to substituting a white and brown rice flour mixture for the traditional wheat flour, this recipe also adds a little bit of ground flax

War of 1812 Veterans Celebrated in Musical Showcase

 With the War of 1812 bicentennial anniversary very top of mind these days, 2012 marked the launch of the 12th season of A Musical Taste of Our Canadian Heritage / Notre patrimoine canadien, une odyssée musicale – a bilingual musical showcase paying tribute to Canada, including a new sequence on

Bette’s Etiquette Beat- Pedestrian Politesse Part II

 As mentioned already,  this month's topic is one that is near and dear to me. Hence my musings are a little more lengthy this time around. Blame it on the heat!   Enjoy Part II of Pedestrian Politesse. Happy Canada Day! Scenario 1:  Crosswalk Conundrum The light changes and the

Bette’s Etiquette: Pedestrian Politesse- Part I

 Hard to believe that it was only a short while ago the days were darker, colder and winter was casting its familiar hand on the nation’s landscape.  Tylenol, toques and tedium were the order of the day.  Now with the official start of summer (June 20) people are coming out

Beyond Old Age Security

 Sifting through the minefield of pension terminology is not for the faint of heart. With terms such as defined DB plans and DC plans right through to DPSPs, EPSPs, group and individual RRSPs, LIRAs, LIFs and TFSAs, to name but a few, retirement pension plans can be confusing to the