E-mail etiquette tips

E-mail allows you to communicate privately, one-on-one, with friends and family, and it can be a lot of fun. But technical issues can affect how your message is sent, and what it looks like once it gets to wherever it's going. It seems very complicated, but thankfully, it isn't really, because almost every piece of online etiquette advice can be boiled down to just two e-mail etiquette tips: format well and forward well.

1. Formatting

The subject line: Please put one in! And make it useful enough that people can tell at a glance what the message is about. This makes it easier for people who sort their messages by subject, and subject lines such as "re: your message," "please read," or "hi!" don't offer any incentive to open your message right away. A lot of people categorically delete forwarded messages as well, so if you are forwarding something and you want it to be read, delete the "Fw" that your email program will add when you hit reply.

The "to" line: This is probably the first blank in the e-mail message, the line where you type the other person's address. If you are replying to someone else's message, this might already be filled in for you. Before you send the message, double check which addressees are on this line. If you are replying to a message that was sent to more than one person, your e-mail program might have put all of their e-mails in, and the message might not need to go to everyone. "Reply" is one command. "Reply to all" is something different. If you get them confused, you'll wind up cluttering everyone's e-mail inbox with extra messages. Before you send the message, do a quick scan of the "to" and "cc" lines and make sure that only one address is there - unless your message really does need to go to the entire group.

Replying: Many e-mail programs helpfully copy the text of the message you are answering into the message you are sending. This can be wonderful because it allows you to quote the message and reply point by point. But it can be tedious if the message you are answering was very long. It is considered polite to "snip" the message: to cut out all the text except the lines you are directly responding to. Long messages that haven't been snipped are slower to load and slower to read, especially if they finally get to your response and find only a one-word "I agree" for their trouble.

Formatting: Try to make your type as easy to read as possible. Tab, bold, italic and other text formatting options may be available in your email program, but if the other person is using a plain-text reader, they won't be able to see it, or worse, their system may translate your formatting into a slew of meaningless cluttering symbols. Use plain text only, and avoid using capital letters for emphasis: that's considered shouting.

Signatures: The signature allows you to add text automatically to the end of every message: e-mail or phone numbers are often included, but some people try to liven up their e-mails by appending little quotes or jokes as well. This can be a fun way to express yourself, but keep it short: under three lines is considered acceptable. And if you include anything beyond your name and e-mail address, change it from time to time to keep things light.

2. Forwarding

Attachments are useful. They allow you to send documents, photos or even programs to other people. But because they take longer to download and they can contain viruses, they may be viewed as an annoyance by the recipient. Rule number one then is to be frugal. Send attachments only when necessary. Files are fine, and photos are generally all right if you don't send more than one with each message. But that cute little animated fish that someone on your e-mail list sent you - maybe not.

Message forwards: Urban legends, cute little poems and anecdotes and virus warnings can sometimes seem urgent or amusing, but by the time you send it along, most people have already seen it. Keep in mind that genuine virus dangers are often reported in the mainstream media, so it is very unlikely that your e-mail will truly alert someone who didn't already know. And most urban legends on the net are hoaxes.

Before you forward that story about the little girl with cancer who is trying to set a world record for e-mails, or the sister's cousin's friend who was stuck with an HIV-infected needle at the Santa Claus parade, check an urban legend site such as snopes.com to see if it has already been identified as a hoax. And if a message tells you to "forward this to everyone you know," please don't.

Source: MSN

Why Do We Spend Money at the Airport?

On the way to Victoria last week, I came across a very interesting article from one of the on-board magazine about why travellers spend so much money buying things at the airport?

According to experts they call this impulse behaviour as Transumerism. We tend to spend alot of money for things we don't need at the aiport is because of the long wait for boarding. Going to an international destination, you need to be at the airport at least 3-hours before your departure time. This makes sense to me due to the fact that security has gotten tighter due to the September 11 attacks.

Abu Dhabi Airport Shopping Mall

However, since most people will get there probably 3 or more hours earlier, the process of checking in is also now becoming shorter. Now, once the passengers are checked in and they have 1 - 2 hours lag time before departure, they ended up browsing the shops. As these passengers get bored waiting, they ended up shopping to pass the time.


I find this is true to me as I have bought some things at the airport before that I didn't need, but of course this was I would say 8 years ago, I have gotten smarter and I just bring a book to pass the time.


So to basically summarize this whole transumerism, if you don't want to spend money on unnecessary things at the shops, bring a book, something to pass the time so you don't get bored and have the urge to shop.

All by myself

Last night I had dinner at this very nice restaurant called Haros, which is located just across the street from where I am staying. It was recommended by our client and since they will be paying for it eventually, I wanted to check it out.




I walked in and I was greeted by a receptionist. Here's how the conversation went:


Receptionist: Hello, welcome to Haros.

Me: Hi, I would like a table for one please.


Receptionist: (At this time, Receptionist looks at another colleague and said) Oh ok, ahhh table for one - here please ( and showed me a table near a half wall)

Me: Would it be possible if I could sit by the glass wall? (so I can look outside and watch the sailboats and etc)

(As the Receptionist help me with my seat he said)

Receptionist: What does a beautiful young lady doing here without a date?

(Ok I was shocked! Can't I eat alone? Do I have to have someone with me to eat? Do I have to have a man who will pay for my food? I have money too you know! This is a free country for crying out loud!!!)( Of course I didn't say that to his face, I just said)

Me: Oh I am not from here, I am here for business.

Receptionist: Oh, where are you from? (I think he felt like he had to chat with me)

Me: I am from Toronto

Receptionist: Oh that's great, what business are you here for?

Me: I am a software consultant. (Then he tells me again that John will be coming in a minute)

(So the infamous waiter John came, I ordered the chicken gnocchi and a caramel something dessert , which was the special of the day)( I also ordered a glass of rose')

(As I was just sitting there, enjoying my wine while watching the sailboats and the water and everything else, John came back and said:

John: We do have some reading materials, would you like a newspaper, we also have an Eat Magazine? Something to read while you're waiting for your food?

Me: Hmmmmm, sure the magazine would be great.

John: Absolutely! (then he goes to the reception area and I could see that the Receptionist already had the magazine ready for John to take to me)(oh my food came so fast that I think John asked the chef to cook my food first, so I would have something to do - hahaha)

So the point of this story is to make all people aware, not just waiters, but everyone that it's ok to go to a restaurant and eat by yourself!

I could see the receptionist and John getting all stressed out trying to think of other ways to entertain me so I won't feel awkward- it's like taboo to be sitting alone in a restaurant.

I wanted to tell them both, that "Hey it's ok, don't panic, I am here by myself and I am enjoying my company, I just want to relax, capish?" "And that you don't need to come and see me every 5 minutes to chat with me, I am comfortable by myself"

Nevertheless the food was good and I had a great time - on my own!!!

British Columbia

After a grueling 5 hours sitting in a Air Canada Embraer 190 flight to Victoria, I finally reached my hotel by the harbour of Sidney. This little town of Sidney which is about 5 minutes away from Victoria airport is really quaint. It looks like a cross breed of Fredericton and Halifax, the atmosphere, the shops, and the restaurants except a little smaller. Yes, the actual city center is so small that they don't have traffic lights, just 4-way stops. Althougt there are traffic lights about 3 or 4 blocks away from the center.

When I was planning this trip for work, our client told me that their office/building is really close to the airport. When we touched down this morning, I was looking out the window while we were taxiing and what do you know?.....There it is, about 300 feet from where I was sitting is a building right beside the run way is a building with the company name in bold letters in front of it. If I was meant to work today, I could have just jumped out and I was there, ready for battle.

I got to the hotel at around 1:30PM PST and my room wasn't ready, so I left my luggage and walked around the small town. I went to this consignment store and I was thrilled as I thought I was going to score on some second hand LV's or Chanel Bags, but to my horror the only thing that resembles designer is Fossil (or can Fossil be called designer? Please correct me if I am wrong). I did see a fake Louis Vuitton White Multicolore Papillon and I don't know if the sales associate heard me say "Ewww".

After browsing the shops, I went to this restaurant called Beacon by the harbour beside the hotel. I sat by the patio overlooking the water, just mesmerized by the beauty of it. I ordered the crunchy beef strips with hoisin sauce on a bed of brown rice. I also had a glass of a California Rose' which turned out pretty good with the beef.

After lunch, I stayed there and ordered a chocolate cake and coffee while reading The Confessions of a Shopaholic. I am really starting to hate Becky!!! Anyway that will be a different topic.

So here are some pictures that I took today and I will post more in the next few days!!!

The Beacon Restaurant

This pic was taken from the Beacon Restaurant's patio

Those apartment units must be expensive, I wonder how much. Hmm

The pic above was taken from my hotel room, really close to the water eh?

Immigrants - Having a tough time finding jobs

OTTAWA -- Some university-educated immigrants were less likely to be employed in 2007 than their Canadian-born counterparts, a new study shows.

Statistics Canada said university-educated immigrants between the ages of 25 and 45, who arrived in Canada in the last five years, had a more difficult time finding work than native-born Canadians.

Native-born Canadians holding a university degree had an employment rate of 90.7 per cent. The study found that immigrants who were educated in western countries were more likely to find work than those educated elsewhere. Immigrants' employment rate varied depending on their country of origin:

· United States: 77.8 per cent
· Europe: 73.8 per cent
· Asia: 65.5 per cent
· Latin America: 59.7 per cent
· Africa: 50.9 per cent

But even immigrants who received their degree at a Canadian university had lower employment rates than native-born Canadians.

Between 2002 and 2007, about 28,000 core-working-age immigrants received a degree in Canada. Despite their Canadian education, their employment rate in 2007 was 75.3 per cent - lower than the 90.7 per cent average among their Canadian born, university-educated counterparts.

The study also found that the employment gap between degree-holding immigrants and the Canadian-born narrowed the longer an immigrant has been in Canada. University-educated immigrants who have been in Canada for more than a decade had employment rates comparable to native-born Canadians, Statistics Canada says.

Studies have shown that it is often difficult for newcomers to Canada to find work because of language barriers and their foreign credentials not being recognized.

The study also looked at employment rates in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec - the three provinces where most immigrants choose to settle.

Quebec had the most immigrants holding a Canadian university degree. British Columbia had the most Asian immigrants and the most immigrants holding a degree from an Asian university. Immigrants in Ontario most commonly held Asian or Canadian degrees.

The study found immigrants with Canadian degrees in Ontario and B.C. had employment rates similar to those of Canadian-born graduates, regardless of their landing period. But in Quebec, immigrants who have been in Canada since 1997 had an employment rate below native-born Canadians.

The employment rate among degree-holding immigrants who landed in Canada before 1997 was close to that of their Canadian-born counterparts, Statistics Canada said. The only exception was the 61,000 Asian-educated immigrants in Ontario who arrived prior to 1997, who had a lower employment rate than native-born Canadians.

Meanwhile, the study found that immigrants aged 25 to 54 who held a post-secondary certificate or diploma were less likely to be employed than a similarly-educated Canadian born at home.

Updated Fri. Jul. 18 2008 10:59 AM ET
The Canadian Press

The Dark Knight

Yesterday, we went and saw the new Batman movie; The Dark Knight. With all the hype about Heath Ledger's performance as the demented Joker, I just had to see it. So we went to the theater about an hour early, as we knew it would be busy and we wanted good seats. After we paid, I lined in front of auditorium and Robin got us popcorn and drinks.



After 15 minutes of waiting in line, they finally let us go inside the theater. We got great seats! Third row down from the top, middle 2 seats. Excellent!

The movie was definitely the best movie I have ever seen in 2008 and all of the other Batman movies. From beginning to end, I wasn't bored at all. I didn't find any scenes that were useless, everything tied in together.







There were a few scenes that definitely caught me off guard, but I have my 2 favorites:


1. When the Joker was talking to the Mobs and he had to show them how to make a pencil disappear - ok, I won't say what happen since the movie just came out and I don't want to spoil it for anybody.


2. Remember when the Mayor was looking outside the window and a guy in a Batman Suit with painted Joker Face hit the window? Well ok, I was the only one in the theater that screamed!!! Yes I did! It's sad I was like "Ahhhhhhhhhh", I heard people laughed at me - so I had to apologize for being loud. He he he




So anyway, I love, love, love the movie - Not because of Christian Bale, but I mean sure he is Batman and he is hot and all that with a bag of chips, but really it's really about the story and how they captured the joker very well. I also applaud Aaron Eckhart, he did great as well. Except that they killed him too fast when he became two face.


The gadgets and the suit were awesome! They look really high tech, but at the same time the Bat could still get hurt - which basically reminds us that he is a man.


I love the motorbike! It's so sleek, even though it had 2 huge tires. Although Christian Bale looked a little uncomfortable seating on it.


There were tons of Scenes with the Joker that were really creepy, when he is talking and suddenly his voice changes, it sends chills down my spine; oh also when he was telling the story about how he got his scars, the one about his father.

All in all, it's a great movie - we'll probably own it once it comes out on DVD and I will give this a 9/10 score. It actually beat Spider 3 on the first opening weekend! Check the story on the link below.


Batman breaks Spider-Man record at box office

How to live on less money

There are those for whom cutting back on spending money comes easy. They set their mind to minimal living and nothing gets past their watchful budgeting eye. But for those of us who have a harder time sticking to our money-saving or environment-helping guns, there’s help. Try these quick and easy tips for living on less – and saving more – and watch your bank account grow.

•Cut out daily coffee and fast food runs. One of the fastest ways to burn through cash is by splurging on these unnecessary treats, so cut back on the number you indulge in per week to save.

TIP: You don’t have to give these luxuries up completely. Hooked on coffee shop java? Remember, Starbucks, Second Cup, Tim Hortons, Timothy’s and other coffee houses all sell coffee you can make at home, either in-store or often in the grocery store. Pack your coffee in a thermos and bring your own lunch every two or three days instead of grabbing fast food every day. Bonus: On top of saving money you’ll also cut back on take-out waste and help the environment in the process.

• Skip pricey salons that can set you back upward of $50 per haircut. Instead, look for a local beauty school that offers cuts (or highlights, facials or manicures/pedicures) by students or professionals demonstrating techniques. Prices for services here are often half (or less) of what you’d expect to pay in a salon.

• Try secondhand goods for kids. Whether it’s toys, clothes or furniture, kids six and under are the perfect candidates for gently used goods. Try looking up reputable consignment stores in your area for best results.
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• Pay attention to the calendar when purchasing big-ticket items. Certain times of the year mean bigger sales for specific pieces. For example, furniture tends to have the biggest sales in February and August, while jewelry sees the biggest discounts in January. Mark your calendars and do your best to hold off on buying until sale season rolls around.

• Reacquaint yourself with the library. With big book chains now in many larger cities around the country, North American families are opting to buy their literature new. To save yourself some coin, pass on straight-from-the-shelves reads and visit your library. You may even be able to rent some great new or older, harder-to-find movies.

• Recruit some friends for a biannual clothing swap. Rather than spending hundreds on new pants, dresses or shoes every season, invite a handful of similar-sized friends over and ask them to bring pieces they like but don’t wear anymore. Do a swap and enjoy the feeling new-to-you clothes can bring.

• Get expert advice from a professional planner – preferably one that doesn’t earn commissions by promoting certain products or stocks. They’ll be able to help make sure you’re setting aside enough for retirement, your kids’ education costs, and to ensure that any current investments are working for you.

• Think outside the box when it comes to grocery shopping. Unlike your average grocery store, warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco offer discounts of 20 to 50 per cent on everyday goods like canned foods, condiments and more, and are a great place to shop for bigger-ticket items like appliances, over-the-counter medications and books.

By Liz Bruckner <----- By the way, Liz Bruckner was Robin's Classmate in College!

How to shop in a recession: 6 tips for saving money

For the next few days I will be posting money saving tips (as a tribute to my friend Lisa :)) so don't freak out if you see so many of them here - Ha ha ha I'll still blog about other stuff next week!



Even if you're not a reader of the financial pages, you've heard it: a capital-R Recession is hitting the United States, and some predict an economic slowdown may make its way to Canada. The bottom line is: no economy is recession proof. Fortunately, your shopping bill can be, even if you're not the type of person who likes coupon clipping or discount-store shopping. Here are some easy ways to keep yourself comfy, while saving money and paring back on lifestyle costs (and saving natural resources) across the board now (while you're still comfortable) – in order to prepare for any slowdown in the future.

1. Learn to cook Convenience foods
that are either ready-to-cook or just-heat-and-serve cost more than groceries in their unrefined forms. You're paying a premium for that seasoned and ready-to-cook chicken breast from the deli foods counter at your supermarket. It its skinned, deboned, chicken-breast-supreme form you pay a bit less per kilogram, but still more than a bone-in, skin-on breast. Finally, when you buy a whole chicken, take it apart and skin it yourself, you are saving the most per unit. Learn to butcher chicken and you can afford to maintain your organic-meat habit.


Learn to cook vegetarian cuisine to save more on groceries (two veggie dinners a week will improve your health and the planet's, as well as your pocketbook). If you know how to cook, you can make an awesome meal from the most inexpensive of ingredients, from pantry-staple legumes to the budget cuts of organic meat. Bonus: besides saving cash, you'll probably also reduce the sodium and fat in your meals.

2. Discover the art of decanting toiletries and cleaning aids

Luxury hand soaps and prestige detergents can be the first to get the chop when grocery shopping on a budget. Switching to no-name? Decant econo-size cheaper products into eco-friendly and free or low-cost dispensers such as wine bottles (a half-bottle size is perfect for hand soap, mouthwash, or liquid dish soap), vintage-style milk bottles (many health food stores carry milk in them, and charge only a nominal deposit) or a cut-glass cruet. Laundry detergent can be scooped out of a flea market flour bucket. These options are so unique and pretty you won't even notice the switch!

3. Build your basic wardrobe
Although we're going through a neo-1980s colour bubble now, neutrals like black, camel and white are always in style, as are secondary neutrals such as navy and brown. That classic statement hue, red, is another perennial favourite. If you're clothes shopping now, stick to the classics so you'll have a quality wardrobe to last through any future financial belt cinching.


Classics for any working woman include a well-tailored black blazer and coordinating pants, black sheath dress, flattering sweaters, basic shirts for layering, two to three pairs of work shoes and a neutral raincoat/trench. If you add inexpensive flourishes through belts, scarves, "trend" shoes and shirts whenever you want a wardrobe lift, you're set for practically forever. Whenever you have money to splurge, spend it on one enduring classic, not five cheap items that will look dated and worn-out next season.


4. Get rid of kids' hair care products
Here's a shocker courtesy of the local kids' salon I took my daughter to after a giant tangle threatened to turn her hair into a bird's nest: no-tear shampoo (even premium brands) can be drying – and that can lead to tangles galore. "Get rid of it tonight, and start her on your products," said my kids' hair care expert. Another money and hair-saving tip? Skip the detangling spray; just fill a squirt bottle with a bit of conditioner and warm water.

Mix them to a watery consistency and shake to blend: spray this on as you would detangler. It works better and costs next-to-nothing! (Babies still need no-tears formulas for the obvious reason.)


5. Cut back on toys
load up on lifeResisting the siren call of branded toys can be hard, especially with older kids. But if you've got a preschooler, it can be done by limiting the choices they're exposed to. Don't voluntarily introduce them to video games or Internet-connected toys.

Do encourage them to get down and dirty in the garden, or at the park. Given a choice, many kids would rather have carte blanche to go wild, and many times, it's us parents who decide a tidy little plastic toy set is better than cleaning mud from our kids' ears and living with grass stains.


Those priorities favour costly playthings over no-fee exploration, and sedentary play over physical activity. Will you ever get your kids off the mass-market toy grid (aka "The Toy Matrix")? Uh, not very likely, but you can reduce the amount of toy clutter and the add-on purchases somewhat by giving them mud time outside.6. Get rid of that second (or third) carCanadians drive too much.


Try carpooling, joining a car-share program, taking public transit, or riding a bicycle or a motor scooter. If you have infrequent errands or mostly work from home but occasionally attend meetings, swap that underused car for a taxi or car service, rather than keeping an extra car in the garage "just in case." Cut your fuel, insurance, maintenance and/or lease costs by sticking with one main vehicle. Bonus: if you have to spring for public transit or cab fare every time you head out, you may think twice before nixing heart-healthy walking or bike ride – something less likely to happen when you drive.


By Yuki Hayashi

Handbags That Stand The Test Of Time

In tough times, accessories, most notably handbags, aren't just an easier way to look good, they're delivering profits for the companies that make them.Last month, British luxury fashion label Burberry reported accessories sales up 32% year-on-year, with plans to invest an estimated 10 million dollars over this year and next in developing and strengthening its accessories offer.

In Pictures: Eight Handbags That Stand The Test Of Time
Italy's Giorgio Armani has been working hard since the late 1990s to guide his customers toward accessories, but the big gains have come relatively recently. Armani registered an unprecedented accessories sales growth of over 30% in the year ending March 2008. Behind the numbers? Throughout the fashion business, the view is that consumers are rethinking their spending and indulging on relatively affordable luxury goods.Unlike most clothing, some handbags are on trend for multiple seasons, making then a worthy investment.

The $2,000 Louis Vuitton Speedy cube bag, for example, is an innovation of the classic speedy bag, an LV best seller. The Fall/ Winter 2008 version is a must have, merging trend with tradition, allowing for a useful and beautiful bag that will outlive seasonal trends."When times are tough, you spend more on accessories," says British fashion consultant and journalist Roger Tredre. "It's clothing that suffers."Behind The Bags Part of the secret is in the implementation of new logistics programs.



These treat accessories like ready to wear clothing, where the traditional two seasons have been scrapped in favor of smaller capsule collections. Now accessories, too, are produced in a number of flash collections, delivered at short intervals throughout the year. This kind of rethink is prompting increments in sales, with customers enticed to visit stores more regularly to browse for fresh designs. Of course retailers still have to work hard for their customers.

The key for design teams is to strike the right balance between innovation and tradition. "You've got to take forward the fashion element step by step without alienating your core--and potentially more conservative--customer," says Tredre.Prada's recently refurbished Florence store is an example of what strategic lengths retailers will go to in order to reinforce their accessories sales.



The new shop floor features accessories right at the front, next to the entrance. "This is a way for Prada to push their core and most profitable products," says Sandra Halliday, global managing editor for business reporting and analysis at Worth Global Style Network, a trend analysis company. What are you spending on? Weigh in. Post your thoughts in the Readers Comment section below. It shows.



Analysts say that Prada Group's results for 2007 should be in line with luxury market trends. The Prada label, the dominant brand within the group, is expected to report a double-digit growth year-on-year in its accessories segment. At Louis Vuitton, some 75% of profits are accounted for by accessories. Overall LV accounted for 50% of total LVMH group revenue of 3.226 billion euros in 2007.Rogerio Fumigori, analyst for Credit Suisse, ascribed the runaway performance of Louis Vuitton to the enduring popularity of the brand's traditional products, such as the timeless LV monogram collection.



There has been no cannibalization of the core products by the fashion-driven collection, he notes. The arrival of hip New York designer Marc Jacobs in the 1990s to design the ready to wear line and oversee the seasonal leather goods collections has proved a master stroke.



Thomas Chauvet, an analyst at Citigroup, says the "Marc Jacobs collections are a medium through which LV pushes [its] core categories." Jacobs himself, meanwhile, is keeping one step ahead, developing innovative new footwear and jewellery in addition to the best-selling handbags. And where LV's Jacobs goes, the market is sure to follow.Further investment in the accessory sector could prove to be a safety net for luxury goods companies in a climate where downturn is the ultimate trend.



While handbags have been leading the way in recent years, the fashion media are now eulogizing the allure of designer shoes. When movie star Gwyneth Paltrow was recently photographed in sky-high platforms, newspapers worldwide had a feeding frenzy. And big statement jewellery, as seen at the Oscars, is also on a roll.Still, during difficult times, says Claudia D'Arpizio, a partner at Bain, "bags are a commodity and will continue to drive the luxury market."



BY: Valentina Zannoni 06.26.08, 5:25 PM ET

Trend watch: Saltwater pools

They're the hottest technology in cooling off to come along in years. And they could make the stinging eyes, itchy skin and bleached bathing suits of old-fashioned chlorine pools a thing of the past.

First introduced in Australia in the 1960s, saltwater pools have taken off in the last few years to become the fastest-growing technology in new pool installation, even though the initial cost is considerably higher than a standard chlorine system. But converts say that once you've tried it, you can never go back.

Just ask Priya Mohan, a secondary school teacher and mother of three who lives in Burlington, Ontario. "When we did our backyard renovation a few years ago, we definitely knew we wanted a saltwater pool," she says. "It's better, in almost every way, than a chlorine pool. It's easier on your eyes, the water is much softer and less irritating, and maintenance is much easier too -- you add a bit of chlorine at the beginning of the season, and that's just about it.

"Click to see photos of Priya's pool.

The merits of saltwater pools

Though the water in a saltwater pool is saline, it's actually nothing like swimming in the ocean. The salt concentration in the pool tops out at about 2800 to 4000 parts per million, compared to 50,000 parts per million in ocean water. Saltwater pools are less salty than tears (you usually can't even taste the salt) but the soft, luxurious feel of the water, not to mention freedom from the burning feeling of too much chlorine, is immediately noticeable.

Understanding how the technology works requires a quick review of Grade 10 chemistry. Standard chlorinated pools rely on an erosion feeder system, whereby chlorine pucks are inserted into a canister to melt or "erode", adding chlorine to the water.

Apart from the costs involved with regularly replenishing the chlorine pucks, the danger of spikes or dilution after a rainstorm requires that you test and adjust the chlorine levels regularly, as well as "shocking" the pool from time to time with larger infusions of chlorine.

Saltwater pools also use chlorine as a disinfectant, but in a lower concentration, and it's supplied to the water in an entirely different way. Instead of an erosion system, a built-in generator uses a form of electrolysis to separate water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, and then combine them with salt (sodium chloride) to form sodium hypochlorite (chlorine), which sterilizes the water.

At the same time, the chlorine thus created is also constantly recombining with the sodium, becoming good old salt again. It's a closed, continuously regenerating process that once started -- with an initial application of chlorine and salt at the beginning of the season -- needs adjustment no more than once or twice a season at most.

Less costly long-term

According to Markus Brunner of Forest City Pool and Patio in London, Ontario, initially installing a saltwater system can cost as much as two to four times as much as a standard chlorine erosion system. But once you factor in the savings in chlorine pucks and other chemicals, as well as reduced maintenance and wear and tear on the pool itself, he estimates that a saltwater pool can pay for itself in as little as three years.

Existing chlorine pools can be converted to saltwater relatively easily as well, by simply adapting the existing plumbing to accommodate the generator. Brunner claims the only possible risk is to metal ladders, that if not properly grounded, can oxidize over time when exposed to the electrolyzing process. As for the Mohans, they couldn't imagine any other way to beat the heat. "We're spoiled," says Priya. "None of us will even go in a regular chlorine pool any more."

Source: MSN

Offensive Caricature...

WASHINGTON - Barack Obama's campaign says a satirical New Yorker magazine cover showing the Democratic presidential candidate dressed as a Muslim and his wife as a terrorist is "tasteless and offensive."

The illustration on the issue that hits newsstands Monday, titled "The Politics of Fear" and drawn by Barry Blitt, depicts Barack Obama wearing traditional Muslim garb - sandals, robe and turban - and his wife, Michelle - dressed in camouflage, combat boots and an assault rifle strapped over her shoulder - standing in the Oval Office.

The couple is bumping fists in front of a fireplace in which an American flag is burning. Over the mantel hangs a portrait of Osama bin Laden.
"The New Yorker may think, as one of their staff explained to us, that their cover is a satirical lampoon of the caricature Senator Obama's right-wing critics have tried to create," said Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton.

"But most readers will see it as tasteless and offensive. And we agree."
In a statement Monday, the magazine said the cover "combines a number of fantastical images about the Obamas and shows them for the obvious distortions they are."

"The burning flag, the nationalist-radical and Islamic outfits, the fist-bump, the portrait on the wall? All of them echo one attack or another. Satire is part of what we do, and it is meant to bring things out into the open, to hold up a mirror to prejudice, the hateful, and the absurd. And that's the spirit of this cover," the New Yorker statement said.

The statement also pointed to the two articles on Obama contained inside the magazine, calling them "very serious."
Republican John McCain's campaign spokesman, Tucker Bonds, agreed that the cover was "tasteless and offensive."

Already the cover was generating controversy on the Internet.

The Huffington Post, a left-leaning blog, said: "Anyone who's tried to paint Obama as a Muslim, anyone who's tried to portray Michelle as angry or a secret revolutionary out to get Whitey, anyone who has questioned their patriotism - well, here's your image."

Ok, that is just sad - Why are people so stupid? Yes, definitely offensive...

Source: yahoo

The At-Work Workout

Do you end up feeling far too fatigued at the end of your workday to even think of working out?
Sitting for extended periods of time, holding awkward postures, repetitive movements, driving and lifting can have a negative impact on your energy and your health.

They can all contribute to tight and imbalanced muscles, reduced circulation and stress and strain on muscles and joints. Although it takes a bit of effort initially, adding exercise in to your workday can help to boost your energy and your morale.

Top 5 office energizers:

A 10-minute walk. Walking is quick, easy and packed full of benefits. Walking at just a moderate pace increases your heart rate and delivers more blood and oxygen to your body. Increased oxygen means increased energy. In addition, movement helps to relieve mental and physical stress, helps to lengthen tight muscles and promotes synovial fluid production around joints for more comfortable movement. Squat ups.

Squats are one of the most commonly used exercises used in fitness and sport to work the lower body. In the gym, we often use dumbbells or machines, but you can easily adapt this exercise to the office. Shift to the front edge of your chair and sit in a tall posture. The feet of the chair need to be firmly planted on the floor. If your chair has wheels or the floor has a slippery surface, brace the chair against a wall or your desk or find an alternative chair just for your workout. With your feet flat on the floor, press in to your feet and stand up; lower back down so that you just graze the seat of your chair and stand back up. Repeat this up and down movement 10-20 times; take a break for 30 seconds and repeat.

Triceps dips. Triceps dips work the upper body, primarily targeting the triceps. Sit on the edge of your chair and place your hands on the seat beside your hips. With your feet flat on the floor, slide your hips forward just off the chair. If your chair has wheels or the floor has a slippery surface, brace the chair against a wall or your desk or find an alternative chair just for your workout. Keeping your torso long, bend at the elbow lowering your body down and up. You can star with small movements and just a few repetitions and gradually increase as your strength improves. Triceps dips are a great way to work the upper body and help to promote good posture.

Desk push-ups. Push-ups are another great upper body exercise. People are often intimidated by a "full" push up or that intense version we typically picture from the hands to the toes. The good news is that you can do more comfortable and less conspicuous push ups in your kitchen or your office. Stand about 2-feet from a counter, desk or railing. Lean forward from your toes placing your hands on the surface. Bending from the elbows, lower the body down and up. A great target is 10-20 repetitions, but if you're just beginning, start with a few and build up your strength and endurance. Reverse posture. This is a great way to figure out what kind of stretches or movement are good for your specific needs.

Reverse posture means that to give your body a break, you do the opposite of what your work demands – if you stand all day, sit; if you sit all day, stand and move; if you lean forward over a computer, lean back and open your arms and chest. Always keep movements fluid and controlled, but what I love about this concept is that it can help you identify your direction. You can do these exercises individually or combine in to a mini office circuit. Once you start to incorporate exercises and breaks in to your day that promote physical balance and blood flow, you'll end up with more energy during and after work.

Source: MSN

A Filipina is senior adviser to Obama

Special to BusinessMirrorHAGATNA, Guam - If Barack Obama becomes the US president, America's national policies would somehow be influenced by a Filipino: Charmaine Manansala, who has been selected as a senior adviser to the Democratic party candidate.Manansala is now the Asian-American and Pacific Islander Vote director for the Obama campaign.

"The Obama campaign acknowledges the extraordinary contributions of the nearly 13 million Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders who have helped build a strong and vibrant America," Manansala stated in her message to the Asian-American and Pacific Islander Network."We realize that despite the growth of our community, there are challenges [that] we still face.

For increasing numbers of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders [AAPI], the American dream is in danger of slipping away," said Manansala, who served as policy adviser and political strategist for then-Guam gubernatorial candidate Robert Underwood in 2006."

As president, Senator Obama will work with the AAPI community to ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable and portable health insurance that will also reduce the linguistic and cultural barriers that limit access to our medical system," she added.Manansala was born in Manila.

Her family moved to Orange County in Los Angeles in 1983 to join her grandparents.She went to Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she majored in biochemistry. She earned her master's degree in public health at George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Manansala has joined the league of policy analysts and political strategists in the nation's capital. In 2007, she was on the Filipino Women's Network's list of 100 Most Influential Filipinas. In 2001, she was honored by PoliticalCircus. com, as one of the "Top 30 Under 30," which recognizes the most influential Asian-Pacific Americans 30 years and younger in the US.

Prior to her selection as AAPI vote director, Manansala, now based in New Mexico, was the state director for the New Mexico Blue Team, where she was in charge of developing a state plan for political organizers advancing Obama's candidacy.

Manansala lived in Guam from 2005 to 2006 to lead the campaign strategy for Underwood.Before her stint in Guam, Manansala served as policy adviser for Speaker Nancy Pelosi from 2003 to 2005.

By MAR-VIC CAGURANGAN

4-day work week?

When I was listening to the radio on the way to work this morning, I heard something that made me smile.

A company in Florida has promoted a 4-day work week and the results are unbelievable! (Utah actually is the first state that promoted a 4-day work week)

The company not only cut down a quarter million in utility bills a year, but also tardiness and sick days have reduced significantly!!! See, companies like this one will go very far!

I wouldn't mind a 4-day work week, I think that will eliminate my tardiness and my constant bitching about waking up so early. Ok-not true as no matter what day it is my son wakes me up at 7:30AM, but I can't explain why I am late for work most days.

What if employeed have an option of having a 4-day work week or get 52 days of extra vacation!!! Hmmm, I am not sure, I don't know what to pick! Maybe I will take half and half. I will be working a 4-day work week every other week and then have an extra 26 days of vacation!!! Wow, that is exciting!

Ok, back to reality - It's Thursday and one more day of work - sigh.

What is happening to the world?

Other than the fact that we have poverty everywhere, wars and civil unrests, people get killed because of road rage!

A man driving an SUV was thrown out of his vehicle yesterday on the 401 and milton and died on the scene. According to police a man from Milton driving a car went in front of an SUV and slammed his brakes. The SUV driver hit the brakes and turned, as a result the SUV rolled and killed the driver instantly.


Apparently, they might have been cutting each other off on the road and one of them went on a road rage and didn't think twice.

The 39 year old man, who was driving the car turned himself to police last night and was arrested.


Sooner or later, the police would have caught him, but I am glad that he turned himself in. I think I would have done the same thing if that happens to me. I don't think I can live with the guilt.

What a waste: The food we throw away

Avoid throwing away good food and help preserve the environment and save money in the process.

What a disturbing irony! Good, edible food thrown away while the world accelerates towards a food crisis of massive proportions.

India recently halted the export of non-basmati rice to ensure its poor can eat. Meanwhile, every month residents in the city of Toronto, Canada, toss out 17.5 million kilograms of food. Images of green bins overflowing with wasted food stand in stark contrast to media images of riots and hunger around the world.

Food waste is pervasive in western society. A recent British study determined that about one-third of food purchased in the UK is thrown out every year. This equates to about CDN$19.5 billion. In Toronto, the picture is not all that different: single-family households produce an average of 275 kilograms of food waste each year. Twenty-five per cent of this food goes unnecessarily into the garbage—as opposed to the green bin—where city taxpayers pay nearly $10 million a year for its disposal. Most of it is still edible and much of it is still in its original packaging.

Serious Implications

Food waste has serious implications for society. Consumers unnecessarily spend a lot of time and money on food they don't eat. Rotting food also pumps heaps of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Plus the costs for collecting, transporting and landfilling the excess food come from the taxpayers. The good news is that some simple lifestyle adjustments offer huge payoffs for your family, community and the planet.

Think before you shop

A UK waste program reports that 61 per cent of all food waste could have been eaten if consumers better planned and stored their food purchases. Check the refrigerator before you shop. Freeze what you don't plan to eat. And don't just plan your shopping list, but assess your eating habits and plan when you'll have time to prepare the food you're buying.

Mmm leftovers

Much excess food becomes trash eventually. Once discarded, the valuable resources used to produce the food, including your time, are wasted. Leftovers can be as appealing as a freshly cooked, hot meal.

To make leftover food delicious and useful:
safely store food to keep it fresh and safe,
prepare leftovers properly—a microwave is quick, but traditional heating can help maintain the taste, freeze leftovers for later use, and; think outside the plate! Combine leftovers with other food items for a unique meal.

Don't scrap your scraps

If you have an excess of edible, perishable food, look for organizations like Second Harvest, that redistribute food to those in need, including hospices and school lunch programs. As well, livestock farmers and zoos use leftovers to feed the animals. Call your local zoo or farmer's association to find out if this is an option in your area.

Start a compost pile

Not all towns and cities have organic collection programs. To keep food from rotting uselessly in a landfill, begin a compost pile in your backyard. Go online for tips on composting and with a little research and work, you'll see that your pile will benefit the soil and make your garden more plentiful.

Source: Yahoo

Pollen, Fruits, Veggies Help Trigger Oral Allergy Syndrome

I came to Canada in the summer of 1996 and since then I have accumulated numerous allergies and allergic reactions and other health problems. Never had a problem when I was living in the Pacific Islands, actually I was barely sick of any condition.



For the past 12 years living in Canada, I have acquired the following:

• Asthma - Yes, never had asthma before, I do now! I will forever be taking ventolin and Pulmicort. I don't know, but for some reason, the Canadian Environment messed up my health and my immune system. Now, the following allergies triggers my Asthma so I have to mainly avoid them as well to prevent an attack.


• Cat Allergy - I am actually allergic to cats, like they would kill me if I am around them long enough without my puffer. Now, even if I take Claritin, Reactine or any of the kind drugs, according to an allergist they will not work for me. That is just the way it is, so avoid cats no matter what, the only thing that will save me from cats right now is my puffer. Once Asthma kicks in, the only thing I need is my ventolin - just one or two puffs and my lungs and throat dilates and I can breathe again.


• Ragweed, dust, pollen, mildew and other misc allergic reaction - Ok, these can't kill me, but they make me sick enough that I need to take drugs, which is tolerable.


• Birch tree and a couple other misc trees allergy - Oh, this one is big too like the cat one, but the good thing about it is that I don't go near trees all the time and I know how to avoid them if I see one.


• Nuts allergic reaction- These can't kill me either, I only have a reaction to them. They make my tongue, lips, gums and throal itchy and my lips swell - that's all! So it means I can still eat them!


• Shellfish Allergic Reaction - These can't kill me, how can they? they are so yummy! Yes, I do have an allergic reaction to shellfish, especially with crabs and clams. Now, don't get me wrong I still eat them just because they are so good, it counters the fact that I am itchy all over and that my lips are swollen after eating. It's a plus really, since my lips look like Angie's after - Muah!


• Fruits and Veggies allergic reaction - Yes! Isn't that insane? Ok, I love fruits and Veggies and I know I wasn't allergic to them or had any reaction, but I do now. Apparently it's not just me that acquired the reaction from these types of food, but many people have the same reaction as what I am getting now. Read the following article below:

Cooking foods can reduce or prevent allergic reactions, group suggests

THURSDAY, Aug. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Up to one-third of people with seasonal allergies may suffer oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which results from a cross-reactivity between seasonal airborne pollen proteins from weeds, grass and trees and similar proteins in some fresh fruits and vegetables.

Common symptoms of OAS -- also known as pollen-food syndrome -- include: itchiness, tingling or swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat immediately after eating fresh fruits, vegetables and certain kinds of other foods, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). ( This is so true for me)

In some cases, people may suffer severe throat swelling or even a systemic reaction.
People with ragweed pollen allergies might experience symptoms if they eat foods such as bananas, cucumbers, melons, zucchini, sunflower seeds, chamomile tea and Echinacea.

People with birch tree pollen allergies may experience OAS symptoms if they eat food such as peaches, apples, pears, cherries, carrots, hazelnuts, kiwi fruit or almonds. (Ok, this is freaky - apples, cherries , pears and carrots definitely gives me the reaction)

In most cases, cooking these foods will reduce or prevent an allergic reaction. (Mmmmm yummy boiled fruit!)
The AAAAI recommends people consult an allergist/immunologist if they:

• experience itchy mouth from raw fruits or vegetableshave


• limited their diet based upon perceived adverse reactions to food or additives (why limit? If it doesn't kill me - then it's ok to eat right?)


• have prolonged or severe symptoms of rhinitis (this is me)


• have nasal polyps (is that a flower in the nose? He he he)


• have co-existing conditions such as asthma or recurrent sinusitis (me again)


• have symptoms that interfere with their quality of life and/or ability to function (me again)


• have found medications to be ineffective or have had adverse reactions to medications (me again, wow I am a basket case!)


• are a child with allergic rhinitis.

Immunotherapy may prevent the development of asthma. (too late)

More information
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has more about

oral allergy syndrome.
-- Robert Preidt

Now you have it, if you are my enemy - now you know how to kill me. If you are my friend - now you know how to make sure you don't kill me.

How eco-friendly is your bed?

Beds

You nestle into bed each night to escape the day's stresses, allow your body to rest, and restore your spirit. Your family beds should be pure, safe places. Here's how to make them the healthiest possible, from frame to foam mattress, including everything on top, underneath, and in between.

Better Bed Frames

With wooden bed frames, as with other wooden furniture, opt for FSC-certified wood whenever possible to avoid supporting the irresponsible harvesting of old-growth or endangered forests. Less expensive beds may be made of wood veneers over press-wood surfaces instead of wood solids; if this is the case, ask if the press wood contains formaldehyde, which can off-gas carcinogenic and irritating fumes. Likewise, avoid products coated with higher-VOC finishes, as these, too, can off-gas. Metal bed frames are an excellent option, as they're less likely to release chemicals and are quite durable.

If the vintage aesthetic appeals to you, look for antique beds made from metal or solid hardwoods. Although vintage wood products may have been treated with chemical paints or finishes, older products will have significantly off-gassed in years gone by and therefore will emit considerably lower amounts of VOCs than brand-new, just-painted furniture. They also don't require the harvesting of new trees, making them an Earth-friendly option.

Selecting Box Springs

Known in the bedding and mattress industry as foundations, box springs provide additional support to the mattress of your choosing. Though they typically consist of a wood frame covered by a fabric layer, they can also incorporate pieces made of pressed wood and fume-emitting formaldehyde glues. To avoid any chemicals in your box springs, look for ones made from natural, untreated solid wood, preferably sourced from an FSC-certified forest. Or, look for a bed frame that doesn't require a box spring at all, such as the increasingly popular platform-style bed. Just double-check that your platform alternative doesn't contain pressed wood and formaldehyde glues.

Soft, Safe Mattresses

Despite what most mattress commercials might have you believe, there's more to selecting a healthy sleep surface than just choosing between soft and firm, innerspring and memory foam - and there's more to it than just one number! Consider the health effects of the materials in your mattress, remembering the constant contact between your body and your bed.

There may be harmful chemicals lurking right under your nose. Many mattresses are stuffed with polyurethane foam, a synthetic product that can release the neurotoxin toluene. And, in accordance with U.S. federal fire safety regulations, all mattresses must meet standards for "cigarette ignition resistance," meaning that when a lit cigarette is applied to its surface, the fabric will not ignite or show more than a two-inch char. As a result, most are treated with flame retardant PBDEs, the same harmful chemicals used to make upholstery and drapes fire-resistant.

The key to finding a mattress that's nontoxic and fire-safe is to choose the rights materials. If you want a mattress with a foam core, look for mattresses made from natural latex foam - it's made from the rubber tree, and can be sustainably sourced. Some mattresses use a blend of natural and synthetic latex, as the latter substance is cheaper; even though chemicals can be added in the manufacturing process, both types are prefer able to polyurethane.

If you prefer a mattress with an innerspring system, choose one padded with organic cotton, which is grown without pesticides, or better yet, go with wool, which is naturally fire resistant. In fact, wool is quickly becoming the ego-to material for manufacturers of less toxic bedding, as it meets federal safety regulations without the addition of chemical fire retardants. (All-cotton mattresses lacking any type of fire-preventive material are available only to consumer with a doctor's prescription verifying that they have chemical sensitivities.

A last note on mattresses: In recent years, one increasingly popular mattress option has been viscoelastic foam, aka memory foam. These types of cushions are made entirely from polyurethane, which can release toluene. Although the manufacturers insist that the mattresses will release fumes for only about a week, if you're sensitive to chemicals (or just chemical-averse), you'll probably do best to avoid these entirely.

Eco-Tip: Fabric Finishes

Permanent-press, crease-resistant, shrinkproof, and water-repellent fabrics are likely to have been treated with chemicals and may release formaldehyde, PFSs, and PBDEs. Avoid these if possible, and to be safe, wash all new bedding in hot water at least once before use. A 1999 study showed that a single washing of permanent-press fabrics could reduce formaldehyde emissions by 60 percent.

The Facts:

Cotton crops account for 10 percent of all pesticides and 25 percent of all insecticides used worldwide, according to the Sustainable Cotton Project. An average of a third of a pound of chemicals and synthetic fertilizers goes into the process of making a T-shirt from conventional cotton.

The Facts:

Most manufacturers suggest replacing your mattress every eight to ten years. For the average person, that means buying eight to twelve mattresses over the course of a lifetime.

Find out more about Green Guide: The Complete Reference for Consuming Wisely by Editors of Green Guide.
Choose an online bookseller and buy the book.

Excerpted from Green Guide by Editors of Green Guide Copyright (c) 2008 by Editors of Green Guide. Excerpted by permission of National Geographic. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Celebrity Pads

While many of us settles for a 1600 sq. ft. house (or smaller) with a 5 x 20 ft. backyard, the celebrities get what they want. Pool, sauna, dance studio, tennis court and a guest house are just some of the amenities their houses have. I should say mansion, castles, manors - Those are more like the proper terms for these gigantic structure where celebs live.

This spectacular home, owned by Christina Aguilera, was purchased for a cool $3.7 million dollars. It sits atop a hill in an exclusive gated community in the Hollywood Hills, CA. (credit: Getty Images)

Talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, owns several million dollar properties. This one here, known as "The Farm", is located in Indiana, and includes 160 acres of land, a five-bedroom 9,700-square-foot main residence, a guest house, a pool, a stable and of course, a tennis court. The property was listed for $8.5 million. (credit: Getty Images)

Actor Nicolas Cage and his former wife Patricia Arquette, lived in this 1940s Bel Air mansion. Cage purchased this luxe home for $7 million in 1998, then two years ago, in the autumn of 2006, he turned around and listed it at $35 million. (credit: Getty Images)

Keanu Reeves' $5 million dollar three-bedroom house, which spans 5,000-square feet, has three fireplaces, a state of the art pool and a courtyard. The home is located in a gated community in West Hollywood, and was first built for an art collector during the 1980s. (credit: Getty Images)

Jenna Elfman, who co-starred in the popular sitcom "Dharma & Greg", bought this Wallace Neff-designed home from Madonna for about $4 million dollars. Built in the 1920s, this 5,000 square foot home has three bedrooms, a Spanish-tile kitchen and is nearly two acres behind large steel gates, for maximum privacy. (credit: Getty Images)

Former Friends star, Courteney Cox-Arquette and husband David Arquette, bought this Malibu beachfront home in 2001, for $10.2 million. Last summer, the couple decided it was time for a change, and sold this property to Frank and Jamie McCourt, the owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team for $33 million. (credit: FilmMagic)

After filing for divorce, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline put their 9,200-square foot mansion on the market for $12 million dollars. Located in an exclusive gated community in the Hollywood Hills, it had seven bedrooms, a dance/workout room and a recording studio. (credit: Getty Images)

Hmmmm Do you guys know any quick rich schemes? I want to buy one of the above... :D

Source: Sympatico

Does pregnancy look a little too cool lately?

As a mother who gave birth to a son a couple of years ago, I know and I do understand how it is to be pregnant and have a baby. I had my baby in my mid-twenties, not in my teens so I can't tell you how a teenage mom feels about being pregnant or having a child at such a young age.


In America, teen pregnancy is on the rise and experts think that this has something to do with young celebrity moms cradling their new borns on the cover of a fashion magazine. On the cover, mommy is wearing skinny jeans with Manolo stilettos and in one arm the baby and the other arm an LV bag and a starbucks coffee on hand. Looks so cool and easy eh?

Well, let me tell you this - sure it's easy, you can fit into your skinny jeans 2 days after you pop that baby out. Since your baby is cute and cuddly, you can use him/her as your accessory! When you get tired, just pass the baby to one of your nannies who's been following behind since you left your mansion. Oh, you can also ask one of your body guards to hold on to your purse or your drink while you shop.

Actually, in Nottingham, England - Having countless children is a sign of wealth. It means that you have more money you can spend on nannies, personal driver, gardener, maid and etc to take care of your children and other things around the house; while you go to your daily yoga class, then hair appointment, then lunch with the ladies, then tennis lessons at the country club.

As you see, if you are loaded with cash, it's a lot easier because you can hire help - but if you are a teenage mom, going to school and working at the grocery store for the measly minimum wage? Then that is not going to cut it!

Also, the pains of giving birth? Oh man, it's excruciating!!!!!! Not to mention your "thing" will never look the same again! (Oh! can I say "thing", oppsss - should I bleep it out?)

Ok, ok - you can get epidural, fine go ahead! We all did it - Actually I begged for it! Then it was all a blur.

Now, time to take home the baby!

At home with the baby, sounds like fun eh? You think? Well - yes and no. It's fun cause you get to spend time with your baby in your familiar surroundings, but when that baby wakes up at 3AM for feeding? That is not fun at all! Yes - they do wake up every freaking 3 hours!

In the end though, having a child is definitely life changing - there are pros and cons, but once you have that baby, you can never imagine your life without him/her.

All I can say is, enjoy your teens! When you are ready to have a child, the experience is less traumatic as what I have described above. Trust me :)

Source: yahoo

CANADA DAY EH?