RATE IT! Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Chocolate Holiday, everyone! Perhaps I'm the only female who thinks with my stomach on Valentine's Day, but I'd much rather receive some chocolate, or cookies than over-priced red roses - any day! That being said, if there's no chocolate, or cookies greeting me when I wake up, that's okay too. Hardly the end of the world. 


Valentine's Day is one of those tricky celebrations... you're never quite sure if people love it, or hate it. If you're single, it can feel like one of the most lonely days of the year. If you're partnered up, it can be a mixed bag as well. To avoid the roller coaster of emotions that February 14 can bring, I've always marked the occasion with cards, and chocolate for my parents, and sister as well as my significant other (depending upon whether I had one by the time Valentine's Day rolled around)... it made the date not so much about smug couples, expensive flowers and candle-lit dinners, but more about appreciating those we love regardless of status. So whether or not you have a Valentine in the traditional sense, be sure to tell the 'other' people in your life how much you love and appreciate them. If everyone took the time in this manner, Valentine's Day probably wouldn't be given such a bad rap. 


Anyway... as I step off my soapbox, I want to point you in the direction of my new Valentine's/love themed article for Best Health Magazine's website. Turns out, we are all programmed to fall head over heels in love... and for once it's not Cupid's fault! Read on through this link and see who gets the blame this time! Enjoy! 

HATE IT! iTunes Gift Card Gaffe

It's been about two months, and I'm still all a swoon over my relatively new Apple iPhone. Apps, I love them! Too much ... obviously. I have three pages/screens of them so far. Family members have witnessed my obsession first hand & gave me some lovely iTunes gift cards for Christmas. Aw! In the hopes of receiving such a bounty, I had several iTunes items pinpointed for my Boxing Day purchasing pleasure. Oh, yes! Don't you just love when you wish for something and then you get it?

But ...my uncomplicated love for my phone hit a hiccup. My purchase of my first post-Christmas iTunes app did not trigger my gift card balance to slither down one cent. Nothing. Download completed & my full balance still on parade. Figuring that the iTunes site must be suffering from some sleepy holiday glitch, I emailed the Apple gang to spell out my difficulty. Please bill my gift card balance and *not* my credit card, please & thank you. Sounds simple enough, right? Right.

Til this morning, that is... when my inbox broke the frustrating news. Apple does not allow the purchase of apps via iTunes gift cards in Canada. And that's not all...Canadians cannot buy games with gift cards either! So it's just music then? Maybe a TV show or two? Why not apps... or games? I checked the very teeny print on the back of all three of my gift cards and there was not ONE mention of this glitch...not a peep. Same goes for their iTunes site. SERIOUSLY!!!! On the page where you can redeem your gift cards, there's a neverending list of terms & conditions but NOT ONE WORD concerning usage -- or the lack thereof - of iTunes gift cards for the purchase of apps or games.

Am I the only person who thinks this practice is totally wrong? What gives? Can our friends in the States, or England buy apps and games with iTunes gift cards? Are us Canucks the only ones stuck at the till with gift cards that cannot be used for what we really want from iTunes?

Horrible business practices, Apple!! You dangle these delicious apps and games like some forbidden fruit in your TV commercials but when we want to use, heaven forbid, gift cards to snap them up, we're prohibited without explanation. And what's worse.. their "customer service" reps didn't even acknowledge my displeasure! I received emails that look like an automatic drone-worthy reply... "I am glad I could assist you today" -- Excuse me? No, you twat...you didn't assist me AT ALL. You didn't even type one iota of a sentence that even recognized that I had a complaint *at all*.

I'm sure my fury at iTunes will pass *someday* but for today, tomorrow....this month maybe, Apple is just rotten to the core. Blech.

Buyer beware!!!

Remembrance Day - November 11

With today being November 11, Remembrance Day in Canada, I'd like to take a moment to comment on the importance of the poppy, the symbol of remembrance.

No Price Too High

What does a poppy cost? Would you donate a twoonie or a quarter...or maybe even a five dollar bill?

November 11 is here. The days when you would be greeted by distinguished Veterans offering poppies in malls and in subway stations seem to be a relic of the past as many vets have passed away.

I am an Associate member of the Canadian Legion, having had several relatives involved in both world wars. In my 10 years of volunteering in the Legion's annual Poppy Campaign, I have been saddened to see donations are dwindling. Perhaps it's no longer sufficient to recognize that these brave individuals fought for our freedom. I've actually heard people scoff that they never purchase poppies...because in their minds they fund the drinking sessions of old war mongers - men who like to sit around and glorify wars & fighting. Such opinions are not only incorrect but cruel. It's surprising to think that the cost of freedom isn't enough to make folks donate. Perhaps if people knew that their money went towards, they'd be more eager to contribute:

~ assistance to needy ex-service personnel & their families

~ medical equipment for community health centres & hospitals

~ bursaries for students

~ programs for seniors such as Meals on Wheels

All of these good deeds are done with little to no press coverage or fanfare. Yes, the money does pay for an easier life for those folk who fought to keep Canada free, but also benefits all of us in the communities in which we live. Communities that would be quite different if certain sacrifices weren't made by these veterans.

What does a poppy cost? Truth be told, there is no cost associated with the Remembrance Day poppy. Ask a veteran and they'll tell you that the cost is up to the individual...as the cost of freedom cannot be measured. There is no price too high.

HATE IT! Yellow Submarine Remake

American film-maker Robert Zemeckis is one big Blue Meanie!

The director responsible for the creepy animation of 'The Polar Express' hopes to use his awful techniques on a remake of the Beatles' trippy animated feature, 'Yellow Submarine.' Variety reports that Zemeckis and of all people -- Disney! -- are working diligently to snap up the rights to the Beatles' tunes used in the original movie. 

Is nothing sacred? The original 'Yellow Submarine' is SO of its time -- late 60's psychedelia, Peter Max-esque wonderful. Updating the classic Beatles' movie is nothing but a blatant cash grab by Zemeckis and Disney. Once again, Hollywood runs out of viable NEW ideas and starts to mine previous ventures that were fine in their original form, thank you very much.

How soon do they forget how off-putting the human characters were in 'The Polar Express.' To quote CNN in their 2004 review: "The Polar Express is at best disconcerting, and at worst, a wee bit horrifying." And now poor George, Paul, Ringo & John are going to get this ill-fated treatment? Performance capture, the technology used by Zemeckis, omits true emotion from its characters -- leaving them wooden, and yes.... CREEPY! I cannot watch 'The Polar Express' without an attack of the heebie jeebies. It's just plain weird. I shudder at the fears of what he's going to do to the Beatles. 

RATE IT! Finally...a MJ-Free Cover!

I don't think that I'm alone in suffering from an overdose of Michael Jackson the past two weeks. 

Yes, he was a stellar entertainer but the media circus is *so* overdone and exploitive. For a man who was so careful to shield his children from the media glare, the Jackson family certainly aren't acting out his wishes. They didn't waste any time in trotting the three kids out for public consumption. Not only have they lost the most important person in their lives, but now they're locked into the Jackson family juggernaut of questionable child-raising practices. Poor kids. Anything to make a buck or the lead news story, eh? For shame.

Sorry for the long winded rant there... what I *meant* to be crowing about was this zine. I'm relieved to see that the good folk at 'Entertainment Weekly' have done their MJ bit and are now moving on with this lovely 'Harry Potter' cover on this week's issue. Well done!

RATE IT! More NHL for Canada!

The news of the financial demise of the National Hockey League's Phoenix Coyotes has been met with unbridled enthusiasm by my fellow Canadians. The mega-rich Canadian head honcho of Research In Motion, Jim Balsillie has the brains & the cash to move this crippled and fan-starved franchise up to our Southern Ontario neck of the woods where it would be virtually guaranteed a thriving bank balance *and* rabid fans filling the seats. As a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, I think it's a smashing idea! Some healthy hockey competition in the province, more opportunities for fans to see games in person... and another rightful home for the game -- OUR GAME -- on our turf. So what's the problem?

The NHL's troll of a Commissioner, Gary Bettman. Small man, small mind. Wee Gary hates the idea of teams fleeing from the US. Mr. Bettman has turned down Balsillie's previous attempts to swoop in & rescue troubled American-based NHL teams, bringing them back to life on Canadian soil. 

It's time for Gary to wake up! The NHL is not popular in most of the States. It ranks far behind the NBA, NFL, baseball, car racing... even college sports. Forcing teams into territories that have never ever seen a hockey puck is not going to make the sport grow down south. Some locales were just not made for hockey -- and for Phoenix, regardless of the involvement of Wayne Gretzky -- the BEST PLAYER EVER -- there's no hope in hell of reversing the bleed of cash and fans.

Today there are court-based hearings regarding the troubled Coyotes. Word is rife that Gretzky may step in & help Balsillie's cause. Wayne may work in the US but he's still all Canadian. Let's hope that he helps bring the club up to Ontario where it will be successful & wanted. 

(Gretzky photo: google images)

RATE IT/HATE IT! For Mother's Day?

One of the most important occasions of the year in North America, Mother's Day, is fast approaching. Be sure to find a lovely pressie to give to your dear Mum this coming Sunday (May 10). Flowers, fine chocolates, an expensive meal out, a pampering spa session... Mums do so much for so many, they deserve a really special gift... and not just on Mother's Day.

Looking around the web, I came across this delightful recipe collection, housed in a mini stove. It's really cute but it's being marketed at the mo' as a giftie for Mother's Day. I'm sure many women would love this cookery set, but why give your Mum something that pushes her back into the kitchen? Isn't Mother's Day supposed to be a day to *celebrate* your Mum? To get Mum to remove that apron and be treated herself? Mums spend far too much time looking after the needs of *everyone* else... don't give them yet another present that doesn't soothe Mum's soul. Time to treat them.... properly - and that means.... no gifts that hint at *them* treating *you* yet again! Cook books = Mum's home cooking = pampering YOU, not THEMSELVES. 

Sure, this set of cook books is really sweet but save it for another gift-giving occasion.

RATE IT! VP Joe Biden

At last!! After the much-lauded first 100 days of the Obama presidency, we've finally FINALLY got a whoopsie! moment courtesy of Vice-Prez, Joe Biden on day 101... a man who can't keep his verbal slip-ups at bay. Oh, how long have we waited! We knew it was bound to happen with this guy's track record. 

Biden was speaking about the swine flu hysteria to Matt Lauer on NBC's Today Show. When asked his opinion, Joe didn't soothe America's worries. No heck, he let the fear flag fly: "I wouldn't go anywhere in confined spaces now," he announced emphatically. Off the cards for Biden, riding the subway or plane travel as well. "If you're out in the middle of a field and someone sneezes that's one thing. If you're in a closed aircraft or a closed container or a closed car or a closed classroom, it's a different thing."

Fair enough. The VP likes to speak his mind & what's wrong with a little honesty, right? But with Joe Biden, such ill-advised honest outbursts prompt the White House to whirl into damage control. Can't have Obama's second plunge the country into widespread alarm. Two hours later, the Press Secretary apologized for Biden's remarks, and Biden's own office issued a statement to correct his panic-inducing comments. What he *meant* to say... don't travel to Mexico if you don't have to. Stay home if you're ill with flu-like symptoms... wash your hands often...blah blah blah.

I find it quite entertaining watching Biden speaking a little too honestly when he shouldn't... obviously the White House doesn't feel the same. Perhaps they should also lean on the real fear mongers -- the media -- for whipping the public into a needless frenzy over this flu bug. Flu isn't new! People get the flu - often. Some people unfortunately do die but most do not, and people need to realize that simple hygiene and common sense will keep them healthy. Too many people don't wash their hands. Sounds gross, doesn't it, but it's disgustingly true. Same goes for people who don't cover their sneezes, coughs and spit in public places. 

Wanna curtail the spread of flu? Ramp up hygiene... it's simple really. And while we're at it, let's hope Biden unleashes another verbal faux pas soon. Laughter is good, laughter helps heal and people who have the flu, could use a laugh. Just remember to cover up if those giggles send you into a coughing fit. 

(Joe photo: google images)

HATE IT! Another Self-Important Hollywood Idiot

You've all heard of actors Jake & Maggie Gyllenhaal -- he of the buff bod, happily partnered up with fellow thespian, Reese Witherspoon; and she of, well.... plenty of indie movies & the role that Katie Holmes refused to repeat for the Heath Ledger-hued 'Batman' sequel.

I like them both... she, more than he... but who I don't like or rather, get is their somewhat misguided father, Stephen Gyllenhaal. 

Elder Gyll has been ranting about freeing Bernie Madoff. That's right.... Madoff. The greedy little git who stole tons of cash from peeps all over NYC, both the rich (Banks! Kevin Bacon!) and ordinary folk. People like you & me. 

Stephen Gyllenhaal is sympathetic towards greedy Bernie, King of the Ponzi scheme. Says he's a scapegoat. Says that others have done worse. Well, he's probably right -- others may have done the dirty on more investors, maybe... but letting Madoff off isn't solving anything. The dude is a cruel crook! Many older investors who do not call the Upper East Side in NYC home, have lost their nest eggs at the hands of Madoff - they've completely lost EVERYTHING. Their only fault? Trusting the wrong man to invest their cash. Could happen to anyone. Could have happened to Gyllenhaal.

Perhaps Mr. Gyllenhaal should fork out some of his hard-earned/saved cash to help Madoff's victims before he spouts his mouth off defending some evil troll who has ruined the lives of many. Pompous Hollywood idiot!

(photo: Google images)

HATE IT! Starbucks are Charitable Scrooges

GREEDY ~ RUDE 

... and your baked goods suck!

I've never been a fan of Starbucks and their over-priced, ill-tasting baked goods. Now with this news story coming out of Toronto, I've got extra ammunition to continue to stay away, and I hope others do too!

A Starbucks in Toronto told two young Brownies -- Girl Guides -- to move off the sidewalk in front of their snooty shop, to stop selling their delicious cookies for their fundraising efforts. Starbucks does not own the sidewalk their building stands behind - nope, it's public property. The girls who should be granted kudos for finding such a high-traffic location, were not blocking store access to customers. Heck, they're children! Tiny kids! Hardly hefty 200 lb. linebackers impeding the caffeine starved!

Starbucks should be ashamed! Money-grabbing twats! For shame! These kids are doing their part for their community, for their club and what do they get for their efforts --  a shove by a multi-million dollar American slug of a chain. Time to move over to Second Cup or Tim Horton's.... anyone BUT Starbucks! 

Disgusting. I hope you're as disgusted as I am and refrain from giving Starbucks your custom!

HATE IT! UK School Curriculum

Upon this "news", I had to glance at my Filofax to ensure that today wasn't April 1st -- April Fool's Day!

The Daily Mail is reporting that the British primary school curriculum is at risk of being changed drastically ~ for the worse. 

Sir Jim Rose, the UK's former schools' inspector (whatever that is), has proposed changing the lesson plan so that Winston Churchill, the rise of the Nazis -- basically all of World War II -- plus subjects such as Queen Victoria, are scrapped and replaced with tutorials focusing on Twitter, blogging, Wikipedia & podcasting! Rose's proposal is due for publication in the next month, however, various news agencies caught wind of the plan & ran with the ridiculous idea.

Kids today are already lacking in certain skills (phonics, anyone?), and in many places reading, writing and basic history results are in a shambles. At least Rose's wacky suggestions are just that -- suggestions -- right now. Shame on Britain if they become a reality.  

(Churchill image: google images)

RATE IT! Dairy Queen Cares!

This coming Monday is Family Day! What may you ask is this special holiday lovingly placed in the middle of chilly February? 

Well, for *some* Canadians -- those living in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan -- it's a much coveted day off. The intention: to give us hard-working souls a reprieve from the drudgery of the long winter with a gift of some quality time with our loved ones. Sounds great, doesn't it? 

Unfortunately, this February freebee isn't shared with all Canucks. If you call British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland home, you miss out. It hardly seems fair. Canadians in these provinces deserve a special day too. 

Here's where Dairy Queen graces the picture. Yep, Dairy Queen, home of the famous Blizzards that I adore. Well, DQ is a family-friendly eatery, one that celebrates fun like no other. DQ is organizing petitions in the Family Day-free provinces this coming Monday, February 16 and is putting on a smorgasbord of comfy treats to help promote the message. Stop by your neighbourhood DQ, sign the petition, and indulge in the Sweet Deals menu. Cheeseburgers, onion rings, hot dogs, side salads, several of the icy treats & more, are all included at special combo prices that will please your bank balance and your appetite. 

Heck... if the thought of bringing a Family Day holiday to your fellow Canadians doesn't give you warm & fuzzy feelings, this Dairy Queen value menu sure will! On Monday, count me in! The Sweet Deals are being served up country-wide. Now if only Family Day was too!

Remembrance Day - November 11

With today being November 11, Remembrance Day in Canada, I'd like to take a moment to comment on the importance of the poppy, the symbol of remembrance.

No Price Too High

What does a poppy cost? Would you donate a twoonie or a quarter...or maybe even a five dollar bill?

November 11 is here. The days when you would be greeted by distinguished Veterans offering poppies in malls and in subway stations seem to be a relic of the past as many vets have passed away. 

I am an Associate member of the Canadian Legion, having had several relatives involved in both world wars. In my 10 years of volunteering in the Legion's annual Poppy Campaign, I have been saddened to see donations are dwindling. Perhaps it's no longer sufficient to recognize that these brave individuals fought for our freedom. I've actually heard people scoff that they never purchase poppies...because in their minds they fund the drinking sessions of old war mongers - men who like to sit around and glorify wars & fighting. Such opinions are not only incorrect but cruel. It's surprising to think that the cost of freedom isn't enough to make folks donate. Perhaps if people knew that their money went towards, they'd be more eager to contribute:

~ assistance to needy ex-service personnel & their families

~ medical equipment for community health centres & hospitals

~ bursaries for students

~ programs for seniors such as Meals on Wheels

All of these good deeds are done with little to no press coverage or fanfare. Yes, the money does pay for an easier life for those folk who fought to keep Canada free, but also benefits all of us in the communities in which we live. Communities that would be quite different if certain sacrifices weren't made by these veterans.

What does a poppy cost? Truth be told, there is no cost associated with the Remembrance Day poppy. Ask a veteran and they'll tell you that the cost is up to the individual...as the cost of freedom cannot be measured. There is no price too high.

HATE IT! Stop Criticizing Kate!

Kate Middleton ~ She's got one mother of a hectic job: being girlfriend to the most eligible bachelor in the universe, Prince William. Constantly dodging paparazzi, having the press speculate non-stop over a possible Royal engagement - and then there's the daunting reality of possibly one day having Queen Elizabeth II as your mother-in-law, the girl has it tougher than most. 

Yet poor Kate can't catch a break. The incessantly rabid UK tabloids are continually having a go over her choice of occupation. She's sitting on her well-dressed derriere waiting for Wills to propose! they sneer. "Waity Katie" exclaimed another. Even Queen Liz supposedly got into the act, saying she wasn't pleased with Kate's lack of employment. True, Kate's had only one job since her 2004 uni grad -- she toiled for Brit clothing retailer, Jigsaw but quickly discovered the daily chase away from pushy photographers was too much to handle. With her art degree, she pondered working in a gallery until her impending employers pulled the plug over paparazzi worries. What business wants snappers camped outside 24/7? Bad for business, you bet!

It's hard enough to start & keep a career but when you have the added challenge of dating a future king in a celeb-obsessed society where everyone wants a piece of you, the stakes get much trickier. What's a girl to do? Shaking off the criticism, Kate does have a proper job -- with her parents hugely successful party accessory company, Party Pieces. Plus, she has many charities that she's associated with so back off, critics! The girl is doing the best she can, and in light of how the press harassed William's mother, Diana, you would think people would learn from past mistakes. For shame!  (photo: Reuters)