Sunday, April 22, 2007

Earth Day

What can you do to make our Earth a better place to live?

In general, recycle things instead of throwing them out, for example, clothes. Here are some other tips:
  1. Use cloth bags when shopping. Avoid using plastic bags.
  2. Take advantage of recycled depots. Recycling a tonne of newspapers saves 19 trees.
  3. If you can afford it, buy in bulk or partner with a friend to buy in bulk.
  4. Try to carpool at least once a week.
  5. Even better, use public transit rather than your vehicle.
  6. Of course, you can walk or ride a bike which is even healthier.
  7. Invest in underground sprinklers to water your yard.
  8. If that is not possible, use devices such as timers or water gauges to water lawns and gardens.
  9. A mulching mower should be your next purchase when the old mower gives up.
  10. When lawn mowning, keep grass about 2 inches high. This saves moisture and stops weeds from growing.
  11. Try Xeriscaping in some area of your yard. Even better convert your yard to Xeriscaping.
  12. In honor of Earth Day, plant a tree for future generations!

FACTS:

The average car emits 5 tonnes of pollution into the air. That is equivalent to the weight of one elephant.

A person can reduce emissions by 20% if they use an alternative form of transportation once a week.

The average Canadian uses about 326 liters (88 gallons) of water PER DAY.

Quote of the Day:

"Putting off an easy thing makes it hard. Putting off a hard thing makes it impossible."

George Lorimer

Monday, April 16, 2007

Caring for your Moccasins

Caring for moccasins is different than caring for footwear such as shoes. To keep your moccasins lasting as long as possible, and looking their best, follow the tips below to learn more about caring for your moccasins:

  1. If you store your moccasins , do not use mothballs. The smell invades the leather and you cannot get it out.
  2. Avoid getting them soaking wet. If you do, stuff them with newspaper and let them air dry. Make sure soil is scraped off.
  3. In general, keep moccasins away from direct heat. Do not place them close to a camp fire or a heater since the heat dries the leather.
  4. Use a good waterproof spray or oil to keep the leather soft and supple. Follow the directions carefully.
  5. Avoid storing moccasins in plastic. They need access to the air to breathe and where it is cool and dry. Your nose will thank you for your care.

    By following the above guidelines, you will be caring for your moccasins properly, and you will be able to achieve maximum beauty and wear from them, which is something every wearer wants!

Quote for the Day:

"Nodding the head does not row the boat."--Irish Proverb

Friday, April 13, 2007

No More Windows XP

It is a fact that Microsoft is having a difficult time enticing buyers to purchase Windows Vista. So they have told manufactures that starting January 2008, they will not be allowed to place XP on their computers. Nothing like placing pressure on the buyers.

"The OEM version of XP Professional goes next January," said Frank Luburic, senior ThinkPad product manager for Lenovo. "At that point, they'll have no choice."

"Dell recognizes the needs of small business customers and understands that more time is needed to transition to a new operating system," Dell said on its Direct2Dellblog. Dell plans to continue offering Windows XP on select Dimension and Inspiron systems until later this summer.

Microsoft's support for Windows XP Professional under their SupportLifecycle Policy ends on 04/14/09. No updates will be issued after that date unless you pay for "extended support" which is available until 04/08/14.

It appears that in the future we will be stuck with Windows Vista. Remember good old reliable Windows 98? Perhaps it is time to switch to a Mac just like the TV commercial urges us to do.

Quote of the Day

"The thing about bandwagons is they never take you where you want to go."

Monday, April 2, 2007

April - Cancer Awareness Month

April is the month that is set aside to raise awareness of cancer
as well as raising funds to fight this dreaded disease. Based on current
incidence rates, 38 % of Canadian women will develop cancer during
their lifetimes. Among men, 44% will develop cancer during their lifetimes.

There are a few things we can do to help reduce
the risk of cancer.
  1. Eat better. Include food groups such as carrots, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.
  2. Be more active. Take the stairs rather than the elevator.
  3. Protect yourself from the sun. 15 + sunscreen.
  4. Don't smoke.
  5. Avoid second hand smoke.
  6. Tell your doctor when your health changes.
  7. Screen for cancer. Get regular checkups.
  8. Handle hazardous materials carefully.

Please remember that funds raised go to support the Cancer Society

whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life

for those living with cancer.

Quote of the Day:

A bit of fragrance clings to the hand that gives flowers.-- Chinese Proverb