Here is a link to an interesting article about the effect that children's cartoons have on the way food tastes. The study looked at how unhealthy food is covered with branding. They looked at how branding affected what kids chose and how it tasted. In the end the branded food won out, even with carrots!
I guess it's up to healthy food to come up with the cash for mainstream cartoon characters on their packaging. Shrek's Oven Roasted Green Tomatoes? It could happen and I bet it would be a lot tastier than Twinkies filled with neon green cream (yuk!).
If you didn't get a chance to see this documentary last summer I strongly suggest that you see it now. If you're not able to make it out to Hillside Outdoor Education Centre (HOEC) you can rent this film at most video stores, but why not get out and support Friends of the Rouge with a great screening.
This documentary is about to be released in Japan, but there have been many threats to theatre owners not to screen this film. It seem like there are some people out there who don't want the Japanese public to find out about what is going on in this quiet little community.
Event Info Documentary Screening of the Movie The Cove and discussion hosted by Friends of the Rouge Watershed at Hillside Outdoor Education School
Wednesday June 9th, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m.
Join us at Hillside School, 2259 Meadowvale Rd, one block north of the Toronto Zoo.
THE COVE Flipper was one of the most beloved television characters of all time. But ironically, the fascination with dolphins that he caused created a tragic epidemic that has threatened their existence and become a multibillion dollar industry. The largest supplier of dolphins in the world is located in the picturesque town of Taijii, Japan. But the town has a dark, horrifying secret that it doesn't want the rest of the world to know. There are guards patrolling the cove, where the dolphin capturing takes place, who prevent any photography. The only way to stop the evil acts of this company and the town that protects it is to expose them....and that's exactly what the brave group of activists in The Cove intend to do. Armed with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment, the members of the small group, led by the most famous dolphin trainer in the world, devise a covert plan to infiltrate the cove to document the horrifying events that happen there. Along the way, they uncover what may be the largest health crisis facing our planet— the poisoning of our seas. Part environmental documentary, part horror film, part spy thriller, The Cove is as suspenseful as it is enlightening. The final result is a heart-wrenching, but inspirational, story that shows the true power of film in the hands of people who aren't afraid to risk everything for a vital cause.
Looks like Bike Month got off to a great start! There were quite a few people at the CBC this morning and City Hall was packed! It was good to see some familiar faces. I hope everyone can check out some of the events going on this month. Check out the City's webpage for more info on all the events.
Matt G. interviewing cycling activists and a driving instructor about what drivers and cyclists can do to keep the roads safe for everyone.
The Toronto Cyclist Union all set up at City Hall.
Just a small glimps of the hoards of cyclists at City Hall this morning.
Toronto's Bike Month is starts on Tuesday, but there are plenty of pre-events going on too (I plan on going to the Brick Works this weekend and getting that free bike wash). Download the pdf or visit your local bike shop (LBS) and pick up a brochure filled with all the events going on. There is a lot of stuff going on from group rides to workshops, so check it out!
It all kicks off on Monday (May 31st) with a group ride down to city hall for a free pancake breakfast and a free t-shirt (while supplies last). Here are some pics of some sweet custom rides that showed up at last year's group ride. You can also stop by the CBC between 5:30-8:30am for coffee, muffins, and watch a live broadcast of CBC's Metro Morning, click here for more info.
I'm going to try to hit up one of these events before making my way to work. Hope to see some of you there too!
Well I've been finishing around the internet these days to find out some good gardening tip and get some info around school gardens. Here is just a few links that I thought you might be interested in:
Toronto Balconies Bloom - Toronto has acres of untapped growing space on its balconies, and an opportunity for creating a peaceful and pleasurable living environment while at the same time improving the air we breathe. Just because you don't have a backyard doesn't mean you can't be a gardener.
The Locavore's Garden - Here you'll find some great tips on starting and maintaining a food garden.
Growing for Green - A Ward 21 garden blog group that offers various workshops and volunteer opportunities.
Green Neighbours 21 - A grass-roots, action-oriented group of people who live in ward 21 (and beyond) who are working together on solutions to climate change and other environmental problems.
Green Garage - This private company specializes is green roofing, keeps your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Sorry for totally slacking off with the updates, but here is a quick one to let you know about an event that starts on Monday (May 31st)
I know that I mentioned this event in an earlier post about the Green Living Show, but now there is a little more going on. The WWF has created a website where you can sign up and track how many kilometres you've travelled with out your car.
Now when you see someone with car keys pinned to their shirt you'll know what it's all about and you can give them a high 5 for being car free.
Oh, I nearly forgot to mention that bike month will be starting on Monday too. If you're working downtown don't forget to take advantage of a free breakfast outside the CBC on Front St. if you're on your bike
Sorry I haven't been able to update in the last little while, things around here are getting busy. The cheque from Metro finally came through (yaaa!) and we're looking at what we need to get to make sure we have a happy garden.
I just wanted to give a quick update about my bottled water post because I came across another link from the Story of Stuff creator. If you're not familiar with the Story of Stuff you should really check it out. I'm not sure if I posted this link NFB link for bottle water free week, but here it is again WaterLife.nfb.ca. There are some great short videos about how people use water. This site is really well done and lots of fun to explore.
I'll be sure to keep everyone up to date on the garden as it unfolds. In the mean time if you have any garden tools kicking around that you no longer use or want to replace, please feel free to get in touch with me or the school and donate them to our project.
