Click here to access free, downloadable, past surveys in .pdf form from The Economist. These are a great general resource on an amazing range of topics and often the most illuminating part of this weekly, literate, balanced and considered publication focus on world events. "Economy of thought" in the broadest sense.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Megcita esta en Madrid
Meg has left for Madrid. We will see each other in Barcelona in a week or so where we have a full weekend planned! It should be great. We had a hard time finding accommodation, because there is a "feria" going on - a kind of celebration. I am not sure about what though. I guess that may add to the atmosphere. Barcelona has always been a place I have wanted to go, so I am looking forward to it immensely. It will be my first trip to Spain since June. I have really fond memories of our trip to San Sebastian in 2001, during our bicycle trip of France, so I hope "Espana el norte" treats us well again!
The past few weeks since we arrived back in London have been really great. My hours at work have been reasonable, which I am sure will end soon, but it has been great while it has lasted. I was able to head home for lunch and dinner almost all the time, and Meg served up some amazing treats after her many trips to the markets around. We also had some time to just chill out on the couch, which was great because I have to admit to being fairly exhausted after our "holidays!" French Bob introduced Meg to the television series "24" on DVD, and she is now a committed addict! Meg has been speaking French a lot with The Black Pepper and French Bob, so I am sure they have had fun with that. Now only if they could teach me some.
Meggi will be continuing a translation contract she began recently, and begins another round of "clases de Espanol" soon. She has hastily moved back in with Pedro in Vallecas due to the fact that her flat-share situation in Cuatro Caminos dissolved when Maria secured employment in the south of Spain. I am actually really glad she is back with Pedro, and I hope that she has some more great family bonding experiences. We may be headed back to North America soon, so it is a great opportunity, for her and Pedro to continue their friendship.
The past few weeks since we arrived back in London have been really great. My hours at work have been reasonable, which I am sure will end soon, but it has been great while it has lasted. I was able to head home for lunch and dinner almost all the time, and Meg served up some amazing treats after her many trips to the markets around. We also had some time to just chill out on the couch, which was great because I have to admit to being fairly exhausted after our "holidays!" French Bob introduced Meg to the television series "24" on DVD, and she is now a committed addict! Meg has been speaking French a lot with The Black Pepper and French Bob, so I am sure they have had fun with that. Now only if they could teach me some.
Meggi will be continuing a translation contract she began recently, and begins another round of "clases de Espanol" soon. She has hastily moved back in with Pedro in Vallecas due to the fact that her flat-share situation in Cuatro Caminos dissolved when Maria secured employment in the south of Spain. I am actually really glad she is back with Pedro, and I hope that she has some more great family bonding experiences. We may be headed back to North America soon, so it is a great opportunity, for her and Pedro to continue their friendship.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Geek-O-Matic
Check out this delightfully geeky comparison of Star Wars before digital enhancements, and after digital enhancements. Pretty cool! Even though I am in the business, so to speak, it is still fun to see the fans figuring out all these changes. Lucas is a mad nutter indeed. He'll be working on Star Wars until he dies. And when he dies it will be because of Star Wars!
Beer is good for you! Honest...
I found this article kind of interesting. Nothing new about the effects of a glass or two of red wine a day, but great news for all those frothy quaffers out there! The key thing being that one or two pints of the amber nectar of the gods is "bueno por la salud!" but anymore than that (are you listening England?) is well, just plain old silly isn't it?
Sarah Schmidt
CanWest News Service
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
OTTAWA - Drinking a daily pint of beer brings the same health benefits as a glass of red wine, a new study has found.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have found one drink of beer or wine provides equivalent increases in plasma antioxidant activity. This helps prevent the oxidization of blood plasma that triggers diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and cataracts.
"We were very surprised one drink of beer or stout contributed an equal amount of antioxidant benefit as wine, especially since red wine contains about 20 times the amount of polyphenols as beer," said biochemist John Trevithick, one of the study's lead researchers.
Polyphenols, the compounds in plants that help prevent ultraviolet damage from the sun and make the plant cell wall strong, are believed to have antioxidant benefits when consumed by the human body. And even though red wine contains more polyphenols than beer, the study found that the body absorbs about equally effective amounts from beer and wine.
Mr. Trevithick added, however, that the health benefit becomes a liability at three beers, when the negative effects of alcohol cancel out the positive effects of antioxidant activity because the blood becomes pro-oxidant.
This phenomenon is known as "hormesis" -- small doses of a toxic substance can have beneficial effects while a large amount is harmful.
"You'd think that if one drink is good, three drinks would be better, but with a low dosage, you get a protective effect. A high dosage doesn't have that protective effect," said Mr. Trevithick.
Despite the positive findings, another recent study has warned of the link between gout and the moderate consumption of beer or liquor. The team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston reported the affliction increases in risk with every pint of beer or shot of liquor.
Specifically, they found that two or more beers a day more than doubles the risk of gout, a painful type of arthritis mostly affecting the feet, ankles, hands, wrists or elbows.
Mr. Trevithick said this new study should direct beer drinkers to drink in moderation and avoid binge drinking. "One drink a day is not bad. Maybe two is OK."
James Pratt of Ottawa is thrilled with the findings of the new study. The 28-year-old never liked the taste of wine and always stuck to beer, despite repeatedly hearing of the health benefits of a daily glass of red wine. "It's a relief. Now I can have a pint of Guinness at the end of the long day and not feel guilty about it," he said.
The findings will be published in an upcoming edition of the journal Nonlinearity in Biology, Toxicology and Medicine, published by the Association for Environmental Health and Sciences.
Sarah Schmidt
CanWest News Service
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
OTTAWA - Drinking a daily pint of beer brings the same health benefits as a glass of red wine, a new study has found.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have found one drink of beer or wine provides equivalent increases in plasma antioxidant activity. This helps prevent the oxidization of blood plasma that triggers diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and cataracts.
"We were very surprised one drink of beer or stout contributed an equal amount of antioxidant benefit as wine, especially since red wine contains about 20 times the amount of polyphenols as beer," said biochemist John Trevithick, one of the study's lead researchers.
Polyphenols, the compounds in plants that help prevent ultraviolet damage from the sun and make the plant cell wall strong, are believed to have antioxidant benefits when consumed by the human body. And even though red wine contains more polyphenols than beer, the study found that the body absorbs about equally effective amounts from beer and wine.
Mr. Trevithick added, however, that the health benefit becomes a liability at three beers, when the negative effects of alcohol cancel out the positive effects of antioxidant activity because the blood becomes pro-oxidant.
This phenomenon is known as "hormesis" -- small doses of a toxic substance can have beneficial effects while a large amount is harmful.
"You'd think that if one drink is good, three drinks would be better, but with a low dosage, you get a protective effect. A high dosage doesn't have that protective effect," said Mr. Trevithick.
Despite the positive findings, another recent study has warned of the link between gout and the moderate consumption of beer or liquor. The team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston reported the affliction increases in risk with every pint of beer or shot of liquor.
Specifically, they found that two or more beers a day more than doubles the risk of gout, a painful type of arthritis mostly affecting the feet, ankles, hands, wrists or elbows.
Mr. Trevithick said this new study should direct beer drinkers to drink in moderation and avoid binge drinking. "One drink a day is not bad. Maybe two is OK."
James Pratt of Ottawa is thrilled with the findings of the new study. The 28-year-old never liked the taste of wine and always stuck to beer, despite repeatedly hearing of the health benefits of a daily glass of red wine. "It's a relief. Now I can have a pint of Guinness at the end of the long day and not feel guilty about it," he said.
The findings will be published in an upcoming edition of the journal Nonlinearity in Biology, Toxicology and Medicine, published by the Association for Environmental Health and Sciences.
Monday, September 13, 2004
The Borough Market
Meg and I went for a great city walk over the weekend. Claus and Michelle had told me about how nice the Borough Market was to shop for groceries on the weekends, so Meg and I set off to find it. We headed south east from the flat, through Holborn area, more just to take a look at Saint Paul's Cathedral than anything, and then down to walk along the Thames. It was a lovely day, with a big broken-cloud classic English sky and a brisk wind blowing. We were treated to some great views of the The Tower of London, and The Tower Bridge and the river, where there was a "fixed seat" rowing regatta on that seemed to have several hundred boats entered. It was incredible to see how those older types of boats without the sliding seat, and much larger hulls, are just made superbly for the tideway conditions. Conditions which could best be described as "survival rowing." The market itself is situated on the south side of London Bridge Mainline Station, just across the river. There is a nice short history of the market here. There is pretty much everything you could want, and especially delightful "munch while you shop" treats - burgers, cakes, pizzas, you name it. We enjoyed fresh Olde English Cyder, and a ciabatta with organic wild boar sausage, fried onions and rocket that nearly blew my mind. Walking back along the "Thames Walk" which huggs the shoreline on the north side, we were very pleased with our little journey and our absolutely stuffed back pack full of all sorts of market goodies. Bring on the dinner! We vowed to try to make the 2 hour round trip as frequently as possible when Meg visits this fall. Markets we have come to realise are one of our great shared passions!
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
We're Still Free... Sort of...
An interesting article on the differences that exist between ties to the United States economically and the lack of similarity in social programming and attitudes. Give it a go! it is interesting to note particularly for those interested in the debate over what separates Canadians from Americans.
Canada still autonomous despite U.S. links
Jacqueline Thorpe
Financial Post
September 8, 2004
Canada may be more closely tied to the U.S. economy than ever but there is little evidence it has lost any of its political, social or fiscal independence, a study released yesterday by a Wall Street financial institution concludes.
The bilateral trading arrangement between Canada and the United States -- the world's largest -- could in fact be held up as a model for globalization, New York-based rating agency Standard & Poor's Inc. says.
"The relationship between the U.S. and Canada offers an insight into the nature of globalization," Joydeep Mukherji, an S&P analyst, said in a 20-page report. "It indicates that good economic management and strong public institutions allow smaller countries to retain considerable autonomy in designing policies while enjoying the prosperity that comes from integrating with the outside world."
Mr. Mukherji said the key to Canada having held its own against an economy 10 times its size was its drive 10 years ago to get its fiscal house in order, a policy Mexico would be wise to note.
"The point is if you don't get your house in order and you have a rich neighbour and you try to achieve prosperity by latching onto that rich neighbour ... then you have to conform more to what the other guy does," Mr. Mukherji said in an interview.
Trade between Canada and the United States has exploded since the introduction of the North American Free Trade Agreement. The average flow of goods and services across the Canada-U.S. border exceeds US$1.2-billion a day, having soared by more than 50% between 1994 and 2001. Canada's exports to the United States have risen to 80% of total Canadian exports from 71% in 1990, while imports rose to 72% from 68%.
S&P also notes: Canada buys more U.S. goods than the rest of the Western hemisphere combined; U.S.-owned firms employ more than one million Canadians and produce about 10% of Canada's GDP; and the average import content of Canadian exports is 33%, compared with 27% in 1990.
The list goes on but despite this increasing economic symbiosis, Canada has maintained distinctive policies toward education, health and social welfare. "Not only are they separate ... but I don't see any convergence," Mr. Mukherji said.
For example, despite several exhaustive reviews during the past few years Canada has maintained its commitment to public health care; 70% of health-care spending comes from the government, compared with 45% in the United States. Studies have advocated even more public funding.
A political commitment to contain social disparity can also be seen in Canada's system of interregional transfers, which distributes tax revenue from richer to poorer provinces. According to the International Monetary Fund, this has resulted in a greater convergence in real per capita disposable income across provinces than their level of output. The United States has no such system.
Income distribution is also less skewed toward the wealthy in Canada than the United States. The richest 10% of the population have a 24% share of total national income, compared with 30% in the United States. The percentage of elderly people with an income below half the median level of disposable income is just 2.5% in Canada, compared with 20.3% in the United States.
Canada is more in line with European than U.S. attitudes on other social issues: church attendance has fallen in Canada since the 1950s but remained at a higher level in the United States, and a survey found 82% of Canadians believed the government should protect the environment even it it slows economic growth, compared with 69% in the United States.
Maude Barlow, chairwoman of the Council of Canadians, which describes itself as a citizens' watchdog and has long opposed free trade, agrees Canadians have maintained separate social values but they are being undermined by government policies. "I think they [S&P] are far too optimistic in their description of this strong social safety net," Ms. Barlow said. "Tons of studies show the growing gap between rich and poor in Canada ... we've had a strong rise in child poverty since 1989, which just happens to be the year we signed the first free trade agreement."
Canada still autonomous despite U.S. links
Jacqueline Thorpe
Financial Post
September 8, 2004
Canada may be more closely tied to the U.S. economy than ever but there is little evidence it has lost any of its political, social or fiscal independence, a study released yesterday by a Wall Street financial institution concludes.
The bilateral trading arrangement between Canada and the United States -- the world's largest -- could in fact be held up as a model for globalization, New York-based rating agency Standard & Poor's Inc. says.
"The relationship between the U.S. and Canada offers an insight into the nature of globalization," Joydeep Mukherji, an S&P analyst, said in a 20-page report. "It indicates that good economic management and strong public institutions allow smaller countries to retain considerable autonomy in designing policies while enjoying the prosperity that comes from integrating with the outside world."
Mr. Mukherji said the key to Canada having held its own against an economy 10 times its size was its drive 10 years ago to get its fiscal house in order, a policy Mexico would be wise to note.
"The point is if you don't get your house in order and you have a rich neighbour and you try to achieve prosperity by latching onto that rich neighbour ... then you have to conform more to what the other guy does," Mr. Mukherji said in an interview.
Trade between Canada and the United States has exploded since the introduction of the North American Free Trade Agreement. The average flow of goods and services across the Canada-U.S. border exceeds US$1.2-billion a day, having soared by more than 50% between 1994 and 2001. Canada's exports to the United States have risen to 80% of total Canadian exports from 71% in 1990, while imports rose to 72% from 68%.
S&P also notes: Canada buys more U.S. goods than the rest of the Western hemisphere combined; U.S.-owned firms employ more than one million Canadians and produce about 10% of Canada's GDP; and the average import content of Canadian exports is 33%, compared with 27% in 1990.
The list goes on but despite this increasing economic symbiosis, Canada has maintained distinctive policies toward education, health and social welfare. "Not only are they separate ... but I don't see any convergence," Mr. Mukherji said.
For example, despite several exhaustive reviews during the past few years Canada has maintained its commitment to public health care; 70% of health-care spending comes from the government, compared with 45% in the United States. Studies have advocated even more public funding.
A political commitment to contain social disparity can also be seen in Canada's system of interregional transfers, which distributes tax revenue from richer to poorer provinces. According to the International Monetary Fund, this has resulted in a greater convergence in real per capita disposable income across provinces than their level of output. The United States has no such system.
Income distribution is also less skewed toward the wealthy in Canada than the United States. The richest 10% of the population have a 24% share of total national income, compared with 30% in the United States. The percentage of elderly people with an income below half the median level of disposable income is just 2.5% in Canada, compared with 20.3% in the United States.
Canada is more in line with European than U.S. attitudes on other social issues: church attendance has fallen in Canada since the 1950s but remained at a higher level in the United States, and a survey found 82% of Canadians believed the government should protect the environment even it it slows economic growth, compared with 69% in the United States.
Maude Barlow, chairwoman of the Council of Canadians, which describes itself as a citizens' watchdog and has long opposed free trade, agrees Canadians have maintained separate social values but they are being undermined by government policies. "I think they [S&P] are far too optimistic in their description of this strong social safety net," Ms. Barlow said. "Tons of studies show the growing gap between rich and poor in Canada ... we've had a strong rise in child poverty since 1989, which just happens to be the year we signed the first free trade agreement."
Monday, September 06, 2004
Back to The Big Smoke
Just like that! We are back to London. Meg and I have arrived safe and sound for another "tour of duty" in Europe. Our holidays were very busy in hindsight, however, and we are both feeling the effects of our schedule and all of the travel we did while on holidays. I guess for this reason the jet-lag and general fatigue has been more noticeable this time around. We have both been exhausted, spontaneously waking up at 4 a.m. and staring at the walls (and each other). Hopefully regular hours and some excercise will solve all our problems.
Coming back to London feels a bit weird. It is not home, but it feels somehow familiar now having spent the past several months living and working in central London. I am also reminded of all the expense and limitations of living in a big city. I wonder if Meg will feel the same when she is off to Madrid in late September? I have to admit the constant busy hum of the city was very present last night as we tried to fall off to sleep. I found myself yearning for the relative tranquility of our neighbourhood in Vancouver, or better yet, absolutely soft silence of "Chez Wain" in Deep Cove, Saanich. The most resounding thing to me on returning for some time to Vancouver was the ease which people are able to do things. The routine, in other words. On a lot of levels Vancouver has both the pleasures of a city and a bit of small town feel that is really endearing. Oh yeah, and if we're lucky and support them, some of the best independent cafes I have ever been to including Europe!!! Ciao Liberty Bakery! Ciao Calabria Caffe!
On the other hand I am quite pleased to be back. I have a great project to work on (Kingdom of Heaven, who would have thought I would be returning to work on a Ridley Scott film?), Meg and I have some interesting travel plans for the fall (Barcelona, Santiago de Compostela, possibly Italy), and we don't have any hassles of moving into or finding accommodations. Relatively speaking, we are well set up to enjoy a fall of living, working, and traveling in Europe.
Coming back to London feels a bit weird. It is not home, but it feels somehow familiar now having spent the past several months living and working in central London. I am also reminded of all the expense and limitations of living in a big city. I wonder if Meg will feel the same when she is off to Madrid in late September? I have to admit the constant busy hum of the city was very present last night as we tried to fall off to sleep. I found myself yearning for the relative tranquility of our neighbourhood in Vancouver, or better yet, absolutely soft silence of "Chez Wain" in Deep Cove, Saanich. The most resounding thing to me on returning for some time to Vancouver was the ease which people are able to do things. The routine, in other words. On a lot of levels Vancouver has both the pleasures of a city and a bit of small town feel that is really endearing. Oh yeah, and if we're lucky and support them, some of the best independent cafes I have ever been to including Europe!!! Ciao Liberty Bakery! Ciao Calabria Caffe!
On the other hand I am quite pleased to be back. I have a great project to work on (Kingdom of Heaven, who would have thought I would be returning to work on a Ridley Scott film?), Meg and I have some interesting travel plans for the fall (Barcelona, Santiago de Compostela, possibly Italy), and we don't have any hassles of moving into or finding accommodations. Relatively speaking, we are well set up to enjoy a fall of living, working, and traveling in Europe.
Lovely Holidays and Thanks Everyone!
A big warm thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to Meg and I enjoying our time in Canada so much, because we really had a blast! Our holidays were outstanding, and we enjoyed every second of them, especially seeing all the family, and getting back in touch with the vibe in Vancouver. Such simple things were so enjoyable. For example, taking an afternoon cafe, or going for lunch, running the Stanley Park Seawall, heading to the Granville Island Public Market to pick up some choice ingredients for one of many gorgeous meals we enjoyed. One morning we had a breakfast picnic at Kitsilano Beach on the lovely public lawn there, and then headed into the Kits Pool for a dip. Sitting in the sun after a good test of the lungs in the pool was a real delight. Rekindling my love affair with Burnaby Mountain on my Rocky Mountain was a shear bliss as well. The trails were in as good a shape as I have seen them! It was also a delight to see how all the young families were progressing. Dawn and Ben looked more than happy about Isaac's abilities to charm the ladies and consume copious cantelope. Mike and Christine seemed just thrilled by the arrival of new house and "home" as a result of the little tiger Liam now taking up residence there. Lucy and Paul with a new addition as well, though in the form of "just a house" for now, they say. We look forward very much to the next time we see you all!
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