I’m on the ‘ban’wagon. I want to see fighting banned in hockey. Why? Because it is the right thing to do. Period. Need more reasons? Here are five against fighting. 1. It is wrong to punch people. That’s why in civil society you go to jail for punching people. That’s why in kid’s hockey it is not allowed. No one …
We’ll have to coin a word for our newly found fear of plastics
Editorial & Opinion, Wednesday, May 28, 2008 The Oxford English Dictionary has no word for fear of plastics. In light of recent headlines, I’d like to coin plastiphobia or plastipanic, because I know I’m not alone in questioning the predominance and safety of some plastics in our world. It may have started with all of the product recalls for plastic …
When your child stops breathing the world stands still
Editorial & Opinion, Wednesday, February 20, 2008 No one should ever have to witness their baby stop breathing and turn blue – ever. I think there should be a law against it, strictly enforced by God (regardless of which god or gods your may subscribe to). My world changed, and a small part of me died last week, when at …
It’s important to talk about postpartum mood disorder
Editorial & Opinion, Wednesday, January 23, 2008, p. A8 Postpartum mood disorder is so much more than just “the blues.” Admitting you need help postpartum does not make you a bad mother. When I read the article on postpartum mood disorder (ppd) on Saturday, I did so with pride, joy and sorrow mixed with hope. I took pride in “my” …
Spread the word: early detection of a breast lump can save a life
Editorial & Opinion, Wednesday, October 31, 2007, p. A8 With the change of seasons, I recently switched purses, which necessitated a major sorting and downsizing of the contents of my handbag. I found three lipsticks that I had completely forgotten about, and realized that half the space in my bag was being taken up by my keys and their respective …
A clear message: a case of beer and deep-frying don’t mix
Editorial & Opinion, Wednesday, October 17, 2007, p. A8 Fire Prevention week wrapped up on Oct. 13, and this years’ slogan was “don’t drink and fry.” I know that they can’t be talking about the majority of us who have a glass of wine while getting dinner ready, so I called Dan Fraser, Fire Prevention Officer. He informed me that …
6
Dentists seem drawn to Sault due to our unfluoridated water
Editorial & Opinion, Wednesday, September 19, 2007, p. A10 Dentists drawn to communities without fluoride in the water? When our family began contemplating a move to Sault Ste. Marie, I busied myself with finding a job and a home, and then my attention turned to getting a doctor and a dentist. Armed with recommendations from friends, I hit the Yellow …
Better safety measures are needed to protect kids on school buses
Editorial & Opinion, Wednesday, September 5, 2007 Last week, I accompanied my daughter to the mall to take her first ride on a school bus. The event was hosted by Laidlaw to teach kids about school bus safety and for a photo opportunity for the parents (to preempt delays on the first day of school?) The bus was just as …
Who’s minding the store … are the kids safe?
Editorial & Opinion, Wednesday, August 8, 2008 On Aug. 1, 2007 Fisher-Price recalled 83 types of toys in North America including Big Bird, Elmo and Dora the Explorer characters, because of excessive lead in the paint. I found information on the recall, including photos of the plastic preschool toys, online at: http://service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp. I own similar products, I would guess last-years’ …
Here’s the latest buzz … Take mosquitoes more seriously
Editorial & Opinion, Wednesday, July 11, 2007 I hate bugs that bite. Creepy-crawly spiders used to send me into a panic, but I have refocused my tirade and hostilities on mosquitoes, black flies, deer flies, and horse flies. For an outdoorsy Canadian girl, I admit that I am overly phobic of those parasitic beasts that want to feed off me. …