Another London Thanksgiving Come and Gone

I can't remember a Canadian Thanksgiving in London Ontario with more beautiful weather than what we just had this past weekend.

My parents were visiting from the USA, and of course brought there peppy little sports car convertible.

Sunday ... yes most of us got a bit of sunburn. And then Monday was even better. I can't recall ever before driving down the 401 with the top down on Thanksgiving weekend. WOW.

But what happened to global warming? Suddenly two days later we were hit with a small snow storm. I "LIKE" global warming. I hate the snow. I hate the ice. And I hate anything to do with the cold, unless it is chilling my drink. If London could adopt the weather of Florida without the hurricaine season I'd be a happy camper.

I think it's going to be a hot and muggy day

I just popped outside for a moment to check on my garden and was surprised to feel how muggy it was already.

I don't tend to keep track of the weather in London by watching TV or listening to the radio, I use my own method which is proven to be right every time:

First I look outside.

If it is bright ... the weather is sunny.

If it is dull and gloomy ... it is overcast.

If it is dark ... it is overcast.

Then I step outside.

If it is hot ... I wear shorts.

If it is cold ... I put on a coat.

If it is wet ... I put on a raincoat and make sure my windows are closed (especially in my car).

If it is white (and cold) ... I grab some boots since my feet are now cold and wet.

Since today it is muggy ... I turned on the air conditioning.

More about London Ontario

NDP claims collusion behind high gas prices

Okay we're all on a rant about what it now costs us to drive.

I drive a car that costs me $45 to $50 to fill, that when I purchased the car it was only about $27 to fill it up. And I'm sure you're experiencing the same thing.

I was reading an article this morning in the London Free Press that says that The Ontario New Democrats say drivers are being hosed at the pump and it's time for Queen's Park to step in and regulate prices.

Not to use slang ... but can I say Duh?

Even when the GST went from 7% to 6% on July 1, I didn't even see an immediate drop in the gas prices.

London Free Press says local London Zoo unfit

Friday July 7 the London Free Press published an article saying that actvivists call animal conditions 'deplorable'.

Animal rights activists have zeroed in on the living conditions for a kangaroo at a private London zoo, branding it one of Canada's worst zoos and calling for it to be improved.

But the owner of the Lickety-Split Ranch and Zoo, Shirley McElroy, said anyone concerned about the living conditions of the red kangaroo Tyson should "come down and see for themselves" if the marsupial is being mistreated.

This makes me think of the expression that I have heard "everyone is entitled to my opinion". Have you attended a circus lately and been bombarded by protestors and pickets? Perhaps it's an example of the very same thing.

The owners of the Lickety-Split Ranch and Zoo should be applauded for their efforts. They are a privately run zoo - and based on location, size and admission prices do you really think they are in it for the money? As someone who has visited this zoo and never seen any problems I am surprised that the WSPA wants to see the zoo closed.

It has a warm, family atmosphere. It doesn't drip with commercialization like what you see at the other larger zoos that we have visited.

New Canadian Issue

World Lacrosse Championships marked

Canada Post issue a new stamp on 6 July to commemorate the forthcoming World Lacrosse Championships which begin on 13 July.

Taking place in London, Ontario, the following twenty countries will compete for the World title: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, England, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, the Iroquois Nation, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland, South Korea, Sweden, Tonga, United States of America, and Wales.

Where's the garbage going?

It's understandable there is concern in London and area that Toronto garbage will end up in the nearby Green Lane Environmental landfill site that is to more than double in size. But it is wrong to suggest Canada's largest city is doing nothing to address its own problems.

Quite the contrary. When it comes to increasing diversion from landfills, many municipalities could learn from Toronto.

Read more

Ivey Honoured By Canadian Blood Services

Canadian Blood Services has selected the Richard Ivey School of Business as an outstanding Corporate Partner, honouring the school's ongoing support for the better part of two decades.

For the past 20 years, Ivey has been involved in the Blood Program and since 1998 have been a strategic partner with Canadian Blood Services. The school offers annual blood donor clinics which are facilitated through Ivey Connects - a student-led initiative that is focused on building stronger ties between the local community and the Ivey student body.

In addition, Canadian Blood Services has taken advantage of Ivey Connects' Community Consulting Projects and in 2004, at no cost to the organization, students conducted a study on the London blood clinic to determine best practices for donor recruitment as well as corporate marketing strategies.

Last summer, in partnership with London Life and the London Life Community Internship Program, Ivey Connects also provided Canadian Blood Services with an MBA intern, Stephen Leung, who helped develop enhanced donor recruitment strategies.

"The Richard Ivey School of Business has exceeded all expectations of a community partner and continues to be a highly valued resource for Southern Ontario that is worthy of national recognition," says Judy Compton, Regional Director, Southern Ontario, Canadian Blood Services.
Ivey Connects allows students the opportunity to appreciate the School's mission to produce leaders who contribute to the societies in which they operate.

Each year, in addition to pro-bono consulting work and internships, the students coordinate food drives and toy drives, and, as part of Community Action Days, they spend a full day volunteering within the local non-profit sector.