Did you know Canada.. we're going to break some records today! Records for highest temperature and humidex dating back to 1918 will likely be broken today as temperatures rise to 38-39 degrees and a humidex of 49-50!!!
This is not a day to brush off the warnings thinking they are meant for someone else. All Canadians - please check on neighbours, ensure they have cool water, fans and ways to keep their body temperatures down. If they don't, get them to a cooling centre! If your city or town will be facing the extreme hit today they've likely set up one or more local cooling centres - tune into local news to find out these locations and utilize them if needed.
AM980News tweeted a very interesting fact this morning: It'll be hotter in London, Ontario today than it is in Kandahar, Mumbai and parts of Ghana!
I read an interesting (and scary) story yesterday (I think it was on the Weather Network) that it's not so much the day time temperatures but because temperatures are not going below 20 degrees at night this is causing two serious problems:
* for those without a/c and ways to cool off the body does not get a chance to rebuild itself and prepare for the next day - this it what has killed many during heatwaves in our history
* this can also lead to "superstorms" with what was seen at Bayfest as just the start of them if temperatures continue
So stay cool Canada, remember our little ones and seniors, if anyone is playing sports today call ahead as many have been cancelled already.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Polar Bear Capital of the World
Did you know Canada.. Churchill MB is the self proclaimed Polar Bear Capital of the World - and for good reason!Located on the shore of Hudson Bay in Manitoba, Churchill is a popular location for ecotourism, as well as for Arctic research. There are no roads that lead to Churchill. Travel is by rail or air only.
Churchill’s ‘bear season’ begins in early October and numbers build until in early November, sometimes 40 or more polar bears can be seen on a given day. This is Churchill’s prime tourist season with 12,000 or more visitors passing through in six weeks.
Churchill maintains a polar bear jail where young bears who persistently loiter in or close to town, are held after being tranquillised, until they are released back into the wild when the bay freezes over and they can head for food.
Polar Bears are not the only wildlife to be seen in Churchill - along with the approximately 1200 Polar Bears to be seen there are approximately 3,000 Beluga Whales, over 200 species of birds, Arctic and Red Foxes, Arctic Hare, Caribou, Gyrfalcons, Snowy Owls, Ptarmigan and even the occasional Lemming!
Source: churchill.ca, Wikipedia
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Youth Day 2011
Did you know Canada.. the 5th annual Youth Day will be held in Toronto at YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE on Sunday, July 24th!
According to their website.. This non-stop FREE family venue starts with an official flag parade up Yonge Street at 11:30am and runs past 10:00pm. The festival includes 2 outdoor stages plus a Youth Gallery filled with their art and photography in the heart of the City! Over 100 acts include a multitude of incredible Flash Dances, Celebrity mentors performing, motivational speakers from the entertainment world and the community, plus of course, the surprise headliner to close the much anticipated day!
Check out http://www.youthdaytoronto.com/ for more information and let us know if you're going!
According to their website.. This non-stop FREE family venue starts with an official flag parade up Yonge Street at 11:30am and runs past 10:00pm. The festival includes 2 outdoor stages plus a Youth Gallery filled with their art and photography in the heart of the City! Over 100 acts include a multitude of incredible Flash Dances, Celebrity mentors performing, motivational speakers from the entertainment world and the community, plus of course, the surprise headliner to close the much anticipated day!
Check out http://www.youthdaytoronto.com/ for more information and let us know if you're going!
Operation Nanook
Did you know Canada.. Canada Command is planning Operation NANOOK 11, a whole-of-government operation that will take place from 1-31 August 2011.
This operation is described by some as a show of muscle aganist the Russians over part of the Article floor where Russian and Canadian claims overlap. Prime Minister Harper is set to attend as he has previously.
Canada's National Defence perfers to describe the operation as: Op NANOOK 11 is the largest of three operations conducted every year in Canada’s North and is designed to enhance Canadian sovereignty and to continue to improve the Canadian Forces’ capabilities when conducting Arctic operations.
Approximately 1,100 CF members, including Canadian Rangers, will participate in Op NANOOK 11, conducting patrols and tactical aviation missions in the area of Resolute Bay, as well as maritime patrols in Baffin Bay and Lancaster Sound.
The operation will also consist of a major air disaster exercise and the CF will act in a supporting role while assisting the Canadian Coast Guard in a maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) event. Both of these scenarios will also include participation from several other government departments.
This operation is described by some as a show of muscle aganist the Russians over part of the Article floor where Russian and Canadian claims overlap. Prime Minister Harper is set to attend as he has previously.
Canada's National Defence perfers to describe the operation as: Op NANOOK 11 is the largest of three operations conducted every year in Canada’s North and is designed to enhance Canadian sovereignty and to continue to improve the Canadian Forces’ capabilities when conducting Arctic operations.
Approximately 1,100 CF members, including Canadian Rangers, will participate in Op NANOOK 11, conducting patrols and tactical aviation missions in the area of Resolute Bay, as well as maritime patrols in Baffin Bay and Lancaster Sound.
The operation will also consist of a major air disaster exercise and the CF will act in a supporting role while assisting the Canadian Coast Guard in a maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) event. Both of these scenarios will also include participation from several other government departments.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Giveaway! I.C.E. Tags
Update: Giveaway is now closed - thank you everyone for commenting - So happy with our I.C.E. Tags! The winner is being contacted now.
Did you know Canada.. I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) was an idea originally conceived by Bob Brotchie, a Paramedic in Britain in May 2005. His idea was to have everyone add a contact in their cell phone named I.C.E. This contact would be the name and telephone number of the person they would like contacted in the event of an emergency.
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Canadian Company I.C.E. Tags has taken the concept one step further with Key, Wallet and Shoe Tags. Their products can be used anywhere - wallet, backpacks, helmets, shoes, keys and more. As a Mom of 2 young boys I think this is fantastic. Little ones can't always remember their phone number, especially in a state of panic, and if it's an even worse emergency that they can't speak Mom needs to know right away!!!
This isn't just for kids either, there are SO many people that this would be great for - those that bike or run alone, those on the road a lot, students, business men out of town, travellers and more.
I was very happy to receive I.C.E. tags I can slip onto my kiddos bags and my husband (who drives about 45 minutes to work everyday) can stick in his wallet. For me, I can just stick it on my key ring, and you never have to think about it again until you need it; and with out a doubt if that time ever comes you will be so grateful for it.
I love that the tags themselves are hard plastic, nothing flimsy that the kids could crumple up or that will fall apart in the rain - perfect for an active family.
Want to order I.C.E. Tags for your family today? Use code DYKC-FREE to receive free shipping!!
Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a Family Pack of Six (6) of I.C.E. Tags!!
Mandatory Entry - one mandatory entry per person
Visit the I.C.E. Tags product page and let us know which I.C.E. Tag you would use.
Optional Entries - 1 comment per each optional entry
- Follow @ICE_Tag on Twitter
- Follow Did you know Canada on GFC
- Follow @diduknowcanada on Twitter
- Like Did you know Canada on Facebook
- Tweet this giveaway (link to your tweet in comment, can be done 2x a day during giveaway)
Example Tweet..
#Canada Check out this fantastic chance to #win I.C.E. Tags for the entire family! Ends 08/01 @diduknowcanada http://bit.ly/nGPNAq
Giveaway open to our Canadian readers closing August 1st at 9:00pm EST. You must leave an email address so I have a way to contact you in the event that you win. Winners must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be chosen in their place.
Disclosure: We received I.C.E. Tags for review - our opinions are our own.
Did you know Canada.. I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) was an idea originally conceived by Bob Brotchie, a Paramedic in Britain in May 2005. His idea was to have everyone add a contact in their cell phone named I.C.E. This contact would be the name and telephone number of the person they would like contacted in the event of an emergency.
Canadian Company I.C.E. Tags has taken the concept one step further with Key, Wallet and Shoe Tags. Their products can be used anywhere - wallet, backpacks, helmets, shoes, keys and more. As a Mom of 2 young boys I think this is fantastic. Little ones can't always remember their phone number, especially in a state of panic, and if it's an even worse emergency that they can't speak Mom needs to know right away!!!
This isn't just for kids either, there are SO many people that this would be great for - those that bike or run alone, those on the road a lot, students, business men out of town, travellers and more.
I was very happy to receive I.C.E. tags I can slip onto my kiddos bags and my husband (who drives about 45 minutes to work everyday) can stick in his wallet. For me, I can just stick it on my key ring, and you never have to think about it again until you need it; and with out a doubt if that time ever comes you will be so grateful for it.
I love that the tags themselves are hard plastic, nothing flimsy that the kids could crumple up or that will fall apart in the rain - perfect for an active family.
Want to order I.C.E. Tags for your family today? Use code DYKC-FREE to receive free shipping!!
Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a Family Pack of Six (6) of I.C.E. Tags!!
Mandatory Entry - one mandatory entry per person
Visit the I.C.E. Tags product page and let us know which I.C.E. Tag you would use.
Optional Entries - 1 comment per each optional entry
- Follow @ICE_Tag on Twitter
- Follow Did you know Canada on GFC
- Follow @diduknowcanada on Twitter
- Like Did you know Canada on Facebook
- Tweet this giveaway (link to your tweet in comment, can be done 2x a day during giveaway)
Example Tweet..
#Canada Check out this fantastic chance to #win I.C.E. Tags for the entire family! Ends 08/01 @diduknowcanada http://bit.ly/nGPNAq
Giveaway open to our Canadian readers closing August 1st at 9:00pm EST. You must leave an email address so I have a way to contact you in the event that you win. Winners must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be chosen in their place.
Disclosure: We received I.C.E. Tags for review - our opinions are our own.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Body Image
Did you know Canada.. I read a great article on body image on EdenCafe about how Gramma, Mom and other family members can make those comments like "you'd be a knockout if you lost some weight". We put a lot of blame on the media about the unhealthy images today's youth (not just girls!!) receive but it can come from any source, including those closest to us and those we trust the most.
There's an organization in Canada called NEDIC or, the National Eating Disorder Information Centre, that provides some great information on body image, eating disorders, treatment and more. A recent study found 27% of Ontario girls 12-18 years old were reported to be engaged in severely problematic food and weight behaviour and this carries into adulthood. As a Mom with little ones you're often talking to other Moms at soccer, story time, playdates, etc.. and when you think back on conversations it's almost unbelievable how often Mom's (and really, women in general) put themselves down.
There's a great community through the EdenFantasys website that focuses a lot on body image, healthy living and helping others learn that no matter what your body type is you can be happy, feel sexy and be beautiful!
There's an organization in Canada called NEDIC or, the National Eating Disorder Information Centre, that provides some great information on body image, eating disorders, treatment and more. A recent study found 27% of Ontario girls 12-18 years old were reported to be engaged in severely problematic food and weight behaviour and this carries into adulthood. As a Mom with little ones you're often talking to other Moms at soccer, story time, playdates, etc.. and when you think back on conversations it's almost unbelievable how often Mom's (and really, women in general) put themselves down.
There's a great community through the EdenFantasys website that focuses a lot on body image, healthy living and helping others learn that no matter what your body type is you can be happy, feel sexy and be beautiful!
Stolen Vehicles in Canada
Did you know Canada.. 2010 was the fourth straight year the Honda Civic is Canada's most stolen vehicle. Other vehicles on the list include Cadillac Escalade, Acura RSX and Hummer H2's.
Unfortunately no vehicle is safe. A professional thief can steal a car in about 30 seconds, even without a key.
Also about 25% of vehicles stolen in Canada are never recovered; many are stripped for parts or exported to other countries.
I've never had a vehicle stolen but a co-worker from many years ago did, and my car was parked right beside hers - eek!
Do you ever worry when parking your car that it might not be there when you come back?
Unfortunately no vehicle is safe. A professional thief can steal a car in about 30 seconds, even without a key.
Also about 25% of vehicles stolen in Canada are never recovered; many are stripped for parts or exported to other countries.
I've never had a vehicle stolen but a co-worker from many years ago did, and my car was parked right beside hers - eek!
Do you ever worry when parking your car that it might not be there when you come back?
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Parks Canada Celebrates 100 years
Did you know Canada.. Today (July 16th) is Parks Canada Centennial Celebration!!
There are events nation wide and Parks Canada is offering DOORS OPEN! That means free admission for Canadians at each of its 42 parks, 167 national historic sites, and 4 national marine conservation areas.
If you are in the area don't miss Parks Canada Celebrations in Montreal , Toronto and Vancouver, featuring free outdoor concerts and Parks Canada activities!
How else can you celebrate? Well Parks Canada has introduced Canada's newest Campfire song, check it out here. Also look here to view Parks Canada beautiful Centennial Commemorative Coin.
Congratulations on 100 years Parks Canada, here's to the next 100!!
There are events nation wide and Parks Canada is offering DOORS OPEN! That means free admission for Canadians at each of its 42 parks, 167 national historic sites, and 4 national marine conservation areas.
If you are in the area don't miss Parks Canada Celebrations in Montreal , Toronto and Vancouver, featuring free outdoor concerts and Parks Canada activities!
How else can you celebrate? Well Parks Canada has introduced Canada's newest Campfire song, check it out here. Also look here to view Parks Canada beautiful Centennial Commemorative Coin.
Congratulations on 100 years Parks Canada, here's to the next 100!!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Day Out With Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour 2011
Did you know Canada.. Thomas is in town today!! Thomas is visiting Southern Ontario this weekend and next. Today my boys and I visited with Thomas on his opening day and we had a FANTASTIC day! Here's what we did..
Boys in the car heading to see their hero Thomas..
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Bubbles at the really cool bubble truck..
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Boys in the car heading to see their hero Thomas..
Bubbles at the really cool bubble truck..
A few rounds of the Hay Maze..
We hit up the Thomas store and checked out the very cool events indoors (trains, live entertainment, story telling, bouncy houses, crafts, tattoos and more..
Making some new friends at the Petting Zoo (new this year)..
Waiting for some yummy lunch..
In line for our turn on Thomas, he's coming!!!
Finally the big guy arrives..
Waving to everyone we pass during the ride..
We had an interesting chat with the volunteers while we waited in line for Thomas.. folks have come from far and wide to visit with Thomas today - Niagara region, New York, Ottawa, London, Windsor, Woodstock and more..
A Day Out With Thomas is well worth the drive for any Thomas fan, between the main attraction of riding Thomas and meeting Sir Topham Hatt to the live entertainment, the bubbles, the animals and more it made for a fantastic day.
Do you have plans to see Thomas???
Thursday, July 14, 2011
We are crazy for Twitter Canada!
Did you know Canada.. we've discussed before that it's Canadians who spend more time online than any other country. A new study has just come out from C-B-C/Radio-Canada and B-B-M Analytics indicating it's Twitter that is driving this trend.
Anglophone Twitter users averaged about 33.4 hours online a week, while francophones were at 23.8 hours.
Not surprisingly the report also indicated that increasing smartphone and tablet use, along with the availability of better online content, are also getting people online more often.
Something else I thought was interesting is they found the heaviest Internet users tend to be younger, live in Toronto or Montreal, have higher incomes and take public transit.
Are you surprised to hear it's Twitter that pushes us to the top of list Canada?
Anglophone Twitter users averaged about 33.4 hours online a week, while francophones were at 23.8 hours.
Not surprisingly the report also indicated that increasing smartphone and tablet use, along with the availability of better online content, are also getting people online more often.
Something else I thought was interesting is they found the heaviest Internet users tend to be younger, live in Toronto or Montreal, have higher incomes and take public transit.
Are you surprised to hear it's Twitter that pushes us to the top of list Canada?
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