The Cana-blog
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Thursday, November 11, 2004
In Flanders Fields
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
I'm still alive! Just no time to post - I thought I'd give you this friendly reminder in the meantime.
Sunday, July 25, 2004
The World's Smallest Violin
Some of you know that I live in a residence for post-graduates in central London. The idea behind the residence is that students in the sciences, humanities, performing arts (and some miscellaneous thrown in) live together in harmony. That we learn from each other and share our cultural experiences. It usually works... most of the time.
Occasionally (read: all the freaking time) they rent the place out to companies and organizations to have meetings, or to film movies and documentaries, etc. I understand this is necessary to keep the lifestyle we're accustomed to. But the most recent group to come in is an international violin competition.
Don't get me wrong, I love the violin - and it's cool walking through the hallways and having your own barroque-era soundtrack. Yet I'm not sure who's idea it was to combine a few hundred stressed out master's students writing their dissertations and dedicated violinists that practice 12 hours a day in their room - the rooms beside said stressed out master's students.
I can't really complain about the situation as there are no violinists near my room. I just have my usuall screaming children, loud police sirens and pre-teen immigrant gangs fighting outside my window as per usual. It's like music.... the music of life.
Yeah right. I've learned to sleep with ear plugs.
Anyone dare me to request The Devil Went Down to Georgia?
Sunday, July 18, 2004
Home Sweet Home?
I'm convinced that if there is one thing that can cure the "why oh why God does England have such crappy summers" blues, it's two weeks of Southern Ontario summer (and my Mom's food.) Alas, it's the most expensive time of year to fly home, as in $1300 compared to $700 in March expensive time of year. So the trip home is unfortunately looking in doubt... keep your fingers crossed (and send money).
In other news, wonderdog Scoutie got a haircut. The parents sent me a picture:
Here's hoping I can come home and see him!
Sunday, July 04, 2004
The Economist Fashion Editor
I must say that the conference held at Oxford was one of the best that I've been to - ever. St. Antony's knows how to throw a shin-dig, that's for sure. I met some outstanding individuals - both academics and practicioners of international humanitarian law. There was a decent Canadian representation as well - one guy even had a snazzy Canada tie for July 1.
But the highlight? Definately the Economist reporter commenting on my dress for the formal reception. Oh yeah! Shake yo' thing!
This week I'm attending another conference here in London at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) on international humanitarian law.
Apparently it's international humanitarian lawyer conference season.
Ciao bella - I'm off to eat breakfast and then to watch the Euro 2004 finals. Go Portugal!!!
(Although I hesitate to post that - every team I've been supporting, has crashed and burned. My poor Scandinavians!)
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Happy Canada Day!
I'm off to Oxford for a three day conference so, alas, I'll miss out on what is normally the very cool celebrations here in London.
Have a good one, eh?
Monday, June 28, 2004
In Soviet Canada, the politicians elect you!
Sigh. It's 3:00am here in London(despite whatever that blogger time-thingy says it is) and I can't sleep worth anything. Why? Election night. Geeze I'm a nerd.
I'm happy to say that I cast my ballot last week from overseas - which was less painful than expected, although I did manage to confuse the 4000 "russian nesting dolls-esque" envelopes. I'm sure Elections Canada didn't mind my tape job. They're great that way.
*Bonus info on russian nesting dolls here.
The Canada Page
: Toronto, Canada - London, UK
Defining constitutional monarchy since 1996.