It’s summer and so you may be spending some time at the lake or the beach or the splash park. Either way you’ll need a bathing suit at some point and maybe this is the year you finally have to buy a new one. My mom and I both hate shopping for new bathing suits so we wear ours usually WAY past the point that anyone should be wearing a bathing suit. You know what I mean, they’ve become see through in spots and little holes in the seams. I hate shopping for bathing suits because it always ends up making me depressed and I end up eating a bucket of ice cream and then not being able to fit into the new suit I just bought.

Well it’s time for me to get a new suit because I accidentally left old faithful behind in a cabin in Jasper so I can’t put it off any more. I’ve looked up some tips on bathing suit shopping and I’ll put the links to these awesome websites here so you can check it out for yourself :

http://www.webmd.com/beauty/style/15-tips-saner-swimsuit-shopping

This website says to remember what you wear when it comes to your lingerie. For instance if you wear an bra with a wire in it you may want to choose a bathing suit with the same sort of bust support.

They also say to wear your skimpiest underwear when trying on bathing suits so you don’t see the huge panty lines.

and :

• To camouflage bumps and bulges. Look for large bold prints in light and dark combinations, Kauchner says. When possible, pick up a pareo or wrap to match.
• To hide a tummy. Choose a skirted suit, Paige says, but look for one with edges that turn up at the sides in a “shirttail” style. “This will make your legs look longer and the skirt look more flirty,” she says.
• To diminish a full middle. Opt for a one-piece suit with a blouson top, or a long tankini- style top over a bottom that hits at the waist, Weston advises.
• To create curves in all the right places.Try a deep V halter top and high-cut legs to fill out your figure and give you curves instead of bumps and lumps, says Weston.
• To detract from a large waist and hips. Go for a low-cut suit with a wide neckline to create balance between the upper and lower body, Blondeau says. A solid-color bottom with a printed top will minimize hips.
• To slim a full chest. Choose a halter top to lift you, cover jiggly areas at the side of the bust, and put all the focus up front, says Paige.
• To enhance a small bust. Get a suit with a bright or printed top and an underwire bra or molded cup to enhance cleavage, says Weston.
• For the best overall control. Opt for a one-piece suit with tummy and derriere lift panels, says Paige. Or choose a two-piece with a bottom that reaches your belly button and has an interior support panel.

This website is a little more humorous :

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/19/swimwear-shopping-_n_3111545.html

But I do like their solution to if all else fails!

And this website gives you great answers to bathing suits myths :

http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/swimsuit-myths-00000000012923/index.html

Like: myth – look for the same size in bathing suits as you would wear in clothes

fact – bathing suits sizes are smaller because they’re meant to fit snugly so you may have to actually go up a size higher than what you would usually wear.

Hopefully with all these tips your bathing suit shopping this year won’t be horrible and you won’t have to keep old faithful until it’s totally see through!

- Shannon

Last year I noticed that any time I ate gummie bears or really sweet rich desserts my teeth would start to hurt and thus began a year long process of trying to figure out what was wrong with my teeth. I didn’t realize that even if your teeth are not sensitive to hot and cold they can still be sensitive to sweets. I had assumed it was my body’s way of fighting back and telling me it was time to drop the sweets and pick up my running shoes but my dentist told me it could be that I had some exposed dentin. Dentin are little tubes in your teeth that hold nerves and when they’re exposed it can cause pain to drink cold water or eat something sticky and sweet. My dentist used me sort of as a guinea pig for some new toothpaste on the market but if you don’t want to have to pay big bucks there are some ways that you can deal with sensitive teeth naturally :

- Toothpaste. There are all kinds of special toothpastes out there that will help you with sensitive teeth. They don’t work for everyone but when it does work it’s a quick and easy way to deal with a painful problem. The only catch is that a lot of people will brush and then as soon as the pain is gone they stop using the toothpaste – keep using it to keep the pain away for good.

- Relax. My husband brushes his teeth like they’re a casserole dish that was forgotten about and the food is now cemented to the glass. If you’re a heavy duty brusher lighten up a bit. Brushing like a crazy man will only succeed to wear away enamel which will increase sensitivity. You still need to brush for a full 2 minutes but make it a much more relaxing two minutes.

- Keep the acid away. Acidic foods eat away at your enamel and so foods like pickles or red wine, pop or fruit juices could all be contributing to your sensitive teeth. Of course you’re not expected to stop eating or drinking this stuff completely but when you do eat or drink something acidic try to brush your teeth 20 minutes after eating them (not before or you’ll hurt your enamel). It’s a good practice to get into even if your teeth aren’t sensitive right now because once you lose your enamel you can’t get it back.

- Stop grinding your teeth. That’s difficult especially if you don’t know you’re doing it but if you can do it – it’s a huge help! A lot of people grind their teeth while their sleeping but usually if you’re a subconscious grinder you’ll have headaches or jaw aches that will point to a little nocturnal grinding. Try changing sleeping positions or maybe even invest in a mouth guard.

According to howstuffworks.com you can usually self treat sensitive teeth but you may need to see a dentist if :

• Your teeth are persistently sensitive to pressure.
• A single tooth is persistently sensitive, which could indicate that its pulp is infected or dying.
• Sensitivity doesn’t decrease after two weeks of using desensitizing toothpaste.
• You have dental pain that lasts more than an hour.
• The gums around a sensitive tooth change color.
• You have any obvious decay.

My dentist was wonderful about it and for all the slag I gave him about not being able to figure out what was going on right away he kept at it until he finally figured it out. I have the best dentist ever but seeing him as often as I did started to get a little old so hopefully this will help keep you out of the chair as much as possible!

- Shannon

 TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE presents the Canadian debut of Gunther von Hagen’s BODYWORLDS & THE CYCLE OF LIFE opening Saturday, May 18th.  Making its Canadian debut, this new exhibition from physician and pioneering anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens presents the body throughout the human life cycle and across the arc of aging.   More than 200 plastinates—real human specimens preserved through Dr. von Hagens’ invention, the remarkable process called Plastination—reveal the human body in all its stages, across youth, growth, maturity and advanced age, and in all its conditions, from health to distress to disease.  http://www.telusworldofscienceedmonton.com/exhibits-events/body-worlds-cycle-life

FASHION BLOGGERS SALE: A handful of Edmonton fashion bloggers are cleaning out their closets and selling their favourite clothing, bags, jewelry and shoes - Saturday, May 18th, at Phabrik Art + Design (10055 80th Ave.) from 12-5 p.m.   Clothing sizes will range from two to 18, and prices will vary  based on the label, designer and quality of garment.   CASH ONLY.

Ready, set, golf! All municipal golf courses are now open.  Rundle Park, Victoria Park and Riverside Golf Courses.   Book your tee time on line:  http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/sport_recreation/municipal_golf_courses/riverside-golf-course.aspx

  Thoroughbred fans rejoice – Northlands Park invites you for a day or a night at the races!  The 2013 season has begun at Northlands Park.  Post times Fridays 6pm, Saturdays 1pm.  http://northlandspark.ca/

DIANA – A CELEBRATION Exhibit, WEST EDMONTON MALL, on now through June 9th.  Featuring the late Princess’s iconic wedding dress amoung several other pieces from her wardrobe & more.  Tickets at Ticketmaster or at the exhibit entrance (#31). http://www.wem.ca/#/hours-rates-calendar/events-performances/diana-a-celebration-exhibit-2772

Join LITE 95.7 at these great community events:  http://lite957.ca/index.phpoption=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=97&Itemid=273

AND HERE: http://lite957.ca/index.php?option=com_events&Itemid=274

   More hip than square – lots to do Victoria Day Holiday Monday in Sir Winston Churchill Square.  Other daily events including ZUMBA in the Square Mondays & Fridays 12-1pm and Wednesday night Light Saber Training, 7-8:30 pm - Professional fight choreographer Janine Waddel-Hodder.  Bring your own Light Saber and may the force be with you!  at Sir Winston Churchill Square: http://www.edmontonarts.ca/eac_projects/eac_projects_churchillsquare/

Here’s your guide to events in the downtown core: http://edmontondowntown.com/events.php

And the city of Edmonton’s FESTIVAL GUIDE: http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/documents/PDF/EdmFestivalCity_2013_WEB_-_FINAL.pdf

 THE UKRANIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE VILLAGE presents A CELEBRATION OF DANCE Victoria Day Holiday Monday, May 20th, 10:00am-5:00pm, at their village site 50 km east of Edmonton off Hwy. 16 (Yellowhead).   One of Alberta’s largest Ukrainian dance extravaganzas featuring a variety of dance groups of all ages from across Alberta.  Other family friendly activities include a village market, musical entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides,  traditional Ukrainian food and more.  http://www.history.alberta.ca/ukrainianvillage/default.aspx

  Its a Victoria Day Garden Party, 9:00am-6:00pm at PRAIRIE GARDENS & ADVENTURE FARM, 25 km north of Edmonton, near Bon Accord.   Celebrate Victoria Day at Prairie Gardens with flowers, delicate finger foods, earthly delights, sweet treats, free crafts, kids’ gardening workshop and petting farm too.  Pose for a photo with Queen P, take a train-ride around the farm, play with spring lambs, and plant posies. Optional high tea.    http://www.prairiegardens.org/

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE:

  events at REXALL PLACE:

    CARRIE UNDERWOOD: The Blown Away Tour, with Hunter Hayes, Saturday, May 18th. 

   MUMFORD & SONS with special guests Michael Kiwonuka and Mystery Jets, Wednesday, May 22nd.  SOLD OUT

   AT THE WINSPEAR:  Full ESO schedule: http://www.winspearcentre.com/

  AT THE CENTURY CASINO SHOWROOM:

  LES McKEOWN’S BAY CITY ROLLERS, Friday, May 17th http://edmonton.cnty.com/showroom/showroom-events/upcoming-events/

   AT THE RIVER CREE RESORT & CASINO, THE VENUE:

  THE OAK RIDGE BOYS, Saturday, May 18th, Doors 7pm, Show 8pm.  SOLD OUT

 AT THE CITADEL THEATRE:

LATE NIGHT CABARET, Citadel Theatre, In The Club, Thursday, May 16th, 9pm.  Presented by Citadel Theatre and Rapid Fire Theatre.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, Citadel Theatre, final week, an added performance Sunday, May 19th: http://www.citadeltheatre.com/

7:30pm, Sunday, May 12, 2pm.  Capitol Theatre, Fort Edmonton Park. http://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/plan-your-trip/events.aspx?itemID=3488

DIE-NASTY – THE ONGOING IMPROVISED SOAP OPERA, Varscona Theatre, now playing through May 13th. http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/festivals_events/events-calendar.aspx

FUNNY PEOPLE – YOU’LL SPLIT A GUT!  

YUK YUK’S at the CENTURY CASINO -   http://www.yukyuks.com/index.cfm?action=club.showdetails&venueID=2480                                                               

AT THE COMIC STRIP – http://www.thecomicstrip.ca/default.asp

WHAT’S ON TV?

THE 2013 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS on CTV,  Sunday, May 19th, 8pm.   TRACY MORGAN hosts, performances will feature superstars teaming up together including WILL I AM & JUSTIN BEIBER, JENNIFER LOPEZ & PITBULL plus JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, TAYLOR SWIFT, BRUNO MARS, THE BAND PERRY and PRINCE who also receives the Billboard Icon Award. MADONNA gets Top Touring Act.   http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/bbma-2013/1562664/billboard-music-awards-playlist-and-collaborations-revealed

  MAD MEN Season 6,  (AMC) http://www.amctv.com/shows/mad-men – Sundays,  7PM, + repeats again at 9pm & 11pm.  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/05/arts/television/mad-men-season-6-focuses-more-on-women.html?_r=0

Here is the schedule for the late night and talk shows for the coming couple of weeks: http://www.interbridge.com/lineups.html

GEORGE STROUMBOULOPOULIS TONIGHT (CBC TV)   Friday, Best of the Week. Full schedule: http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/weekly-schedule/guests-week-of-february-11-2013.html?p=tv&s=tv_schedule

ET and ET CANADA (GLOBAL TV) Weeknights at 7 & 7:30pm.

OWN-Oprah Winfrey Network:  http://ownca.oprah.com/Home.aspx  OPRAH’S NEXT CHAPTER:   http://www.oprah.com/own-oprahs-next-chapter/oprahs-next-chapter.html    OPRAH’S MASTER CLASS:

  SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE  Season Finale(Global, NBC): Host: BEN AFFLECK,  Musical Guest: KANYE WEST

Other weekend season finales:

Friday, May 17th:

GRIMM (NBC/CTV)

UNDERCOVER BOSS (CBS), SHARK TANK (ABC/CTV2), NIKITA (CW)

Saturday, May 18th:

DOCTOR WHO (BBC America), SNL (GLOBAL/NBC)

Sunday, May 19th:

ALL STAR CELEBRITY APPRENTICE (NBC)

THE CLEVELAND SHOW,  THE SIMPSONS, FAMILY GUY (FOX/GLOBAL)

MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND, reviews from imdb.com:

 STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana.  Directed by J.J. Abrams   http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1408101/?ref_=hm_inth_t1

  THE ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM has several exciting exhibitions on now, 12845  102nd Avenue.  http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/

Come enjoy the spring air and get some exercise at the STRATHCONA WILDERNESS CENTRE.  Trek their 12 km of trails winding through the woodland around Bennett Lake, just east of Sherwood Park.  They offer a wide variety of recreational programs.  Open daily 9am-4:30pm, 52535 Range Road 212, Strathcona County, 780-922-3939

  North America, and the west in general, seems to have an aversion to the idea of bugs for dinner but much of the rest of the world has a healthy appetite for entomophagy, the consumption of insects as food.

  Fried Locusts anyone?  No kidding… the next big revolution for foodies may just be the world of insects and bugs.   They are readily available worldwide and far less expensive to harvest and maintain, important for developing nations.  Plus they emit considerably less greenhouse gases than cattle, pigs etc.  Many insects are packed with protein, fiber, good fats, and vital minerals—as much or more than many other food sources – also very important for developing nations.    Many of them are packed with flavour too.  For instance, 100 grams of red ant (one of thousands of ant species) provide some 14 grams of protein (more than eggs), almost 48 grams of calcium,  a nice punch of iron and several other nutrients.  All that in less than 100 calories and barely any carbs.

The United Nations has just issued a new report touting a food revolution that could be good for you and good for the planet:  http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/05/14/go_eat_some_bugs_un_report_says.html

Here are eight such beasts that could be your gateway appetizer:  http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/130514-edible-insects-entomophagy-science-food-bugs-beetles/

1.  The Spoke is a free program for youth aged 12-17.  Over the course of a 6 to 8 week program, participants learn how to repair and maintain a bike from start to finish.  Each participant leaves The Spoke with their very own bicycle.  Youth from Edmonton’s urban core benefit from this program and have the chance to become instructors in future sessions with other youth from the community.

2.  You Can Ride Two is a free “learn to ride” class for children 8 and older with co-ordination challenges or other special needs.   Over the course of 5 to 7 weeks, the skills involved in riding a two-wheeler are taught in small manageable steps to boost  confidence and promote success.
This class has been running since 2004 and has seen over 100 kids graduate from training wheels to the trails.  This program would not be possible without the dedication of a number of amazing volunteers.  Our 2013 course is completely full, though new volunteers are always welcome!

2a. We are working on being more research based and are currently doing a study on
teaching children with a mild intellectual disability to ride a bike.  We are recruiting children aged 8-14 who are not yet able to ride.
2b. Our ultimate goal is that all individuals will have experience the freedom that comes with riding a bicycle.  Our website www.youcanridetwo.ca was created as a place where parents with great ideas, therapists experienced in teaching cycling, individuals passionate about cycling and anyone mechanically inclined can come together to share ideas on how to help kids get riding.
NAIT has been instrumental in getting the website up and running- students from their digital media class and graphics communication class have done an amazing job.  We have lots more information to share but need some more help with technical part!

3.  You Can Bike Too is a “borrow a bike” program for children with more severe disabilities. Adapted bikes or trikes are donated to the program (or purchased through grants or donations) and EBC fixes them up so that they are mechanically sound.  Pediatric physiotherapists and occupational therapists help assess the children to see which bike is best for each child and what supports and adaptations are needed to make a child ride most independently.  Adaptations (such as back rests or foot pedals) are provided by a company called Specialty Designs and volunteer bicycle mechanics help us pull it all together.  We would appreciate any tandem or adapted bikes, trikes, components (e.g. toe pedal clips or new helmets)  or monetary donations so we can grow our pool and would love the help of any mechanically minded individuals who can help with bike maintenance.
Additional partners in the You Can Bike Too initiative include:

- the Brick Sport Central (bike donations to go with adapted components)

- the Canadian Paraplegic Association (hand cycle fleet coordination)

- the Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta (technical support)

- the Children’s Ability Fund (funding for individual adaptations)

- the city of Edmonton (storage)

- Elves Special Needs Society (gym space)

- President’s Choice Children’s Charity (funding)

- Robin Hood Association (bike donations)

Also many of the other community groups supporting children with disabilities (e.g. the
Edmonton Down Syndrome Society, the Spina Bifida Association, the Paralympic
Sports Association,the Alberta Association for Community Living, the Glenrose
and Free 2BMe) are involved in discussions to see how we can best work together
to support children and their families.

I always love the blogs and websites that let you in on the secret double uses of regular household items. I used to watch that show “How Clean Is Your House” and I loved it when they would make the home made “washing up powder” out of just regular stuff from around the house (yes I realize that’s kind of lame but I was an only child and had to make my own fun!). Anyhow I thought since the weather has improved and we can now open our windows and do some serious spring cleaning here are some double uses for regular household items :

Newspapers – if you one of the few that still reads newspapers there’s use one but did you know that newspapers can also be used to clean windows? It’s true – I didn’t believe it either but this is one of those tips I got from How Clean Is Your House. Once you’ve cleaned the windows use the newspaper to do a bit of polishing (this is great by the way for the glass on fireplaces) and it also leaves a residue that helps keep the dirt away.

Baking Soda and Vinegar - Baking soda and vinegar have a ton of uses on their own but when put together they can make an awesome drain cleaner and the best part is…there’s no real chemicals so it’s not harmful if accidently ingested. Pour some baking soda in a clog or dirty drain, let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes and then wash it down with white vinegar.

WD40 – If you have little ones then at some point you’ve ended up with crayons either on the wall or on the floor. Sometimes it’s not even on purpose it’s because of some over exuberant colouring and BAM you’ve got a line of green across your table. Easy, just spray some wd40 on the crayons and wipe it right off and do a once over aftewards with a soapy rag.

Buttons - My grandmother has a HUGE tin full of buttons, because she’s always knitting and who knows…maybe one day you need a button. If you’ve got some buttons hanging around use them to keep your earrings together. The holes are the perfect size and you’ll never have to go searching for a matching pair again.

Olive Oil – Have you run out of shaving cream and just not felt like running to the store to get more? Well you can always use some soap although I know some people balk at that so try some olive oil. It will keep the razor burn away and it will also moisturize so you won’t have to worry about putting lotion on afterward.

Alka Seltzer – who knew that alka seltzers would make a good toilet cleaner. If you’ve got people come over and you need to do a quick spritz up on your loo drop a couple of alka seltzers in and let it sit for about 10 minutes and then scrub the grime away….I wonder what it does to your stomach?

Do you have any dual purpose ideas? I love this!!! And the more I find the more I SAY I’m going to use…I’m actually going to have to one of these days

- Shannon

I never had allergies until I moved to Ontario and then suddenly any type of flower would make me feel like my head was going to explode. I’ve just sort of dealt with the spring and summer snow mold and flowers and all that junk but now my daughter may have allergies. At 2 she can’t really be tested for it yet but she has to have a little asthma pump so that she doesn’t spend all day coughing and that means I finally have to worry about keeping allergens out of my home. I found a blog with some great tips and I’ll pass them along :

Evening gardening – pollen levels peak between 5 am and 10 am so save your gardening and yard work for later in the day. Keep your grass short and avoid planting high pollen plants near doors and windows.

Wash the allergens away – As much as it’s nice to hang laundry outside to dry during the spring and summer months that may be making your allergies even worse. Shake your clothes after you’ve worn them outside. If your pets are in and out keep a brush handy to brush the excess hair off and wet wipes to clean their paws. Place mats on both sides of the door to catch all before coming into your house.

Ventilate – Invest in crawl-space vent fans to keep humidity levels below 50 percent, which will thwart the spread of mold and mildew. When it’s warm, opt for air-conditioning, instead of open windows, to cool the house.

Nix the mold – Get rid of any stagnant water in your yard (it’s also a breeding ground for mosquitoes) and keep soil in your garden moist but not damp to keep the mold at bay. And although I love the smell of rain don’t linger outside or open the windows after a fresh rain.

Everyone has tips on beating their allergies so I’d love to hear yours – we only get so many weeks of summer I’d hate to spend it cooped up inside because my head feels like an over inflated balloon!

- Shannon

  The 7TH annual THAT BLOOMIN’ GARDEN SHOW & ART SALE , Alberta Avenue Community Centre,  9210 118th Ave.  Saturday, May 11th, 9am – 4pm.  Gardeners, horticulturalists, artists come together to offer sessions, advice and fun for the whole family.  Admission is free.  www.albertaave.org  

  Ready, set, golf!   All municipal golf courses are now open.  Rundle Park, Victoria Park and Riverside Golf Courses.   Book your tee time on line:  http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/sport_recreation/municipal_golf_courses/riverside-golf-course.aspx

  Thoroughbred fans rejoice – Northlands Park invites you for a day or a night at the races!  The 2013 season has begun at Northlands Park.  Post times Fridays 6pm, Saturdays 1pm.  http://northlandspark.ca/

  Meet BIG BROTHER CANADA stars TOM, DANIELLE, KAT & TALLA at Northlands Park, Saturday, May 11th, 2-4pm.  Its a Meet & Greet, and they’ll be demonstrating some of the games and activities to be featured at Northlands Park’s Park After Dark.  Park after Dark is one of the city’s largest patio parties every Friday evening in the summer starting on June 7. Parking and admission is free!

CASA FOR KIDS 2013, Friday, May 10th, 6:30pm at The Shaw Conference Centre.  Annual fundraiser dinner, live and silent auctions, assisting children in Alberta with mental health issues.

  CHEF SANDI RICHARD, Monday, May 13th, 7:30pm, West Edmonton Christian Assembly, 6315 199th St.  Admission $10, available at ticketwindow.ca   Chef Sandi is partnering with Compassion Canada on her national tour, sharing her passion for helping children and families living in poverty.   For her reality TV series Fixing Dinner, the Food Network host rescues families from mealtime mayhem and more.    Her appearance will feature a live cook-off and Richard’s three-step plan to change dinnertime forever.  Info: compassion.ca

  DIANA – A CELEBRATION Exhibit, WEST EDMONTON MALL, on now through June 9th.  Featuring the late Princess’s iconic wedding dress amoung several other pieces from her wardrobe & more.  Tickets at Ticketmaster or at the exhibit entrance (#31). http://www.wem.ca/#/hours-rates-calendar/events-performances/diana-a-celebration-exhibit-2772

 Join LITE 95.7 at these great community events:  http://lite957.ca/index.phpoption=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=97&Itemid=273

AND HERE: http://lite957.ca/index.php?option=com_events&Itemid=274

 Daily events including ZUMBA in the Square Mondays & Fridays 12-1pm and Wednesday night Light Saber Training, 7-8:30 pm - Professional fight choreographer Janine Waddel-Hodder.  Bring your own Light Saber and may the force be with you!  at Sir Winston Churchill Square: http://www.edmontonarts.ca/eac_projects/eac_projects_churchillsquare/

 Here’s your guide to events in the downtown core: http://edmontondowntown.com/events.php

 And the city of Edmonton’s FESTIVAL GUIDE: http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/documents/PDF/EdmFestivalCity_2013_WEB_-_FINAL.pdf

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE:

  events at REXALL PLACE:

 BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND, Saturday, May 11th, 8pm.

  FLEETWOOD MAC, Wednesday, May 15th, 8pm.

    at the Jubilee Auditorium: 

  A CELEBRATION OF SPRING BY THE UKRANIAN SHUMKA DANCERS Sunday, May 12th, 2pm.   http://www.jubileeauditorium.com/Northern/Events/2013-05-12/A-Celebration-of-Spring-by-Shumka-School-of-Dance/294421  

   AT THE WINSPEAR:  Full ESO schedule: http://www.winspearcentre.com/

  BRANDI CARLILE, Friday, May 10th, 8pm. SOLD OUT

 A TRIBUTE TO ABBA: ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN, Tuesday, May 14th, 8pm.  The only Abba tribute band with exclusive rights to the name, costumes and original music will join the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra for a special evening.  http://www.winspearcentre.com/all-events/2013-events/a-tribute-to-abba-arrival-from-sweden/

  RibbitRePublic Theatre presents BE A MAN, Friday, May 10th,  7:30 pm, Azimuth Theatre, 11315 106th Ave.   Admission by donation  www.ribbitrepublic.com

 THE HORIZON PLAYERS present THE SOUND OF MUSIC continuing Thursday, May 8th-Saturday, May 10th, Horizon Stage, Spruce Grove. http://www.horizonstage.com/calEvent.aspx?id=1120

  THE FAIRY CATCHER’S COMPANION, Friday, May 10 & Saturday, May 11, 7:30pm, Sunday, May 12, 2pm.  Capitol Theatre, Fort Edmonton Park.  http://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/plan-your-trip/events.aspx?itemID=3488

  DIE-NASTY – THE ONGOING IMPROVISED SOAP OPERA, Varscona Theatre, now playing through May 13th. http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/festivals_events/events-calendar.aspx

FUNNY PEOPLE – YOU’LL SPLIT A GUT!   

YUK YUK’S at the CENTURY CASINO -   http://www.yukyuks.com/index.cfm?action=club.showdetails&venueID=2480                                                               

AT THE COMIC STRIP -  http://www.thecomicstrip.ca/default.asp

WHAT’S ON TV?

  MAD MEN Season 6,  (AMC) http://www.amctv.com/shows/mad-men – Sundays,  7PM, + repeats again at 9pm & 11pm.  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/05/arts/television/mad-men-season-6-focuses-more-on-women.html?_r=0

Here is the schedule for the late night and talk shows for the coming couple of weeks: http://www.interbridge.com/lineups.html

GEORGE STROUMBOULOPOULIS TONIGHT (CBC TV)   Friday, Best of the Week. Full schedule: http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/weekly-schedule/guests-week-of-february-11-2013.html?p=tv&s=tv_schedule

ET and ET CANADA (GLOBAL TV) Weeknights at 7 & 7:30pm.

SURVIVOR CARAMOAN: FANS VS. FAVOURITES (Global/CBS): Season Finale, Sunday, May 12th, 9-11pm.

OWN-Oprah Winfrey Network:  http://ownca.oprah.com/Home.aspx  OPRAH’S NEXT CHAPTER: First openly gay/active NBA player JASON COLLINS, Sunday, May 12th, 7pm.  http://www.oprah.com/own-oprahs-next-chapter/oprahs-next-chapter.html    OPRAH’S MASTER CLASS: SIMON COWELL, 8pm. 

  SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (Global, NBC): Host: KRISTEN WIIG.  Musical Guest: VAMPIRE WEEKEND

 MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND, reviews from imdb.com:

 THE GREAT GATSBY starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joel, Edgerton, Tobey MacGuire, Carey Mulligan.  Directed by Baz Luhrman  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1343092/?ref_=hm_inth_t1

   AFTERSHOCK starring Eli Roth, Andrea Osvart, Ariel Levy, Selena Gomez.  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1780762/?ref_=hm_inth_t5

  THE ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM has several exciting exhibitions on now, 12845  102nd Avenue.  http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/

Come enjoy the spring air and get some exercise at the STRATHCONA WILDERNESS CENTRE.  Trek their 12 km of trails winding through the woodland around Bennett Lake, just east of Sherwood Park.  They offer a wide variety of recreational programs.  Open daily 9am-4:30pm, 52535 Range Road 212, Strathcona County, 780-922-3939

Beth Greer eliminated every toxin in her home and food that she could after discovering a tennis ball sized tumour in her chest.  Nine months later it had completely disappeared.  She wrote about her experience and shares ways you can do the same in her book  Super Natural Home (Rodale Books, 2009).  In her research she met  Rebecca Sutton, PhD, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) who related that unbelievably – there is no safety standard applied to the testing of chemical ingredients for household cleaners, there is no testing data or notification required before bringing a product to market, despite many known carcinogens being main components.

  The following is from an experiencelife.com article by Jessie Sholl, who has written about health for a variety of publications. She is also the author of Dirty Secret: A Daughter Comes Clean About Her Mother’s Compulsive Hoarding (Simon and Schuster/Gallery Books, 2010).  Here’s a link to it, as well as the DIY sidebar that contains instructions for natural homemade cleaning solutions and more:  http://experiencelife.com/article/8-hidden-toxins-whats-lurking-in-your-cleaning-products/

*1. Phthalates

Found in: Many fragranced household products, such as air fresheners, dish soap, even toilet paper. Because of proprietary laws, companies don’t have to disclose what’s in their scents, so you won’t find phthalates on a label. If you see the word “fragrance” on a label, there’s a good chance phthalates are present.

Health Risks: Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. Men with higher phthalate compounds in their blood had correspondingly reduced sperm counts, according to a 2003 study conducted by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Harvard School of Public Health. Although exposure to phthalates mainly occurs through inhalation, it can also happen through skin contact with scented soaps, which is a significant problem, warns Alicia Stanton, MD, coauthor of Hormone Harmony (Healthy Life Library, 2009). Unlike the digestive system, the skin has no safeguards against toxins. Absorbed chemicals go straight to organs.

Healthier Choice: When possible choose fragrance-free or all-natural organic products. Greer recommends bypassing aerosol or plug-in air fresheners and instead using essential oils or simply opening windows to freshen the air. Besides causing more serious effects like endocrine disruption, “Aerosol sprays and air fresheners can be migraine and asthma triggers,” she says. Also consider adding more plants to your home: They’re natural air detoxifiers.

2. Perchloroethylene or “PERC”

Found in: Dry-cleaning solutions, spot removers, and carpet and upholstery cleaners.

Health Risks: Perc is a neurotoxin, according to the chief scientist of environmental protection for the New York Attorney General’s office. And the EPA classifies perc as a “possible carcinogen” as well. People who live in residential buildings where dry cleaners are located have reported dizziness, loss of coordination and other symptoms. While the EPA has ordered a phase-out of perc machines in residential buildings by 2020, California is going even further and plans to eliminate all use of perc by 2023 because of its suspected health risks. The route of exposure is most often inhalation: that telltale smell on clothes when they return from the dry cleaner, or the fumes that linger after cleaning carpets.

Healthier Choice: Curtains, drapes and clothes that are labeled “dry clean only” can be taken instead to a “wet cleaner,” which uses water-based technology rather than chemical solvents. The EPA recently recognized liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) as an environmentally preferable alternative to more toxic dry-cleaning solvents. Ask your dry cleaner which method they use. For a safer spot remover, look for a nontoxic brand like Ecover at a natural market, or rub undiluted castile soap directly on stains before washing.

3. Triclosan

Found in: Most liquid dishwashing detergents and hand soaps labeled “antibacterial.”

Health Risks: Triclosan is an aggressive antibacterial agent that can promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria. Explains Sutton: “The American Medical Association has found no evidence that these antimicrobials make us healthier or safer, and they’re particularly concerned because they don’t want us overusing antibacterial chemicals — that’s how microbes develop resistance, and not just to these [household antibacterials], but also to real antibiotics that we need.” Other studies have now found dangerous concentrations of triclosan in rivers and streams, where it is toxic to algae. The EPA is currently investigating whether triclosan may also disrupt endocrine (hormonal) function. It is a probable carcinogen. At press time, the agency was reviewing the safety of triclosan in consumer products.

Healthier Choice: Use simple detergents and soaps with short ingredient lists, and avoid antibacterial products with triclosan for home use. If you’re hooked on hand sanitizer, choose one that is alcohol-based and without triclosan.

4. Quarternary Ammonium Compounds, or “QUATS”

Found in: Fabric softener liquids and sheets, most household cleaners labeled “antibacterial.”

Health Risks: Quats are another type of antimicrobial, and thus pose the same problem as triclosan by helping breed antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They’re also a skin irritant; one 10-year study of contact dermatitis found quats to be one of the leading causes. According to Sutton, they’re also suspected as a culprit for respiratory disorders: “There’s evidence that even healthy people who are [exposed to quats] on a regular basis develop asthma as a result.”

Healthier Choice: You don’t really need fabric softener or dryer sheets to soften clothes or get rid of static: Simple vinegar works just as well. “Vinegar is the natural fabric softener of choice for many reasons,” explains Karyn Siegel-Maier in her book The Naturally Clean Home (Storey Publishing, 2008). “Not only is it nontoxic, it also removes soap residue in the rinse cycle and helps to prevent static cling in the dryer.” White vinegar is your best choice for general cleaning; other types can stain.

Alternatives to chemical disinfectants abound, including antibacterial, antifungal tea-tree oil. Mix a few drops of tea-tree oil and a tablespoon of vinegar with water in a spray bottle for a safe, germ killing, all-purpose cleaner. Add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil for scent.

5. 2-Butoxyethanol

Found in: Window, kitchen and multipurpose cleaners.

Health Risks: 2-butoxyethanol is the key ingredient in many window cleaners and gives them their characteristic sweet smell. It belongs in the category of “glycol ethers,” a set of powerful solvents that don’t mess around. Law does not require 2-butoxyethanol to be listed on a product’s label. According to the EPA’s Web site, in addition to causing sore throats when inhaled, at high levels glycol ethers can also contribute to narcosis, pulmonary edema, and severe liver and kidney damage. Although the EPA sets a standard on 2-butoxyethanol for workplace safety, Sutton warns, “If you’re cleaning at home in a confined area, like an unventilated bathroom, you can actually end up getting 2-butoxyethanol in the air at levels that are higher than workplace safety standards.”

Healthier Choice: Clean mirrors and windows with newspaper and diluted vinegar. For other kitchen tasks, stick to simple cleaning compounds like Bon Ami powder; it’s made from natural ingredients like ground feldspar and baking soda without the added bleach or fragrances found in most commercial cleansers. You can also make your own formulas with baking soda, vinegar and essential oils. See the “DIY Cleaners” sidebar for a list of clean concoctions.

6. Ammonia

Found in: Polishing agents for bathroom fixtures, sinks and jewelry; also in glass cleaner.

Health Risks: Because ammonia evaporates and doesn’t leave streaks, it’s another common ingredient in commercial window cleaners. That sparkle has a price. “Ammonia is a powerful irritant,” says Donna Kasuska, chemical engineer and president of ChemConscious, Inc., a risk-management consulting company. “It’s going to affect you right away. The people who will be really affected are those who have asthma, and elderly people with lung issues and breathing problems. It’s almost always inhaled. People who get a lot of ammonia exposure, like housekeepers, will often develop chronic bronchitis and asthma.” Ammonia can also create a poisonous gas if it’s mixed with bleach.

Healthier Choice: Vodka. “It will produce a reflective shine on any metal or mirrored surface,” explains Lori Dennis, author of Green Interior Design (Allsworth Press, 2010). And toothpaste makes an outstanding silver polish.

7. Chlorine

Found in: Scouring powders, toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, laundry whiteners, household tap water.

Health Risks: “With chlorine we have so many avenues of exposure,” says Kasuska. “You’re getting exposed through fumes and possibly through skin when you clean with it, but because it’s also in city water to get rid of bacteria, you’re also getting exposed when you take a shower or bath. The health risks from chlorine can be acute, and they can be chronic; it’s a respiratory irritant at an acute level. But the chronic effects are what people don’t realize: It may be a serious thyroid disrupter.”

Healthier Choice: For scrubbing, stick to Bon Ami or baking soda. Toilet bowls can be cleaned with vinegar, and vinegar or borax powder both work well for whitening clothes. So does the chlorine-free oxygen bleach powder made by Biokleen. To reduce your exposure to chlorine through tap water, install filters on your kitchen sink and in the shower.

8. Sodium Hydroxide

Found in: Oven cleaners and drain openers.

Health Risks: Otherwise known as lye, sodium hydroxide is extremely corrosive: If it touches your skin or gets in your eyes, it can cause severe burns. Routes of exposure are skin contact and inhalation. Inhaling sodium hydroxide can cause a sore throat that lasts for days.

Healthier Choice: You can clean the grimiest oven with baking-soda paste — it just takes a little more time and elbow grease (see recipes in “DIY Cleaners” sidebar). Unclog drains with a mechanical “snake” tool, or try this approach from the Green Living Ideas Web site: Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain and plug it for 30 minutes. After the bubbles die down, run hot water down the drain to clear the debris.

  One of the first vegetables to come along locally is asparagus – which goes well in everything from casseroles, soups and salads or as a stand alone side.

Fresh Juice Magazine (www.freshjuice.ca) offers up some great ideas for preparing this nutrient rich treat including Velvety Chicken & Asparagus Royale…or Asparagus & Lemon Ricotta Pizza.   Check them out here: http://www.freshjuice.ca/eat-well/everyday-healthy-eating/12-good-for-you-asparagus-recipes/a/42095