So, we got to see one type of popular northern dance when Jade participated in some can-can lessons.
And then there's jigging. Jigging is a staple of the northern dance scene. Although I've tried, I've yet to get the hang of it. I can barely get in a basic step, let alone new steps every time the music changes.
This kid's got it, though. He practically FLOATS! I don't think I've ever seen a better jigger.(The sound quality on this video is awful, so turn off your speakers and just enjoy the awesome skill of an amazing jigger.)
You never know when you'll need to know.
It's the last day of Epilepsy Awareness Month. I wish I could have done more to educate people, but we did an interview on CBC that I know a lot of people heard (Heck, it was even on CBC's The North This Week podcast), I managed to do a few posts, and I did a few facebook status updates on the subject. Next year I'd like to do something bigger to raise awareness of how prevalent epilepsy is, how little we know about it, how much it affects us all, and the need for research to find ways to stop it.
For now, though, I'd like to leave you with this. It's a First Aid instructional video in case you ever come across someone who's having a tonic-clonic seizure. I hope you never need to use what they teach, but you never know when you'll need to know...
For now, though, I'd like to leave you with this. It's a First Aid instructional video in case you ever come across someone who's having a tonic-clonic seizure. I hope you never need to use what they teach, but you never know when you'll need to know...
Who's On First?
There was an interesting conversation at the dinner table tonight. Lately, Fawn has been letting Jade use her iPod to listen to childrens' music. The conversation went something1 like this:
1OK, so the conversation didn't go exactly like that. I was laughing too hard on the inside to memorize the exact conversation, but you get the idea.
Jade: Earphones?
Fawn: Yes, those are earphones.
Jade: For the earpod?
Fawn: No, that's an iPod.
Jade: Eye pod? (Looks at earphones and considers placing them over her eyes.) Eyephones?
Fawn: No, an iPhone is something different. It's a phone.
Jade: For your eyes?
1OK, so the conversation didn't go exactly like that. I was laughing too hard on the inside to memorize the exact conversation, but you get the idea.
Now THAT'S forecasting!
I checked the weather on the Environment Canada website today and this is their forecast.
WOW! What amazing weather for March 25th!
Oh, the date is wrong? This was the weather forecast for last May 20th?
Bummer. Hopefully they'll fix their website soon.
WOW! What amazing weather for March 25th!
Oh, the date is wrong? This was the weather forecast for last May 20th?
Bummer. Hopefully they'll fix their website soon.
The Last Word.
Up Here magazine contacted me a while back and asked me to write something for their Last Word column. I did and you can find it in their March edition - the one with the Buffalo Airways crew1 on the cover.
I wrote a tribute to a friend who took me on many memorable adventures. If you're able to find yourself a copy, enjoy!
1If you're not familiar with Buffalo Air, you're really missing out. Watch Ice Pilots NWT on the History Television website for high-flying, northern adventure!
I wrote a tribute to a friend who took me on many memorable adventures. If you're able to find yourself a copy, enjoy!
Pretty Freakin' Cool!
1If you're not familiar with Buffalo Air, you're really missing out. Watch Ice Pilots NWT on the History Television website for high-flying, northern adventure!
Northern Dance: Jade can can can.
Legendary are the dancing girls of the Klondike Gold Rush. While the gals of the day were not doing the can can (it's a popular misconception), that hasn't stopped this entertaining form of dance from becoming part of the Yukon's cultural fabric.
Every year, before and during the Sourdough Rendezvous festival, can can dancers can be spotted all around town. Sometimes, if you're extra, extra lucky, they'll give lessons. Jade had the opportunity to learn a few steps from these high-kicking ladies of the Yukon.
Every year, before and during the Sourdough Rendezvous festival, can can dancers can be spotted all around town. Sometimes, if you're extra, extra lucky, they'll give lessons. Jade had the opportunity to learn a few steps from these high-kicking ladies of the Yukon.
Always admirin' Atlin.
Ah, Atlin. You have been called the "Switzerland of the North". I think it would be more appropriate to call Switzerland the "Atlin of Europe", Atlin is just that great.
It's got stunningly stupefying views, hordes of history, gracious and grin-inducing inhabitants, and more than enough quirkiness sprinkled on top of that to keep me endlessly entertained.
I always enjoy my trips to Atlin.
Yup, I love visiting Atlin. I also enjoy the drive to and from the community. Minto Mountain is one of my favourite sights along the one.
Atlin Lake has the esteemed distinction of being British Columbia's largest natural lake - even though part of the lake is in the Yukon. It has a surface area of 791km2 (491.5 miles2), a known maximum depth of 289m (2,595 ft), and is over 100 km (62 miles) long when measured from tip-to-tip and, since you can't actually travel the lake in a straight line, is much longer than that. Is it any surprise then that I'm really, really, really looking forward to getting the sailboat onto Atlin Lake?
The mountain views on the drive in an out of Atlin are gorgeous. There is world-class hiking out there.
For the most part, the road is in great shape - although there are a few well-flagged permafrost heaves. I've often wondered what is was, specifically, that inspired this creek's (and lake's) name when the road was built in 1949.
Yup, it's a gorgeous drive. It only a takes a couple of hours between Atlin and Whitehorse, but it's worthwhile to take longer.
It's got stunningly stupefying views, hordes of history, gracious and grin-inducing inhabitants, and more than enough quirkiness sprinkled on top of that to keep me endlessly entertained.
I always enjoy my trips to Atlin.
A hint of Atlin's history.
Teresa Island, which has the distinction of having the second highest elevation of any fresh water island in the world (1,875m/6,153ft). Not that you can see the peak in this picture.
More history in the harbour.
Oh, Quirkiness, it seems like you're on every corner in Atlin!
Yup, I love visiting Atlin. I also enjoy the drive to and from the community. Minto Mountain is one of my favourite sights along the one.
The imposing Minto Mountain. Or at least part of it.
Oh, Minto Mountain, one day I will mount thee.
Atlin Lake has the esteemed distinction of being British Columbia's largest natural lake - even though part of the lake is in the Yukon. It has a surface area of 791km2 (491.5 miles2), a known maximum depth of 289m (2,595 ft), and is over 100 km (62 miles) long when measured from tip-to-tip and, since you can't actually travel the lake in a straight line, is much longer than that. Is it any surprise then that I'm really, really, really looking forward to getting the sailboat onto Atlin Lake?
Great sailing when the ice is gone.
The mountain views on the drive in an out of Atlin are gorgeous. There is world-class hiking out there.
View from the road.
More Minto, because you can never have enough.
A dark shot on a warm and sunny day.
For the most part, the road is in great shape - although there are a few well-flagged permafrost heaves. I've often wondered what is was, specifically, that inspired this creek's (and lake's) name when the road was built in 1949.
TARFU Creek. You can look "tarfu" up if you dont't know what it means.
Maybe it got its name from something like this, which also inspired the old expression "It's all water under over the bridge".
Not familiar with Tarfu? Maybe you've heard of Snafu. This is the entrance to the Snafu Lake Campground. If you think these names are crazy, check out something even crazier.
Yup, it's a gorgeous drive. It only a takes a couple of hours between Atlin and Whitehorse, but it's worthwhile to take longer.
Spring sun.
A roadside attraction.
The road ahead, returning to Whitehorse.
True or False Challenge!
March is Epilepsy Awareness Month, so it's time to test your awareness.
In Michael's Meanderings style, it's time to play TRUE OR FALSE CHALLENGE!
There is no prize for this contest, only a chance to test your clever cleverness and level of epilepsy awareness against my crafty and challenging TRUE OR FALSE CHALLENGE! Be careful, though, there might be some trick questions in there.
How will you do? There's only one way to find out! It's time to take the test!
True or false?
And now for the answers!
In Michael's Meanderings style, it's time to play TRUE OR FALSE CHALLENGE!
There is no prize for this contest, only a chance to test your clever cleverness and level of epilepsy awareness against my crafty and challenging TRUE OR FALSE CHALLENGE! Be careful, though, there might be some trick questions in there.
How will you do? There's only one way to find out! It's time to take the test!
True or false?
- Epilepsy can be life-threatening.
- About one in every hundred people have epilepsy.
- Each day in Canada, an average of 42 people learn that they have epilepsy.
- About 50 MILLION people worldwide have epilepsy.
- There are more than twice as many people with epilepsy in Canada as the number of people with cerebral palsy (55,000), muscular dystrophy (28,000), multiple sclerosis (39,000), and cystic fibrosis (3,400) combined.
- Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder after headaches.
- Fewer than 50% of epilepsy cases have an identifiable cause.
- Over 30% of people with epilepsy cannot have their seizures controlled, even with the best available medications.
- Of the 70% who can have their seizures controlled, about 20% will continue to have breakthrough seizures.
- If you fail three types of epilepsy medication, there is a less than 12% chance that any type of epilepsy medication will work for you.
- Anybody can have or develop epilepsy. It doesn't matter what your age is, your sex, or your cultural background.
- Not everyone who has epilepsy realizes that they even have epilepsy.
- There are over 40 different types of epilepsy, all of which have a different range of causes and manifestations.
- Not all seizure types are the same. Someone could be having a seizure and you might think they're just daydreaming. Or that they're on drugs.
- You cannot "catch" epilepsy.
- Epilepsy was once called the "sacred disease" because it was associated with religious experiences and demonic possession. The condition is named from the Greek epilepsia ("possession").
- Many people are reluctant to talk about or seek treatment for their epilepsy because they are afraid of persistent social stigmas.
- Many people with epilepsy cannot lead lead normal lives or have learning disorders because of uncontrolled seizures.
- Many jurisdictions forbid certain activities to persons suffering from epilepsy.
- People with controlled epilepsy or certain types of epilepsy can lead normal lives - or even have great ones.
- Neil Young has epilepsy.
And now for the answers!
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
- T
How did you do?
18-21 Correct - You are epilepsy aware! Congratulations! Share this quiz with your friends to see how much they know.
15-18 Correct - You're good! Visit resources like epilepsy.com to learn more. But first, share this quiz with your friends to see how much they know.
11-14 Correct - You pass. Not a great score, but at least you know a thing or two and now you know a thing or two more! Share this quiz with your friends to see how much they know!
10 or Fewer Correct - Ouch! Either you're not very good at detecting obvious patterns or you really have a lot to learn about epilepsy. Don't feel too bad, though. You can take the test again to improve your score then share it with your friends to see how much they know!
A budding talent...
I won't go on about how, a month ago, Jade could only manage scribbles and how, one day, she just started drawing actual objects and people. I won't go on about how proud I am. Fawn has already done that.
Envious of the portrait that Jade drew of Fawn, I requested one of my own.
Pablo Picasso, eat your heart out (or cut your ear off or whatever)!
Envious of the portrait that Jade drew of Fawn, I requested one of my own.
Me, as drawn by the budding artist. That's a fish in the corner (bottom-right).
Pablo Picasso, eat your heart out (or cut your ear off or whatever)!
Old Crow: John Tizya Centre
Every visit to Old Crow should include a stop at the Peter Tizya Centre. It's not just the amazing and informative interpretive displays that make it worth a visit, it's the friendly people who work there, too.
What I've shown here is just the tip of the iceberg. As I said at the start of this entry, every visit to Old Crow should include a stop at the Peter Tizya Centre.
An interpretive display outlining the lay of the land.
Ice-age bison skulls, beadwork, and ratting canoes - Oh, my!
Everything (that isn't behind glass) is hands-on. It's a great place for kids, too.
It's amazing the things you can learn here! Who knew that you could eat cave carrots to get your daily dose of iron and calcium!?
I'm not exactly "Mr. Fashion" but even I know that jacket's amazing. What incredible beadwork!
Speaking of incredible beadwork!
Custom headphones for those chilly winter days.
It's the little details that make this place so amazing.
What I've shown here is just the tip of the iceberg. As I said at the start of this entry, every visit to Old Crow should include a stop at the Peter Tizya Centre.
Inuvik: First Base
As the plane descended, I craned my head to see around the person sitting in the window seat. I was looking for recognizable geographical landmarks on the approach to Old Crow. Spying a large body of water off in the distance and an unusual number of lakes, creeks, and rivers, it didn't take me long to figure out that we were not landing in Old Crow.
My mind raced. Did I doze off and miss our stop in Old Crow? Did I, somehow, get on the wrong flight? The plane was about to touch down and a bunch of large, unfamiliar buildings whizzed by. Where the heck are we?
It was then that I remembered that Air North's Monday flight to Old Crow stops in Inuvik before looping back to Old Crow, Dawson City, and then Whitehorse.
I was in Inuvik! My first time in Inuvik!
It was a short visit; just enough time for the passengers to disembark, the ramp crew to exchange luggage, the plane to be fueled up, and the passengers boarded for the next leg.
I didn't see anything of Inuvik on our short stay - aside from the airport. I can say I've "been there" but I haven't really been there yet. It was sort of like the traveling equivalent of reaching first base. Maybe not even.
I have no doubt I'll make it to Inuvik for a longer visit someday. In the meantime, I'll keep visiting Inuvik Phil's site, inuvikphotos.ca. When I do make it back, I look forward to taking some more pictures of my own.
My mind raced. Did I doze off and miss our stop in Old Crow? Did I, somehow, get on the wrong flight? The plane was about to touch down and a bunch of large, unfamiliar buildings whizzed by. Where the heck are we?
It was then that I remembered that Air North's Monday flight to Old Crow stops in Inuvik before looping back to Old Crow, Dawson City, and then Whitehorse.
I was in Inuvik! My first time in Inuvik!
It was a short visit; just enough time for the passengers to disembark, the ramp crew to exchange luggage, the plane to be fueled up, and the passengers boarded for the next leg.
I didn't see anything of Inuvik on our short stay - aside from the airport. I can say I've "been there" but I haven't really been there yet. It was sort of like the traveling equivalent of reaching first base. Maybe not even.
I have no doubt I'll make it to Inuvik for a longer visit someday. In the meantime, I'll keep visiting Inuvik Phil's site, inuvikphotos.ca. When I do make it back, I look forward to taking some more pictures of my own.
It's a Wunderful World...
I first heard about this ad on CBC's "Age of Persuasion" and just had to look it up. If you want to add a little levity to your day, run the video below BUT DON'T WATCH IT THE FIRST TIME - JUST LISTEN!
Good ads make people want to buy and right now I want to buy one of those. I wonder what my wife will say.
Good ads make people want to buy and right now I want to buy one of those. I wonder what my wife will say.
Applied mathematics.
Inspired by the accommodations where I was staying last week, I developed the following mathematical formula. In terms of practicality, I think it rivals anything Einstein ever came up with. E=mc2? Psht.
Solve for x, where x is x times grosser than any other gross smell you've ever smelled.
where
d = distance from baseboard heater (cm)
m = number of males who stood while urinating since the last time the baseboard heaters were cleaned
a = the Aim Factor
The Aim Factor
a = hwb
where
h = average height of males
w = amount of water consumed (L)
b = amount of booze consumed (L)
Assumption: The baseboard heater is on.
Solve for x, where x is x times grosser than any other gross smell you've ever smelled.
| lim | f(x) | = | am(1/d) |
| d--> 0 |
where
d = distance from baseboard heater (cm)
m = number of males who stood while urinating since the last time the baseboard heaters were cleaned
a = the Aim Factor
The Aim Factor
a = hwb
where
h = average height of males
w = amount of water consumed (L)
b = amount of booze consumed (L)
Assumption: The baseboard heater is on.
It's all in the branding...
I picked this up at the grocery store today. I wanted to try something new. It was Fawn who pointed out the great tag line.
Now 50% more "hygienic" than the leading brand!
Into the storm...
I was driving under a baby blue sky but could see nothing but dark, grey skies past Burwash Landing.
By the time I passed Destruction Bay, the imposing grey dominated the skies.
Then, just past the lake, the stretch of road between the head of Kluane Lake and Haines Junction started to disappear in near white-out conditions.
As the snow accumulated, the wide soft shoulders began to disappear making it nearly impossible to tell where the road ended and the ditch began. Vehicles heading in either direction started using the middle of the road - or at least what they thought was the middle of the road.
As I pulled into Haines Junction, the storm vanished as quickly as it had appeared. The rest of the drive into Whitehorse was fast and pleasant.
There's nothing like a little inclement weather to make a road trip more memorable.
