Ink and Pink

I have 2 computers with different versions of modern Windows operating systems (Vista and something that looks like Vista but is a bit different), and neither of them will accept/install MS Word from the microsoft website. I'm trying to install the 60-day free sample software. Everytime I try, I get different error messages. Last time (months ago, for 3 hours of tears) it was issues with fucking Click-To-Run and this time it says that I'm not connected to the internet (both computers told me this tonight while I was surfing Facebook on them waiting for the download) when I clearly am connected. Since my last try a few months ago, I've installed Windows updates that supposedly fix Clic-To-Run bugs but I'm not noticing any difference. In fact, I can't even find Click-to-fucking-run in my Control Panel at all any more, and it used to be in the list of programs there.

Do I have any beautiful nerdly friends in Ottawa who might be able to help my poor stupid machines? Or at least one of them? Open Office doesn't have the footnoting capability I need so I really do need to have MS Word installed in the next week or so. My papers are piling up and footnoting them by hand is stressful and dumb.

I will provide home-made coconut icecream as a reward!

• someone delivering soy lattes to each desk at 10am, on rollerskates
• puppies sleeping on my feet
• kittens sleeping in my inbox
• music being played, on a real stereo at a normal volume (not tempering the volume ridiculously low out of fear that the next cubicle over will hear it)
• bright colours!
• real art on the walls!
• no creepy people
• no people with dead souls
• no dead plants
• a kitchen with enough space to actually prepare proper meals, and fridge space to store food!
• play space for school aged kids, for when they are done school and there is only 1 hour till the parent is done work
• a full on-site daycare for smaller kids
• space to breastfeed
• knitting during meetings is OK
• lotion and nice soaps in the bathrooms
• a space to stretch and exercise + showers
• actual doors on the offices, instead of cubicles
• furniture made out of real wood
• no carpet
• windows that open
• a sofa chair to sit in while reading documents instead of always having to sit at the desk.
• task lighting instead of overhead fluorescents
• a caffeteria with healthful foods, available at a cheap price - and a nice place to sit and chat while eating
• bike racks in a protected and secure space (indoors!!)
• people of a variety of ages and backgrounds
• a swap box for recycled clothing, books, etc

What would be in your vision of the perfect office?

As some of you know, I worked with seasonal influenza policies and research for the last 2+ years, and have sat in on endless hours of scientific discussions among the world’s top flu experts. I am not a researcher, but I have handled dozens of research papers and been in researcher debates for about 2.5 career years. I really like the document I've linked & pasted here as a summary of why people should not worry about getting their vaccines, so I thought I'd post it here.

In addition, on a more personal note, I really suggest that if you have coworkers or loved ones in high risk groups that you should get vaccinated to help reduce the chance that they'll get gravely ill. Also remember that most high risk people are invisible in their high risk status (like me - I look healthy but I actually have asthma and a history of dozens of respiratory infections which have left me with very over-reactive lungs.) Early pregnancy, immunocompromised health conditions and caregivers for children/elderly are also invisible situations that would really benefit from increasing herd immunity to all diseases -- and right now H1N1 is the most prevalent germ.

Normally with the seasonal flu shot the vaccine contains 3 deactivated virus strains that scientists have calculated to be the most likely ones to circulate that year. If your community has a different vaccine circulating that isn't in the trivalent vaccine, then you're S.O.L. THIS year, the H1N1 vaccine offers us a waaay better chance of immunity `cause we actually know which virus is the most common one, and we've prepared a specific shot for it. So, if you're usually willing to run on luck and usually decide not to bother with the trivalent vaccine, you might want to reconsider with respect to this special monovalent vaccine `cause it's such a specific product.

If you've already had the swine flu (mild or serious), then you don't need to be vaccinated cause your immune system will carry memory of it and will fight it off if you are exposed again. (Vaccines mimic this process.)

Check out Myths 2, 3 and 4 in the linked article as they directly address a lot of the negative news hoopla that's in circulation.


( full text here )
source: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/vacc/myth-mythe-eng.php

Note: if you are in a country other than Canada, you mave have access to other vaccine products such as an inhaled nasal drop or mist. The same principles apply in terms of how it builds immunity. The factors that stimulate your immune system into a response are just being delivered another way.

( Read more... )


****Peaceful & Pro-Choice Vigil for Dr. George Tiller****

8:00pm
Tuesday, June 2nd
Human Rights Monument @ Elgin & Lisgar
Ottawa

On Sunday May 31st at around 10:00am Dr. George Tiller was murdered. He was shot to death in the vestibule of the church he belonged to in Wichita , Kansas .

Dr. Tiller was an abortion provider. He was one of the only doctors providing late-term abortions, and since 1973 he provided these services to women despite many threats against his life.

His murder was an act of violence that not only takes his life, hurting his family and loved ones, but one that threatens the entire pro-choice community and beyond.

This vigil will be a chance to gather to honour Dr. Tiller, and to gather together offering support to one another. Many of us are deeply shaken by what happened, and this event will allow us be together in solidarity, showing support for his family, his staff, for the women and families he has served, and for the abortion community.

Please join us in a peaceful gathering.
Bring candles, flowers, whatever you like.

This is an accessible event for people of all faiths and genders, open to anyone that would like to join us in solidarity.

*********
8:00pm
Tuesday, June 2nd
Human Rights Monument @ Elgin & Lisgar
Ottawa
*********

Dear livejournal pals,

I'm going crazy over here cause I am unable to remember the name of the "sport" that I played in gym class. It involves throwing a catching a ball in a crescent shaped cup thingy. It was super fun. It was kinda like a gateway to lacrosse, which we played when we were a bit older. Like parachute, it was pretty much only a rainy day activity.

Do you know what it's called?


(my artistic rendering)

dear Toronto connections,

I have a growing urge to dabble, once again, in some anti-poverty and anti-globalization activism. I'm interested in working with people who care about families, food, access to resources and even unions. Bonus points for feminist & queer positive aspects to the work. Do you know of any local activist groups/causes that you'd recommend for me? I'd really like to spend time with people who are loving and hopeful in their expression of activism, and not so much into rage as an expression of politics.
I've seen OCAP posters around. Do any of you know their vibe?

I am considering coming out of my cocoon.

New Norco Cruiser womens’ bike for sale - $450

Regular retail price is $475 + tax ($540)

(My computer isn't letting me load up images right now, but the link I've included has pictures on the manufacturer's web site.)

This 1950s style cruiser bike was purchased at end of season 2007, and has been ridden for 2 months. It was a custom order so there are no other ones like this in Ottawa. I can't ride it because of a back injury and I don't want to store it for future use. It was stored indoors during the winter after I bought it last October. Upgrades include the addition of a double kick stand and lovely wicker basket. Bike is in excellent “like new” condition.
( details )
Click here for the Norco web page with retail price and product specifications. The model name is "Sekine".
http://www.norco.com/bikes/city_and_path/cruisers/

Bike is available for pick-up or test ride at Tunney’s Pasture or in Centretown.