Beijing - Here I Come...

Well I'm all set... My flight is booked! My Visa has been processed. My accommodation is set, my daily perdiem has been renegotiated... and the company I am working for has coordinated my work schedule for the next month - so I am off... to mainland China!

One of my biggest pet peeve's when I worked in the Hotel Industry was educating guests on where they were. I used to wonder how they even got on the plane being so uninformed. So I thought I would do some homework...

Beijing aka The Forbidden City - is the Capital of the People's Republic of China. The city was settled in 473 BC. Beijing's 2007 population was 8,495,00 in the Urban Core and 17,430 in the Municipality and the magor nationality is 96% Han. Beijing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, and has also been known in English as Peking. Also, it is China's second largest city, after Shanghai, recognised as the political, educational and cultural centre of China, while Shanghai and Hong Kong predominate in economic fields.

To be continued...

Inspirational Quote of the Week...

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Confucius.
.

LONG WAY DOWN!

This is a follow up to my 2006 post: LONG WAY ROUND

My two favourite motorcycle Boys: Ewen McGregor and Charley Boorman are BACK and they tackle Africa, from "Top to Toe"!



This Thursday July 31st a 2 hr. Feature Film will be shown across the Globe One Night Only! Check local listings to find out where...

The 10 Episode Series - Long Way Down will air on Fox Reality in the US starting August 2nd and on the National Geographic Channel in Canada sometime in the Fall.
Stay tuned... P.
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Ah... Pemberton never looked so good!

If you missed out... T-shirts are still available at the
Official Pemberton Festival Store

For reviews of the weekend consult George Straight.com

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Reunions

This past weekend... my highschool had a reunion and it made me think of this movie quote:

Sam Weber: Hey, Nick? You know, we go back a long way...

Nick: Wrong, a long time ago we knew each other for a short period of time; you don't know anything about me. It was easy back then. No one had a cushier berth than we did. It's not surprising our friendship could survive that. It's only out there in the real world that it gets tough.

From The Big Chill written & directed by Lawrence Kasdan

I still stay in touch with my friends from High School. Though our lives have taken different paths, and we don't have much in common but the past, seeing them reminds me of a simpler time. A time when anything was possible. It's true that the "real world" isn't as easy as it was when we were 17 but then again it sure is more interesting. xo P
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MAD MEN on Women...

Mad Men Returns!

Season II

TONIGHT on AMC

10pm Eastern/7pm Pacific

THIS Sunday - Don't Miss:

Portobello West

Summer is here and so are the shoppers. Many happy shoppers enjoyed a sunny day at the market as they stocked up great summer styles. If you missed it, it's not too late at the July market you'll find even more summer style and design as well as great gifts for the many baby showers and weddings that you are surely attending!

Portobello West Fashion and Art Market is open March to December at the Rocky Mountaineer Station, with $2 admission for the public (children 12 and under get in free!), on the last Sunday of the month from 12pm to 6pm.

I can't tell you how many people stop and ask me where I got some of my accessories... Well the secret is out - right here! Bring CASH xo P.

In Memory... Randy Pausch dies at 47.

As referenced in my May post: Are You a Tigger or an Eeyore?

Click this link to once again see Randy's inspiring

LAST LECTURE.

This is a man who chose to live a life of contribution till the end. His words and life lessons moved, touched and inspired millions.

Next time you are having a bad day... Watch the Last Lecture, GET OVER YOURSELF and be GRATEFUL for all that you have.

P.

When's the last time you went to the Drive-In?

Grab the kids, bring pillows and blankets and share a childhood experience!

The Twighlight Drive-In in Langley is the place to be.

Enjoy! xo P.
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Pemberton Music Festival THIS Weekend...

Camping Information:

The Festival Campground will have 24 hour security, toilets, cooling stations, wash facilities, general store, and a campground clubhouse including a bar that will serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as food service from 7:00 AM - 3:00 AM daily.

Noise curfew: 3:00 AM to 8:00 AMThe Campgrounds will open Thursday, July 24 @ 10:00 AM and close Monday, July 28 @ 5:00 PM.

If you show up prior to 10:00 AM on Thursday,

July 24th you will be turned away!

Access to the Campgrounds is restricted to those with a valid Camping Ticket and 3-Day Event Ticket.

All camping attendees MUST be 19 years of age or older & have valid I.D.

For more detailed information consult the website:

http://www.pembertonfestival.com/home/index.aspx

HSBC Celebration of Light...

DON'T MISS THIS YEAR'S EVENT!

July 23 CANADA

July 26 USA

July 30 CHINA

Aug 2 FINALE

10pm English Bay, Vancouver

Rain or Shine

Music Simulcast on ROCK 101 FM

I'm falling in LOVE with my new iPhone...

Like any new relationship - there is a period of adjustment... during this time, you decide if your new love - in this case referred to as "it",  is a keeper.

Does it FIT like my old phone? No, it's bigger and a little awkward to hold but the tactile pleasure of it's shiny smooth surface makes me want to hold it all the time!

Does it WORK like my old phone? No, my old phone was SO old that my SIM Card could not be transferred, hence my entire contact list has been lost, so at the moment I only have numbers for those who have called me in the last week. Which is interesting, it makes you notice who is really in communication.

Does it TRANSLATE like my old phone? No, we are in the midst of a communication breakdown at the moment. I am constantly texting the wrong words when pressing the wrong keys, but I am determined to work through the bugs.

Does it CHALLEGE me? Most definitely but aren't most things that are worthy? In my life this has been the case more often than not.

Lastly, will this learning curve be COSTLY? Hell Ya, but when embarking on any new experience, I have also learned you usually pay one way or another.

So... Why do I toss the red flags of caution aside and like a teenage girl revel in my Toy-Crazy infatuation! Because just the touch of it makes me smile ;P I have to bring it where ever I go, introduce it to all of my friends and tell anyone who will listen just how wonderful it is.

Am I committed? YES... Like many before me I have been wooed by sex appeal. A sleek and seductive shiny NEW new thing that promises the cachet of youth, has captured my attention. Though there are moments during these trials & tribulations that make me long for the ease of my old phone. We'll see, my conversion is not yet complete...

Stay tuned to meet my new love's "family', my new MacBook!

Talk on... iP.

I AM CANADIAN!

Inspirational Quote of the Week...

Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always in effectiveness.

Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elemental truth. The ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans; that the moment one definitely commits oneself, than providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that will never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manor of unforeseen incident and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.

I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets, "whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius power and magic in it."

Make a decision and watch your life move forward.

Oprah.
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Pemberton Festival Newsletter...

With the Pemberton Festival coming up in just a few days, we have some exciting announcements and information to update you on.

Pemberton Barn Dance and Pancake Breakfast
There will be no shortage of events to keep you, and your dancing shoes, busy at this year’s Pemberton Festival. It has now been announced that a nightly Barn Dance, starting on Thursday, July 24th, will be incorporated into the weekend’s events. The Pemberton Barn Dance is a twelve-year-old Pemberton tradition, which began as a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce and grew to include the Rotary Club, the Legion and the Lions. Typically a one-day event occurring on the same weekend as the Festival, the Pemberton Festival and Barn Dance organizers have teamed up to bring the event to the festival and expand it to four days. In keeping with tradition, the Barn Dance tent at the Festival will include local bands and DJs.

Festival Camping and RV Ticket holders are invited for a very special sneak peak of the Barn Dance on Thursday, July 24 from 5pm to 11pm. Drinks (alcoholic and non) will also be available, so plan ahead to arrive at the site on Thursday to enjoy this special Pemberton party. The Barn Dance goes into full swing on Friday running from noon to midnight each day.

After long nights of music and dancing, refuel at the Barn Dance between 7am and 11am (Fri-Mon) at the Biggest Pancake Breakfast in Pemberton, open to all ages. If you’re looking for something exhilarating to do before heading to the festival grounds, take the opportunity to meet some of Pemberton’s local adventure operators who will be at the Pancake Breakfast signing campers up for adventure tours.

General Store
Forget something at home, or need to restock on the essentials? Save yourself from packing heavy and from making extra trips into town, and swing by the convenient General Store for your weekend necessities.

We will be stocking many camping items, like burgers, hot dogs, and kabobs for the BBQ, Whistler water, cold drinks, milk, juice, fruit, yogurts, eggs and bacon. First aid supplies, propane, ice, cereal, bread, sweets, chips and other salty snacks, cigarettes, lighters, sunglasses, feminine hygiene products, condoms, suntan lotion, and insect repellent. Fun items like glow sticks, tanning tattoos and hats will also be available. In the mornings, you’ll find hot coffee, tea, and breakfast sweets. We will also have organic, natural, and/or biodegradable packaged items for sale.

Microwaves will be available to warm up meals you’ve purchased at the store.

Carpooling
What fun is a road trip without friends? There’s no better way to make friends and get the full festival experience than getting together, driving together, and creating unbelievable memories.

Carpooling has brought people from all walks of life together for one common goal; a desire to reduce gas emissions without relying on public transportation. The Pemberton Festival has joined forces with PickupPal to get concert goers to and from the festival, by matching drivers and riders based on fees, preference, and route. From there individuals can travel to the concert, making new friends, saving cost, and being a part of a green program. PickupPal is not a traditional rideshare, but rather, is specifically focused on group and event-based needs.

Remember, with the Pemberton Festival offering free parking to cars boasting four (or more) riders, carpooling just makes sense.

Please visit http://www.pickuppal.com/ for more info and to get started with finding your fellow concert goers and future friends to carpool with!

Traffic Advisory
Most of us can hardly wait to arrive at the first Pemberton Festival in just a couple weeks. But remember, thousands of other festival goers (and drivers!) will also be eager to arrive. To minimize your time stuck in traffic, and to help you travel safely, the Pemberton Festival would like to advise those who are planning on arriving to the festival through Lillooet via Duffy Lake Road of additional hazards to be aware of before heading out on their drive:

• Duffy Lake Road is a very mountainous section of highway with numerous switchbacks and steep grades. These conditions can be very demanding on a vehicle’s engine, transmission and braking. It is therefore advised that drivers get their vehicles serviced so that they are in good mechanical condition

• This section of highway is remote with no cell phone reception. Therefore, response times to vehicle breakdowns or accidents could be quite long. In addition, it is advised that drivers refuel in Lillooet to ensure they don’t run out of fuel before reaching Pemberton.

Check http://www.drivebc.ca/ for current road closures before heading out.

For those traveling from Vancouver via Whistler, please also keep in mind that there is only one gas station in Whistler. To avoid long waits, consider fueling up in Squamish or Pemberton.

Accommodations in Whistler
Whistler Blackcomb is proud to be the official accommodation supplier for the Pemberton Festival, offering a limited number of rooms specially priced for festival fans. Whistler is only a 20 minute drive south of Pemberton where you can choose from 3 star properties to 5 star luxury accommodations. Be sure to check out the great restaurants and nightlife in Whistler Village.

Exclusive rates start from $104 per night based on 2 people sharing a room from July 21 -30, 2008. Don’t delay, rooms are only available by phone and are going fast. Call 866.787.1935 today.

Molson Canadian Rocks!

Ice cold Molson Canadian will be flowing throughout the beer garden starting 5:00 pm on Thursday in the Barn Dance Tent and continues all weekend long in the beer gardens throughout the festival.

Look for the “code hunters” who will be handing out cool prizes all weekend long. What code do you live by? Tell our promo team and they’ll reward you.

Haven’t got your tickets yet? No problem, just text “ROCKS” to 14747 which will automatically enter you to win one of 10 pairs of three day tickets. See you there!

Rogers VIP
Want to be a Rogers VIP? If you’ve purchased your Pemberton Festival tickets through Rogers Wireless Box Office, you already are.

As a VIP, you’ll have access to the air conditioned Rogers VIP tent at the vendor’s village, where you can drop by to enjoy watch concert footage on our big screen while you enjoy a cold beverage. If you need to recharge your batteries, stop by our cell phone recharge centre, and sit back while you, and your phone, power back up for more excitement at this year's festival.

See You There! xo P.

Attention Shoppers!

Check out DSW.com

Over 500 Clearance Styles Available Online Today!

Go to the "Clearance" Section of the website to view all...

Note: Free Standard Shipping on orders of $50 or more through August 4, 2008 with promotion code REWS7. Valid only for logged-in DSW Rewards® members on DSW.com orders shipped inside the contiguous U.S., first ship-to address only.

For questions, email Service@dsw.com or call 1.866.DSW.SHOES (1.866.379.7463)

Happy Shopping, xo P.

.

Edible British Columbia Newsletter:

EDIBLE B.C. EXPANDS ITS FAMOUS CHEF GUIDED MARKET TOURS... GURJ DHALIWAL, ROSANNA ACENSCIO, & DORA HO ALL JOIN EDIBLE BE AND FUEL THE EXPANSION OF THE COMPANY!

Due to the incredible demand, Edible British Columbia is expanding our famous Chef-Guided Market Tours of Granville Island, Chinatown and Commercial Drive.

Participants can join Edible British Columbia and some of the province's top chefs for personal guided market experiences in the region's famous foodie districts.Each experience allows a small group of participants (maximum of 8) to eat their way through the distinct areas and learn from the professionals where to shop, what ingredients to buy and most importantly, what to do with them.

The tours began just over 2 years ago and have grown to be a favorite of both locals and visitors alike, as they can both take something different away, and all the tours are customized based on the group present that day. Our popular Granville Island Public Market tour will now run every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, giving insider highlights into the heart and soul of downtown Vancouver.

Chinatown will run every Wednesday and Saturday from now until the end of August, when it will then go back to Saturdays only.

Commercial Drive will now run every Saturday morning at 8:30am!

We still have spaces available for Commercial Drive, Chinatown and Granville Island tours this coming weekend!

In order to offer these expanded schedules, Edible BC had to bring on board more of BC's top chefs to guide them, and we are very excited to have the following people join our team!
Gurj Dhaliwal is a local red seal trained chef who owns his own catering and consulting company. Chef Dhaliwal's claim to fame lies in his winning the coveted Superstar Chef's Challenge on the Food Network in 2007!

Rosanna Ascencio is a young woman from Mexico who trained at Northwest Culinary Academy and currently works at the Observatory Restaurant at Grouse Mountain. Rosanna used to own the authentic Mexican restaurant, the Mouse & Bean (which is sadly missed)!

Dora Ho is local chef and culinary arts instructor at Matthew McNair Secondary School who also owns Tamarind Tree Catering Company. Dora speaks fluent Cantonese and lives just off Commercial Drive so she will be able to offer her local knowledge on both of these tours!

To sign up for one of Edible BC's tours, you can either book online or call us at (604) 812-9660. We are also currently offer a special package of all three tours (which have to be used within a year of purchase) for only $170, which saves you $25! If you want to buy a three pack, you need to call (604) 812-9660 as this offer cannot be booked online. Only a limited number of 3-packs are available, so hurry and call today!

Tour Details:
Price: $65 per person plus GST
Duration : Approx. 3 hours
Max/ Min Group size: 8 / 2

The Tour Includes:
• A 3-hour tour of the specified market and surrounding area • Lots of samples of regional foods • Tips on food selection and preparation including lots of recipes • Insights on local restaurant and culinary finds • An Edible BC Tote Bag • EBC Bottle of Water •10% off coupon for the EBC Retail Store at Granville Island

Please Note:
Tickets for these tours must be purchased in advance. The cut off time for ticket purchases is 5pm the day prior to the tour. Tickets cannot be purchased the day of the tour.
Ticket purchases are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another date.

Edible British Columbia Culinary Experiences Corp.
604.662.3606
info@edible-britishcolumbia.com
http://www.edible-britishcolumbia.com/

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Pemberton Music Festival July 25-27th

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to go to Woodstock?

Here's our opportunity!

.

Nine Inch Nails

Interpol

Serg Tankian

Wolfmother

Metric

Kathleen Edwards

The Secret Machines

Shearwater

Minus the Bear

Grand Ole Party

Monte Negro

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

The Tragically Hip

The Flaming Lips

My Morning Jacket

Sam Roberts Band

Black Mountain

Buck 65

Brazilian Girls

Mates of State

Carolina Liar

Low vs. Diamond

Cold Play

Jay-Z

Death Cab for Cutie

N.E.R.D.

Vampire Weekend

Matisyahu

Wintersleep

Inward Eye

The Fiery Furnaces

The Airborne Toxic

Event

Annie Stela

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Check the Events List for 60 more... Artists & DJ's Performing on

the Bacardi B-Live Stage.

http://www.pembertonfestival.com/home/index.aspx

COME PLAY... I'll be there... xo P.

Cold Play - Fix You

Stay tuned for information on the Pemberton Music Festival

Coming this month...

Join me in watching Cold Play under the Stars!

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WHY when booking a flight... ONLINE...

From Vancouver CANADA to Beijing CHINA did I get redirected from my favourite travel database: Kayak.com to United.com a US site? Okay silly question... BUT...

When I went to pay by Credit Card it asks for a US ZIP Code. Not being able to provide this I could not complete the transaction.

So... As an alternative - I logged onto the United.ca Website - put in the same dates, got the exact same flight schedule BUT for $320.00 more??!!! Not COOL...

In an attempt to determine why this would be (fearing our Canadian Government was at the bottom of this injustice) I clicked the conveniently placed button on their website labelled: Price Breakdown but NOTHING happens - on either site - SO frustrating :{

NOW I step it up and call United's Toll Free Customer Service number and go through a maze of automated instruction - 20 minutes in total - only to eventually be transferred to WEB support! Jimminy Cricket....

I thought, now what the heck are the techs going to do about this - but no one in reservations had any answers, so I gave it a try. After ENROLLING a lovely man named Mark on how unacceptable this was - to my surprise he honored the US price and allowed me to pay with my Canadian Credit Card!

Today the Canadian Dollar is worth 99.7 which means I paid $23.10 more - this I did accept.

Lesson learned... DON'T just take what they tell you... Fight the good fight when necessary and spread the word! ;P
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MAD MEN on Chastity...

Mad Men Returns...
Season II
Sunday July 27th on AMC
10pm Eastern/7pm Pacific

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Inspirational Quote of the Week...

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our dark-ness, that frightens us most.

We ask ourselves,

'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and famous?'

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born tomake manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us.

And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

By Marianne Williamson.

Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 Inaugural Speech.
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BLO...

Have you heard? All the cool kids are going to the SALON... Not for a cut - for a BLO!

Blo Philosophy

We think you deserve the affordable luxury of flawless hair, 7 days a week. With our hair menu, women can choose from 8 distinctive styles — ranging from catwalk quality classic looks to the sleek chic of a perfect pony.

We understand time is precious, especially yours. On average, blow dry styles take about 30-minutes which means your day ticks along with Swiss precision. Reservations aren't necessary.

But it's not all about the hair. We're also passionate about women's issues and the environment. That is why we support the search for breast cancer's cure and are working hard to ensure our environmental footprint is as subtle as a baby's.

Wash.Blow.Go

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Someone throw WATER on me...

I AM ON FIRE!!! What a week - It started like any other... Waking up with the sun, brewing a strong cup of joe, listening to Oprah & Eckart chat about A NEW EARTH - Finding Your Life's Purpose and jumping on line to continue my habit of posting here. Then something happened... I had a birthday yesterday (though I refuse to age - the date comes and goes) and poof I was IGNITED...

• I was hired and wrote my first official Movie Review for a Movie Website called The Movie Space check it out!
  


• I found out that the Mad Men theme, that I had pitched last month for a Corporate Event was approved! This was inspired by my Vegas trip in May. Yeah! I'll have the joy of seeing my vision on July 23rd - I can't wait! Stay tuned for pics ;P



• I had an awesome call with my Life Coach: Ron Helman who gave me the inspiration to get off my butt and finish my resume...



• I was called by the Event Planners (who I had sent an inquiry email to in May) for the Pemberton Music Festival to be a VIP Hostess for the Bands July 25th - 27th. I'm SO Excited! Paid to be a groupie - who said that? ;P



• Then with my newly updated resume, I accepted a 4 week Event Planner contract in Beijing for the Summer Olympic Games starting July 29th working with one of my very best friends - Miss Jessica! Yeah...
  


• I met Pilar Alessandra the script consultant for the first time - in person and I can totally see us working together in the future.



• OH and I almost forgot - I connected with the head of Human Resources for the Olympic Broadcasting Services for the Vancouver/Whistler Olympics regarding positions for contract work in January 2010. This opportunity came from my Dad's online scouting... Thanks Pop!
  

WHoop whoop... Life is GOOD - GREAT - AWESOME in fact! I am SO grateful... I could not have been OPEN to such possibilities with out all of the love and support of my family and friends - thank-you to everyone for giving me the time to FIND my feet! I am back - to being ME - the explorer, the organizer, the entrepreneur, the film & music fan, the adventurer and most of all the writer... Thank-you! xo P.

.

iPhone is here!!!

I woke up at 7am yesterday and drove to Robson & Thurlow - just to see how long the assumed line was. As I walked by, latte in hand, I was welcomed by a half a dozen sleepy souls standing by the wall below my old apartment window. They chatted me up and eventually wooed me over to the "dark side" of the sidewalk...

My 13 new friends and I stood, sat, drank coffee, debated Rogers fees and bonded in our retail pursuits. 2 Hours outside and 3 hours in... Jerry aka "The Man" took great care of us.

Eventually I walked away with my brand new shiny toy and I gotta say, it's

OH SO SWEET - THANKS MOM! xo P.

.

P.S. I'll keep you posted on how much my phone bill will be... Stay tuned!

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MAD MEN on Love...

Mad Men Returns...

Season II

Sunday July 27th on AMC

10pm Eastern/7pm Pacific

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Movie Quote of the Month...

Michael: I don't know anyone who could get through the day without two or three juicy rationalizations. They're more important than sex.

Sam: Ah, come on. Nothing's more important than sex.

Michael: Oh yeah? Ever gone a week without a rationalization?

From The Big Chill written & directed by Lawrence Kasdan

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3 more sleeps till the iPhone 3G is here!!!

Click here to get Educated - iPhone 101

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Rogers Canada iPhone Data Plan Petition:

To: Rogers Canada

We, the future users of the Apple iPhone, living in Canada, would like to see an unlimited data plan at a reasonable price, comparable to those seen in the United States, prior to the Q4-2007 release of the iPhone in Canada.

Increasing numbers of users have paid several hundred, and in some cases more than $1000, during one month for data usage that would have not been charged extra on any other North American carrier on their best data plan. Some customers have posted messages about their Rogers data overage costs at the following forum websites:

http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=580161&page=3&pp=27

http://www.blackberryforums.com/showthread.php?p=164173

We, as Rogers customers, Rogers representatives, and Rogers resellers of Rogers products, are all requesting Rogers to do the following: Readjust the 25 megabyte limit to more representative industry standard levels. Rogers Canada is the carrier in North America with the lowest data limit on their best "Unlimited" data plan (www.rogers.com still uses the wording "Unlimited")

Rogers permit Fido Unlimited Data users to roam on the Rogers network without the 25 megabyte limit. Also, Rogers permits Treo 100 megabyte plans on the same network. This implies that the Rogers network has sufficient data capacity to support the removal of the 25 megabyte limit.

New data-intensive iPhone software such as Google Maps integration (maps, directions and satellite imagery displayed seamlessly) from http://www.google.com/glm can be accessed via the new iPhone software. Out-of-the-box, the iPhone models (4GB and 8GB) support the capability to do full HTML web browsing with images, flash, Java and JavaScript, Email (POP3 and IMAP) quick accessibility (including Yahoo Mail fetcher in the background), Various Internet Messenger Applications, Safari Web Browser with multiple tabs (demanding more bandwidth), various widgets (stock reports, weather, etc.), likely Flickr upload integration, full multitasking abilities (including, but not limited to, viewing webpages while downloading email), and other software now pre-installed on the iPhone that use even more bandwidth. This is expected "normal" non-excessive usage of the iPhone, on top of Calling, SMS and Voicemail. 25MB by today’s standards are nowhere near "unlimited"

Rogers needs to not just look at their Canadian competitors but also other GSM carriers in North America which offer higher data usage plans with a lower monthly service fee. Since the acquisition of Fido, there has been no effort to offer a real-time voice/data tracker for the customers even though Fido still offers this.

This 25 megabyte limit was designed back when Mobile Phones only did email. The iPhone can do much more than email. Fido Wireless has no data limit. Bell Mobility recently eliminated their 100 megabyte cap. TELUS Mobility now offers a 250 megabyte BlackBerry plan for $100 per month. We would like to see a comparable data plan given to Canadian iPhone users. Data usage charges are outrageous compared to other global markets!

Mobile phones are becoming more consumer-friendly. Even RIM has redesigned their website to appeal to non-business users. Therefore, Rogers Data Plans need to be more consumer-friendly and small-business friendly.

Additionally, There is no way to self-monitor data usage, until the end of the billing period. It is easy to accidentally exceed the data limit before you receive the bill. We would like to be able to check our data usage easily, through a simple webpage.

Readjusting the Rogers data plans will help Rogers sell more iPhone subscriptions, bring more iPhone users online, make the iPhone more consumer-friendly, make it easier for Rogers stores to sell iPhones, and make it easier for people to switch from Bell/TELUS to Rogers. This benefits Rogers Canada, Rogers stores and representatives, and Rogers customers as a whole.

Sincerely, Click here to Sign the Petition.

As of today there are 10,509 Signatures! Join the Cause...
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What a difference 15 degrees makes!

Boys... You gotta love'm...

I have a gaggle of boys I spend time with... Boy-Friends...
They are all very different, and they come with different labels:

• The Co-worker
• The Entrepreneur
• The Mentor
• The Mentored
• The Married Guy
• The Divorced Guy
• The Younger Guy
• The Older Guy
• The Gay Guy

As you can see, my life is no "Sex & the City"... There is no hot group of gals running around hittin' the town. Most of my gal pals live across bridges, in the burbs, and the list above is the reality of my City Single Companionship. That said, I am quite content... All of these "friends" fulfill functions. There is:

• My Confidante
• My Fitness Partner
• My Lunch Partner
• My Creative Partner
• My Movie Partner
• My Travel Partner

So the question is... Can one man be everything to one woman? Or better - to ME?

I have girlfriends who have been married for decades (yes! married at 12) and I think the fact that they started their journey with their partners at a young age, they grew their interests in the same direction. That said, some veer off into separate interests but it appears that those who are the happiest, from my perspective anyways, tend to be aligned with how they spend their spare time.

Am I ENVIOUS? Sometimes, when I eat alone... but the truth is - my life is what it is and due to a series of events here I am. A few weeks ago, I had someone say, "I know what your problem is..." (Yes, if you have been reading these posts regularily - this is the 2nd time in the last month that someone has said this. As before, I have come to terms that this question is more about them than me. I think my unconventional reality makes people confront their own.)

"Your life is ALL about YOU!" 

Which I had to agree... no argument there. I have moments when I focus on someone else, but I always come back to me - it's grounding - I'm an all or nothing type so... like a lot of woman I can lose myself in a relationship. Balance is the quest... and to date, I have found this - in group. Maybe it's a STIMULUS issue... I require a lot, so anyone I invite into my world has to be pretty extraordinary! That's not to say I'm not open... So what am I searching for?

PASSION is the key... I don't have a physical TYPE I am attracted to... what does turn me on is someone who is up to playing a BIG game - on the field - not in the stands. My unique ability is being able to sniff this out in a crowd - the ever present potential that exudes from their pores. Their energy is inspiring and to me... OH so... attractive.

These are the qualities of the people I like to spend time with. Individuals that are payed to be themselves. They have some unique talent or skill that propells them forward on a mission to fulfill their goals... Which frankly must be more than just having enough money to retire comfortably.

Contribution is a key, they get that they are not alone on the planet, that WE are all part of a community - big and small. Like me, they are in ACTION to make a difference one way or another.

So... that's that... To answer all those in my life curious about why I am SINGLE... I will continue to acquire "boys" until a MAN as described, crosses my path Xo
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For the love of CLOUDS...

P.S. Happy Birthday AMERICA! xo P.
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The Destinctions of...

AN EXTRAORDINARY HUMAN BEING:

BE OF INTEGRITY
Honor your word. That is, do what you said you would do, by when you said you would do it. And, when you don't, clean it up, make new promises, and keep them.

BEING RACKET-FREE
Give up being right.

BEING POWERFUL
Be straight in your communication and take what you get.

BEING COURAGEOUS
Acknowledge your fear and then act.

BEING PEACEFUL
Giving up your interpretation "there is something wrong here."

BEING CHARISMATIC
Giving up "in order to" and trying to get somewhere.

BEING ENROLLLING
Share your new possibilities in such a way that others are touched, moved and inspired by that possibility.
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Jack Johnson - Better Together

Another First... Life Coach Part II

As referred to in my previous post: Another 1st... Life Coach Part I

I just got off the phone after my first Coaching Call with Ron Helman and I am SO excited!

We began by generally catching up, and I told him about the new MAC computer I was going to buy today and he asked me "What does this purchase mean" to me? I said - FREEDOM! I am presently borrowing a laptop - that I can't take out of the country and I am using a desk top where I am staying. This way, with my own laptop - one with easy wireless connection - I can move about - here, there and every where! He then asked, "How does this align with my goals?" I replied that I want to be able to work where ever I am... Continuing my path to be open to where ever learning takes me.

He also, asked me what I hoped to achieve with this freedom, and I said, "self sufficiency". Hmm... he asked me what the difference was, again - to me - between this and "Independence"? Ooo... GOT IT.

The term SELF sufficiency implies - on my own - isolated. It appears that I have confused "Independence" with "codependent". He clarified that INDEPENDENCE has more of an OPEN posturing, having me allow my community to make contributions to my needs and wellness. To date, I have been lovingly supported by friends - emotionally and tangibly through house-sitting. I have certainly been thankful but not without some guilt or sense of obligation.

I think this was triggered when one of my gal pals said, "I know what your problem is... (Don't you love when someone says that) You just don't want to grow up." Hmm... that hurt, probably because there was some truth there. Tapping into my childhood fantasy of accepting an award at the Oscars is one of those long term goals. So if that makes me immature - so be it... I know plenty of individuals who are not INSPIRED by their "adult" lives.

Picasso said, "It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child." I have certainly had responsible moments in my life - so I choose not to accept that limiting label, but for now I am open to accepting support in whatever form it comes, to explore my potential.

Ron and I also talked briefly about my challenge with perfectionism and he asked if we needed to work on that. I was surprised at my response... when I heard myself say, "No". I explained that I had put some structures in place - my commitment to Blog every day as an example, which forces me to GET OVER MYSELF and to complete things rather than get bogged down in making it perfect. I have always had the rule: If I can't do it well, don't do it at all... Which has stopped me more than oh... a thousand times. My new rule is - as far as writing goes - Let someone else do the editing, so I can focus on what I am good at, content!

We then focused on my strengths... Ron said, that "strengths grow, weaknesses don't" so, "why would you put energy towards what doesn't move you forward?" I liked that. So we talked about my ENERGY and immense POTENTIAL, strengths that will make anything possible for me when I get clear, really CLEAR about what I wanted in my life.

He referred to an interview he saw on CNN where Fareed Zakaria and Henry Kissinger spoke about what advice he would give the new Government Administration, whomever that may be, in January. Kissinger said, "They should ask themselves, what kind of world do they want in DETAIL at the end of 4 years. Not in slogans or in general objectives." Nice... So one of my exercises for next week is to take the goals I wrote down in the first post and get really specific!

We talked about giving up my past career as a Property Manager and after my story telling he made me stop and acknowledge that my VALUE to the company was understood and to know that if this was present there, it could be present anywhere. So... whenever I get overwhelmed by the fear of the leap I am taking that I should, as Eckhart Tolle has expressed, "Starve the Negative Feed and Focus on my Highest/Best Self rather than the Pain Body".

We also chatted about PASSION, which he defined as "something you would do - even if you were not paid to do it". For him it is Coaching and playing Jazz... For me it is writing. I am clear about that now - heck, I'm not being paid to write at the moment but I am sitting here plunking away, putting it out there for all the world to read!

Ron then asked me to describe a PERFECT DAY - not on vacation or somewhere else (knowing that if I had my way I would be in Kauai right now), but in the here and now. That was easy...

• I would awake to a sunny clear day...
• I would go to Cafe Artigiano, order a 12oz Soy Latte and a Pain du Chocolate, pause in the pleasure of people watching and be joined by one of my incredibly talented friends. I love creative energy I find it inspiring!
• I would then go to my office - with a view - and focus, be really productive writing, until about 4pm.
• I would then bike to 2nd Beach for a Swim and a Stretch then make my way home to have a long luxurious shower - with a friend.
• Later we would make our way to a patio to join a group for drinks, food and good conversation. At present my neighborhood is Commercial Drive - which is perfect.
• We come home and lay in each others arms under the stars of my sky light, making plans for the future I am living into - in Kauai.
• C'est Fini.

Then he asked me, "Can you create that day this week?" and I replied, "YES" and took the challenge!

We concluded with making arrangements for our next call and set up a payment schedule. How much does this cost you ask? $400 a month which includes 3 - 45 minute calls with a 3 month commitment. Pricey?! Not if you think this is almost what I have spent in the past at Starbucks OR only half the price of the trainer I hired a few years ago OR the price of one Landmark Course OR I shudder to admit - what I have paid for a pair of shoes!

True, I am on a budget now but here's the thing I have stopped my extravagant expenditures and I can make do without a Vespa (something I am presently coveting) because more importantly...

I am willing to INVEST in my future.

I am willing to be a STAND for an extraordinary existence.

I am willing to be in ACTION to achieve it.

So, like any successful athlete - I will benefit from an experienced Coach whose soul intention is for me to be successful which in turn makes him a success! Stay tuned... xo P.
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Movie Quote of the Month...

You know what music is? God's little reminder that there's something else besides us in this universe; harmonic connection between all living beings, every where, even the stars.

Robin Williams spoken as Wizard in 2007 August Rush.
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Happy Birthday Canada!