Category: Good News

May 2, 2007

I am now a Class F Driver

categories Good News | comments 0 Comments

I had a successful drivers test this morning, the result of which now means that I can drive 12-24 passenger “buses” and—get this—ambulances. Why you ask? No, it’s not a part of a larger quest to hold all Ontario driver licence types, but necessary to be able to drive a twelve passenger mini-bus in the Yukon.

Read more »

March 26, 2006

Introducing our new puppy: Foxrun Oliver Twyst (Ollie to his friends)

categories Good News, ollie | comments 4 Comments

Heather and I would like to introduce you, virtually, to our new Border Terrier puppy, Ollie. He’s the bed-hog front and center in the photo below:

He was born on January 30th, 2006 at Foxrun Kennels, just outside of Beavertown, Ontario. Ollie isn’t home yet: we’re picking him up next Wednesday night. While we were visiting Ollie, his sisters and Jen (the owner of Foxrun), his dad came by for a visit and to be stripped. Basil (who is featured here) is his name and we got to spend about an hour with him as he was transformed back into a Border Terrier. He’s a charmer. We also got to meet Ollie’s older sister (who was about 2 years old and is the second dog on this page) and she was quite sweet.

I’ve posted some of the highlights in a photo album. And here’s a video of the puppies sleeping. Ollie seems indifferent to his sister rolling out of the bed.

December 1, 2005

Some good news: My abstract for a Trash Animals anthology has been accepted

categories Good News, academia | comments 0 Comments

Just had an email pop in my inbox with the following message:

Congratulations! We are happy to inform you that your abstracts have been accepted for the Trash Animals anthology project.

Which is fantastic news, all ’round. I proposed to write about Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis) in Toronto.  Here is a snippit of my abstract:

I’ve chosen to write about my local experiences with ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) for two reasons. The first is because for most Torontonians, the species of bird known as the ring-billed gull does not exist. Rather, when most urban humans interact with this bird, a gull or seagull is seen: a homogenized mis-understanding that hides the possibility of meaningful engagement. The second is because they are seen as being, quite literally, garbage birds. Ring-bills are seen as a scavenger that will steal food from you while you are picnicking and, if you’re especially unlucky, will defecate on you.

Part of the game of academia is getting published, so if all goes well, this will be added to my C.V. Exciting for a newbie like me.