Cave Swiftlets

Ah Cave Swiftlets! My new favorite bird! It's not even that the bird itself is that cool, but it's nesting ways is what I find so intriguing. Their nest is made from their saliva (90 liters), which dries to make a neat crystal-like haven. Cool, hey? Now for the twist, their nest is the ingredient in Bird Nest Soup - a Chinese delicacy. The nest itself has no flavor, but the texture is what makes it so unique. Although I'm not so fond of the soup part, I have never heard of such a nest. Talk about making use of your own resources. And to think we make our houses from materials such as cement. We have so much to learn.

Here's a really good video that goes into more detail, with great footage of the nests and harvesting procedures.

-LA

luvu

why NZ?

Well! Personally, and perhaps this is lame, but my initial interest in New Zealand was sparked by my favourite movies, The Lord of the Rings. Most people know this, but for those who dont, or for those who for some absurd reason have not yet watched the films, LOTR was filmed in New Zealand! The director made a point of including several scenic landscape shots within the productions that melted my heart!!!! Since watching LOTR, i have been convinced that New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the world. And i cannot express how excited i am to be spending seven months within it!

 Haven't watched, or read The Lord of the Rings? I HIGHLY recommend it. In fact, I cannot stress it enough. I am currently in the middle of reading The Two Towers, and the difference between the books and films is notable.  Therefor, indulge yourself with both! If for no other reason, atleast you will get to sink your eyes into the wonderful sight of Orlando Bloom as Legolas. <3<3<3<3

-LH

Middlesex

If you're looking for a good fall book to read, Middlesex might be just for you! It's not your typical love story, or murder case. Instead it reflects on the life of a family that led up to the birth of a hermaphrodite. It's not something we hear about everyday and the author is not afraid to touch on the feelings that are experienced. It's set through the 1920's to present day, triggering a whole new interest for history that I never knew was in me. Jeffrey Eugenides is a captivating author that never seems to disappoint. A must-read if I said so myself.

-LA

Portail De La Promesse

Next time you are on the north side of the city (preferably in the winter, when the leaves have fallen), take a walk past the Portail De La Promesse.  Originally erected on August 27th 1989 in recognition of the Jeux Canada Games that were held in Saskatoon on August 13-26, 1989. I gave it a short visit on the 26th and quickly sketched it before heading off to work. However, there is more of a story to this than what is commonly known. Many of you are probably familiar with the Tribute to Youth piece situated downtown. This piece was also put up in memory of the Jeux games. After it was decided that Tribute To Youth would be placed downtown rather than Portail De La Promesse, the artist was a little upset and placed his art in the Meewasin Park so that it perfectly framed the Regional Psychiatric Centre. On the other hand, if also perfectly frames a tree.

Tribute To Youth

Imagine this image is reversed.

-LA

So many bikes!

Ahh how cool is this? 120 bikes on the wall. I now have a better idea on how I will decorate the exterior of my future house.


Bike Shop


-LA

Pick up some mustard while you're out

Very occasionally one of my friends will notice the mustard community in my home. It doesn't occur often, so growing up I always just assumed every family had a mustard collection much like our own. However, now that I have become more educated on the matter, I have decided it's time to face this ever-growing fascination my family has with mustard. The first step is always the realization of the issue at hand and stepping away from denial. Hopefully this will be the last family photo they receive.

-LA