Michaelann Dahlman's blog: 2016

Monday 14 November 2016

Tuesday 27 September 2016

Why do Canada & America celebrate Thanksgiving on different dates?

Tuesday, September 27,2016.

A little nugget of information on why Canada & the US have different Thanksgiving dates. Got this article from a local free newspaper "The Penny Express" in 2010.

Wednesday 15 June 2016

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

I have been an atheist since I was about 8 or 9 & I have been a Buddhist since I was 16.
I found some very interesting articles on Buddhism on Huffington Post. And I also found some interesting articles on re-incarnation online. I shared them of Facebook a few days ago, but they have been "improving" (insert sarcasm font here LOL) Facebook, so that it is more difficult to find anything older than a few days on my (& other's feeds). So I decided that I should post them here, so that I can always find them again.

Here's an article by George Takei, who was raised Buddhist: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/24/george-takei-buddhism_n_6535306.html

I really have to try & find this book. The artwork is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful!!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/14/gods-in-print-poster-collection_n_7063080.html

The Buddhist & the neuroscientist, studies on what compassion does to the brain.
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/07/dalai-lama-neuroscience-compassion/397706/

An interesting article on the 1st Buddhist monastery in the US for ordaining both monks & nuns. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/01/thubten-chodron-women-buddhism_n_6557484.html

2 articles on the very 1st Zen temple to officiate same-sex marriages in Japan: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/12/japan-shunkoin-temple-lgbt-wedding_n_6308052.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/shunkoin-temple-gay-marriage_us_56290990e4b0aac0b8fbeb01

For 25 years, a Buddhist monk in north-east Thailand, Phrakru Pitak Nanthakthun has conducted ceremonies to “ordain” trees, which he said he hopes will bring an end to deforestation and the decline of the environment. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/04/buddhist-monks-ordain-trees_n_6784568.html

Matthieu Ricard, biochemist & Buddhist monk,believes he has unlocked the seceret to happiness & it may help save the environment:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/16/matthieu-ricard-altruism_n_7795988.html

Ani Choying and Tibbetts recorded an album of meditative Buddhist chant and singing titled Cho, with Tibbetts providing a diaphanous soundscape. The album took its title from the tantric Buddhist practice of intense meditation and visualisation.
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rhythmdivine/ani-choying-drolma:-the-buddhist-rock-star-nun/6291634

After decades of rule by an oppressive communist government, which destroyed hundreds of Buddhist monasteries, burned ancient texts and executed thousands of lamas, Mongolia transitioned to a constitutional government with a parliament and an elected president in 1990. With this change came the opportunity to revive the country’s Buddhist community, to which end the Grand Maitreya Project aims to serve. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/grand-maitreya-project-mongolia_us_57043833e4b0537661880b70?utm_hp_ref=buddhism&slideshow=true

What if the chants emanating from a Buddhist temple were actually rap lyrics and the intricate mandalas were actually graffiti?

That’s how Gomyo, an American Buddhist priest living in Japan, envisions the future of his faith. Born Kevin Seperic, Gomyo began rapping in the 1990s and got introduced to Buddhism when he moved to Japan in 1994. Now he’s spearheading a movement called “Hoodie Monks“ to use hip hop as a vehicle for Buddhism practice and education. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hoodie-monks-buddhist-hip-hop_us_5620024ce4b0c5a1ce62a289

ARTICLES on re-incarnation:

http://reluctant-messenger.com/reincarnation-proof.htm

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2015/02/09/proof-of-reincarnation-this-boy-can-remember-specific-details-about-his-previous-life-as-a-woman-named-pam/

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2011/12/04/video-proof-of-reincarnation/

http://humansarefree.com/2015/07/scientific-proof-of-reincarnation-yes.html

http://listverse.com/2014/12/30/10-claims-of-physical-evidence-for-reincarnation/

http://www.iisis.net/index.php?page=reincarnation-past-lives-evidence-case-studies

http://pix11.com/2014/11/11/is-my-child-haunted-mom-seeks-help-sorting-out-4-year-olds-suspected-past-life/

http://buddhaweekly.com/rebirth-part-2-is-there-scientific-evidence-of-rebirth/

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/qanda05.htm

https://www.enthusiasticbuddhist.com/reincarnation-rebirth-life-after-life-past-life-evidence/

http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/8223/proof-of-reincarnation-rebirth

http://www.stephenbatchelor.org/index.php/en/rebirth-a-case-for-buddhist-agnosticism

http://www.insightmeditationcenter.org/books-articles/articles/should-i-believe-in-rebirth/

http://www.buddhamaitreya.org/Buddha_Maitreya/OM-Pyramid-Meditation/

http://www.aetherius.org.nz/karma-reincarnation/?gclid=CKny9MC208wCFQFsfgod-l4Gxg

http://secularbuddhism.org/2013/05/29/a-secular-evaluation-of-rebirth/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjtz4ETYJwI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-1BvpDZwiw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruL65FHeAv4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afJX-gizJtc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Aoew3jKMb4

Wednesday 25 May 2016

My 1st book review

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

"There is room for you: Tales from a transgender defender's heart" by Zoe Dolan.
A review by Michaelann C. F. Dahlman

I am just reading Zoe Dolan's "There is room for you: Tales from a transgender defender's heart", for the 2nd time. I just got it last month & in the interest of full disclosure, Zoe Dolan did offer me a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

It is difficult for me to express in words, what a wonderous delight this book was to read. It's heart-felt & passionate, I have learned more about being a trans woman; as well as much about the nature of life & love. I once dreamed of becoming a Constitutional lawyer like Zoe, myself. And I enjoyed hitch hiking across Canada & the US as a teen, before I settled down. Reading of Zoe's worldly travels was fascinating. This book felt like coming home.

This book is an epic journey into the depths of another person’s soul. It’s illuminating, thoughtful, insightful & brilliant. It is definitely a fascinating read, if you are curious about gender identity, the transitioning process, or about travel, law school, writing, the business of being a lawyer, love, hope or joy. It was so rich & complex, I am currently re-reading it, as I am having a difficult time remembering some parts. Zoe has lead an amazing & complicated life, lived in many different countries & has a brave & resilient heart.

It is probably my 2nd favourite book ever, after Kurt Vonnegut jr.'s "Breakfast of Champions", which I have read close to 200 times since 1979. And I generally read well over 100 books, every year.

I highly recommend this book.

Tuesday 17 May 2016

My favourite religious joke

Tuesday, May 17, 2016.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zoe-dolan/the-civil-rights-struggle_b_8490982.html

This article reminds me of one of my favourite religious jokes.
God came down to the Garden of Eden to give his 2 favorite creations some very special gifts. As soon as he started explaining this, Adam became very excitied."What are they? What are they?" When God told them the 1st gift was the ability to pee standing up, Adam wanted the gift, right away! "Now Adam, you should wait until you have heard both choices & discuss it with Eve." God said. "No, I am sure I want this one." Adam replied. "Well, all right then. If you're absolutely sure." God waved his hand & Adam ran off to water the nearest tree. Eve smiles, rolls her eyes & says "So what's my special gift, God?" And he smiles at her & says "Multiple orgasms, my dear."

I have been following Zoe Dolan's writing for a couple of years now, having first discovered her via a video on UpWorthy. I am currently writing a review of her autobiography "There is room for you:Tales from a transgender defender's heart."

Wednesday 10 February 2016

Food, the environment & some other stuff.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

I haven't been spending much time on my blog lately,& yesterday it occurred to me that I spent a huge amount of time on Facebook, but it can be difficult to find posts later. It occurred to me, that I should also be sharing some of the amazing stuff I find, on here.

Ways to reduce food waste: http://www.mrfood.com/blog/mf/how-to-reduce-food-waste-for-earth-day/

Here's a wonderful article on conserving & using rainwater: http://www.upworthy.com/she-came-up-with-an-invention-to-save-12-million-people-genius-kinda?g=2&c=reconDFP&fb_ref=Default

An interesting new article on cleaning water: http://www.aol.com/article/2015/10/13/this-incredible-contraption-has-removed-more-than-6-million-ciga/21248603/?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00001348

And here's another article about how difficult water can be to get, for some people in this world: http://www.upworthy.com/her-name-is-gertrude-mamba-here-is-her-story-brace-yourself?c=reccon1

An article on a famous rock star, who is helping people in his area: http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/stories/at-bon-jovis-soul-kitchen-you-can-pay-it-forward-or-pay-with

Another article, this one about a Baltimore restaurant owner's opting out of "restaurant week" in July 2015 to feed the homeless instead: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/06/homeless-restaurant-week_n_7715644.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

At the Dandelion Noodle restaurant in South Korea, the customers are either homeless or struggling financially. The owner Youngnam Suh doesn’t charge them a single penny. A devout Catholic, he operates the restaurant this way based on his religious beliefs. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/30/south-korea-priest-restaurant-poor_n_6036684.html

In response to a European Union directive to divert waste from landfills, local governments across the continent have had to come up with ways to meet the target goals or else face large fines. In France, the microscopic town of Pincé (population: 206) has come up with a particularly creative and logical solution: Backyard chickens for all. http://transitionvoice.com/2012/08/three-french-hens/

Elon Musk's brother Kimbal Musk is attempting to revolutionize the food system. http://www.alternet.org/food/elon-musks-brother-wants-revolutionize-our-food-system

The Dervaes family live on 1/10th of an acre 15 minutes from downtown L.A.. In itself that’s not strange. What’s crazy is that they manage to maintain a sustainable and independent urban farm. Complete with animals! http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/08/1391537/-Family-is-producing-6-000-pounds-of-food-on-4-000-square-feet-of-land-near-downtown-LA?detail=facebook_sf
Here's a very interesting article on an 800 year old archaeological find on the First Nation’s Menominee Reservation in Wisconsin: http://www.littlethings.com/gete-okosomin-big-old-squash-v1/?utm_source=free&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=misc

Here's an amazing article about a man who has spent over 30 years growing a forest, to help & protect animals in his native India, starting when he was in his teens.
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/indian-man-single-handedly-plants-a-1360-acre-forest

And here is an adorable story & video about a stray calico cat who wandered into Russia's Leningrad Zoo & became friends with a lynx: http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/videos/stray-cat-walks-into-a-zoo-and-a-friendship-is-born

Here a terrific article on simplifying your life.
http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/stories/the-seven-stones-of-simpler-living

Here's an interesting article on life/work choices: http://www.bbncommunity.com/imagine-living-a-life-you-dont-need-to-escape-from/

Canada has almost completed "The Great Trail" a cross-country bicycle trail (open also to hikers, horse-back riders in spring/summer, & cross country skiers & snowmobiling in winter. It'll be finished in 2017 & will be over 20,000 km (over 13,000 miles!) http://www.mtlblog.com/2016/09/canada-opening-22000-km-car-free-bike-path-across-the-country-in-2017/

New ideas on growing food: http://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/how-to-farm-without-a-field

We need at least one of these amazing unique trees, in every city!!
http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/mysterious-tree-can-grow-over-40-different-kinds-fruit

And I wish every city had a park like this, as well.

Here's a wonderful article about a town in England, that has started a program to grow food all over town, that anyone can have for free.

" Incredible Edible is about so much more than a plot of veg. It's about education people about food & stimulating the local economy. There are lessons in pickling and preserving fruits, courses on bread-making, and the local college is to offer a BTEC in horticulture. The thinking is that young people who have grown up among the street veg may make a career in food. Crucially, the scheme is also about helping local businesses. The Bear, a wonderful shop and cafe with a magnificent original Victorian frontage, sources all its ingredients from farmers within a 30-mile radius."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2072383/Eccentric-town-Todmorden-growing-ALL-veg.html

Here's one on starting your own hydroponic garden: http://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/how-to-start-your-own-hydroponic-garden

Here's one link to a woman on YouTube who has dozens of video articles on small houses & living off the grid. https://www.youtube.com/user/kirstendirksen/videos

Ikea's newly designed shelters for refugees: http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/04/10/ikea-refugee-shelters-iraq?cmpid=tp-ptnr-policymic

Purdue students invent innovative. weather-resistant shelter for disaster victims: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/outreach/2010/100322SmithUbershelter.html

This eco village is designed to be fully self-sufficient, from energy, to food, to waste. Click here to learn more: http://www.treehugger.com/culture/housing-development-designed-be-fully-self-sufficient-energy-food-waste.html

Here's a very cool article on the future of parking: http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/01/future-parking-self-driving-cars

Have you ever consider having your cremains made into diamonds? I found 2 companies that are doing this. http://www.lifegem.com/

http://www.cremationsolutions.com/cremation-jewelry-for-ashes/cremation-diamonds-made-ashes/four-cs-cremation-diamonds/

Or these beautiful pendants? http://mentalfloss.com/article/62615/artist-turns-ashes-beautiful-pendants

Did you know that bras don't really work? This study may be enlightening: http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/natural-beauty-fashion/stories/bras-dont-actually-work-says-french-study
And here's some interesting tidbits on bras & breast health: http://www.007b.com/bras_bare_facts.php
And another one: http://all-natural.com/bras.html
And one more: http://chetday.com/breastcancerandbras.htm

And while we are on the subject, why was it considered news on October 16 2015, that Iggy Azalea wore a pretty (albeit somewhat revealing) shirt at LAX (airport):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/iggy-azalea-low-cut-shirt-airport_5620ea4ae4b06462a13b951b

Here's an interesting article on cultural acceptance of women's equality, as perceived through the lens of toplessness: http://www.mtlblog.com/2014/09/montreal-woman-walks-topless-on-saint-catherine-street/

And, in case you were wondering, some cool information on Go Topless Day & nudity laws that discriminate against women. The next go topless day is Sunday August 28, 2016.

The truth about religion in American, we were never a Christian nation:
http://www.alternet.org/story/155890/the_truth_about_religion_in_america%3A_the_founders_loathed_superstition_and_we_were_never_a_christian_nation?sc=fb

A young man's innovative invention, helping to deal with plastic pollution:
http://www.iflscience.com/environment/20-year-old-launch-world-s-first-ocean-cleaning-system-2016

The French government plans to pave 621 miles of its roads with solar panels in the next five years — providing power to about 5 million people.
http://ecowatch.com/2016/02/01/wattway-solar-road/

This is the most amazing & wonderful use for a closed WalMart building:
https://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/02/04/1362304/-Texas-town-comes-up-with-the-best-use-for-an-old-Walmart?detail=emailclassic

Here's a wonderful article on a Vancouver artist's series on modern society & faith.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/11/06/dina-goldstein-gods-of-suburbia-photos_n_6117140.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000051&ir=Religion&fb_ref=Default&fb_source=message

And here's a hilarious play about Obamacare; by Dan Savage: http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/10/16/jesus-and-the-huge-asshole

I will add more articles later. Enjoy!!

I enjoy a variety of different survey groups, sampling groups & focus groups; including Smiley 360.
http://h5.sml360.com/-/zk7q

Monday 14 November 2016

Michaelann's Photography

I am starting something new @ Michaelann's Photography. I have a new software program, that can make any photograph, into a personalized animated GIF, with snow falling! Or I can make it into a short animated video, complete with sound effects or music.

I am also offering free personalized Christmas card videos, complete with sound effects or music.

I even have a new program that can take your favourite photograph & make an animated wallpaper, with snow or butterflies, whatever you like, plus sound effects!

http://michaelanndahlman.wix.com/michaelanns_photography

Contact info: Michaelann Dahlman (604)-901-8447 email: michaelanndahlman@gmail.com