FEED ME!

Posted by :David Manly On : May 20, 2010
2

Category: Killer plants, Pitcher Plant, Sundew, Venus fly trap

Plants never quite held an interest to me. I understood their vital roles in the ecosystem, I admired their beauty and their survival in the harshest of climates, and I spent a long time learning how they grow, evolve and reproduce.

But, they never were able to keep my interest compared to animals, which is why I studied zoology and not botany.

However, there are a few species of plants that I do like, and here they are:

Sundew
 

From the family Droseraceae, these plants look and act in an interesting way. At first glance, they appear to have some dew on the ends of their long leaves. But, like most plants, looks can be deceiving – they are true killers.

The droplets of dew are not dew at all, but a sticky substance known as mucilage that will trap any unlucky insect that happens to be attracted to the glistening globs.

Once the insect touches down to sample the fake dew, the true marvel of the Sundew is revealed. The plant then contorts its tentacles to the centre of the leaf, and traps the insect with a barrage of sticky globs of mucilage.

Once the insect is cornered, there is no escape.

It is survival of the fittest at its best.

Pitcher Plant

In researching the pitcher plant for this blog, I came upon something very interesting, but I will get to that after the description.

Examining the pitcher plant (most of which fall within the Family Sarraceniaceae), nothing too extraordinary leaps out, other than their long tube. They seem perfectly innocent upon first glance. But, these plants are a marvel of evolution.

The pitchers live in nutrient deficient areas, like most other carnivorous plants, and have to supplement with the only other source available – live prey. What makes the pitcher plants so unique is the way they go about it, which is distinctly less active than the Sundew.

The leaf attracts insects with the promise of nectar, which is located on the underside of the leaf, right above the mouth of the tube. If the insect strays too far to reach the sweet nectar, it falls into the pit below and drowns in water. It is then dissolved and used as food for the plant.

No fuss, no muss.

And what was the surprise I discovered? The species known as the purple pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea, is of great importance to one part of Canada.

According to the website, newfoundlandlabrador.com, the pitcher plant is of great importance.

“For many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the pitcher plant represents a flexibility and distinctiveness that we associate with. In 1954, the Newfoundland Cabinet designated this unusual and interesting plant as the official flower of the province.”

Venus Fly Trap

No list of carnivorous plants could be complete without this magnificent example. It is likely the most famous killer plant, and it cannot be denied that it is one of the most impressive example of unique adaptations and predatory strategies.

The Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula), like the Sundew and Pitcher plants, primarily digests insects and arachnids.

The trap is set up like all the others, with a lure of sweet nectar. But, the fly trap possesses many minuscule hairs strewn along it. If an animal contacts more than one within a few seconds, it triggers an action potential that causes the trap to be sprung.

The closure of the plant is quick, and creates a prison from which escape is not likely, and then the prey is slowly digested.

Here is a video showing Pitcher plants and Venus fly traps in action, featuring none other than the amazing David Attenborough:

And, for those who are interested, here is a website where you can BUY Sundews, Pitcher plants and even Venus fly traps!

http://www.flytrapcare.com/store/

By the way, the title of the blog is an homage to the movie “Little Shop of Horrors,” which features a very large killer plant that needs human blood to grow.

David
The definitive host

You have nothing to fear …

Posted by :David Manly On : May 12, 2010
0

Category: Andrea Letamendi, Fear, fight or flight, Nightmare on Elm Street

I was almost done this post yesterday, but my browser crashed, and for some reason, it did not save. SO, I had to start the entire post again from scratch.
——————————————————————————–
Two weeks ago, I saw the re-booted Nightmare on Elm Street movie that was just released, and while it was not a bad movie, it was not good either. They tried to emulate the original, which was the one thing I had hoped that they would not do.

However, when I left the movie, I began to think about just how powerful fear is. After all, we have all been frozen by fear at some point in our lives. You may put on a brave face, you may try to hide it … but it’s true.

But, what exactly is fear? Why is it so important? And why do people love being scared so much?

To find out, I spoke to Andrea Letamendi, a psychologist who specializes in treating patients with anxiety, phobic and traumatic disorders.

Letamendi says that fear is an important biological response, as it primes the body against a perceived threat in order to survive. “We rely on the experience of fear as an indicator,” she says. “It’s a sign that we need to flee or fight.”

The fight or flight response is a mechanism that allows us to quickly metabolize a great deal of energy to step back and flee, or step forward and fight. This is shown by an increased heart rate, tunnel vision, increased blood flow to the large muscles, and the release of a chemical known as epinephrine, more commonly known as adrenaline.

The brain interprets any and all threats in a similar way, whether it is a relatively benign perceived threat (such as public speaking) or an extremely dangerous one (like a hungry cougar about to pounce).

This cartoon, aside from its terrible animation, gives a pretty good explanation about the fight or flight response.

Click Here

However, fear is only useful when the proper responses are activated and you learn from the experience. According to Letamendi, “anxiety and phobic disorders are a result of poor interpretations of the physical fear response – a dysfunction in perception of fear.”

Letamendi also says that the reason why scary movies and haunted houses are so popular, is because the individuals who enjoy them realize that it is in a controlled environment, and that they are safe. But, it must be noted that not everyone responds to fearful stimuli in the same way.

“Not everyone gets pleasure out of feeling fear,” says Letamendi.
“Not everyone likes getting scared.”

But, fear is a powerful emotion. It can make the most banal activity to you seem an insurmountable obstacle to others.

Even Letamendi admits she is terrified of Freddy Kruger and will never see those movies, despite all her knowledge and training.

But the real question is: do we truly have nothing to fear, but fear itself?

Sleep tight.

David
The definitive host

Welcome to Blog 2.0!

Posted by :David Manly On : May 11, 2010
2

Category: "The Black", Changes, Science, The definitive host

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

As you have most likely noticed, there are a few things different about my blog, so let me walk you through the changes.

1) The colour scheme has been slightly altered. Nothing dramatic, just a few tweeks here and there

2) I have a rather large picture at the top of my blog from my undergraduate thesis. It is an immuno-histochemical stain of a cross section of a frog kidney, with different colours representing different components within.
Blue shows DNA, red is for tight junction proteins (which holds cells together), and lastly, green stands for the sodium-potassium ATPase pump (which controls the levels of sodium and potassium within the blood).

3) The title has dramatically been changed.

My blog is no longer entitled, “Musings of a Manly.”

It served me well in the two and a half years I have had this blog, but as Bob Dylan says, “The times, they are a changin’.”

Let me explain.

I started this blog when I was finishing up my undergraduate degree in Biology, and was simply looking for an outlet for my writing. I wrote about anything that came to mind, but since my life focused around school, that was one of the prevalent topics.

However, since I will be receiving a Master’s degree in Journalism in a few short weeks, it was time to change this blog to something more akin to what I want to do as a career. For anyone who has met me, you all know what that is – science journalism.

Therefore, I wanted a title that had a scientific meaning to it, but that a normal person could say and understand in some way, shape or form.

Numerous ideas came up, and were seriously considered. Some of the options were: Blog-ology, View from the lab bench, and Occam’s Razor.

And then, while thinking about parasites (which I do quite often), I came up with the current title of my blog – The definitive host.

The title, even if you have not studied science, still makes sense. However, if you know anything about epidemiology, the study of diseases, then it has added meaning.

4) And lastly, the most significant change will be the content.

While it will still be my blog, the focus will shift from my life to a more focused view on science and that which I find interesting. While I will primarily write about all aspects of science that peak my interest, I will also discuss movies, video games, technology, comics, etc…

I do not expect all of you to continue reading my blog because of these changes, especially those of you who have no interest in reading about science or technology, but I urge you to give it a chance.

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy what I write!

Signed,

David
The definitive host

P.S. And yes, I pick up the pen and start writing “The Black” again, as I know some of you have been anxiously waiting to see what I have in store for you. Have no fear, the next part is coming!!!

Taking Aim

Posted by :David Manly On : March 25, 2010
1

Category: Archery, contest, Wahanowin

This is a piece of personal journalism that I wrote for one of my classes, and I very much enjoyed writing it. So, I hope you enjoy reading it as well 🙂

A few years back, I decided to try something new.

When people say that, they will usually buy new clothes or shoes, or perhaps go to a different type of restaurant. Not me.

No, back when I worked the summer at Camp Wahanowin as the head of Nature, I decided to try something I had always dreamt of doing, but never had the chance. Something I had only seen in movies and read about in books.

I wanted to learn archery.

Something about the feel of an arrow in your hand, the weight of a quiver on your shoulders, and the sound of a bow as you released the arrow into the air enthralled me.

I was determined to learn.

So, at breakfast one day I approached the head of archery, Brandon, and asked if he had any free time this morning to give me a lesson. He looked at me for a moment, smiled a crooked smile, and told me to be there for second period.

After breakfast I walked towards the Nature building, which was a large outdoor paddock with a small shed where I kept all the animals. Or, as the kids began to affectionately call it, “Creepies and Cuddlies,” due to the wide variety of creatures I had in my care. I fed and cleaned the cages of all the animals, everything from a chinchilla and rabbits to a ball python and tarantula.

Once done, I grabbed my water bottle, locked up the animal shed, and cut across the baseball field towards the other side of the camp, where archery was located.

Archery was by far the largest area in the camp, and was comprised of two large fields at its front and back, and a large wooden wall between the two, covered with hay.

In front of the hay were three large and pristine archery targets that had yet to be hit by arrows. Looking around, I noticed Brandon re-stringing a bow under a tent, listening to the soothing music of the Beatles.

After handing me the bow, Brandon grabbed a handful of arrows, placed them in a quiver, and walked towards an orange line spray-painted on the grass.

He then demonstrated the proper way to hold the bow, notch the arrow, and how far to draw back the string before releasing it.

“Aiming,” said Brandon pointing at his near-perfect shot, “comes after learning how to shoot.”

“How very Zen,” I quipped, as I grabbed an arrow with yellow and orange feathers.

Imitating what Brandon did, and channelling my inner Robin Hood, I pulled back the
string, made sure my elbow was kept straight, and released.

TWANG!
“OW!”
THWACK!

I dropped the bow and looked at my left arm. My inside forearm was red and raw from the string of the bow hitting the exposed flesh. And even worse, my arrow had not even hit the target. It was a good six feet to the left.

Laughing, Brandon handed me a piece of leather with two straps.

“I forgot to give you an arm guard,” he said with a wink, “to protect your non-draw back arm. But, you’ll never make that mistake again, will you?”
Wincing, I strapped the piece of leather to my injured forearm, and tried it again.

TWANG! … THWACK!

Three feet.

“Take a breath before you fire, and exhale as you release the arrow,” said Brandon, channeling his inner Yoda.

“Yes sensei,” I chuckled.

Calming myself, I drew another arrow out of the quiver and notched it onto the string. Taking a breath, I drew it back and closed my right eye, focusing my left on the yellow bullseye.

TWANG! … THWACK!

I couldn’t believe it; I had actually hit the target. It was the outer white rim, of course, and only worth one point, but nonetheless, there was a hole.

I continued to take more arrows from the quiver and fire them at the target, while Brandon fixed the various broken bows and arrows that were in a large pile inside the tent.

We continued with this routine over the next few weeks. My improvement was slow, but steady. Brandon would watch occasionally, giving me pointers here and there, but pretty well left me alone to hone my skill.

One day at Nature, while I was about to feed a rat to the ball python the campers lovingly named Mr. Squeeze, Brandon stopped by and told me some interesting news.

“There’s going to be a councillor-only archery contest before camp ends,” he said while staring at the snake dislocating its mouth to feed on the frozen rat. “You should enter, you’ve definitely improved.”

“How long do I have to practice?” I said anxiously.

“About a week or so. You in?”

“Definitely,” I said, smiling.

I decided to keep on practicing as hard as I could, and hope that I would do well.

I practiced whenever I could fit it in, whether it was dawn, lunchtime, or dusk. I was committed.

When the day of the competition finally came, for pure fun, I had gone to the drama department and was dressed in a rather appropriate costume: Robin Hood.

The competition proceeded in rounds like most do, and either by pure luck or sheer skill (I’m still not sure which), I ended up in the championship round. It was, hilariously, between different heads of camp programs: Swimming, archery, nature, canoeing and riflery.

We lined up in a row, pulled arrows from our quivers, and took aim at our own individual targets. The closest one to the bullseye would win.

I closed my right eye, took a deep breath while I pulled the string back, and released.

TWANG! … THWACK!

Not Your Average Microbe – A Review of SUPERBUG by Maryn McKenna

Posted by :David Manly On : March 21, 2010
2

Category: Microbiology, MRSA, SUPERBUG

Based on my background, as well as my thesis, many people assume that I am an animal guy through and through. Granted, my thesis was on frog salinity tolerance, and I know quote a bit about a vast majority of animals – but that is not my only area of interest.

I took a microbiology course in 4th year, due in large part to my mother saying I would enjoy it and having a passive interest in how the so-called “lower organisms” worked.

Man, was I wrong.

I learned to love microbiology and learning about bacteria and viruses – how they work, how they kill, how they fight and how they die. It all interested me, and I soaked up all that information like a sponge.

If there would have been more microbiology courses at my university, I would have taken them and perhaps changed my thesis into something microbial. I still love learning about bacteria and viruses, and will take any opportunity to expand my existing knowledge base.

That is why I was thrilled to get an advanced copy of Maryn McKenna’s new book SUPERBUG, coming out on March 23, 2010, which deals with the development of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

MRSA is what is known as a superbug, it is multiple-drug resistant and impressively deadly. It takes massive amounts of drugs with often serious side-effects to even have a chance of beating it.

MRSA – Courtesy of GiantMicrobes.com

While it was historically known as a disease that only occurred in hospitals in people that were already suffering from a weakened immune system – that is no longer the case. A new completely different strain has come up that affects people who have not had any contact with hospitals. It is known as community-acquired MRSA, and is surprisingly lethal.

McKenna’s style is aptly suited to this type of book, as there is a lot of medical jargon that requires a deft hand to explain to people with little to no knowledge in that particular area. This is accomplished through what I can only describe as a massive amount of interviews and research with individuals who have been affected by MRSA.

This book raises a lot of issues regarding the sanitary procedures performed at hospitals, the over-prescription of antibiotics in both people and animals, and the sheer speed in which MRSA can adapt.

Reading this book may seem like some sort of scare tactic, and it is. But it is the sort of thing people NEED to hear.

And the best way to do this is to let the people whose lives have been affected speak for themselves, and McKenna realized this and only breaks away from a narrative for context. Simply put, it is a superbly written science book that reads like a novel.

I don’t want to spoil any of the surprises lurking within the book, and there are many regarding the health care industry, misplaced government spending and agricultural practices that would shock you.

There are also parts of this book which may be difficult to read if you are squeamish, specifically where she describes the various symptoms that people infected with MRSA had to deal with. And, not all the people you meet throughout the book survive, as MRSA is an indiscriminate killer.

SUPERBUG is a very impressive book that has some very important lessons to teach us about microbial evolution, and the huge effect it can have on the human population.

It’s been a while ….

Posted by :David Manly On : March 1, 2010
0

Category: AAAS, Ottawa, San Diego, Twitter

Yeah, I know it’s been a while. Yeah, I know you all have been eagerly awaiting my next post.

I know, and I apologize. But, this term has kept me incredibly busy, and when you spend every day reading and writing, its hard to get the motivation to do it for fun. If I were paid to do so, that would be different (and I am currently accepting sponsorship offers) 😉

So, here is something a little different.

For those of you who do not know, I am on Twitter (follow me! @davidmanly) and have become quite an avid Twitter-er.

Therefore, so you can all know what I was up to in San Diego … here are my Tweets from when I left Ottawa for San Diego to my return.

Ohhh, and zoo pictures will be up soon 🙂

Enjoy!
————————————————————————————-

In San Diego, getting ready to go to some receptions. Little nervous, as this is my first time to meet and talk with prof. writers 5:45 PM Feb 18th

Ok, off to shoot a video and then attend some receptions … wish me luck! 5:54 PM Feb 18th

http://twitpic.com/140j6f – This door-knocker prevents disturbances and potential molesters from coming to you hotel 6:12 PM Feb 18th

http://twitpic.com/140myt – I saw the sign, I opened up my eyes and saw the sign … 6:32 PM Feb 18th

‘Think Canada’ button is firmly on my chest. Wooo Canada! #aaas 8:43 PM Feb 18th

Being given a pep talk by the president of the #aaas, who is also a Nobel laureate. 9:53 PM Feb 18th

Wooooo Plasmodium falciparum! I love parasitology and microbiology 🙂 10:20 PM Feb 18th

I’m in the same hall that has hosted #SDCC Marvel and DC panels, and yet, I am learning about aquaporins. Wooooo 😉 10:26 PM Feb 18th

I’m in the same hall that has hosted #SDCC Marvel and DC panels, and yet, I am learning about aquaporins. Wooooo 😉 10:26 PM Feb 18th

OK, ready to hear about the science of superheroes! Wooooo! #aaas 11:23 AM Feb 19th

Apparently, Masi O. and Milo V. from TV’s Heroes are supposed to be here #aaas 11:27 AM Feb 19th

All about making science ‘real’, and they worked on Watchmen, new Tron, Fringe and Caprica 11:44 AM Feb 19th

Watchmen screenwriter and author of Physics of Superheroes are also here. 11:47 AM Feb 19th

Saw a video with Brian and Stewie talking about science and the awesome reach-around that it is 11:57 AM Feb 19th

19/50 of top grossing films are sci-fi or superhero related 12:00 PM Feb 19th

Day after tomorrow … bad film with bad science 12:03 PM Feb 19th

Two good scientists in movies: Foster in Contact and Williams in Good Will Hunting 12:14 PM Feb 19th

Screenwriter from Watchmen is great and talking about the plausibility of science 12:21 PM Feb 19th

Death of Gwen Stacy is perfect example of kinetic motion and gravity 12:31 PM Feb 19th

Thank Quantum Mechanics for your iPod 12:38 PM Feb 19th

So happy. Shrodinger’s cat thought experiment is being discussed 12:39 PM Feb 19th

Science of Dr. Manhattan finally explained! 🙂 12:46 PM Feb 19th

Science of different powers on TV’s Heroes. Now? Invisibility and flight #aaas 12:59 PM Feb 19th

Last speaker: How do superheroes evolve? 1:13 PM Feb 19th

Best sentence so far: “A mutational innovation” #aaas 1:18 PM Feb 19th

Choanoflagellates … ancestor of multicelluar animals? 1:28 PM Feb 19th

I just met the woman who is the science advisor for the show Breaking Bad #aaas 1:50 PM Feb 19th

Worst sci-fi movie of all-time from the panel. The consensus is The Core #aaas 2:07 PM Feb 19th

Panel is done … 90 minutes till my next one about food allergies. Off to exhibit hall 2:15 PM Feb 19th

In the food allergy presentation discussing allergen detection and even a possible cure #aaas10 4:34 PM Feb 19th

No definite cure for allergies, so main way is reading food labels! Do you read them? #aaasa10 4:51 PM Feb 19th

One food contains multiple possible allergens that an individual could be allergic too #aaas10 4:57 PM Feb 19th

Cure possible? A researcher has shown that daily exposure to allergens do increase tolerance. #aaas10 5:26 PM Feb 19th

They expect that within 3 years, a treatment for allergies will be available, besides carrying an Epi-Pen #aaas10 5:41 PM Feb 19th

In a rather dry, but very important seminar, regarding scientist communication with policymakers #aaas10 6:56 PM Feb 19th

Ig Nobel prize discovery – the “rescue bra” which can quickly turn into a respiratory mask. I kid you NOT 8:57 PM Feb 19th via mobile web

http://twitpic.com/1483pm – The amazing RESCUE BRA! 9:05 PM Feb 19th

One last thing for #aaas10 today. Apparently, the first stage of love (obsessed stage) in the brain is identical to that of someone with OCD 12:24 AM Feb 20th

Just got into my first seminar of the day: Repairing our DNA. I’m looking forward to this one! #aaas10 11:27 AM Feb 20th

Room was EMPTY, but now starting to slowly fill up #aaas10 11:31 AM Feb 20th

One human cell has around two meters of DNA! WOW! #aaas10 11:35 AM Feb 20th

First presenter: DNA mismatch repair systems and why use model organisms #aaas10 11:44 AM Feb 20th

Fascinating stuff about yeast genetics (gene loss from genome rearrangements) and the rate of this is much higher than we thought #aaas10 11:54 AM Feb 20th

But don’t worry. Our cells have numerous repair mechanisms to combat this (but, nothing’s perfect) #aaas10 12:01 PM Feb 20th

“There is a method to my madness” – Comforting thoughts from a cancer/DNA biologist #aaas10 12:08 PM Feb 20th

New speaker discussing Xeroderma pigemnentosum (cannot repair UV dna damage and creates many cancerous lesions) #aaas10 12:17 PM Feb 20th

Over 400 cancer genes have been identified (aka oncogenes) #aaas10 12:24 PM Feb 20th

Last presenter: Importance of DNA double-strand break repair #aaas10 12:33 PM Feb 20th

Chemotherapy agents damage DNA, which can cause cancer #aaas10 12:33 PM Feb 20th

Students are falling asleep to the left and right, but it is fascinating (double-strand break repair mechanisms) #aaas10 12:42 PM Feb 20th

BRCA2 (known to be involved with breast cancer) is very important in double-strand break repair #aaas10 12:45 PM Feb 20th

Ahhhh snoRNA, how I missed you (pronounced snore-nah) #aaas10 12:56 PM Feb 20th

I asked a good question. Yay me! #aaas10 12:59 PM Feb 20th

Did you know that particle physics helped make the shrink-wrap around Butterball turkeys stronger? #aaas10 1:36 PM Feb 20th

Ok, break for lunch! In an hour, I’ll tweet from a press briefing about stem cells #aaas10 2:01 PM Feb 20th

Awaiting the news conference to begin #aaas10 2:58 PM Feb 20th

We need to think of cancer as a disease of stem cells, as that is where most begin #aaas10 3:17 PM Feb 20th

For stem cell therapy – “The science is just NOT there yet, but will be soon” #aaas10 3:23 PM Feb 20th

Umbilical stem cells work for a small child for blood-related cells. No lung, no brain. They are unproven #aaas10 3:28 PM Feb 20th

Met a nice girl from Texas today, and now I’m off to do an interview about women in science #aaas10 5:43 PM Feb 20th

Back to the hotel … exhausted, and it’s only 8pm 11:05 PM Feb 20th

Watching Frost/Nixon on TV … good times 🙂 11:46 PM Feb 20th

“I’m saying, that when the President does it, it’s not illegal” 12:38 AM Feb 21st

Mmmmm, Canadian Press breakfast …. #aaas10 11:18 AM Feb 21st

About to attend a presentation about women in science in US, Canada and the world #aaas10 11:30 AM Feb 21st

European Union has 27 countries with over 500 million people (bigger than the US) #aaas10 11:50 AM Feb 21st

“Women are not daunted by science, but are daunted by careers” – EU Commission #aaas10 12:06 PM Feb 21st

“Science is not biased, but people and employers are” – US representative #aaas10 2:31 PM Feb 21st

Had lunch and now in a sustainability lecture regarding communities #aaas10 5:14 PM Feb 21st

It seems that the public does not trust scientists to put society’s goals above their own goals #aaas10 5:26 PM Feb 21st

Little Timmy took a drink, but he will drink no more. For what he thought was H20, was H2S04 5:44 PM Feb 21st

http://twitpic.com/14mecm – You gotta start ’em young! 6:05 PM Feb 21st

I’m excited for this talk: Mutators vs. Anti-Mutators in Evolution and Medicine #aaas10 6:31 PM Feb 21st

Canadians everywhere are in mourning. So disappointing. However, we still have hope! #GoCanada 10:07 PM Feb 21st

Unexpected meeting with @MiPiAi was fantastic … made a day that was not going well turn great 1:22 AM Feb 22nd

I lost my umbrella today 1:22 AM Feb 22nd

GO CANADA! Ice dancing was grrrrrrreat 1:36 AM Feb 22nd

Got up and my computer has a problem. But, off to breakfast and then the zoo. No conference for me today 🙂 1:46 PM Feb 22nd

*Phew* Did most of the San Diego zoo in like 4-5 hours. It was a good day 8:20 PM Feb 22nd

Heading out to my first ever #TweetUp, with the fabulous @ArkhamAsylumDoc. Great way to finish up my last day in San Diego 🙂 11:01 PM Feb 22nd

#GoCanada! THAT’S how you ice dance 2:40 AM Feb 23rd

Airport fun!!! 1:16 PM Feb 23rd

http://twitpic.com/14xzf1 – Woooo! Exit row! I’m the go-to guy in event of a landing to open to door. Go me! 2:32 PM Feb 23rd

Landed in Chicago, had a quick bite of McD’s, and now waiting to take off back to Ottawa. Hopefully it won’t be too cold 🙂 7:20 PM Feb 23rd

http://twitpic.com/15041y – Hey David, it’s Canada. Welcome back … Sucker 9:33 PM Feb 23rd

Ottawa Life

Posted by :David Manly On : January 30, 2010
1

Category: Rideau Canal, Skating

For an assignment, we had to observe something and write an article about it. So, I decided to observe Ottawa citizens on the Rideau Canal one afternoon.

Enjoy!

An Ottawa winter is not complete without ice skating on the Rideau Canal.

Having officially opened on January 14 to the public, one of the hallmarks of an Ottawa winter officially began.

Even with the below zero temperature and wind cutting through jackets like a knife, the skaters were kept warm by the smiles on their faces and the excitement in their hearts, despite the consistent flailing of limbs as people fell.

“But Daddy, I don’t know how!” screamed a little girl wrapped up in a pink winter coat and a Disney princess hat, as her father tied up her skates.

Her father simply grinned as he zipped up his suede jacket, and adjusted his black hat and gloves.

“Don’t worry honey, I’ve got you,” he said, as he gently helped her onto the ice.

Within seconds of taking her first careful steps onto the ice, her reddened face changed from an expression of fear to that of unabashed joy, all the while screaming for her father not to let go.

But, like all parents teaching their children to ride a bike, the father let go after a few short minutes without telling her.

“You’re doing it honey!” he shouted a small distance behind her.

As she looked back at him, her smile became impossibly wide as she said; “now I’m better than you, Daddy.”

Watching this as they skated by was a young couple dressed in matching brown and blue parkas.

The man’s face was drenched with sweat as he was holding onto his girlfriend’s arm like a vice. And, as if taking a cue from the little girl in the princess hat, she raised her voice at him and said that if a child could do it without any fear, so could he.

“I mean, you’ve got to be at least three times her age, Jack, and she’s already a better skater than you!”

“I wanted to go see a movie,” said the man with venom in his voice, “but no, you wanted to get some exercise. You know I broke my arm skating!”

Briefly skating away from her boyfriend, the woman did not see that a large man in a trench coat was passing by. She collided into his chest and fell down onto the ice with a large thud.

Her boyfriend erupted into a chorus of laughter as he helped her up, clearly enjoying the sudden reversal of roles.

As they resumed skating, holding each other tightly, they passed the young girl and her father, removing their skates.

“Did you have fun, honey?” said the man in a hopeful voice.

“I fell down Daddy, but I’m ok, see?” said the girl with an infectious smile, causing her father to give her a large hug.

“But Daddy?” said the girl once the hug was done, “can Mommy come next time? I want to show her what a good teacher you are.”

Her father, obviously touched, grinned and grabbed her hand as they walked away.

Who am I?

Posted by :David Manly On : January 13, 2010
1

Category: Daniel, Facebook, PMO, Stephen Harper

Two interesting things have happened to me over the past few days.

1) Over Facebook, I installed an application that tested how original your parents were in naming you.

Now, I know that David is a relatively common name, but I was shocked and highly entertained about what came up.

And I quote:
“Your parents get an F+ for originality.

Ranking – ‘David’ was the 5th most popular boy’s name in your birth year.
Rarity – 87% of boys had rarer names that year. (Grade: F+)
Peak year – ‘David’ peaked in popularity in 1955.
Current rank – ‘David’ is currently the 14th most popular boy’s name.
Current name – Your parents might name you ‘Daniel’ today (current #5).”

Read that last line again … my parents MIGHT name me DANIEL today. DANIEL. The name of my identical twin.

You think that means the universe is trying to tell me something?

2) This was just weird.

I checked out my Master’s mail box today while I was going to go edit some radio stuff, and noticed that I had a letter. Intrigued, I looked at the envelope.

This is what I saw:

*Click on it to see a larger image, believe me, it’s worth it*

Intrigued that it was from the PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, I opened it. And, I saw this:

*Same deal. Click on it to see a larger version of the picture*

Apparently, when I called the Prime Minister’s Office last term about Senate reform (see my Capital News Online article about it on the right), they actually DID receive my message. However, seeing as the letter was addressed January 4 2010, and my article was due at the beginning of December 2009, it did me little good to receive it now.

But apparently, Harper appreciated my request and asked the signer to give me his thanks.

So, Harper was told about my request. That means he heard my name, and did not want to be interviewed by me. I’ve only started my journalistic career, and have already been blacklisted by the PM.

I guess that means I’m a bonafide Canadian journalist!

"The road goes ever on and on …"

Posted by :David Manly On : December 31, 2009
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Category: 2010, New years, top 5 movies

Well, another year is drawing to a close. And what a year!

But first, the past decade has been an interesting one filled with changes for me.

In 2000, I was in high school, and was ready to start an everlasting love-affair with biology. I was always a science nerd, but high school was one of the first times I thought ‘Yeah, I could do this.’

Look how far we’ve come.

After high-school and getting my honours bachelor of science in biology/zoology, I decided to go into writing/journalism. JOURNALISM!

Looking back, I can understand why people got so confused. Also, I was recently reminded of something my OAC English teacher said to me after we received our essays back.

She said that I was a “wordsmith,” and that I have a way of making everything that I am discussing, whether talking or writing, and making it sound like it is the most important thing to know or listen to at that particular moment. While some of my professor’s in J-school may not always agree with bits of that, it was nice to be reminded of that.

As for good ol’ departing 2009, there is only one way I can sum-up the year, and that is through my top five movies of the year!

#5) Watchmen

Yeah, it wasn’t the greatest movie out there, but it was damn good fun (especially if you’ve read the graphic novel, which I suggest everyone do!) The book was the only graphic novel to be named one of TIME magazine’s “All-TIME 100 Greatest Novels” list. And by the way, Rorschach is the best.

#4) Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince

Yeah, it’s Harry Potter. But so what? Sure they glossed over many story points, and the reveal that (SPOILER ALERT) Snape was the Half-blood Prince really didn’t have the emotional impact that it had in the book. But, it was an enjoyable movie that had action, adventure, drama and comedy, which is more than I can say for most movies released in 2009.

#3) Zombieland

What an unexpectedly good movie! It has copious amounts of violence, blood, gore, humour and Woody Harrelson having probably wayyyyy too much fun in his role. If you want just a great time, see this movie. And the cameo in the film, which I will not spoil here, is A-friggin-MAZING!

#2) The Hangover

This movie was a bit of an odd one. It didn’t have any big stars, and the premise seemed a bit ridiculous, but somehow, it all worked. Not only did it work, but it worked amazingly well. And Zach Galifianakis as the brother-in-law was simply fantastic to watch, and hilarious throughout the entire movie. Just watch it, and if you don’t like it, even just a little, I don’t think we can be friends.

#1) Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

You’re probably thinking: WHAT? SERIOUSLY?

Yes.

I went into this movie with low expectations, thinking that it was going to be another ok animated movie. But it was great. And it had so many science jokes, I was blown away! 🙂

And you could tell everyone was having a great time doing voices in that movie, from the sheer fun that Bill Hader, Anna Faris, and everyone else seem to be having. And honestly, who wouldn’t love a movie that had Neil Patrick Harris as a monkey, giant food falling from the sky, a guy in a literal chicken suit, and a phone-call between a son and his father attempting to send an email, which had me rolling in my seat.

Go see this movie, but PLEASE eat first. I am not joking, you will be binging for food like nobody’s buisness. Head my warning!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, FOLKS!

Winter activities, Ferrets and the virtues of Twitter

Posted by :David Manly On : December 20, 2009
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Category: Forensics, MRP, Twitter, Winter vacation

Every day that passes by, is another step closer to my eventual return to Ottawa and journalism.

Recently, I’ve been taking it easy and relaxing with friends and family.

However, do not think I’ve shirked my many responsibilities that I have to do when I’m home. I have started reading a book which needs to be reviewed for science journalism at the beginning of January, as well as watching my MRP footage and taking notes about the shots I took.

The worst part is watching myself doing the stand-up’s and video diaries which I made in South Dakota.

It’s odd watching yourself on video, and since I was the only one there, I just kept the camera running as I did take after take.

So, there are many takes of me flubbing my lines, and since the camera was running and I was miked, you can hear me talking to myself in the badlands of South Dakota. It’s very funny, but at the same time, slightly cringe-inducing.

Whatever shape my MRP takes, it will be interesting, that’s for sure.

I also need to start thinking about how I can set up a website for it….

Anyway, I had an interesting experience with the last article that I had to hand in for 2009.

The article was about my experiences tagging along with a company that did crime scene and biological clean-up. I really needed an outside source to discuss how important safety is in that particular industry.

I tried calling police officers and the like, but no one was getting back to me promptly. That was, until I mentioned what I was writing about on Twitter.

One of the people who I follow, and have had Twitter conversations with on various occasions, mentioned to me that she is in the industry. Not only that, she also knows a lot about the various safety concerns that can crop up.

I got a source, for a school assignment, via TWITTER! Seriously, how amazing is that???

Thank you so much, Adrianna. You saved the day! 🙂