October 17th in history

On this day in history a few important events took place…

1931 – Well-known gangster, Al Capone (“Scarface”), is found guilty of income tax evasion. One week later, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison in addition to a fine of $50,000.

1933 – Dr. Albert Einstein and his wife – who are fleeing from Nazi Germany – arrive in Princeton, New Jersey, where he will continue his scientific work at the Institute of Advanced Study.

1943 – The 415-km Thailand Burma railroad between Bangkok, Thailand and Rangoon, Burma is completed. During the construction of the railway, approximately 13,000 prisoners of war and 100,000 civilians died as a result of the living and working conditions.

1979 – Mother Teresa is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work on behalf of the poor and destitute in Calcutta, India.

2006 – The United States population reaches 300 million.

Publications at IISD

It seemed appropriate to take a moment and point out a few projects I worked on while completing a CreComm internship at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

When I entered the office on my first day, a huge stack of scientific-looking documents greeted me. Immediately, it was explained that my job would be to read through the teetering pile of information, extract the most important points, and write content for a brochure that would be easy for the “everyday person” to understand.

Then, I would take the same content, modify it and turn it into copy for a video that I would also voice. It was no easy task, but I actually enjoyed learning the definition of words like eutrophication.

To view the brochure I wrote copy and created the design for, click here.

To view the video I wrote copy for and voiced, click here.

Internships are a fantastic thing. They provide an opportunity to step outside one’s comfort zone and into a completely new world. It allows soon-to-be-graduated students an inside look as different career options. I wouldn’t trade my internship for anything, and I am very excited I have something to show for my three weeks at IISD.

Reducing my carbon footprint in Winnipeg

I really hate driving downtown every day.

Taking the bus doesn't bother me - and I really do prefer it - but I don't want to take the bus when I have three bags full of stuff (including a laptop, lunch, portable hard drive and camera) that I have to carry on and off the bus with me. I look like a pack mule. It's slightly ridiculous.

Working at IISD for my work placement has taught me a lot about living environmentally-friendly. Almost every single person in my office cycles to work throughout the year, resorting to the bus or carpooling only during the winter months. I admire that about my current co-workers, and it has made me realize that complaining about carrying "too much stuff" is an excuse that most people make so they don't have to try to be more eco-friendly.

This is part of the reason why I've decided to attempt to start riding my bike to and from work every day. It is only 10 km from my front door to my new job at MPI, and I'm pretty sure I could do that in well under an hour.

There are, however, two concerns I have regarding this new idea.

1. Wardrobe changes - I'm pretty sure MPI doesn't have showers or change rooms or anything to support an employee who wants to bike to work. IISD has all of the above, and employees are given time to change and get ready for his or her day. I'll have to carry my work clothes in my backpack, and change at the office.
2. Pembina Highway - There isn't a clearly marked bike corridor on this main thoroughfare, and I've heard horror stories of cyclists getting clipped, knocked over or flat out hit by frustrated commuters during rush hour. It is illegal to bike on the sidewalk - because bikes are technically considered to be "vehicles" - but the prospect of travelling all the way down Pembina every day makes me very, very nervous.

Please, City of Winnipeg, we need a bike path or a clearly marked bike corridor down Pembina Highway from the University of Winnipeg to Osborne. Please. PLEASE!

Today, I'm going to do a "pre-bike" to work in an attempt to determine IF I can complete the trip with my bike, my self and my backpack intact. I also want to see what it's like biking down a busy road during the day.

Wish me luck! And don't worry, I'm wearing a helmet.