A Flood of Community Support

As many readers know, Southern Alberta was hit with the worst case of flooding it the province's history. A local state of emergency has been (or was) declared in 25 communities. We're not out of the woods yet either. I grew up in one of the hardest hit areas - High River, Alberta. This is what the town looked like on Saturday:

Almost the entire community of 13,000, along with the surrounding area was flooded. It's a sight that makes many residents and former residents teary-eyed just by looking at the photo.

First responders, town employees and the army have been working tirelessly since last Thursday to de-water the town and get to water, power, sewage and communications up and going. It's a tough slog.

It has been an emotional roller-coaster ride. The hardest part is not knowing for certain just what state my childhood home is in. It has escaped the devastating effects of floods in the past, but this is the first time a flood has taken over pretty much the entire town. Maybe it sustained a lot of flood damage. Perhaps it was one of the lucky few that were barely touched. That is something you nor I have control over.

Tied right up there is the sadness of seeing such a beautiful community in such a state. This little town, like any other, represents people's cherished dreams, their livelihood, their community - their roots.

Then, while still reeling over the floods devastating effects on Bragg Creek, Cochrane, HIgh River,  Okotoks and Pincher Creek, we heard that Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Medicine Hat - even Edmonton - and its environs were bracing for flooding. Calgary's downtown core and surrounding communities got hit hard.

What is truly wonderful to see - and to be a part of - is the flood of community support. Between Facebook, Twitter and the various media organizations, the word gets out quickly regarding where help is needed and how people can help. Seconds after a post, a string of volunteers spring forward into action.

One thing that is rather interesting to note is a conversation I had with a friend earlier today. We were discussing each others' Facebook News Feeds. Whenever she posted updates about the flood or her volunteering efforts, she got several comments along the line of "That's so good of you. That's so kind." To be blunt, I found those comments odd.

Sure it's good and kind, but isn't that what you're supposed to do? Isn't there a name for that? Ah yes, the Golden Rule, which can most likely trace its roots to Matthew 25:40.

Having grown up in High River, helping each other out whenever a flood came is just something we do. Passing on the message of where and how people can help via social media is just another way that my FB network and I have been trying to help. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that many small communities and those who volunteer regularly have a similar mindset.

Everyone has their reasons whether to volunteer or not. To donate or not. Just like people have the option to ignore a mandatory evacuation order. 'Tis the nature of free will.

I'm just glad to see so many helping hands out there. I feel blessed to live in a place where the government, city and town officials are so dedicated, working alongside with the army and first responders. They, like Mayor Nenshi of Calgary, could use a nap. These folks have been fantastic, working incredibly long hours checking all the homes, rescuing people and pets, clearing debris and countless tasks that the rest of us aren't aware of.

I only wish that all places worldwide that have been stuck by a natural disaster can experience this outpouring of community love and support.

Want to help with the Alberta Flood relief efforts? Check out these links:

Calgary Clean Up

High River Flood Support FB Page

M.D. of Foothills

Okotoks Online

Red Cross Alberta Floods Fund

Town of High River

YYC Helps

If I've missed a link, please share it in the Comments section. Thanks!

Buying Geek Toys, Vintage Collectibles and Otaku Merchandise

A guide on where to buy geek toys and gadgets such as vintage comics, lava lamps, gamer shirts and action figures - locally and online.

Whether you are looking for the coolest geek gadgets or retro toys, there is an increasing number of places available that cater to geeks, nerds and otaku everywhere. This is just a brief introduction and guide to where to buy “all things geek”.

Shopping for Vintage Comics and Retro Toys Locally

Sometimes, you can stumble upon geek vintage at a flea market or a garage sale. However, if you are on the hunt for vintage comics or retro toys, there are several other places that could meet your geek shopping needs.

Comic stores, used book stores and some game stores sell new and used items. Perhaps the best place to find retro toys such as old Star Wars action figures, Super Nintendo® games and old comics is an antique store.Canadian collectors can find antique dealers in their area at Antiques Canada, while American collectors can search for antique shops on US Antique Dealer. Some antique dealers also participate in antique shows and toy expos.

Buying New and Retro Geek Toys at Comic & Toy Conventions

The Dealer Room Vendor Room is the place to go if shopping's your game. Vendors carefully select their treasure finds to match the clientele attending comic and toy expos. There, you can find vintage treasures, such as Snoopy lunch boxes, original GI Joe figures and old Superman comics. You can also find some of the latest geek toys, clothing and accessories, such as Pac-Man belt buckles, game shirts and geek badges.

Toy and comic shows in Canada are expanding yearly. Popular fairs include the The Edmonton Collectible Toy and Comic Show, The Red & White Calgary Comic & Toy Expo, Vancouver Comicon, Montreal ToyCon and the Canadian Collectible Toy Expo in Bulrington, Ontario.

Toy and comic fairs are alive and well south of the border as well. The Eckman’s Card, Comic and Toy Show is the longest continuously running show in the San Antonio area. Old Toyland Shows in Cleveland have been in operation since 1980. They specialize in old, obsolete, and collectible toys and models. Other annual comic and toy expos held in the US include the Sports Card, Comic, Toy & Collectibles Show in Pennsylvania, the CreatureCon Orlando Comic Book & Collectibles Show in Florida and the Chicagoland Entertainment Collectors Expo.

Buying Geek Toys, Gifts and Gadgets and Geek Shirts at Online Toy Stores

In addition to shopping at Amazon or eBay, there are a growing number of online merchants selling various items to help you master the art of “geek chic”. This is a short list of reliable online stores:

1. The Geek Chic (Canada): Founded in 2008, The Geek Chic Boutique offers a wide range of office toys, gadgets, games and geek apparel through their boutique in Fredericton, NB as well as on their online store. Popular items include the “It's not cartoons... it's anime” t-shirt, Nintendo® Zelda backpack, My Butterfly Jar and a USB MSN Missile Launcher.

2. Play-Asia (Hong Kong): Founded in 2002, Play-Asia is a leading online retailer of video games, DVDs, music CDs, geek gadgets and toys. The company caters to customers in Asia but offer selected items to international customers. Popular items include Pokemon Black, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Final Mix and LittleBigPlanet 2.

3. ThinkGeek (USA): Founded in 1995, ThinkGeek has mastered geek excellence. The company has earned an "A+" rating on the Better Business Bureau's website and received a Circle of Bizrate Excellence 2010 Award. Their human and canine employees list the following items as customer favorites on the company website: Bucky Balls Magnetic Building Spheres, Star Trek Enterprise Pizza Cutter and Biofuel Gourmet Caffeinated Popcorn.

4. Hobby Link Japan (Japan): A: Founded in 1995, HLJ sells anime and doll figures, scale models, anime items, toys, books, magazines and more to customers worldwide. Hot items include Sci-Fi Revoltech Mark VI (Iron Man), 1/72 Millennium Falcon and a DX Chogokin Macross Quarter.

Prior to shopping online, you should do your research. Read customer reviews, check the Better Business Bureau's reliability reports and read up on each retailer's terms, conditions and return policies.

Whether you want to buy a gift for your geeky friends, get your hands on the latest otaku plushies or track down your favorite retro toy, there are numerous places that can fulfill your geeky shopping needs. Antique shops, toy and comic expos and online toy stores offer a wide mix of gadgets, toys and clothing to suit geeks of all ages.

Originally published on Suite101.com on Jan 25, 2011. Updated June 23, 2013.

Diggin' the Light Therapy

A while back, I snagged my father's Light Relief infrared therapy machine to ease my achy muscles and joints. However, it would appear that someone else in the house is enjoying the benefits of light therapy:

You can read more about the benefits of light therapy for people and dogs with arthritis here. The Coles Notes version is that the lights penetrate deep inside to reduce pain and inflammation. It also helps stimulate the cells to heal,

Rhona-Mae Arca Named Tech Teacher of the Year

It's official, I've been named Tech Teacher of the Year by Roland Canada, Conservatory Canada and Music for Young Children. Click here for the official press release.

Applicants had to submit a three-minute clip describing how digital technology is used in their music studio, as well as how digital technology impacts their students as well as themselves. Here is my submission:

This announcement comes on the heels of my latest music and technology project. Last week, my students and I prepared, recorded and submitted videos for Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 4.0 - Bliss. A record number of over 8,200 videos from nearly 6,000 singers and 100 countries were submitted. Some of my students and I even helped out on  tech support during the final days prior to the submission deadline.

Thank you so much to the sponsors: Roland Canada, Conservatory Canada and Music for Young Children for this opportunity. Hats off to my fellow teachers who also made a submission as they are also leaders in working technology into music education.

See you all in Halifax!

Grown Up Geek Messenger Bag Success

As some of you know, I've been looking for a grown-up messenger bag to replace my FMA bag. Even though I scoured my fave online geek and otaku stores and made a short list, none of them were screaming, "Take me home." Until last week. Last week, I stopped off at one of our local gaming stores, Imaginary Wars to pick up dice for my studio. I spied a Princess Leia purse. When the manager asked if I was looking anything specific, I inquired about grown up messenger bags. He pulled up the Chewbacca messenger bag.

From the understated brown colour to the embossed Star Wars logo, it oozes "grown up". However, to a geek, the strap is instantly recognizable.

The inside is pretty roomy as well. Decent pockets. Big enough to fit my netbook or my choir books and binders. Sturdy.

It's a keeper!

If your local geek store doesn't carry it, you can buy the Star Wars Chewbacca Messenger Bagon Think Geek (click on link) or Amazon.