True North Strong and Free, Now with Sunny Days :)

Stealing All My Dreams - Blue Rodeo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3C1SWVquXA

I first heard this song back in April of 2015 and being a self-professed Keelorite I was immediately drawn to it for that factor alone. But like the rest of Greg Keelor's body of work, I loved it because of what he had to say and how he said it. Greg's songs tend to have deep personal meaning for me and for the record, this is not his first protest song. I figure that Greg in his youth was probably the first one at a Sit In encouraging his peers to not "Stand for It." Just before the end of the election, Blue Rodeo released the song as a call to action. Smart move, it got people talking.

It is October 2015 and Canada is in the midst of one of the longest election campaigns in the country's history. Now, I'm not a staunch political person and I sure don't understand the reasoning behind the tremendous waste of money that went along with nearly 80 days of campaigning. But over that length of time it sure gave the average citizen the chance to hear all about the political promises of 3 men vying for the top position in the country, Stephen Harper, Justin Trudeau and Thomas Mulcair. There were other smaller players in the game like Elizabeth May (Green Party) and Gilles Duceppe (Bloc Quebecois) also.

There has been a growing dislike for the current Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper for some time. That sentiment just grew as time went on. I had issues from the first campaign advertisement I heard that was not full of rainbows and promises but attacks upon the perceived greatest threat to Harper, one Justin Trudeau. In my world, there is no time or place for the bashing of another human being especially for personal gain.

There were many reasons cropping up on social media to Stop Harper. He was known for taking a back pocket position in the pants (near the farts and smell, not the wallet) of the corporate world. He seemed to speak for them more than citizen tax-payer. We faced such issues as the preservation of the environment, (what Kyoto protocol?) the safety and security of the people, scientist and researchers were handcuffed trying to do their job and slapped with gag orders (of a sort). And while the people were questioning their dwindling rights to freedom of speech, the oil companies were allowed to bleed us dry and don't get me started on fracking! 

The only non-partisan source for news and information about our people and our country, the CBC has been decimated. Consider Clara Hughes fundraisers for Mental Health "Let's Talk" and "Clara's Big Ride" which are sponsored in part by Bell Canada. The CBC and Bell owned television stations supported and promoted this worthy cause but nary a word was spoken on Rogers owned stations. This is one example proving we need the CBC for fair and honest, non-judgmental information. News, sports, music, culture, entertainment "By the people For the people."

In my humble opinion, it is the lack of funding for the CBC that sold off our national dream sport of hockey to public enterprise and left it inaccessible to many without a Rogers account. Hockey knitted communities together from one end of this nation to another. In the most remote corners of this country, you could always get an antennae and access the CBC and come together. Not so much anymore.  

The sky-rocketing incidence of missing and murdered indigenous women was just not very high on Harpers list of priorities. The veterans who made this country what it is today were cut off from services and support at the same time that incidences of PTSD among the military personnel was exploding. 

Last (for the purposes of this missive but by no means the last of the atrocities committed by Mr. Harper), at a time when on-line shopping is increasing and delivery is necessary to complete the transaction, Canada Post has become a former shell of itself. Door-to-door delivery is all but gone. The elderly are encouraged to stay in their homes avoiding long-term facilities but many are unable to access their mail which is now a potentially hazardous journey. Even the able-bodied have issues with the lack of service and inaccessibility and safety of retrieving their mail. Winter in Canada is not community mailbox friendly.

Lots of reasons to Heave Steve. 

Much of what I've said could easily have been shared long before the election. But I think people should make up their own minds. Besides, I am in some part responsible for the long tenure that Stephen Harper did have. In typical Canadian fashion we forgive and hope for better until we can't take it anymore. 

Sunny Days Victory Speech Soundbite

I'm not saying I voted for Justin Trudeau and I'm not saying I didn't. But one thing you can be sure of is I didn't approve of what Stephen Harper was doing to the country. But in the aftermath I find myself wondering what good he did do during his tenure. I put out a honest request on Facebook to help jog my memory. Instead of a jog I am barely sauntering. Maybe with time it will become clear?

Map courtesy National Post

I wanted change. Canada wanted change. We got change but I was hoping for a little more colour in the political map. Democracy works best when there is a little devil looking over your shoulder. The morning after the election, I wasn't surprised by the victory of Justin Trudeau, what I was surprised by was the near annihilation of the New Democratic Party who's popularity fell below the Conservatives. I would have preferred a little more power for a dual-opposition party to hold the current government accountable. 

Mr. Mulcair, I have only one question for you. Who was going to pay for your $15/day childcare plan? The aging Canadian population who is closer to retirement than child-bearing age? Although I understand that there are some people in true need of such a program, I object to paying for the childcare of people who live in a 2 income household so they can maintain their "mansion" in the burbs, cottage in the north, and annual summer vacay in the south.

No it is not statistically based but my views are based on facts derived from my experience in the system. How about paying the Childcare Workers a little more of a living wage? Many are making barely above minimum wage with no benefits. Hardly enough to pay off the college loans and certainly not enough to afford their own children.  

Mr. Harper, I applaud your actions which did stabalize our economy but at what cost? I don't think it much matters that we are an economically viable country if we have no country left. There are economies in some Asian countries that are booming also...and they can't breath the very air that surrounds them. I can't be the only one that sees a problem with protecting the economy at the expense of the environment and the people!

Below is a graphic that illustrates the change in tide of Canadians leading up to the October 19, 2015 election that led to a Liberal majority government, and Stephen Harper stepping down as party leader. In the end 54% of votes went to the Liberals (LPC), 29% for the Conservatives (CPC), 13% for the New Democrats (NDP), the Bloc took 10% and the Green Party took one seat. 

The people of Canada, in the end spoke loudly. More than 68% of eligible voters cast a ballot to make their voice heard. Although that figure is 7% higher than the last election it still falls short of the 80% average of the late 1950's and early 1960's. 

So we will see how this plays out. Worse comes to worse, we will have the opportunity for a do-over. Because Canada is true, north, strong and free and a democracy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fools Like You by Blue Rodeo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uvN7c6V-fs

By the way, this is not the only protest song released by Blue Rodeo. Nor is Blue Rodeo the only group to release a political or other protest song. In this election campaign alone Google tells me there were 10 songs. 

For the naysayers who think that artists like Blue Rodeo should "Shut up and sing" instead of the wealthy and well-known telling us what to think. May I introduce you to the television commercial? Have you heard of product placement? Has a politician ever tried to garner your vote? Has your boss/union/or life partner tried to sway your opinion? Have you ever buckled under peer pressure? 

You want to boycott Blue Rodeo because they jumped into the political arena, go ahead...it's your choice (democracy and freedom of speech in action). But, how many artists are you willing to not listen to for the same reason? Go back in history and consider the following very small sampling. 

The Times They Are A-Changing - Bob Dylan
Eve of Destruction - Barry McGuire
Smoking Gun - Blue Rodeo
We Shall Overcome - Joan Baez and others
Get Up Stand Up - Bob Marley
Ohio - Neil Young
Fools Like You - Blue Rodeo

STEALIN' ALL MY DREAMS

Your pipeline will spill its disease
You shut down all the research libraries
And you muzzled all the white coats in your laboratories
Then you set your sites on the CBC

You’re stealing all my dreams
You’re stealing all my dreams

Whatever happened to our democracy?
Well, this train came into town, the Reform Party
Little King, Stevie, & his monarchy
Behind the closed doors of corporate-ocrasy

You’re stealing all my dreams
You’re stealing all my dreams

He likes an enemy conspiracy
Greatest threat to mass security
He’ll throw me in jail cause I disagree
And I’m so scared of your oil industry

‘Cuz I love the rivers & I love the stream
But, I’m scared for the children & the babies
I love the forest & I love the trees
Have you forgotten that you work for me?
You can start by honoring a treaty

You’re stealing all my dreams
You’re stealing all my dreams

War planes, computer games, robo-calls & Senate shame
It’s a crime if I descent
Supreme Court held in your contempt

Native women, not a priority
Sometimes I wonder... just how you sleep?

You’re stealing all my dreams...

2015 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his newly appointed cabinet

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE:
Proof of facts in the song

http://www.bluerodeo.com/stealingdreams/

Finding the song lyrics

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bluerodeo/stealinallmydreams.html

Clara Hughes

http://letstalk.bell.ca/en/news/

Map courtesy of National Post - see more maps here

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/canadian-election-results-2015-a-live-riding-by-riding-breakdown-of-the-vote

Without a Yesterday There is No Today and No Tomorrow

Remembrance Day - Bryan Adams

In school I dreaded history and geography classes. One teacher, affectionately known as "Turkey" made geography fun but my grades were a reflection of my limited comprehension. I passed but without a lot of pride in my C grade. It turns out that I am primarily a "hands-on" (kinesthetic) learner. When I left my hometown of Thunder Bay Ontario and started to physically explore the world and my country, I began to understand and retain the information. Suddenly I could identify more than just the homeland boot in Europe. "Turkey" would be so proud of me. I still want to do much more exploring of the European nation for there is so much I don't know still. And still hoping for my Norwegian cruise someday! ;)

Love of history came about in a very different way. There are way too many anniversaries of births and deaths that take up space in my memory that adding more numbers was not to be. And there didn't seem to be anyway that I could physically go back in time to learn my way. But all those deaths that I endured, gave me a faith in the spiritual being. That faith became curiosity and a desire to learn about time before there was me.

I didn't know my dad, I certainly don't remember my dad but I still felt his love. My dad died when I was 2 years old. I don't really know when I heard of the concept of re-incarnation but even before I knew what it was or meant I had a firm belief that the family dog, Scamp, was with us to protect us. I believed that their spirits were one - my dad and the mongrel we loved. Pretty radical thinking for a good little Catholic girl. I think my mother would have been tolerant but my grandparents would have flipped a gasket. 

Beyond that, I truly believe that my father spoke to me (yes from beyond). I was about 7 years old. Too young and too sheltered to make this stuff up. I wrote about my some of my spiritual experiences in stories that I will link to at the end of this missive.

Understanding the significance of my early childhood unworldly experiences allowed me to accept the possibility for real, and allow the sensations to come forth. And that's how history became an important part of my life. 

As a kid, Remembrance Day was a day that families of all denominations gathered at the cenotaph and watched the soldiers march. I didn't have relations that were part of the military in the wars. I stood solemnly because of the sacrifices that were made by others so that I could live free in Canada. It was important even if it didn't hit my own home.

My grandfather only shared two stories of the war. Both occurred when he lived in Italy as a young father. One was being forcibly taken from his home as his wife and young children looked on. I don't know why this happened or if he spent time as a soldier (beyond the mandatory 1 year service all Italian boys were forced to do - if that). The second story he shared was hearing a deafening noise and looking up to the sky to see it blackened with the shroud of hundreds of planes flying in formation. It was a frightening sight. I have never heard any other first hand accounts of war service beyond the anonymous veterans that used to come to school and talk to us.

At some point, attending Remembrance Day services at church or at the memorial became more than I could emotional handle. In fact, I was so overcome that I was physically removed from the midst of a service to seek comfort privately. Compassion, empathy or a feeling of spiritual connected-ness, I don't know. But something had stirred deep within my soul.

As I said, I didn't have a personal family connection to any of the wars we were supposed to learn about in school. There was no reason I should feel so deeply saddened. Yet I was.  I began to believe that maybe there was a connection - somewhere in history that I wasn't aware of. I'm still not.

But I have developed an interest in history. You can go lie on a sandy southern beach...I want to explore the trenches of France and see Vimy Ridge for myself. I want to know where my parents parents met and what their life was like. I want to know about the prostitutes and innovators of years gone by. I want to see the primitive tools and more than anything I want to know the stories. Without a yesterday we have no today and no tomorrow.

A majority of Canadians once used to live in small communities with lifestyles, professions and ideals that are all but lost to most of us today. The migration to the big cities has carved the headstone for many rural communities. It's not unusual for a small outpost to be inhabited by primarily senior citizens - the younger people having moved on to find work in less traditional manners. 

When the last of the residents passes on, who will be left to tell the stories of life.  We chuckle to ourselves when we see a post like the picture here online. But while that piece of history may be more pop culture than anything else, it is still important to remember the past. It was George Santayana that said "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Sometimes I suppose, repetition can be a good thing. Do it again and again until we perfect it. But war is not one of those things. 

2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the first world war. For Canadians, November the 11th is the day we collectively stop to remember. Today, at the 11th hour I will be standing with many others silently remembering. I'll hear the 21-gun salute and with every bullet I hear, I will remember the veteran saying "You want to hear the crack of the bullets flying over your head because when you don't, you're dead"

There are many national and international projects on the go that are intent on remember those that sacrificed for our democracy. I encourage you to look some of them up. Maybe you can help.

1. A FACE FOR EVERY NAME. Bringing life in stories and pictures to every name on the stark white headstones in the graves of the fallen.

2. THE MEMORY PROJECT. Ensuring that the fallen are never forgotten and keeping their memories alive.

3. Support your veterans. Buy a poppy, say a prayer, say Thank you. With the passing of time, there are very few surviving WWI veterans left. Sadly, every day we are forced to inscribe the name of another soldier killed for his country. 

Links to posts mentioned above
Something Tells Me You Are Here with Me :) 
Part 1

Part 2

Part 3


Credits:
George Santayana
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Santayana
Los Angeles Times, by Henry Chu, June 28, 2014
http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-world-war-one-20140628-story.html#page=1
History Learning Site - World War I
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/sarajevo_assassination_1914.htm
World Atlas - Metropolitan Populations
http://www.worldatlas.com/citypops.htm
Costs of War
http://costsofwar.org/article/us-and-allied-killed-and-wounded
First World War
http://www.firstworldwar.com/origins/causes.htm
CBC kids facts pictoral
http://www.cbc.ca/kids/the-feed/world-war-i-by-the-numbers-infographic
A Face for Every Name
https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Face-For-Every-Name/669030663155269?ref=stream
The Memory Project
https://www.historicacanada.ca/content/memory-project-joins-minister-veterans-affairs-commemorate-sacrifices-canadian-forces-year
Record breaking poppy sales
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/record-breaking-pace-of-poppy-sales-leading-to-shortages-1.2826988

FOR THE RECORD, I AM VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED TO WAR.

The Unfriendly Skies

Fly By Night - Rush

"Fly the friendly skies" That's what United Airlines encourages us to do. But there are no guarantees and lately it seems less likely then ever to be true. The skies are decidedly unfriendly to the commercial airline these days. Not to mention the animosity toward paying passengers. It seems that between terrorism, weather, ineptness and stupidity buying a airline ticket to anywhere is akin to buying into the national lottery. You might win, but there is a cost and sometimes the price is too high.

internet find

"Experience the difference" boasts Sunwing, but each time I fly (which admittedly is not often) I find the difference to be more and more distasteful on all airlines. It's not just the food which is crap that they want too much extra money for. It's the cramped seats and lack of leg room. As humanity as a whole grows in width and height, the seats we must cram ourselves into on public transportation is shrinking. That's good news for the airlines for they are forcing many to purchase 2 seats instead of one just to experience a modicum of comfort. Plus they can fit more seat paying passengers onto each aircraft. Putting on the seat belt entails giving your seat mate a personal side massage. The armrest which barely fits one arm rests on your conjoined thighs. If you have a foot larger than a child, you will spend most of the flight trying to find somewhere to put it as your legs must be extended for the tray table to be level and off your knees. Feeling a bit like a t-rex with tiny arms stretched out directly in front, you finally get your tiny laptop set up on the table with the snack you brought along with you and try to pass some time in the capsule. And lo and behold the bathroom rush starts. Timing is critical, all seatmates must file into the aisle with their arms full of tray table possessions - holding steady with an elbow perched on an unsuspecting head rest (or head). You pray that you won't encounter any sudden turbulence as all bored passengers observe your juggling technique. Where is the serving cart that blocks all passage? In a rush, you hope you will you be able to contain yourself as you stand in the queue? Now add the free beer and smaller planes of Porter airlines to that mix and you are in for an entertaining journey. Enough beer and you might forget the discomfort - good planning Porter! But it does mean potentially more bathroom visits. Just don't disembark and drive! 

Carl Sagan

But we are willing to forgive and forget the discomfort and inconvenience of the flight itself as long as we get were we want to go - fast. That's the idea in theory. Not always in practice however. Consider last Christmas in southern Ontario. A freak ice storm turned every surface into glistening hockey rinks, effectively shutting down the airport services. Leaving many stranded. Hard earned vacation days were spent sitting at the airport instead of the beach. If you were lucky you managed to get on another flight and spend at least a couple of days on the beach with a voucher for 10% off your next flight. Some spent Christmas living at the airport like Tom Hanks in Terminal. It seems that any rights you have as a passenger who is inconvenienced is dependent on the airline itself. Two would-be passengers on the same flight may get very different levels of acceptable compensation. In one case, a flight to and from a sunny southern destination was delayed by approximately 12 hours. The people stuck at the holiday airport were given their entire flight costs back. The people in Canada were offered a percentage off their next flight with the company. Why the difference? Well, the company (Sunwing) stated that it was more of a hardship for the people stuck so far from home. The others were able to wait it out at home. Ummm...not everybody lives so close to the airport. In fact some people can travel (or fly) great distances to get to a major airport. They are not home! Personally speaking it is a hardship, getting a ride to the airport once...never mind it becoming a personal transit route. Inconvenience is inconvenience. I do not understand the federal politicians not wanting to support some type of "bill of passenger rights". Probably because their first class accommodations don't require any battles for inconvenient travel compensation. 

Earlier this year, Malaysian flight #MH370 vanished into thin air (or deep waters) with nearly 250 people aboard. There have been comparisons to Amelia Earharts' disappearance in 1937 which has also never been found. However in this day and age of high tech gadgetry it seems more unbelievable that this would even be possible. Commercial aircraft have locator beacons that can be used in such a case - but they can be disabled and have a limited period of usefulness if they are on. Why spend the money to install them if they won't help in such conditions? The search has long since been called off with no answers forthcoming. Meanwhile countless numbers of friends, family members have lost (in the true sense of the word) all knowledge of the whereabouts and well-being of people who mattered. 

There is "Something special in the air" according to American Airlines but that special something may be something that you don't want or expect. As you soar above the clouds it seems that in some parts of the world you may have missiles and radar signals aimed at the wide body jet poised to bring you down. That passenger next to you could be the kook that has smuggled a new weapon of mass destruction aboard. If you are lucky, your flight will be turned back and stormed by the SWAT team. It happened with a Sunwing flight that had just left Canadian airspace when someone made bomb threats aboard. Ironically passengers spoke more of the fear brought by the on-board siege by the police than by being blown out of the sky. Remember the concept of good guys vs bad guys, people?

"Live today. Tomorrow will cost more." But does Pan American World Airways tell you that the cost could be to live your last day in the air. Whatever was on the agenda for the nearly 300 passengers aboard Malaysian flight 17 I doubt "die today" was at the top. But as they cruised far above a war zone, they were still within striking distance of military fire power. And with no goodbyes...down they came and not at their intended destination. Panic ensued and flights in the area were cancelled for a couple of days and then returned to normal as the caskets bearing the dead were transported on their true final flight. 

Weather was the downfall of Taiwan's TransAsia Airways flight GE222 that took with it 47 souls, including at least one which wasn't even aboard the plane. Wrong place at the wrong time. Or someone playing a game of chance with the lives of others. 200 other flights had been cancelled in the area due to poor weather conditions.

Maybe the pilot of the Air Algerie flight should have turned back when encountering poor weather instead of just requesting a different flight plan. I doubt that the new flight plan including an unscheduled stop in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately it was a relatively quick "Find the needle in the haystack" game that led to the location of another 116 unsuspecting flyers. 




500 people plus another 250 lost souls in plane fatalities, has me for one, questioning the safety of flight. I've always been one of those that looks up to the sky and engineering be damned, planes don't belong up there. And there are so many of them. The fact that there aren't more ground or mid-air collisions boggles my mind. Flying is something I tolerate rather than enjoy. So much can go wrong and although fatalities are lessening, my fear increases. Stories about sub-standard parts and used parts going into planes makes me uneasy. Pilots with not enough experience or not enough sleep botching landings. To be fair, with the exception of this most recent rash of fatal airline accidents, safety has been increasing steadily. In the five years prior to 2013 there was an average of 1 fatal accident in 1.6 million flights. That increased to 1 in 1.9 million flights. Considering that air traffic has increased and continues on the upswing, it is still perceived to be safe - weather concerns and war-zones aside. 3 billion people on 36.4 million flights last year with less than 50 crashes in all. And fewer fatalities in the year than in the past couple of months.  

So what are the options. For the number of vehicles on our roads and driver error and distraction being key factors, cars remain the most dangerous mode of transportation. No argument here, but having survived my share of collisions, and with the improvements in the safety of vehicles, I believe that my chances of survival are greater than if I fall out of the sky in a metal bird. And fatal accidents are declining with the inclusion of airbags and other safety features. For comfort and a measure of control over my destiny, I will ride the asphalt freedom trail.

Buses are wonderful for inner city travel but long distance has all of the appeal of a port-a-potty without an air freshener. With seats slightly more comfortable than restrictive quarters of an aircraft but that snoring or loud or obnoxious or smelly seat mate will be by you side for potentially hours or days - depending on where you are going. There is no escape. A walk of the aisle will take you seconds. And frankly I will never be able to get on a long distance bus ride ever again without thinking of the young passenger who was be-headed by a passenger who was carrying the weapon to do the deed. Security is non-existent in an era where security of self is on the fore-front of everyone's mind. Fatalities on the road would be just as likely as for cars but with long hours behind the wheel, driver fatigue can be more of an issue.  

somewhere in the eastern provinces
view from the dome car

So train it is for me. Yes, trains have been known to fall off the tracks and cause some unbelievable natural disasters and even claim unsuspecting civilians in their wake. There is no denying that danger exists. But statistics show that in Canada, most rail fatalities occur to cars or pedestrians playing chicken with the train. Where a train has the right of way and the public chooses to ignore it. Internationally the fatality rate on the iron ribbons is 0.4 in ever one billion passenger kilometres. 

Sunrise view from the train

But in truth, I like the train not because of the survival rate but because of the experience. Earlier this year I boarded a train for a 30+ hour ride through eastern Canada. It was a glorious experience. I first met Oliver, who was a charming young man originally from New Zealand and very knowledgeable on a variety of subjects. I admire intelligence and we spent many hours as seat mates, chatting about the world, Canada etc. Fascinating! We became friends and watched out for each other. I sure hope that everything works out for him and his cross-Canada relationships. In need of a first responder, I would call on Oliver first. There was a comedian in the dining car that had us all in stitches, there was the dome car where you could wander to take in the beauty as the countryside zipped past. I had meals with passengers that I got to know and enjoy when we moved into the bar car for a few beverages for dessert afterwards. You could walk around anywhere and stretch you legs or meet new people. Sabrina was my childrens' age and had many Nova Scotia friends in common with them. And did I mention the live entertainment? Yes, indeed a passenger was travelling with her harp and treated a gathered audience for an impromptu concert. Those kind of relationships just aren't formed on a "get me there quick" anonymous plane ride. 


Whether you are ensconced in metal or fibre-glass or a composite your chances of survival or minimal injuries is still far greater than if you are on two-wheels (motorized or not) or two-feet. Especially it seems in Halifax! Let's keep our eyes open out there. 



Be as safe as you can where ever you may go!











credit where credit is due:
Aviation Safety by the Numbers
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/aviation-safety-by-the-numbers-1.2718687
Think slogans
http://www.thinkslogans.com/slogans/advertising-slogans/airline-slogans/
Is it safer to fly, drive or take the train
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/airline-safety-is-it-safer-to-fly-drive-or-take-the-train-1.1409337

Another Golden Goal Heard Around the Nation

Take It On Faith - Matt Mays

The costliest games in Olympic history are over. Sochi, Russia in 2014 spent 51 billion dollars to host the world. Before the games began there was controversy that continued throughout the duration of the games. I had some serious reservations and concerns about the venue of the Olympics as the date to light the flame approached. There were negative news reports coming out about facilities not being completed or ready or in the case of accommodations, not up to the standard expected. In hindsight, perhaps all world class events work to the very last moment to ensure a perfect stage for the scrutiny of the media glare. Throughout the games, there seemed to be one common thread in all the comments of athletes, and that was praise of the accommodations and facilities. I am more accustomed to hearing praises of the countryside and its people. 

Then there was the whole political anxiety side of things. Vladamir Putin's stance on LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) rights put a lot of people on edge. Would there be a feeling of tolerance or a sense of discrimination. Here in Canada, many major cities opted to fly the rainbow flag in support of the LGBT community during the Olympics. In a country tolerant of the differences it was a move that was applauded and encouraged. Well, save for our biggest city, Toronto. Mayor Rob Ford, (keeping his name in the controversial spotlight) argued with City Council that it should not fly. A fight he lost. In the end, tolerance won at least on the public front even in Russia - where there were no reports of discriminatory behaviour (at least that I heard). Pussy Riot demonstration excepted.

There were credible threats of violence and attacks from terrorist groups. But security was tightened and on high alert. Indeed, one report I saw during the games revealed the many channels and hoops that had to be navigated in order to enter the Olympic Park as a spectator. And that was a Russian citizen. I felt compassion for someone trying to share the experience that as a citizen they dearly paid for. Yet, incomes prohibited the purchase of tickets for events despite there was much talk about empty stands at some venues. 

It wasn't until I heard about the dogs that I really got annoyed however. And I made my feelings know in a facebook status questioning which moron thought Russia would be a good place to hold the Olympics. It seems that unbeknownst to many until shortly before Opening Day, Russia had a long-standing problem with stray dogs. Many cities have populations of feral cats lurking in alleyways, but the dogs in Russia apparently can be aggressive and while it didn't matter much that the citizens could be bitten when walking down the street, the idea that tourists might become the next feast was not tolerable. Poisoned bait was set out to take care of some of the more elusive ones that eluded capture either by cage or crosshairs. More that 300 canines were rounded up and killed monthly leading up to the games. I'm a dog lover but I don't know if I would open my home to a dog that was literally an ankle biter. Although did exactly that - including athletes. There was at least one makeshift shelter built to house some of the last dogs lurking in the shadows before the world's spotlight shone on the streets of the Motherland. But I don't believe it is in the political agenda to continue to pay to house these animals. Are they then released to wander again when the flame goes out? With the Olympic stage being located in Korea next, maybe the dogs will be sent there - where they are not a pest but a delicacy. :(

So with all this tension and controversy before the games even started, I thought it might be wise to just avoid the entire production. That didn't happen. In part, because I learned that most of the television I watch is aired on the CBC which was the national broadcaster for all things Olympic. So for many days there was to be nothing PVR-ing for my viewing pleasure. I don't think of it as a national pride decision to watch the CBC, more that the content and quality of programming I chose to view is more likely to be found on the CBC than on Oprah's channel. 

Truth is, controversy and potential television withdrawal aside, the news of the first Canadian Gold medal had me/us all beaming with pride. And I got sucked in to my fair share of viewing time. The winter sports are where we excel. #wearewinter. Personally I have experience in participating in many of them so I have an understanding. For me that helps. I was a kid skiing on the slopes, watching my brother compete in slalom, my classmates inaugurated the world class ski jumping facility where I spent my weekends skiing. Skating was never my thing, because I was so bad at it, but I had lessons and I understand the term shoot the duck and can identify it when I see it during figure skating competition. 

Who am I kidding...play it or not, we are a hockey nation. Windsor Nova Scotia has claimed the title of the first place to ever hold a hockey game. The first reference is found in 1836 writing of the Irish game of Hurley being played on the ice instead of field in Windsor. Hockey was born. And shortly thereafter the nations obsession with it. My own childhood consisted of my grandfather who had a recliner just to make his Saturday night more comfortable as he raged against the Toronto Maple Leafs fisticuffs over his beloved Montreal Canadiens. 

Any chance that we can prove that we are the best hockey players unites the nation more any other single event. People recall where they were when Paul Henderson scored the game winning goal during the Summit series in 1972 with seconds to go before the end of the game. It was a national event and defining moment for the country. It made many of us hockey fans - if only "moments" fans. And that is Olympic hockey fans! The jerseys come out once every four years. 

A nation of tolerance, we came to embrace women's hockey as much as the mens'. Well, nearly as much. I am glad to see the women playing the sport without feminising it. There is nothing wrong with ringette, but it is considered the female version of hockey. The Olympic women play hockey the same as the men - but without so many of the hard hits. And they play with the same passion to win. Salt Lake City Olympics (2002) brought womens' hockey in my radar when news broke that the USA team put the Canadian flag on the floor of the dressing room for the players to walk on. After winning the Gold, captain Hayley Wickenheiser offered that the Canadian team would sign that same flag. It turns out that the story was false and used to incite some passion into the players. It worked! But as they were leading up to that point it may not have been necessary. They had previously won Gold in Turin, Italy (2006), Gold in Vancouver, Canada (2010) and now Gold in Sochi, Russia (2014). They are a good team and a healthy rivalry continues to exist (without rumours) against the USA. GO GIRLS! 

Someone has to win. And in order for someone to win, someone has to lose. And as the Gold Maple Leaf flag fluttered in the breeze, ugliness reared it's head and dampened the spirit. Trending on twitter was #f***Canada. Real mature. Not!  :( Granted it was a heart-breaking loss for the Americans. The USA team was leading by a two goal margin and the game was tied in the last few minutes just as the smell of victory was in the air. The win came for Canada in overtime. Without a doubt, two well-matched teams and the winning could have gone either way. I felt bad seeing the dejected looks on the faces of the team as silver medals were hung upon their necks. I don't think the loss would have looked any different on the Canadian ladies. But I do hope that we wouldn't have stooped to American bashing. Poking fun at a long standing rivalry is quite different. And for the record if you want to throw out your maple syrup and cut down your maple trees only means that you lose again. Carry on.

But nothing is quite like the Men's Olympic hockey. A game played in the afternoon in Russia would be seen here in the early morning hours. An 8 hour time difference meant long lunches or Friday afternoon off when Canada and the USA faced off in semi-final puck whacking. Canada had been playing okay but the cocky attitude from the reporters leading up to the game against Latvia was really quite unbecoming and frankly un-Canadian. If Latvia had advanced to that point, they deserved to be taken seriously and given the credit for playing well that they rightfully earned. Canada won that game but it sure wasn't a landslide victory. It was a well-played game in both ends. Following the narrow escape from elimination, there was tension going into the game against the Americans. For these two teams it was the Gold medal game. And it is that way because we realize (or we should at least) that we are talking about two evenly matched teams. The win could go either way. This time it went ours and twitter universe sparked up once again with the profane hashtag. The funny thing is that many of the players on the Canadian team play for American NHL teams and vice versa. Once every four years they play against each other - this hate is beyond rivalry. And I mean the public not the players.

Celebrate (We All Play for Canada)

Canadian Tire TV Commercial 2014

The game this country had been waiting for was a reality. The Gold medal game would be played against Sweden on Sunday morning at 8 am (AST). The sport that brings people together as armchair/barstool cheerleaders threw its' governing leaders into a frenzy trying to determine if bars would be allowed to open at 5 am and serve liquor. Ah the breakfast beer...know it well :) Ah yes, beer dispensing establishments coast to coast were allowed to open and accommodate the eager fans if not pour them a cold one. It was a beautiful weekend here on the Atlantic coast, nearing double digit temperatures and clear blue skies. Saturday morning, people were walking the streets enjoying the weather and driving about doing errands. Sunday morning? Ghost town. Not a creature was stirring, even the pets were forced to wait for their morning elimination round. 

Good morning Canada! Let us pray eh-men! 

Canadian facebook was all a-buzz as we waited for the face off. The entire country had woken up and were glued to a tv set in pajamas or in the local watering hole. It wasn't a shoe-in victory but it was sweet. And it was tense. I swear you could hear the breath escape from thousands of Canucks that held their breath until Sid "The Kid" Crosby scored that second (insurance) goal. It was a thing of beauty. An unassisted breakaway goal always amazes me. So fast and precise. But we had seen our own ladies come back from a two goal deficit so we sat on the edge of our seats hopeful but not assured until the last minute when play did not allow the goalie to leave the ice to add an extra attacker for the Swedes. Victory came and Gold was going to Canada again. The second in a row after Gold on home turf in Vancouver 2010. In the history of hockey in the Olympics, Canada started off on a winning streak but suffered a 20 year drought in the 1970's - 1990's. Back in the bars, the crowds started whooping and yelling in the streets across the nation blocking streets and diverting traffic. Transit in the downtown core of Toronto was a mess. The joy was contagious and infectious. You would swear we played and won that medal ourselves and not the professionals in another country wearing our flag on their chest.

With this kind of hype, it would be difficult to return to a national team that didn't include professional players on the amateur stage of the Olympics. But at the risk of public scorn - followed by a characteristic Canadian apology - I personally would like to the see the playing field during the Olympics more equal with other countries that don't send players making millions of dollars playing the game. Much like the World Juniors Hockey tournament that has the ability to showcase up and coming talent. Of course not including players from the NHL would also mean that players from the KHL and other professional organisations would also not be included. I suppose the almighty dollar will ultimately have the final say. The Olympics are big business and the hockey games are a big draw and contributor to that income. I disagreed with professional basketball players at the Olympics and this is no different for me. Sorry Canada and the world.  

Meanwhile, despite misgivings and trepidation, terrorist attacks against choices and nations didn't happen. The games were a success. I may not want to live in Russia but I understand it as a country a little bit more. And that is worth something. Canada as a team did everyone here back on home soil proud. The ladies curlers who never lost a game, the male curlers who also found gold. The skiers and the skaters and the sledders. The ones who got a medal and the ones who didn't. I hope you were as proud to wear the Canadian colours as I was seeing them on you. 

GO CANADA! 

Credit where credit is due:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/la-sp-sochi-dog-rescue-20140224,0,501363.story#axzz2uG62KJQx

http://www.birthplaceofhockey.com/

http://www.1972summitseries.com/index2.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/2002/ice_hockey/news/2002/02/25/flag_dispute_ap/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Olympic_medalists_in_ice_hockey

What Is the Price of Life? and The Rob Ford Follies

Money City Maniacs - Sloan

I am going to take a stand on what I feel is a disturbing trend fuelled by the almighty dollar. I am annoyed and can't be silenced. More and more often these days we are hearing about the outcome of events being contingent on the raising of a specific dollar amount from the public. The first I heard of this involved a movie. The Veronica Mars movie project. The producer had a script and agreed in principal to make the movie (I don't know if the standard avenues for funding were explored and denied or just bypassed) - the idea was put to the fans. If you want to see it, you have to pay us for making it. Then you can pay again to see it. I guess it's your money, do with it what you want. I've no interest in Veronica Mars or even know who she is. If a movie is made and I find it worthy of my time, I will make the decision to see it then. A cursory glance at one of the internet platforms reveals that not just movies are seeking your dollar so are inventors looking to get their latest notion to market. Fashion trends too. And people are laying their greenbacks down. A few clicks and mental calculations and an easy million has been committed to various projects. 

But this notion of so-called Crowd-Funding has gone to the dark side when a tabloid-type website decided to raise the ransom requested before releasing an incriminating video of Rob Ford (mayor of Toronto, Ontario) smoking crack. Now, I'm no fan of Rob Ford but if he has engaged in illegal activity it is up to the police to deal with it. If a crime occurs, the first thing police do in this technologically aware society is seek out security video from surrounding homes or businesses. And they don't pay to view it. So it stands to reason that if someone is claiming to have video of Mayor Rob Ford engaging in illegal activity, the police need to step in not me and my visa number. He is a master of denial from the Bill Clinton School of It Wasn't Me and is quick to point a finger to someone else. Just one step shy of a temper tantrum, he blames the media frenzy on a specific newspapers being out to get him. Not even the National Enquirer could make up some of this stuff let alone the humble Toronto Star. He sees himself as a hero for the people. The people need to see him for what he is. An arrogant, self-involved, lying buffoon. And for the record, the required amount of money was raised (and then some) but suddenly the owner of the video wasn't interested in talking anymore. 

But let's look at a potential benefit to this new form of fund-raising. I am well aware of the level of my own intelligence but I can't be the only one who thought of this. Some time ago there was a story circulating on the interweb about a cancer cure in the form of DCA by researchers at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. It was on the CBC - Canada's go to trustworthy news source. The claim was that a drug called Dichloroacetate had been found to kill brain, breast and lung cancer cells while leaving the healthy cells alone. The problem was that the patent on the drug had long since expired so there was no incentive by the pharmaceutical companies to invest the money required for further testing. If they can't make money they aren't interested. This is incomprehensible to me. But it lies credence to the long held notion that there has been a cure for the common cold for many years but the industry makes so much money from our coughs and sputters that it will never be disclosed. Same thing here except it's not a runny nose it's the breath of life. And it's not an internet scam gone wild - snopes.com investigated and found that although exaggerated somewhat in the cure-all claims, there was a lot of validity to the story and according to the most cynical professionals, the drug itself was worth investigating further. 

If there is the slimmest of chances of a cure for a deadly disease that affects almost everyone one of us these days in someway...Someone we love or someone we know...If there is a tiny possibility that one person in 10, one in 100 is cured then it's worth the money. Take all the money that we raise to see a movie come to the big screen and preserve the life of a loved one - wouldn't you do it. You could send $5 to see a video of Rob Ford breaking the law or making an ass of himself or you could turn on the 6:00 news any given night and sit on the sofa and laugh with the special someone who was just diagnosed and now has a chance to live. More than $200,000 was raised for that! Think of the good it could have done.

In 2012  2 in 5 Canadians were expected to develop cancer.

In 2012  1 in 4 Canadians were expected to die from cancer.

Sobering statistics. What would you do to change it? If every Canadian made a commitment of $1.00 would it be enough to take control of the drug, do further testing and then put it to market. For the people by the people. And top it up with $1,000,000 from the next national lottery instead of giving it as a winning prize. Then we would all win again. If I could do it and have my brother back - well, it's a no-brainer. 

The Saga of Rob Ford is entertaining so lets roll with it.

Do we really need to pay money to verify that he is an arrogant, lying, disgrace to the city who thinks he is above the law. I give it less than a month before he has done something else to get the world laughing at Toronto. More Ford Nation? He needs to be recalled like the vehicles bearing his name. Mayor Rob Ford has golden horseshoes up his ass along with a silver spoon/soother in his mouth. He has dodged more bullets than raindrops in a thunderstorm and still he stands. But then again Weebles wooble but they don't fall down. The ironic thing is that he often the one stirring the pot and creating the story. This wouldn't be the first time that the always innocent Mayor has found himself on the negative side of public opinion. Off the top of my head:

1. He gave a finger to a fellow motorist when she challenged his being on the phone while driving. An illegal activity in the province.
2. He was photographed driving along a major highway, reading and navigating the congested road. Distracted driving is a crime but he begged off because he is a "busy man". 
3. He gave priority status to the road work that was to be done in front of this family's business to ensure it's completion before a 50th anniversary celebration
4. Conflict of Interest charges were brought against him after he funnelled solicited funds to his football foundation and then voted to not pay it back when the story came to light. For that he was ordered to step down as mayor. He won his appeal and the people lost.
5. Campaign finance violations by exceeding the spending limit and accepting a no-interest loan from a Ford family business instead of a recognised lender. Allegations his own lawyer didn't deny but called insignificant.
6. He extended his sympathy for cyclist who are killed on the city streets by saying "it's their own fault at the end of the day."
7. With his head down trying to avoid reporters he walks into a camera and then with a few expletives and blasphemies claims they hit him with the camera.
8. He questioned the mental competence of a fellow politician when she claimed that he grabbed her derriere in a drunken stupor.
9. It was the Toronto Sun not the Star that confronted the mayor after finding records of an arrest in Florida in 1999 for drug possession and DUI. He vehemently denied the possession allegation "Now I'm getting offended. No means No". Later he admitted having one joint in his back pocket. He pleaded no contest to the alcohol related offence. 
10. He used a taxpayer paid aide to help him coach his high school football team and they used city vehicles for transportation to games and practices.
11. Also a benefit to the Don Bosco High School team that he coached, paying transit customers were booted off a bus in the rain when Ford called the CEO of the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) saying his team needed a bus for a ride back to the school after an away game.
12. After failing off the scale at his Cut the Waist Challenge, he twisted his ankle. While he did lose 17 pounds, he never really seemed to take it seriously and when the going got hard, he gave up and went to KFC instead. And he was spotted with his hand in the bucket. More on this story can be found at my blog written on May 1, 2012 Downsizing An Upsizing World. The link can be found below. 

Credit where credit is due:
www.thestar.com 
www.cbc.ca 
www.snopes.com
www.cancer.ca
http://pinkpantherfancanada.blogspot.ca/2012/05/downsizing-upsizing-world.html