Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Day After His Birthday

The much touted day of December 25th has passed, and for some that is a good thing. I often wonder how many took the time to reflect on the origins of the day, or who tried to use the opportunity to do any good in this world we live.

I went to midnight mass last night, and it felt rewarding and uplifting. It was tinged with nostalgia, as I kept having memories of my childhood in St. Mary, and going to midnight masses.

In this country the Boxing Day hoopla is in full swing. The malls are packed with people buying "stuff" that they insist is "on sale". If anyone took the time to look at the prices of the item in October, they will notice that the "sale" price is not lower than it was in October. So why rush out to buy it? .... I refer to the attitude as a conditioned marketing reflex. I will not be in that crazy crowd today.

My phone has been ringing constantly. Receiving many calls from friends, family and extended family located in Jamaica. While we are wishing each other the best, they all say that they are living in fear. I have my own terms for it (living in a coffin or the culture of death), however, they all want to know when I will be arriving. They have more resilience than I can muster right now. One of my close friends, in Mandeville, has houses he wants to show me and telling me how wonderful the climate is in Manchecter. He will do anything to have me live in his adopted city and he is trying very hard, he is persuasive LOL.

To all who venture on this page, I hope you find peace.

"Comfort ye, my people; speak ye peace, thus saith our God. Comfort those who sit in darkness, mourning 'neath their sorrow's load. For the glory of the Lord now o'er earth is shed abroad; and all flesh shall see the token that His word is never broken."

Walk Good

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Facebook

Be Careful on the Net
With the huge development of Web 2.0, we now have "social networking", however, there are some pitfalls that users must be aware and try to avoid.
This came across my desk recently, and I thought it wise to post it here.

A new report published by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of British Columbia says young people are exposing themselves to identify theft by posting personal information on the Internet, especially on social networking sites, such as Facebook.
by Marc Saltzman
If you, or your kids, are spending time on Facebook – and many millions of Canadians are – then take heed to the following tips on better protecting yourself or loved ones from online scams (and sexual predators). Much of the same advice can be used for other networking sites such as MySpace and MSN Spaces.

1. Never give out personal information. Posting your name on your Facebook profile page is perfectly reasonable, but you need not list your address, birth date, phone number, work details or any other private information a malicious person can use against you. Also be cautious about what kinds of photos your kids are posting, in case they reveal personal info such as a photo of them in front of their school sign. Remember to remind your kids to never ever meet a new Facebook "friend" in real life.

2. Close your network. Rather than making your profile public to everyone – meaning all your details pop up if someone types in your name or clicks on your name on someone else's site – you can choose to close your Facebook network to everyone except for a small group of friends. Further, when you accept a friend request, don't be afraid to click the box that says "limit my profile." On that note, don't feel obligated to accept a friend request from someone you don't know.

3. Watch your wall. You might do a good job keeping personal info off your main page but your friends or coworkers might blow it. Example: you're going on vacation and leaving your house vacant for a week, so you don't broadcast this information on the Internet. Except a dim friend or two writes on your public wall – for all to see -- something like "Dude, have fun in Mexico this week! Bring me home some tequila!" Sigh, be sure to remove these comments ASAP. You might be tempted to ask a friend to remove these comments while you're away -- but remember to change your Facebook password when you come back in case you ever get in a fight with this person.

4. Be wary of forms. Thousands of third-party Facebook applications can add to the site's functionality, be it trivia games, video posts, astrology, and so forth. While free, many of these companies like to collect names for marketing purposes, so be aware of forms you might be asked to fill out forms in order to use their application. Don't fill out every field if you don't feel comfortable about it (such as a residential street address) and if it's mandatory, consider another application or make up the information (123 Sesame Street).

5. Use email messages. Remember, someone's Facebook wall can be viewed by anyone, so before you post a comment or question to it, ask yourself if it's better as a private email, which only the Facebook user can read. Similar to tip #3 (above), you might upset the person you're writing if it contains personal information, but also be cautious of what information you're revealing about yourself, such as "Hey, here's my new cell phone number!"

Be careful out there on the Internet.
Peace

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Snowstorm


What winter looks like (Ottawa Style).
On December 17, 2007 we received 37cm of snow, This is a picture taken from my window , looking up the street, during the storm. According to the calendar, it is not yet officially winter ... go figure.
PS. I would like to express my thanks to this blogger http://mobaydp.blogspot.com/, as after reading that blog, I got the method on how to post pictures in my blog. This is my first time, and it is not perfect, so I will hone my skills along the way.
Thanks for being so forgiving.
Peace


Sunday, December 16, 2007

Those were the days

Memories are made of this.

I read this article in the Gleaner dated December 15, 2007, it was penned by Hartley Neita. Let me state clearly, that I am not referencing the headline “We were Ladies and Gentlemen”, of that I am not at liberty to put myself in that vaulted level. When I read it, I was taken back to those days.

Please take the time to read the article.

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20071215/cleisure/cleisure2.html

Boarders had to be seated before the master-on-duty entered the dining room for breakfast, lunch, 'tea' and supper, and stand with bowed heads for prayers. Those who were late found themselves locked out of the dining room. They had to eat in the tuck shop if they had money.

I was one of the boys in STGC boarding school (now long ago dismantled) that suffered the pain of going without supper because I was late. I couldn’t go to Father Fuchs and ask him to give me any of the monies that my parents had left with him, for me to get something at the tuck shop. That was unthinkable.

My parents were not rich, but in those days two shillings and sixpence went a long way. At the end of each term, I owed a few people a lot of 2 and six.

Although North Street was “just there”, we as borders could not be seen or thought to be seen, going out into North Street without a written permission.

Yes we had friendly rivalry (both in academics and sports) with our friends at KC, but we would never make the mistake of going over there without permission. The jeers we received for wearing our “washout blue and white” epaulets were hard to swallow, but you were NEVER allowed to remove them. The “blue and white” epauletes (in hindsight) was a proud symbol to wear, but what did we know in those times.

I was never the perfect student. Many times I was in detention because I sneaked out to visit some of the girls at Alpha, and invariably I got caught, and of course the girls also got punishment. Typical male testosterone, but what did I know then. I have since apologized to them later in life, and we all had a good laugh, but it was not funny at the time.

Our time was structured and regimented. Learning was the main focus, sports second.

Those were the days we thought would never end.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

A Drastic Viewpoint

I had various topics in my head; however, this one seems to have a yearning to be posted.
I have often said that the diaspora sees things through “rose coloured glasses”, when it comes to making suggestions. They are also misguided by nostalgia, which tends to cloud the mind. However, some things need to be said, and in this case I am speaking about the crime and violence in Jamaica.
My friends (living in Jamaica) keep telling me that the crime is not a problem, and I should not believe what I read in the media. Well, that is all good for them to say that, but the figures speak for themselves. The last time I checked, the murders in 2006 were 1400+ and in 2007 it is already at 1500, and counting.
Let us see this as what it really is …. it is a WAR. It must be treated as a “war” and stop the “culture of death”, living in a coffin, environment.
In the past few years, all the best intentioned protocols put into place to stem the murder rate, has not been successful.
IT HAS NOT WORKED.
My suggestions should not be viewed in isolation, but taken as a whole and implemented in parallel and simultaneously.

1. Human Rights must be suspended for 6-12 months.
The “bleeding hearts” will oppose this, and other countries will also be against such action. But wait a second, the savages who are killing other human beings (their own Jamaicans) are not giving the law abiding people ANY rights, they are killing randomly for no reason. The “bleeding hearts” and other countries do not have to tolerate this wanton savagery.
2. Any person found with an illegal firearm gets 5 years mandatory sentence, no parole. If they use that firearm for any illegal purpose then they will be tried for that, and if found guilty, then sentenced to serve it consecutively.
3. Flogging must be instituted for anyone using an illegal firearm.
4. There must be a curfew (6pm – 6am) established in the violence prone areas. This must be rigidly enforced.
5. The police should be given the resources and the JDF must be actively involved.
6. The justice system must be fixed, so that ALL accused be brought to trial within 12-24 months. That is the only “rights” they are going to get..
7. The education system should be fixed, so that it becomes mandatory for children to be and stay in school.
8. Vocational schools must be established, so that young adults leaving school, who have no desire to further their academic standard, can be channeled into the these schools to learn a trade. The trade will be beneficial to them in getting meaningful employment.
9. If these young adults refuse (bona fide reason) to attend the established vocational schools, they must join and STAY in the JDF for a minimum of 6 years.
10. Professionals trained in Jamaica, must agree to stay in the country and practice their profession for a minimum of 3 years before they can emigrate.
11. Law abiding citizens must collectively “take back” their country, one inch at a time. Out of many, one people.

These are drastic suggestions; however, we must take our head out of the sand to see that these are drastic times. The criminals have declared war on the rest of the country.
If the stigma of “number one murder country” in the world is acceptable, then keep on doing what has never worked or do nothing.
If the crime rate does not decrease, then investments will not be forthcoming and the economy will suffer. Jamaica and Jamaicans will be the worse off if nothing is done.

Anyone, living in Jamaica, reading this, may become outraged and so you should. As a Jamaican resident, you may object to the suggestions, and that is your right. However, I respectfully ask you to think of what YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY, to stop this war.

Speak up.

“When good men/women do nothing, evil triumphs”

Monday, December 3, 2007

Times are a Changing

IS CANADA BECOMING A LESS TOLERANT SOCIETY

This was in MacLean’s Magazine on December, 2007.

http://www.macleans.ca/article.jsp?content=20071022_110249_110249&source=srch

I find it interesting and disturbing that the society in this country are now coming to the realization that the times are changing.
Let me try to provide a perspective from the eyes of an immigrant, meaning me.
In the US, they promote a “melting pot” approach to immigrants. That is you arrive in that country and you follow their rules, laws and culture. If you want to preserve your own culture, you do so in the privacy of your home, but the Government (federal, state or local) does not provide any resources for your individual expansion of your culture.
In Canada, they choose to promote a “mosaic” approach. This encourages the individual culture to be promoted and all levels of Government provide resources to assist in that promotion. So the Caribana Festival is subsidized by Governments, and the newspapers (representing ANY culture) are also subsidized by all Governments. So that leads to situations like the Sikh wanting to join the RCMP, is given permission to wear a red turban, instead of the red hat, and the rules are changed.
So to maintain the “mosaic”, the Canadian society has changed its own rules to accommodate the immigrants.
Let me go further and explain a situation that is unique to the Canadian culture. In Quebec, they see their language as an integral part of their culture. So in some parts of that province you MUST speak French. Now bear in mind that Quebecois French is not the same as Parisian French, so any immigrant who speaks French (Parisian or taught proper French), is not totally accepted in the Quebecois culture.
Put the “mosaic” approach and the Quebecois attitude together, and we have a potential problem looming.
You will notice that I never used the word “racist”, because the backlash is not based on race; it is based on the erosion of a culture and tradition. Canada is built on the expertise of immigration, hence the “mosaic” approach.
In the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, immigration to Canada was from Europe. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, the influx was from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, and at that point the change began. This massive shift became more noticeable in late 80’s, 90’s and 00’s when Asia and the Middle Eastern immigrants started to have an impact.. Most of the so called immigrants in Canada are no longer immigrants, as they are now “born” in this country, their parents came to Canada in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.. Most refuse to speak or learn both the official languages because they are in the “mosaic”.
Canada is changing, and its traditions will soon be no longer a viable status quo.
The only question remains to be asked is:
Will Canadian Society remain Tolerant?
Peace

The responsibility of tolerance lies in those who have the wider vision.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Thoughts from Maya

I do not watch the Oprah show (lawd massa, I got better things to do).
However, she interviewed Maya Angelou in April (ok, I am behind, so sue me...lol), when Maya was 80 yrs old.
During the interview, Maya said some wonderful things (yes, I do read her poems), and the things she said, gave me pause, so here are some excerpts.

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. "

If you wish to read the entire interview, please go here.
http://www.montana.edu/wrt/Don't%20Break%20the%20Elastic.doc
or
http://sv.typepad.com/arian/2005/08/oprahs_meeting_.html
or
http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/200012/omag_200012_maya.jhtml

Peace
Walk Good

Monday, November 12, 2007

Dreams

Sleep child
Dream of times better
Better than our reality today
If you dream of times past
Idealize but don't analyze
Fantasize but please don't realize
Dream of knights and damsels
Rajputs and djinns
Ra the sun god and Musa the explorer
Keep the facade alive
If you dream of the future
Dream in brilliant color
And beautiful landscapes
Dream of what you loved today
Because it may not exist tomorrow
Imagine worlds elsewhere
For ours may not last long
The red planet beckons
Mysteries in the sands beyond
Enjoy your sleep now my child
Tomorrow you will wake up
And all your wondrous dreams
May fade away and forever be lost

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Some Odd Things

Disjointed
I returned to Ottawa early Friday morning (1.30am). Got three hours sleep and went into work, as I had to complete both reports and meet my deadline. Early in the afternoon, my boss called me into his office and told me that he was going to Washington DC for some meetings. Now that is not strange as he travels a lot, but what got me going was that he wanted myself and another coworker to go with him and attend the meetings.
I like travelling, but I do not like to live out of a suitcase for weeks, and I had just returned from such a trip …. I needed to sleep. Anyway, I leave later today (Sunday, Nov 4th) and I will be back next Thursday (assuming I don’t fall asleep or go into hibernation).

Yesterday I was catching up on my reading and two items struck me, like a tone of bricks.
ITEM 1
I came across a word (if it can be classified as such) being used by comedians. That word is “meta bigotry”. This got my ears up to ask myself this rhetorical question…. Are we inventing words to minimize the adverse effect of the original word? …. Are we letting certain comedians twist our principles to laugh with them when they utilize the “N” word?
It's difficult to define meta-bigotry because of how closely it resembles pure stupidity -- or actual bigotry, for that matter. Meta- bigotry is offensive, subversive humor that forces us to re-examine the way we think.
http://www.answers.com/topic/meta-bigotry?cat=technology

http://www.philosophistry.com/archives/2005/11/what_are_metabigots.html

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20060108/ai_n15994032

ITEM 2
This I had some difficulty in comprehending, and although it may have happened some months ago, it is still troubling to me.
It revolves around “Red Stripe” (the company) being involved in, party to, some “racist” remarks in a published magazine.
What???
The brand “Red Stripe” represents a symbol that is synonymous with Jamaica, Jamaicans and the Jamaican culture for more than 70 years. What on earth would they be involved with such remarks? It begs the question …. What on earth were they thinking?
I refer you to the following for more information.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/html/20070901T150000-0500_126928_OBS_RED_STRIPE_SAYS_SORRY.asp

http://onejamaica.blogspot.com/

http://www.nowpublic.com/racist-comments-red-stripe-jamaica

Until next time, I leave you with this quote.

Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian.

Walk Good

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Short and to the Point

My stay in Winnipeg has ended, so I leave later tonight to fly further west, to Calgary. The temperature in Winnipeg (at the moment) is 9C, and last time I checked, it was 15C in Calgary.

I have a question to ask Jamaicans reading this blog. When and if you respond, please give it some thought. I am looking for some insight and feedback.
I will dutifully respond in a future blog session.

1. Should the Government streamline the process of registering/creating business ventures?
2. Do you think that the diaspora should invest or create a business in Jamaica?
3. If the diaspora creates a business investment, should this venture create jobs and stride to make a profit?
4. Should the diaspora be allowed to compete in the Government bidding process?

Thanks

Walk Good

Monday, October 22, 2007

End of Day (light) Hours

Yikees
My sabatical has not ended, but I needed to vent.
For the past few weeks it has been 12-14 hr days of work, and with the shorter daylight hours it seems that I go to work in the dark and retun home in the dark.
Where is my sleep, I am sleep deprived.
Travel
I left Ottawa late yesterday and arrived in Winnipeg last night. Now I have been to Winnipeg many times but this is the first time that I have been here and it is not winter. We have a name for this city and it is "Winterpeg" as it is so damm cold in winter. There is also I different time zone (they are one hour behind) so my body tends to stay in my native zone and that presents its own problems. This city, located in Western Canada, is flat as a pancake with no mountains and one has to get used to being in a place that you can see for miles and miles. Whenever I visit Winnipeg, I MUST go to Tony Romo's Rib Restaurant, it is an experience in ribs. A word of warning ... do not order the large onion rings (it is served as a loaf of bread), been there, done that, never will happen again..... LOL
I can't get over that this Government does everything to appease the American Administration with Security at airports. I am flying within the country and you are treated as if you are a terrorist. Granted that I am on Government work time I go into a different line but notwithstanding they do take it to another level in checking.
Ontario Election
Since my last input, the Province of Ontario had an election and the Liberals returned to power with a majority. I do not agree with some of the things that the Liberals did in the past four years that they have been in power, however, I must give them credit for some stuff.
-smaller class sizes in schools.
-moderation of tuition fees for universities
-no teachers strikes
-schools having to meet a specific budget
-wait times at hospitals being reduced (slowly)
The Conservative Opposition Party shot itself in the foot by promising funding for "faith" based schools (we already provide funding for Public and Roman Catholic schools). What on earth were they thinking, in this day and age of post 9/11. The idea that voters got was that we would be spending our tax $$ to fund terrorist sponsored schools. The leader of the PC party lost his seat in the election, serves him right for not thinking of the consequences of his statements.
Got to get back to work, however, to anyone reading I want to express my humble thanks.

I leave with this quote
Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.Just walk beside me and be my friend.-- Albert Camus

Walk Good

Monday, September 17, 2007

Mi Soon Come Back

Hi
Work commitments, projects and deadlines have forced me to take a sabbatical from this blog for the next few weeks.
I know that not many people (if any) read this blog, but I am trying to follow "blog etiquette" by posting this.

So I leave you with this quote

The work of the political activist inevitably involves a certain tension between the requirement that position be taken on current issues as they arise and the desire that one's contributions will somehow survive the ravages of time -- Angela Davis

Walk Good

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Fall_0024


Fall_0024
Originally uploaded by Hoofheart

This was taken at the entrance to the park close to where I live. The perceived beauty of the colours mask the harsh reality of what it signals is coming.
Yes .... WINTER
Now the preparation begins for the next few weeks/.months to prepare for the onslaught.

-get snowblower repaired

-change car tires for winter

-have furnace serviced

-have car serviced and all fluids replaced

-caulk all air spaces around the house

-check winter boots, replace if worn

-check mitts, gloves and scarves replace if required

-check winter coats

-all outside furniture to be stored inside

-check snow shovel(s)

-prepare lawn and plants for winter hibernation

LAST

Swear that it is the last winter you will live in the great white, cold north.

Walk Good

Saturday, September 8, 2007

No Free Lunch

I have many questions, but I will keep it short.

I have lived and visited many countries; however, the longest I have lived in any country is Canada.

Based on the politics of many of these countries, it would seem that the opposition (local/municipal, provincial or Federal/National; using the Canadian model) makes grandiose, expensive promises. They also fail to provide a clear vision, and attainable goals to achieve those visions

When they do get elected, the first words of proclamation are along these lines as follows:
- There is no money left from the previous administration
- We need to raise taxes
- We need to borrow more money to fulfill our obligations ( the promises)
- We have to postpone the implementation of most of the promises until the last year in our mandate.
- There is no mention of any attainable vision.

In the recent Jamaica election process, the then opposition party (now duly elected) promised “FREE” tuition. Now there are reports surfacing that the deficit is large.

Please refer to this article
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20070907T220000-0500_127132_OBS_____B_DEFICIT_FACES_NEW_GOV_T_.asp

There was a similar (almost identical) situation in Ontario, Canada, when the Liberals were voted in four years ago.

This sounds like déjà vu.

Prior to the voting AND debates there was a discussion about this very topic of “Free” tuition.

The Jamaica Labour Party..again and again..with free education
http://jamaicangirl2007.wordpress.com/2007/07/

I refer to the below listed article in the Jamaican Observer, and ask.
-Can there be “FREE” tuition in Jamaica?
-Can Jamaica afford “Free” tuition?
-What are the pitfalls/alternatives if Jamaica does not have “Free” tuition?


http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/html/20070806T220000-0500_126001_OBS_NOTHING_FREE_ABOUT_FREE_TUITION.asp

A little too late, is much too late -- German Proverb

Walk Good

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Jamaica Elections

Quick Thought
I am NOT preaching, just putting some questions on my "blog" table. These questions have been rambling in my head all day (hmmmm ... I should have better things to do).

By this time tomorrow (September 3, 2007), Jamaica will have completed the election process.

The voters would have choosen to re-elect the existing Government OR to elect the present opposition to govern for the next 5 yrs.

The following day, the sun will rise, the world will continue to rotate, life will go on and somewhere in the world a child will be born. It is the natural order of things that WILL happen.

I did not use prophecy, numerology or phinnology (cough,,, cough) to come to that conclusion. No animals were harmed or injured in arriving at that conclusion either (lol)

Since the election was called, a lot of innocent people have lost their lives (my condolences to their families), but to what advantage or higher purpose did they die?

Was it for a noble cause or political expediency?

Did the ones who committed the killing think that by their dispicable actions, it would have a major impact on the final results?

Did they think that the world will stop and give them untenable wealth if they shot and killed someone from the opposite party?

The shooting in Mandevile of people playing dominoes, just because one was a member of the opposing party, Is that considered rational?

The existing "culture of death" that seem to exist is saddening and to some degree, falls in the realm of absurdity.

I do not think that I am being utopian. Stuff happens and bad people do exist, but to take the senseless killing of another human being as a matter of normal occurrance is insane. To kill or injure another human being, just because he/she is of a different party is abominable.

The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected. Swedish Proverb

Walk Good

Friday, August 24, 2007

Wadda Ya At



Wadda Ya At
That may sound strange, however, it is the term used in Newfoundland, Canada (it is also called The Rock) as a welcome. It roughly translates as “HI” or “How are you”. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador are called “newfies” and they are sometimes the butt of jokes from the rest of Canada. I will say that most of it is unfounded as they are a great lot of people from “Down East” as they are often called. Just for the record, they call everyone "b'wy" (boy) but it has NO racist overtones. I have travelled there often (job related) and I always come return with a smile and laughing at some joke that they often use to describe what is going on at the time.
If you want to read more of what and how they say stuff, visit these pages.

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

http://www.wordplay.com/tourism/folklore/newfwords.html

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

I intend to touch a few topics in a brief manner. So bear with me here.

JAMAICAN POLITICS/ELECTION
I will strongly refrain from making any suggestions or comments on this subject; however, I will reserve the right to ask questions on specific issues (education, health, job creation, economy). I am non-partisan, so I do not support either party; however, I strongly support Jamaica and Jamaicans. One of the main reasons why I refrain is the conception that the diaspora (I am one) can sit in their adopted country and become self righteous in suggesting that the Government of Jamaica must do this or that …. Excuse me, but that is looking at the world through rose coloured glasses. Using the cryptic phrase “You don’t know what it feel like till yu wear the bun boot”. We (the diaspora) can make valid contributions towards the betterment of our country by actions and investments in the economy of our homeland, but not by becoming arm chair quarterbacks.

There are other “blogs” that cover this subject in a much better manner than I would or could, so I suggest that you visit these below.

http://enterjamaica.wordpress.com/

http://xaymacablog.com/2007/08/11/the-jamaican-elections-the-debates/

http://jamaicangirl2007.wordpress.com/

http://dcjottings.blogspot.com/

OTHER OBSERVATIONS
It is often regarded (in this province) that the moment the National Exhibition begins, then summer is over and the children go back to school. I went to Costco last week and they had Christmas decorations and Christmas Trees on the shelf. Give me a break …. That is just pushing it a bit too far, it is only the end of August.

Yesterday I went to the eye specialist and he informs me that I need an operation on my eyes. Great news, but I have to wait until January 9th and February 20th to have both operations. So I have to wait four months. Now you may say “C’mon , you are lucky that you even get a date that early”. That is so true. Consider that 12 months ago the wait times for this type of operation was nine months, so in relative terms there is improvement in the wait times in this country. So my intended visit to Jamaica will be postponed until March or April and that is a bummer.

To all those who granted me the permission to add their “blogs” to mine, I want to say “thanks” and it is appreciated.

Walk good.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Opinions and Observations

Before writing my first blog yesterday, I tried to educate myself on this “blogging” phenomenon.

I got the impression that “blogs” fall into some distinct categories.

POLITICAL BLOGGING
These are individual(s) who post blogs with a specific political agenda. While this is acceptable in a free society, these bloggers tend to be one sided and spill their diatribe without giving any equal dissertation to the other side of the political divide. They refuse to encourage any discussion that is against what they consider to be their own political agenda.

RANTS and RAVES
This group of bloggers tend to spill their distaste by any means possible. Because of the annominity of the internet, they are able to do this without any ramifications ….. but wait there are consequences. In this litigious society there are repercussions.

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/lifestyle/story.html?id=c6f2e4ca-fa75-40a4-90b8-25b5900b3eeb

http://www.onedegree.ca/2005/08/30/blogger-sued-over-readers-comments

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070611/blog_lawsuit_070611/20070611?hub=Canada

DAILY ELECTRONIC DIARY
I have never kept a hard cover diary and if I did, I would not want 50, 0000 people to read my personal thoughts. Not that it would have been coherent, but it would be something PRIVATE.
Some bloggers write as if to say they want us (the readers) to read their diary and make comments. Now I am asking myself, what is the reason for this type of blog. Is it because these bloggers need some feedback into their lives to be better human beings or they need to portray themselves as larger than they really are in real life. I am not writing for accolades.

LIFE EXPERIENCES
In my humble opinion, there is a thin line between a “diary” and writing about your own life experiences. In expressing your experiences, you are not only learning from them, but hoping that your mistakes become the tool for others to utilize and avoid. This could take the image of instituting change for the better and having some positive impact on the reader. It is often said “If you say you can’t or you say you can, then you are right”, it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. The reader may or may not leave any comments, and that is not a prerequisite to reading it in the first place.


The internet has evolved to be a powerful tool and it is available to be utilized to effect change. I have taken the liberty to add some quotes from my years of majoring in English Literature.

Change to end the suffering in Darfur.
He who knows how to appreciate color relationships, the influence of one color on another, their contrasts and dissonances, is promised an infinitely diverse imagery.- Sonia Delaunay

Change for better understanding and acceptance of the different religions, hence reducing the prevalence of terrorists.
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.
- Robert Louis Stevenson

Change towards establishing peace in the world., thus eliminating war.
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
- Mahatma Gandhi

Change to understand and have a positive effect on the changing climate that is affecting the planet we call home.
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

Change to eliminate the poverty that is affecting people in various countries.
Hope is necessary in every condition.
The miseries of poverty, sickness and captivity would,
without this comfort, be insupportable.
--Samuel Johnson

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Living in Ottawa, Canada

It has been some twenty years of living in this city. As the capital of Canada, it is a serene place to live.
Over the past few years it has undergone some changes, some for the worse and some for the better. The local (municipal) politicians have been forced to think in the 21st century and deal with the present problem of budget and services and stop being parochial.
The city is seen as the seat of the Federal Government by the rest of the country, however, it is also home to millions of hard working people who may or may not have anything to do with the Federal Government.
For those of us living here, it is a city for families with lots of things to do and catering to families with children.
The proximity to Quebec and the Governments insistence that ALL services be in both official languages creates a population of bi-lingual residents. But the problem is deeper than meets the eye, as most of the French speaking residents (francophones) live in the eastern parts of the city, and the anglophones (english speaking) live in the western part of the city. Although most do not speak about it, this division is problematic.
In summer the weather is wonderful and hot, almost tropical, but with high humidity. Tje winters are bitterly cold. (I was told some years ago that it is the second coldest city in the world .... I don't want to live or visit the first ranked in this category). I lived in Toronto before relocating here, and I must say that Toronto does not have winter compared to Ottawa. In Jan. and Feb. the average temperature is -25C ... yes it is cold.
This is my first blog so I will cover other topics as I go along.