tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67029827628146544212024-03-05T12:07:34.546-08:00The Voice of ReasonMemories and Experiences of a Canadian LifeBrucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-89491030424738362082014-01-31T14:03:00.002-08:002014-02-01T17:34:09.157-08:00There's nowhere to run to. Or, is there?<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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Someone please tell me what is wrong with all the people that run this
country! </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">The Government say's "We're "broke" and can't
help our own seniors, Veterans, orphans, homeless and other needy persons.
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<span style="font-size: large;">"You'll have to tighten your belts", they say. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"We must balance the budget", they say.<br />
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In the last few years we have provided direct cash aid to:<br />
Hamas - 351 M,<br />
Pakistan - 2 B,<br />
Libya 1.45 B,<br />
Egypt - 397 M,<br />
Mexico - 622 M,<br />
Russia - 380 M,<br />
Haiti - 1.4 B,<br />
Jordan - 463 M,<br />
Kenya - 816 M,<br />
Sudan - 870 M,<br />
Nigeria - 456 M,<br />
Uganda - 451 M,<br />
Congo - 359 M,<br />
Ethiopia - 981 M,<br />
South Afrika- 566 M,<br />
Senegal - 698 M,<br />
Mozambique - 404 M,<br />
Zambia - 331 M,<br />
Kazakhstan - 304 M,<br />
Iraq - 1.08 B,<br />
Tanzania - 554 M,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And now...., Israel too.<br />
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In total, Canada spends over 5 Billion dollars each year on direct cash support of
foreign aid, and 20 Billion on Immigration & Refugee programs<br />
{</span><a href="http://wiki.answers.com/Q/" moz-do-not-send="true" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">wiki.answers.com/Q/</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> How_much_did_Canada_give_in_foreign_aid}<br />
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Our retired seniors are living on a 'fixed income'.<br />
Do they get any breaks while our government and religious organizations pour
hundreds of billions and tons of food to foreign countries!<br />
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We have hundreds of adoptable children who are shoved aside to make room for
the adoption of foreign orphans.<br />
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YET- We still allow illegals & other free loaders onto our shores,<br />
while we</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">'</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">re
lining up with food, clothes, bedding, doctors and medical supplies for them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Imagine if the "GOVERNMENT" gave 'US' the same support they give to
other countries, or even half as much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We sit on our hands while our government turns a blind eye to the economic development needs of the people of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia by allowing CN Rail to abandon a main line that runs into and through the Maritimes. VIA Rail Canada is being squeezed into near extinction by government policies, or lack of policies while Canadians are being mislead by government releases, VIA announcements and CN pleadings to the effect that the only way to save public rail transit is to levy heavy taxation on the public to support "a dying and un-supportable mode of transportation in all but the southern corridor of Ontario and Quebec". Ironically, isn't this where the majority of the support for the three large federal political parties lies? Did I say lies? I'm sure there's connection there somewhere, but that'll be left for another post.</span></div>
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Sad isn't it? Well, yes it is. But even more so, it's maddening!<br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">Is this the truth? Are we so blind that we can't see what's going on around us in our own country, the country that was built for all Canadians by the blood, sweat and tears of generations past and present? </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">Or, is this the truth? That we are so timid that we refuse to admit that we have allowed this heinous injustice to grow on us like a malignant tumor. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We hide behind what's left of our comfort zone, which gets smaller and smaller every year. We tug on it, pulling it over our eyes like a child afraid of the dark, and w</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">e hope that we won't live so long as to have to face the truths that we have allowed to creep over our society during our lifetimes.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">With countless millions of your dollars...., my dollars going to far off parts of the world, why is it that Canada is so far down the ladder that we'll soon have to beg to be annexed by that failing giant empire called the United States of America?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">Why do we sit idly by as the dictatorial PM Steve Harper closes down the support centers that our deserving military veterans require to re-enter their communities as well and healthy citizens. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">I was sickened to see Harper and his storm troopers sitting in MY House of Parliament, wearing Poppies!!! They swore that they were doing everything possible to assist and support our returning soldiers. They showed us their commitment to that by wearing poppies on the floor of the House of Commons, didn't they?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">The elderly, the homeless, the hungry and the abused among us deserve to be treated better by the politicians who we so foolishly elected..., and re-elected. These people are screwing you and me, and they're doing it with our blessings and with our money.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">C'mon!!! You're Canadians! You've been at the forefront of brilliant ideas, inventions, cures and succesful ventures for generations. You can find a cure for the disease that is our 'political system' that will result in Canada being the example that every other progressive thinking nation will look to for their example to follow. And don't think for one minute that you're going to find that cure by changing your vote to the other party. The definition of <strong><em>"Idiocy",</em> </strong>is doing the same thing you've always done, while expecting a different outcome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Get off your arses! Canada is only a few short steps away from becoming a serf, a slave to international conglomerates, here to take our resources leaving only oil soaked land that once supported agriculture, de-nuded forests that once sustained wild life and cleaned our ground-water, and oceans and waterways that no longer support life of nearly any kind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is only one "Canada", and there's only one planet that supports life that we can call home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's nowhere to run to.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bruce Harvey</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">January 30, 2014.</span></div>
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</span>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-76861030611924505052014-01-07T16:46:00.000-08:002014-01-07T16:48:26.699-08:00The Power of CommitmentUntil one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would not otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man would have dreamed would come his way.<br />
<br />
“<b>Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it</b>.”<br />
<br />
Author: Unknown at this timeBrucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-21099490045686265572013-10-26T08:04:00.000-07:002013-10-26T23:28:59.523-07:00On Being "Canadian"Growing up in a small, post World War II railroad and mining town in Northern Ontario, I knew a different Canada than the one I see today. <br />
<br />
Perhaps, I was idealistic because of my youth, or perhaps I was idealistic because of the work ethic and family values of the day. It was the 1950's, after all, and there were jobs for everyone who needed to work. There was only one police officer to keep the peace in the whole town. Towns and cities were thriving and there was peace in the land. <br />
<br />
It wasn't utopian; there were hurdles to jump and rivers to ford. The Residential Schools had yet to be exposed, putting an end to the enforced slavery, abuse and near-emasculation of the indigenous First Nation. Railroads were being built; oil and mineral resources were being discovered and made available to a growing economy. Brand new airlines were opening up vast, undeveloped regions in the north and west. Mines, mills, smelters and fish processing plants were running two and three shifts each day. Canadian factories were building locomotives and rail cars for Canadian railroads. Canadian aircraft plants were building new aircraft that were among the best in the world. Shipyards on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts were busy building ships to move Canada's raw and finished materials to ports and markets around the world.<br />
<br />
Canada was taking her place among the top few major industrial nations of the world, and all of this was fostered and supported by our British-based political system which, while not completely bereft of graft and corruption, was at least seen to be behaving within boundaries that were acceptible to the voters of the land. (who among us hasn't taken a cookie from the kitchen after being told to leave them alone, or bribed a sibling to keep quiet about it?) <br />
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What has changed, you ask? A lot has changed. <br />
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I don't feel like a Canadian anymore, because I can no longer identify exactly what it means to be Canadian. <br />
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<br />
On receiving the Order of Canada, Bonnie Klein stated "I am beginning <strong><em><u>not</u></em></strong> to recognize this country". Read her story at the link below.<br />
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<a href="http://rabble.ca/news/2013/08/i-am-beginning-not-to-recognize-this-country-bonnie-klein-on-receiving-order-canada#.Uhj0saf1ufE.email">http://rabble.ca/news/2013/08/i-am-beginning-not-to-recognize-this-country-bonnie-klein-on-receiving-order-canada#.Uhj0saf1ufE.email</a>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-77702439935156070652013-10-26T08:01:00.000-07:002013-10-26T08:10:28.153-07:00TRUE CANADIANS...., WAKE UP, THE ENEMY IS AT THE GATE!<br />
Among the many <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Canadian_political_scandals">political scandals</a> that have shocked Canadians from the time of Conservative <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Macdonald">Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald</a> and the construction of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Macdonald">Canadian Pacific Railway</a>, are the Quebec <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sponsorship_scandal">"Adscam"</a> sponsorship affair under then <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Chr%C3%A9tien">Liberal PM Jean Chretien</a> and the killing of Canada's pride and joy, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_Canada_CF-105_Arrow">Avro Arrow CF-104/105</a> by then <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Diefenbaker">Conservative PM John Diefenbaker</a>. There have been many others sprinkled throughout the life of Canada's political existence, not the least of which are the scandalous behaviour associated with our current <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Harper">Conservative Prime Minister, Stephen Harper</a>. <br />
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Among the most notorious can be found the Contempt of Parliament scandal, (the only time a member of the 54 member of the Commonwealth of Nations has been cited for Contempt of Parliament. <br />
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The 'robo-call' scandal, election overspending, top secret files left at the home of a Minister's (<a href="http://news.malaysia.msn.com/photogallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4132811&page=3">Maxime Bernier</a>) girlfriend, the use of a<a href="http://cornwallfreenews.com/2011/03/another-harper-scandal-this-time-with-professional-prostitutes-instead-of-amateurs-bruce-carson-march-18-2011-cornwall-ontario/"> call-girl to hide a water contract</a> and Bev Oda's attrocious expenses are just a small sample of serious breaches of trust that have been defended by Harper.<br />
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Then there's the matter of the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/06/28/appeal-court-nixes-helena_n_3517908.html">former Conservative MP, Helena Geurgis</a> who was unceremoniousl dumped from Harper's cabinet and the Conservative Party of Canada. In my humble opinion, she was treated horribly by Harper and the Canadian Justice Establishment that he clearly controls. She has been noticibly silent about the current state of affairs in the matter of the expense claims of some of Canada's Senators, most notably..., Pamela Wallin, Mike Duffy and Patrick Brazeau. When this story first broke, most Canadians, and I include myself in this group, believed that "where there's smoke, there's fire." <br />
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The Harper Government (not the Government of Canada) broke for the summer vacation with Harper hoping that the long break would allow the furor to cool down. <br />
<br />
It didn't, so he <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prorogation_in_Canada">prorogued Parliament</a>...., again. This move prevented debate in the House that would have proven damaging to the Harper government and his followers and supporters. The Tory base was facing a dilemma. Their ship was leaking badly and beginning to "list to port, or the left", (the NDP, or The Official Opposition.)<br />
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What to do??? He couldn't realistically prorogue Parliament again..., not after just having resumed sitting the House following his most recent arbitrary shutdown of the Nation's business. He must create a diversion! <br />
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He ordered the Conservative dominated Senate..., the one he promised to 'reform'..., commanded the Senate to initiate action against three of his personally appointed Senators, Wallin, Duffy and Brazeau for their alleged overspending on the taxpayers dime. The Senate expenses affair pales in comparison with Harper's overspending on the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/08/21/f-35-scandal-canada_n_1818727.html">F-35 fighter jet scandal</a>, the excessive military spending scandal, the further <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/end-of-the-line-for-daily-via-rail-service-in-maritimes-1.1146257">gutting of VIA Rail funding</a> and loss of passenger service to Atlantic Canada, the <a href="http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/news-release/harpers-prorogation-shuts-down-parliament-to-perpetuate-cover-up-of-afghan-detainee-controversy/">Afgan detainee affair</a>, and much more. <br />
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Well, that's turning into a very contentious matter. The three stigmatized Senators aren't going quietly, like <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/harper-chief-of-staff-resigns-amid-senate-expense-scandal-1.1309106">Nigel Wright</a> has. They're fighting back, as they should. Why has Nigel Wright fallen on Harper's sword? <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pamela-wallin-s-treatment-completely-unfair-senate-colleague-says-1.2126055">Conservative Senator Hugh Segal</a> issued a statement to the effect that (Harper) will run out of buses to toss people under, and soon will run out of people to do it to. (sic)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigudQ77ADlNUCDvYgk28c8KfgJ_vzwXUht-EmfavQjoLW8_h6f96ZMv-Q3_nEaekmFPsKbEelLYjPpKG0qGM3GTbBIHG6X2c_QqHFZP_ffY5hbjxa8MoxyX3UuuJ61F06l04BLwbk2IVtC/s1600/stephen+harper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigudQ77ADlNUCDvYgk28c8KfgJ_vzwXUht-EmfavQjoLW8_h6f96ZMv-Q3_nEaekmFPsKbEelLYjPpKG0qGM3GTbBIHG6X2c_QqHFZP_ffY5hbjxa8MoxyX3UuuJ61F06l04BLwbk2IVtC/s1600/stephen+harper.jpg" /></a></div>
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Mr. Harper has changed his story several times on a number of matters. When a person gives one version of an event or events, then changes the story once additional facts come out...., does that mean the original version was a lie? I leave the answer to you, but I'm feeling a bit cynical, so I'm leaning toward calling it a lie. Yes, a lie. It becomes a case for <a href="http://suite101.com/a/harper-government-in-contempt-of-parliament-a231077">Contempt of Parliament.</a><br />
<br />
Conservative MP has spoken on CBC television Friday, October 25 that he has spoken with a large number of Harper's caucus members and found that more than 80% of them are ill-at-ease with the Senate purge instigated by Harper. He states that the purge is unconstitutional. <br />
<br />
Harper has stated openly that he <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Liberal_Party_of_Canada_election_ads">will change Canada</a> so dramatically that we won't recognize it when he's finished.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Trudeau">Pierre Elliot Trudeau</a>, once a controversial Prime Minister of Canada, promised to bring a<br />
"<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Society">Just Society</a>" to Canadians, all Canadians. How did he do? How will Stephen Harper's term in office be judged? He might be able to survive the next few months of gathering storm. After all, he is throwing his closest supporters from his burning plane, hoping that he will make it to the next safe landing field intact.<br />
<br />
Have I become so cynical that I will not vote in the next Federal elction? I think not. I live with faith in my heart that one of the political parties will be different, will exercise prudence in spending, fairness in business, service to communities, respect for citizens, care for the environment and active concern for the need to address Canada's role in reducing global warning. Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-71810782977492617142013-07-19T13:22:00.000-07:002013-08-20T18:01:34.392-07:00Lac Megantic, could it have been prevented?<div align="center">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeLXdjch84lvTTCawGr8fEBpYOQtPNSIr3y_4nINcK8RQjleGuRZwhSQ8VCssjzIWY2uCaxRhRiK4wL_przlOlSHKlimhnViXNYymRBKqHGxOK71aghIM_sHPxYoMvFhmuzNonTqn3s8X/s1600/CP+4062+Fire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeLXdjch84lvTTCawGr8fEBpYOQtPNSIr3y_4nINcK8RQjleGuRZwhSQ8VCssjzIWY2uCaxRhRiK4wL_przlOlSHKlimhnViXNYymRBKqHGxOK71aghIM_sHPxYoMvFhmuzNonTqn3s8X/s400/CP+4062+Fire.JPG" width="281" /></a></div>
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<strong>Photo credit: Unknown</strong></div>
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<strong>Location: Unknown</strong></div>
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<strong>This locomotive fire is not related to the Lac Megantic disaster, but is included to illustrate the ferocity of a locomotive fire.</strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;">There are so many un-answered questions that it’s hard to know where to
start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>What gets me, is that AFTER
something like this happens, everyone comes running out with one opinion or
another, only to crawl back inside after venting their indignation and expressing
their opinions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not criticizing anyone
for feeling indignant, fearful or angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When it’s obvious that an incident was preventable, then it’s only
reasonable to expect that it should never have happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the case of Lac Megantic, you and I (and
many others too) have a pretty good idea why the train escaped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s pretty simple, really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the engineer, who should never have been
working alone on the train, had actually tied on the eleven handbrakes that he
says he did, the train shouldn’t have moved, right? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, perhaps 11 handbrakes wasn’t enough
(obviously).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a handbrake was
applied to one of the cars on the train in question, did the brake apply on
both trucks?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, just the one on the ‘B’
end?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were the air brakes set when the
handbrakes were applied?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or was each car
bled off before the handbrake was applied?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did the engr perform a ‘push-pull’ test before shutting down the
power?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHlTzHPN7_HZK5C_YryWG_MZ4RP2KbZLUaXHtVsA5-OhXcQcFdOMCadK2DHRAmdkQrlpKHWPjCFBZpr_rGGxXfBiYcZt_U3JknT7W8RMk5BGAlfHT_3B7ncvihxZmTgtiZYqazizTnld1/s1600/Clearing+the+extra+south+at+Kalamalka+siding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHlTzHPN7_HZK5C_YryWG_MZ4RP2KbZLUaXHtVsA5-OhXcQcFdOMCadK2DHRAmdkQrlpKHWPjCFBZpr_rGGxXfBiYcZt_U3JknT7W8RMk5BGAlfHT_3B7ncvihxZmTgtiZYqazizTnld1/s640/Clearing+the+extra+south+at+Kalamalka+siding.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"><strong>CN track maintenance Crew backing their hi-rail vehicle into the siding at Kalamalka on the CN Okanagan sub, ca, the late 1990's. Can you see the siding? </strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"><strong>Lack of funding for ongoing maintenance is demonstrated by the growth of weeds along the right of way. An ongoing program of deferred maintenance led to numerous safety hazards that CN's local management refused to address.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"><strong>Photo by the author.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;">Current and former ‘experienced outsiders’ are well positioned to
understand the cause and effect of this, and other railway incidents; even
better positioned than the politicians who write the legislation (but fail to
act on it), the railway owners/investors (whose concern places the ‘bottom line’
before safe operating practices), and the press, which merely seeks out the sensational
and the speculative to generate the reactions of the ignorant public.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;">Why do we, the ‘experienced outsiders’ sit idly by, letting the
politicians, the RTC and the media do what they’ve always done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we appear to do, is run out to the ends of our
chains and bark like dogs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8xaeEUX0JYFHGCD5O5s-xDLAhj9-6siWGHtAA-ToPPb7IVQsDI87mNe8jbOR4Vu3Hu6rKFklnUJ2aVrRctvupZkHt1SShPiZFkh_LcxN_B7TlPEkb0D4pBZgDs5rBmJZX9Bjo4wXqtkU/s1600/CP+OK+sub+@+Larkin+siding+RBH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8xaeEUX0JYFHGCD5O5s-xDLAhj9-6siWGHtAA-ToPPb7IVQsDI87mNe8jbOR4Vu3Hu6rKFklnUJ2aVrRctvupZkHt1SShPiZFkh_LcxN_B7TlPEkb0D4pBZgDs5rBmJZX9Bjo4wXqtkU/s400/CP+OK+sub+@+Larkin+siding+RBH.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Former CPR Okanagan sub branch line (main track) near Armstrong, BC</strong></div>
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<strong>Photo credit: RBH</strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;">Since the time of John A. Macdonald, we’ve relied on our elected
representatives to protect us, our nation and our economy, but it seems that
no matter which party or candidate we voted for, or elected…, we always got the
same damned government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That will never
change by its own will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;">The real power in the land is in the hands of the people, aka the Court
of Public Opinion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The conservative
government, under Steven Harper has finally announced that they’ll introduce
new legislation governing the movement of trains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They even sent a member of their caucus to
Lac Megantic to speak in sympathetic terms to the media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But will rail safety in Canada really
improve?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will the loopholes be
closed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will the railway companies,
their owners and investors be forced to comply with the restrictive regulations
that must be invoked in order to bring the railways to a safe level of
operation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not without a determined and
weighty push from a dedicated public interest group such as might be assembled
from the members of the current and former railroad employees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, where could one possibly find
members who are more experienced, more highly trained and more highly qualified
than from within the group that we are members of?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p>Will we put our money where our mouths are? Or will we slink back into our dog-houses, dragging our chains behind us, as we always have, waiting for the next election to show our indignation by voting for a party we feel might not be lying to us...., again. </o:p></span></div>
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Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-20355772420333422602012-11-17T23:01:00.002-08:002012-11-17T23:01:49.550-08:00BE A REAL CANADIAN....BUY CANADIAN... <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the past, I've written a bit in this blog about "Buying Canadian". I've railed about the benefits of spending a little more to buy a product that's made in Canada, or in the very least, made in North America. I suppose it's easier to write about the moral, ethical and economical benefits to buying Canadian made goods, as opposed to those made in third world countries. There are just so many very good reasons to "keep it local." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Then, we're faced with the reality of our personal financial back yard. When you need a box of EX Wy Zee and you go to the store, you find the Canadian version is more expensive than something almost similar that made in XXXXX. What to do???? If you're rich, you might satisfy your urge to look good to the kid who picks up your 'recycle' bin at the curb. He sees that you bought a product that was made in Canada and paid more for it than someone else who lives on his route. Bully for you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's a huge struggle, right? Well, not any more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">My friend, Nora sent me a great idea and I want to share it with you. It's easy to do, very self-satisfying, and good for the soul as well as the economy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Take a look at the following and see if there's something there that you might be able to get on board with this year..., and next.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Thanks for dropping in....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Bruce</span><br />
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<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Christmas 2012 -- Birth of a New Tradition........ </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">As
the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear
to provide Canadians with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --
merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Canadian labor. This
year will be different. This year Canadians will give the gift of genuine
concern for other Canadians. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift
giving time, that nothing can be found that is produced by Canadians hands.
Yes there is!</span><br />
<o:p></o:p> </div>
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<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">It's
time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a
shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?</span><br />
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
from your local Canadian hair salon or barber?</span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Gym
membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health
improvement.</span><br />
<o:p><span style="color: #676666; font-family: Arial;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Who
wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, Canadian owned detail
shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of
gift certificates.</span><br />
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: Arial;"></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
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<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Are
you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the
Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver
would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway
plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.</span><br />
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: Arial;"></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
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<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">There
are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And,
if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen
breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big
National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Canadian with
their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.</span><br />
<o:p><span style="color: #676666; font-family: Arial;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">How
many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle,
done at a shop run by the Canadian working guy?</span><br />
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: Arial;"></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
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<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Thinking
about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local
cleaning lady for a day.</span><br />
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: Arial;"></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">My
computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is
struggling to get his repair business up and running.</span><br />
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: Arial;"></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">OK,
you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their
own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and
beautiful wooden boxes.</span><br />
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Plan
your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your
server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your
hometown theatre.</span><br />
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: Arial;"></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Musicians
need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Honestly,
people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the
house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays
in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the
mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.</span><br />
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: Arial;"></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">You
see, Christmas is no longer about draining Canadian pockets so that China can
build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about us,
encouraging Canadian small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their
dreams. And, when we care about other Canadians, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new, "<b><i>Canadian Christmas tradition"</i></b>.</span><br />
<o:p><span style="color: #676666; font-family: Arial;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<u><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">BUY
CANADIAN - BE CANADIAN</span></u><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-34176401210399732202012-11-10T12:48:00.000-08:002012-11-11T16:51:01.789-08:00A Service to Remember<div align="center">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpid7z34SCZCYnlzDod8zZ5LoAwL7zxtQS9vHd6oj5FJmnnXSGcQZnTymhDcK7chmAO-bg0utR6l92zZoVDvfEuDNSP7-fxZ7k0MSVj6jsUb3b4oYw-Sr1aRebO9c7B0daD2c4mIfuGh4U/s1600/remembrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpid7z34SCZCYnlzDod8zZ5LoAwL7zxtQS9vHd6oj5FJmnnXSGcQZnTymhDcK7chmAO-bg0utR6l92zZoVDvfEuDNSP7-fxZ7k0MSVj6jsUb3b4oYw-Sr1aRebO9c7B0daD2c4mIfuGh4U/s400/remembrance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><b><u><span style="color: #400000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Remembrance Day</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <br />
<br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="color: #400000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">He
was getting old and paunchy<br />
And his hair was falling fast,<br />
And he sat around the Legion,<br />
Telling stories of the past.<br />
<br />
Of a war that he once fought in<br />
And the deeds that he had done,<br />
In his exploits with his buddies;<br />
They were heroes, every one.<br />
<br />
And tho' sometimes to his neighbours<br />
His tales became a joke,<br />
All his buddies listened quietly<br />
For they knew whereof he spoke.<br />
<br />
But we'll hear his tales no longer,<br />
For old Bob has passed away,<br />
And the world's a little poorer<br />
For a Soldier died today.<br />
<br />
He won't be mourned by many,<br />
Just his children and his wife.<br />
For he lived an ordinary,<br />
Very quiet sort of life.<br />
<br />
He held a job and raised a family,<br />
Going quietly on his way;<br />
And the world won't note his passing,<br />
Tho' a Soldier died today.<br />
<br />
When politicians leave this earth,<br />
Their bodies lie in state.<br />
While thousands note their passing,<br />
And proclaim that they were great.<br />
<br />
Papers tell of their life stories<br />
From the time that they were young.<br />
But the passing of a Soldier<br />
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.<br />
<br />
Is the greatest contribution<br />
To the welfare of our land,<br />
Someone who breaks his promise<br />
And cons his fellow man?<br />
<br />
Or the ordinary fellow<br />
Who in times of war and strife,<br />
Goes off to serve his country<br />
And offers up his life?<br />
<br />
The politician’s stipend<br />
And the style in which he lives,<br />
Are often disproportionate,<br />
To the service that he gives.<br />
<br />
While the ordinary Soldier,<br />
Who offered up his all,<br />
Is paid off with a medal<br />
And perhaps a pension - though small.<br />
<br />
It is not the politicians<br />
With their compromise and ploys,<br />
Who won for us the freedom<br />
That our country now enjoys.<br />
<br />
Should you find yourself in danger,<br />
With your enemies at hand,<br />
Would you really want some cop-out,<br />
With his ever waffling stand?<br />
<br />
Or would you want a Soldier -<br />
His home, his country, his kin,<br />
Just a common Soldier,<br />
Who would fight until the end?<br />
<br />
He was just a common Soldier,<br />
And his ranks are growing thin,<br />
But his presence should remind us<br />
We may need his like again.<br />
<br />
For when countries are in conflict,<br />
We find the Soldier's part,<br />
Is to clean up all the troubles<br />
That the politicians start.<br />
<br />
If we cannot do him honour<br />
While he's here to hear the praise,<br />
Then at least let's give him homage<br />
At the ending of his days.<br />
<br />
Perhaps just a simple headline<br />
In the paper that might say:<br />
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,<br />
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
Author: A. Lawrence Vaincourt</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHOzKaS5QRBvdtxnEkIxN-MklJ62zRbPZjHeHfJtOoEXmtfL0NyIloAig4NwLh02v8QMydssZe4AfcWbW4UH9SsNqSTESMicP0bAkDFabCRvNhoNoK-VVB8f2vqFGv8BS3k_JJNkNidmX/s1600/remembrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHOzKaS5QRBvdtxnEkIxN-MklJ62zRbPZjHeHfJtOoEXmtfL0NyIloAig4NwLh02v8QMydssZe4AfcWbW4UH9SsNqSTESMicP0bAkDFabCRvNhoNoK-VVB8f2vqFGv8BS3k_JJNkNidmX/s640/remembrance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Courtesy Marlene Becker - Facebook</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></b><br />
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And in case you really believe that the men and women that you have sent to Ottawa to represent Canadians like you, are doing what you would really want them to do....., click on the link to hear what <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DsJ8IhWO7w">Rick Mercer</a> has to say about that!</div>
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Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-38041077448436551602012-09-17T13:03:00.000-07:002012-09-17T13:03:34.415-07:00Allan Gregg and The Assault On Reason<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've read </span><a href="http://www.george-orwell.org/"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">George Orwell's</span></em></strong></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> best selling and controversial novel </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nineteen_Eighty-Four"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"1984",</span></em></strong></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> or have heard the term "Orwellian" when used to describe a condition that is so absurd that it must be considered to be whimsey or fear mongering, and have dismissed the possibility of such a ridiculous scenario, then consider this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if the "unthinkable" were to come true? What if the utopian lifestyle you enjoy, the freedoms you take for granted, the independence you treasure were to be put into jeapordy. And what of the faith you have in justice, fairness, the right of free speech, the strength of the democratic system that you and our forefathers have fought for, and in many cases..., have given up their lives to achieve for you and your heirs? Are those things safe, preserved as they were intended in your constitutions?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you get finished with nodding your head is ascent, like so many back benchers gathered in a tight knot behind their Prime Minister or other senior elected Officer of the Land..., then consider what your democracy is built upon. It is actually built upon the principles of free speech, freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of religion and many more universally accepted rights that are inherent in a true democracy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These rights don't weaken a democracy; they only serve to strengthen it. They give the holders of those democratic rights the strength, the courage and the support that is needed to grow, to be successful and to prosper as individuals. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From this personal growth comes the confidence to develop a future for oneself, ones' families and ones' country. Hence, a strong local and national economy is created and nurtured, reducing and possibly eliminating the dependence we now have on foreign imports to survive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In truth, if China was no longer able to produce the goods it ships to North America, if all imports from that country were to cease tomorrow..., we would be hard pressed to clothe ourselves, to house ourselves, to provide food and water for our families. In essence, we would all be standing naked (symbolically naked, of course) at the gates of Eden, unable to provide for our basic needs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The questions on everyones lips would be "How did this happen?" "Who did this to us?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The answers would be simple; "We did it to ourselves," because we allowed our governments to listen to the business interests whose only purpose is to feed a strong Return On Investment to their backers. This nightmarish condition would be brought on by our own foolishness. We have been foolish in believing that the nonsense that spews forth from our political leaders like so much verbal vomit is actually, somehow trust worthy. In our hearts, we know that it isn't true, but if we were blind enough to vote for these people then we must stand behind our decision.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even worse, if we didn't bother to get out and vote, then a greater responsibility rests on our shoulders to do the right thing the next time an election is called, providing the current Prime Minister hasn't decided to </span><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-to-shut-down-parliament/article4300862/"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">prorogue parliament</span></em></strong></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>,</em></strong> thus suspending the democratic process entirely.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish to be perfectly clear on one matter before you 'click' on the "X" in the top right corner of your screen. I have not come to you in order to castigate, or slam any political party that might exist in this, or any other country. I only wish to do my part as a citizen of my own country and as a participant in the common geo-political environment that we live in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My concern is focused on, not who is in power, but what that person or party does with the power that my vote as a Canadian has entrusted that person and party with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can only take this discussion a short way down the road to enlightenment as I am obviously not highly educated, nor am I a skilled writer. However, I know the truth when I see it, and I have seen it in the transcribed speech of </span><a href="http://allangregg.com/"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allan Gregg</span></em></strong></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>,</em></strong> Polster and former Conservative Aid and Policy Advisor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You might also recognize Mr. Gregg's name as having been an esteemed member of </span><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CBC</span></em></strong></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'s </span><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/thenational/about/panelists/allangregg/"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"At Issue"</span></em></strong></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> panel, hosted by </span><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/programguide/personality/peter_mansbridge"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peter Mansbridge</span></em></strong></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century","serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The speech Mr. Gregg gave at Carleton University has been presented in full by Huffington Post and I've provided a link for you to follow that will give you the speech in full. It's a bit slow going in the beginning, but I would ask you to make believe that you have just spent a week's beer money, or the price of a good bottle of wine to attend the presentation. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century","serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century","serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You wouldn't get up and walk out now, would you? Not likely. You'd listen attentively so that you could absorb the essence of Mr. Gregg's very insightful commentary on the state of our political landscape in Ottawa and, by extension....that of the United States of America as well.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century","serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century","serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please extend a warm welcome to Allan Gregg.....!!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century","serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century","serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a <strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/09/10/allan-gregg-speech-assault-on-reason_n_1871658.html?utm_hp_ref=email_share">link to his speech</a></strong></span></span><br />
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</span>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-23591756817888146392012-06-13T12:05:00.001-07:002012-06-13T12:07:47.487-07:00A Letter to the Russian Federation Denouncing Its Support of the Syrian Regime<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Wednesday, June 13 - 2012</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">The letter seen below was sent to the Russian Embassy in Ottawa</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">To Whom it May Concern,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">We, as Canadian citizens, have been watching the news of the <a href="http://simplifyreality.com/?p=836">conflict in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Syria</st1:country-region></st1:place></a> with growing concern. Then we heard of the massacres that are fully one third children and are horrified at the Russian support of this criminal regime that attacks and <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2157034/Syria-Father-finds-wife-children-victims-Houla-atrocity.html">kills its own people</a>. We fully believe that in time many of the faces we see as leaders and ministers of this regime will appear in the Hague on trial for war crimes against humanity.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">For the sake of a <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/28/us-russia-syria-warships-idUSTRE7AR0S820111128">military base on Syrian soil,</a> your country is willing to support and back a monster. Your country is losing all credence in the International Community and will, in time, become increasingly isolated from the rest of the civilized World. I know that we would never choose to travel to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Russia</st1:place></st1:country-region>, buy your products or lend any support of your products or policies.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">While that may not appear much of a threat to the future prosperity of your country, I am reasonably assured that a great many also feel the way we do and will collectively refuse to lend any support (financial or otherwise). This growing tide will eventually come to squeeze your country in a way that you will come to feel as a distinct chill. The <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Russian Federation</st1:place></st1:country-region> in fact appears to be on the wrong side of many political regimes around the world.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">We also watch the ever growing <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iGuygqsgSMpz1WGFavDzZml_2UbA?docId=0d500dc7437f43eab115ac35e40a994f">crowds that march in the streets</a> in the cities and towns in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Russia</st1:place></st1:country-region> as they protest your ever present leader Putin who plays musical chairs at the top and thought his people would turn a blind eye to this and keep criticism subdued by his return to his KGB tactics of old. Has your leadership learned nothing in the many decades since the Revolution…, nothing watching the growing and successful <a href="http://www.countercurrents.org/qazi080711.htm">Spring Tides</a> sweeping autocratic countries and the toppling of Dictators?</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">We appreciate that this email will no doubt end up in your delete folder, so to the purpose of giving our words more weight, we have also cc'd others who will not.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Respectfully, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Susan and Bruce Harvey</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Duncan</span></st1:city><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">, <st1:state w:st="on">BC</st1:state></span></st1:place><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">. <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">cc. The Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>, and <u>exact</u> copies will also be sent to Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, The United Nations and also The White House and President Obama</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-70903959468406439682011-12-29T22:22:00.000-08:002011-12-29T22:22:58.943-08:00It Only Takes A Girl To Bring The World A Happy New Year.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXUv3BOEhyphenhyphenFvQkNvbC37H38Un_hRb2bciV1ow3ncPXHAI0m0FpAzAF3PC4on5hbdZ8pjzdvFSKHuU-cKmzMcJm-INhw9HHsZVJML5GBzjCF8Lnj2-1-1LnvnJTYFfikwLeKSfzCMxW2DQ/s1600/children-playing-thumb14787608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXUv3BOEhyphenhyphenFvQkNvbC37H38Un_hRb2bciV1ow3ncPXHAI0m0FpAzAF3PC4on5hbdZ8pjzdvFSKHuU-cKmzMcJm-INhw9HHsZVJML5GBzjCF8Lnj2-1-1LnvnJTYFfikwLeKSfzCMxW2DQ/s400/children-playing-thumb14787608.jpg" width="332" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.dreamstime.com/">http://www.dreamstime.com</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>There are boys and there are girls..., men and boys; all fellow humans, born of a common mother who walk the same path. We need each other like the forest needs the rain. But the truth of the matter is that we won't accept each other, men and women, boys and girls..., as equals. We don't allow ourselves to be taught that while we are so obviously different in a great many ways, we are also equal in a great many other ways as well.<br />
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As the population of our world closes in on a saturation point, we find that we are having to live closer and closer to each other. National borders are being opened up to newcomers as the lands they leave behind become over populated, or the natural resources they once depended on are becoming scarce. One of the oldest 'sayings' that we remember from those occasions when we sat by our mothers, listening to the wisdom of our ancestors is..."Familiarity breeds contempt." After more than 65 years of witnessing the evidence of this, and other sayings from antiquity, I do concur that familiarity "can" breed contempt, but only if it is accompanied by a lack of understanding, a lack of compassion and a lack of love. <br />
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If we are going to survive our own ineptitude; if we are to preserve the only planet we have on which to live, we must make a beginning. The easiest place to begin our voyage of discovery just might be in our own heart. <br />
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Please, take the time to watch the video message below by clicking on the link below. <br />
Then, watch it again. Open your heart up to the message it offers, for if you do, it will be the beginning of change..., a change our world and every living thing in it needs today.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwEhKu3T51Q&feature=share">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwEhKu3T51Q&feature=share</a> <br />
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<blockquote><div align="center"><b><span style="color: #002060; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">May the bright star of Hope shine in your hearts throughout the year!</span></span></b><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #400040; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC'; font-size: 10pt;"></span></b></div></blockquote>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-70140981632097103042011-11-14T10:31:00.000-08:002011-11-16T10:41:23.549-08:00Buying Canadian...Is it worth it?<div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span> </div><div></div><br />
At times, I've railed about "Canadian" issues, more specifically, the question of what it means to be a Canadian. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhdTuFni19YR8JOtP2wYPxxoRwZ3UbO_JsvbO1dGKypXKAqaAhCacHCfXdK5z6zwNtDMeyV1Qo-fdfAHH8n_iaBwURbE3kI-T2tHb2MFAeW9ePd_3XB3pRwX60MArI_9dHT5Wde5JuUQO/s1600/flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhdTuFni19YR8JOtP2wYPxxoRwZ3UbO_JsvbO1dGKypXKAqaAhCacHCfXdK5z6zwNtDMeyV1Qo-fdfAHH8n_iaBwURbE3kI-T2tHb2MFAeW9ePd_3XB3pRwX60MArI_9dHT5Wde5JuUQO/s400/flag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Photo courtesy of <a href="http://canflag.com/gallery.php?folder=canflag_photos">Canadian Flag Clip Art Gallery</a><br />
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"Why should this matter?", you might ask. Well, I think it does matter. It's really quite simple... if we don't learn how to take care of ourselves, rather than look to others to do the job for us, we will become nothing more than 'milk cows' to serve and support those to whom we've given our right to independence, to security, to self-sufficiency. <br />
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Yes, you may continue to live your lives in the manner you've become accustomed to but, stop for a moment and consider the price that must be paid. When we opt to purchase foreign-made goods at a lower price simply because they are less expensive, consider the hidden cost that's not reflected in the price sticker. When you purchase an item that is manufactured 'off-shore', you are supporting the economy of that country and depleting the economy of your own country. <br />
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Normally, I don't read those "forwarded" messages, appeals, 'get happy' things and others of the same ilk.<br />
Like you, I tolerate them because someone I know has taken the time to add me to their "BCC" list and....obviously, they must believe that the content of the forwarded content has some value or substance in the body of the message. But they invariably end up in my "deleted' folder.<br />
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The following is from an email that a friend sent to me today.<br />
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<b><i>A physics teacher in high school, once told the students:</i></b><br />
<b><i>That while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't</i></b><br />
<b><i>Slow a train very much, a billion of them would.</i></b><br />
<b><i>With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously</i></b><br />
<b><i>Written by a good Canadian:</i></b><br />
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</i></b><br />
<b><i>Shopping in Lowe's the other day for some reason and just for the fun of it I was looking at the hose attachments .</i></b><br />
<b><i>They were all made in China . The next day I was in Home Hardware and just for the fun of it I checked the hose attachments t</i></b><b><i>here. They were made in Canada!</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Start looking........</i></b><br />
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<b><i>In our current economic situation, every little thing we b</i></b><b><i>uy or do affects someone else - even their job.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>A quote from a consumer:...my grandson likes Hershey's candy. I noticed, though, that it is marked "made in Mexico". </i></b><br />
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<b><i>I do not buy it any more. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>My favourite toothpaste, Colgate, is made in Mexico now. I have switched to <a href="http://www.crestcanada.ca/en_CA/toothpaste/index.jsp?gclid=CIfFmLrwtqwCFQVihwodXjU28g">Crest</a>. You have to read the labels on everything.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>This past weekend I was at Wal-Mart. I needed 60W l</i></b><b><i>ight bulbs. I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next t</i></b><b><i>o the GE brand I normally buy was an off-brand labelled, </i></b><b><i>"Everyday Value". I picked up both types of bulbs and c</i></b><b><i>ompared the stats - they were the same except for the p</i></b><b><i>rice. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday </i></b><b><i>Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most w</i></b><b><i>as the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the </i></b><b><i><a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/365-everyday-value.php">Everyday Value brand</a> was made in - get ready for this </i></b><b><i>- Canada at a company in Ontario . Their <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_377147910">Equate </a></i></b><b><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Walmart_brands">Products</a> are also made in Canada, and are very good.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Just to add my own experience on buying Made In Canada, </i></b><b><i>I was looking for canned mushrooms that were made in </i></b><b><i>Canada and could never find any, so I would buy fresh.</i></b><br />
<b><i>But a miracle happened, when in our Foodland store </i></b><b><i>I found <a href="http://www.profilecanada.com/companydetail.cfm?company=2543627_Ravine_Mushroom_Farms_Inc_Woodbridge_ON">Ravine mushrooms</a> - made in Canada with a l</i></b><b><i>ittle red maple leaf on can. A little more money but w</i></b><b><i>hen I opened the can I looked at mushrooms that look l</i></b><b><i>ike real mushrooms, not a mushroom that looks like i</i></b><b><i>t was cleaned in bleach.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Another product I no longer buy is Del Monte or Dole canned Fruit. Del Monte is packaged in Taiwan and Dole is now a product of China.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Why should we pay for their fruit when our growers are left with f</i></b><b><i>ruit rotting on the trees. <a href="http://www.edsmith.com/">E.D. Smith</a> is still made in Canada buy their's, at least you will know what is in it and have some quality control.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>So throw out the myth that you can not find products you use every day that are made right here . </i></b><br />
<div><b><i>My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in Canada . The job you save may be your own or your neighbour's'! (Your children & grandchildren, also)</i></b><br />
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<b><i>If you accept this challenge, pass it on to others in your address book so we can all start buying Canadian, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies! Accepting this challenge doesn't have to be viewed as 'just another task' you have to perform. Consider it a "fun" thing to do. When you shop, ask questions of the store staff, ask questions of the suppliers, ask questions of yourself. How can you help put Canada back on the map as a self-sufficient country of strong-willed citizens? </i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
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<b><i>(We should have awakened two decades ago.)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
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<b><i>Let's get with the program. Help our fellow Canadians keep their jobs and create more jobs here in Canada. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>If President Obama insists on a '<a href="http://www.cfpa.ca/NEWS/PDF/CME-on-Obama-Sep14-2011.pdf">Made in America' policy</a>, which is commendable of him, to support </i></b><b><i>American workers, we should do likewise.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.buycanadianfirst.ca/en/why-buy-canadian-first">BUY CANADIAN!</a> Read the labels. </i></b><b><i>Support Canadian jobs.</i></b><br />
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If all you do for the rest of your life is help to 'save your country', make a game of it and have some fun shopping. <br />
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</div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-42693662266847175642011-09-21T19:02:00.000-07:002011-09-22T21:04:52.173-07:00Banging on the same old drum...Canadian IndependanceThe International Monetary Fund, or IMF has issued a 'warning' (read ... concern) that Canada's sense of security related to the global health of the world's economy might be a bit overstated. Actually, the IMF came out with some numbers which indicate that Canada's economy is slipping and there is a danger that Canadians could find themselves drawn into a deepening financial despair that we might not be prepared for.<br />
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Despite what the Conservatives say about their stellar record in job creation, unemployment numbers are "UP" in Canada; savings are at an all-time low and, for the first time in our history ... Canadians owe more money than they have; one dollar and forty some cents for every dollar earned. And when employment levels are as low as they are, Canadians can not create enough money to get out of debt. This means that a great number of Canadians are less than two weeks away from bankruptcy should they lose their job or be faced with a sudden situation such as a medical emergency, accident, uninsured calamity or room on their credit cards that, if not spent will burn a hole in that brand new purse or wallet.<br />
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A couple of things have been weighing heavily on my mind lately, and I'm speaking as a Canadian here. And in order to clarify for you just what that means to me, I'll take a moment away from the point of this post to explain what I think it means to me to be Canadian. Actually, this will accentuate the entire gist of this post, so please stay with me. After all....it's only for 90 seconds or so.<br />
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Many people living in Canada have a rather myopic, or short sighted view of what it means to be Canadian. Theirs is an existence of privileged expectation that their needs will be met by whatever means necessary, and whomever it is that they deem is responsible for those needs. Case in point.... Health Care, Education, Child Care, Dignified Care of the Elderly, Justice, Disaster Relief, solid infrastructure i.e. sewage,roads, bridges power and water, Police and Military protection, etc. Add to this, the expectation that they may live their lives any way they see fit (or unfit, as the case may be) and they will be guaranteed a comfortable retirement upon reaching that stage of their lives. This places responsibility for much of the above in the hands of others, and usually the "others" referred to are the government, be it Federal, Provincial, Regional, Municipal...etc. And where does "the government" get the money to provide all of the above???? Taxes. Yes, my Republican friends.....TAXES! Sorry, I digress. <br />
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Many others who live and work in Canada take a slightly different view of Canadian Citizenship. Yes, I capitalize the word "citizenship" when used with the term "Canadian" because that is how I feel about being Canadian. <br />
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Their position is one of hard work and unselfish contribution. They work hard to build a strong foundation for themselves, their families, their communities and their country. They understand that, to be strong, to be secure, the country itself needs to be strong and secure as well. The fruit of their labor, and their contribution to society makes it strong. They give of themselves, volunteer their time and pay their taxes.<br />
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In short, they invest in their community and, by extension... their country. <br />
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As I pointed out in my opening paragraph, there's trouble brewing in our economy and we need to take note of it. Yes, you've been hearing it on the radio and on the TV too, It's been in all the newspapers and magazines. And...a lot of us have felt it in our lives.... "times are tough". <br />
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If you have a job, how secure is it? Do you have sufficient money put away that will pay ALL of your bills for at least ninety days? What??? You've never given it any thought??? Think about it now. If your total monthly expenditures came to ... say, two thousand dollars, could you afford to continue living where you are, and in the manner you are for one month past your last pay check? I thought so. If you lost your sole source of income next week and couldn't find a job, (remember what the IMF said about the job numbers in Canada?) how long could you last? Far too many people in this country would be seriously considering asking the government for help and finding there was precious little to be offered. If you could get Employment Insurance or some other form of temporary assistance, that will give you some breathing room, but it will not likely pay all of your normal expenses. Beyond that...and assuming that you've been unable to find a good paying job, there's Orderly Payment of Debt (OPD) and Bankruptcy. Neither of these options will get you a job. They will simply take away most of your debt.<br />
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If you'll recall, I've mentioned that the government plays a role in all of this. Let's take a simplified look at that role. Simplified, because I'm a simple man and not because you're a simple reader...not at all.<br />
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In our society, everyone pays taxes one way or another; perhaps even First Nations folks do. Certainly we find that even the dead have to pay taxes, so don't feel that you're hard done by while you walk among the living. We pay taxes into every conceivable level of government so that the services and infrastructure we have come to expect, even demand are all in place and kept in good order. Having high expectations of our elected officers, we anticipate that the money that we entrust to them will be handled judiciously, will be spent wisely and will be respected as the fruit of our labour. After all, it is because of us, the voters that they have jobs in the halls of power. We have given them employment that ensures they can not be laid off. <br />
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Assuming that we've done our part, can we assume that our politicians are doing theirs? (Here he goes on another anti-Harper rant) No...actually, I'm not. This time, I'm going to talk to you...us...me...<br />
<br />
In previous posts, I've talked about "buying Canadian" and "self-sufficiency". I've lamented the loss of the strength of the Canadian manufacturing community, the loss of control over our own resources, our water, forests, trade and even our sovereignty in some key areas. We depend on the vagaries of the International Markets for nearly everything we consume, from the food on our tables (Mexican, Californian, South American, Asian) to the clothes on our backs (China, India and Tilley_Endurables - Made in Canada, you say!).<br />
<br />
Do we find our governments shopping at home? No. When we need new ferries for the BC ferry fleet, we buy them in Europe,or Scandinavia. We even hire a top executive for BC Ferry Corp. from the US job market. CNRail has done the same thing. CN didn't go to Bombardier (formerly Montreal Locomotive Works) for locomotives; it went to General Motors and General Electric of the US. When new aircraft are needed for our military, do we buy Canadian? No...well, we can't buy Canadian military aircraft because John Diefenbaker's Conservative government shut down AVRO Aircraft mfg. over fifty years ago when AVRO had just created the world's foremost fighter-interceptor-bomber ever made. Even by today's standards, the AVRO ARROW could still hold it's own against anything any foreign power could put up against it. This is assuming, of course that the ARROW was equipped with the latest in Canadian weaponry which would have been developed had AVRO not been destroyed by our own government. <br />
<br />
OK...let's take this down a notch or two. We don't really need a strong military presence anyway. With one of the longest coastlines in the world, we could do with a stronger Coast Guard presence rather than a force that we have to support on the other side of the world. We shouldn't be encouraging bullies like the USA to engage in global conflict over such smoke and mirror issues like the demand for oil and calling it the democratization of a dictator-ruled country.<br />
<br />
If Canada were to spend less on military and more on coast guard, more on small business and Canadian-based manufacturing, more on inter-provincial trade and less on free trade with third world countries that have oil reserves, we would be better able to stand on our own two feet (70 million or so, actually) regardless of what the global economy is doing. Instead, we're passing legislation (City of Duncan, BC) that allows home-owners (taxpayers) to raise a few chickens in their yards, as long as they don't keep a rooster). Our governments are allowing Free Trade to dictate the price of our own natural resources so that the US controlled companies who own the rights to these resources can charge us the same rate at that charged to their customers in areas where these resources are not naturally available. <br />
<br />
So where's the lament, you say? Well, once again....I implore you to<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Buy Canadian</li>
<li>Support local businesses</li>
<li>Work hard</li>
<li>Save some money from every pay check, no matter how much it hurts, and</li>
<li>Encourage your government to do the same.</li>
</ol><div>Oh, by the way....The New Harper Government.... aka the same old same old Conservatives.... announced yesterday that they've hired a private company at a cost of more than nineteen million dollars to advise the government on how they can reduce spending. And on the same day....the same conservative government announced that they would allow the National Aviation Museum to close because they need nineteen million dollars to upgrade the historic hanger in which the museum is housed. It was in this building that some of Canada's greatest aviation achievements were created..., for example, the Tiger Moth, a WWI fighter, the AVRO Arrow of which I spoke earlier in this post and many other fantastic innovations that CANADIANS built....from the ground up. </div><div><br />
</div><div>This speaks to Harper's true feelings about Canada and Canadians. If it's "Made In Canada", its memory is to be forgotten.</div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-78739422062342532112011-08-22T11:48:00.000-07:002011-08-22T12:37:04.476-07:00Jack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJpwm5tzXByQcpWfRWmT5Iyxnzy6obXxXPpEZkkTc6BboZLEf9nlRxLfVm6_ATj7Uxu1Kbc8piQnvtLNxjJFEJc7iFHNItn4C8SjpSPnVCeq7iX4hEQomVG6HNlHrxwhqEFsIaY9BpoKd/s1600/Layton+casual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJpwm5tzXByQcpWfRWmT5Iyxnzy6obXxXPpEZkkTc6BboZLEf9nlRxLfVm6_ATj7Uxu1Kbc8piQnvtLNxjJFEJc7iFHNItn4C8SjpSPnVCeq7iX4hEQomVG6HNlHrxwhqEFsIaY9BpoKd/s400/Layton+casual.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
At 04:45 EDT today, Jack Layton, husband, father, grandfather, Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada and Leader of Her Majesty's Official Opposition in Canada's House of Commons ... died peacefully at age 61.<br />
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Canadians, across all boundaries sat with their morning coffee in stunned silence, shocked and saddened. In Duncan, BC we awoke to grey skies and softly falling rain. Distant thunder rolled through the mountains and valleys as the tv news channels informed us that "Jack" had died, his family at his side.<br />
<br />
For the first time in the history of Canadian politics, a Leader had captured the social conscience of a great number of Canadians. In fact, he may have had that affect on a "majority" of Canadians, even those who chose not to vote for him or his party in the last election. Jack played fair in everything and his name will never be associated with political chicanery, deceit or unethical practice. Jack walked the high road with pride, and Canadians by the thousands chose to walk with him. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaTN0M3AERss4D3WApgQPJDhCgYmbY72Wvgx3aPZrEhfKW9kAGMIVIu49O3HEZXdGyiJdWTQCJP6fhoPIXCFiXVgqO7FGnRw1M9w57z4MfBpU8_z3aY9iXEGZP5XK92d0Wvb7NanxFjpF/s1600/300-layton-ndp50+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaTN0M3AERss4D3WApgQPJDhCgYmbY72Wvgx3aPZrEhfKW9kAGMIVIu49O3HEZXdGyiJdWTQCJP6fhoPIXCFiXVgqO7FGnRw1M9w57z4MfBpU8_z3aY9iXEGZP5XK92d0Wvb7NanxFjpF/s400/300-layton-ndp50+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Jack was our Pied Piper. He played many instruments, but the sweetest sound could be heard in his words.<br />
<br />
<b>"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b>All my very best,"</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Jack Layton</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">You can read all of Jack's letter to Canadians</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"> <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-last-letter.html">here</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b></b></span><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 14px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr_KPw6SRNV6JxZURVG1xkhFcBgHM76L6laUG9wuUVP7PTtb1wzAIUwejwFk2z7L0oD7pvKnMLRdGrKJKfki1wmujOe_qoypNKCvnxxi2pSWVfafOTcTOQ3ikPuTdI_lo8KKG3dD-OWql/s1600/hi-layton-852-00857223-2col.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr_KPw6SRNV6JxZURVG1xkhFcBgHM76L6laUG9wuUVP7PTtb1wzAIUwejwFk2z7L0oD7pvKnMLRdGrKJKfki1wmujOe_qoypNKCvnxxi2pSWVfafOTcTOQ3ikPuTdI_lo8KKG3dD-OWql/s400/hi-layton-852-00857223-2col.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 14px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Gone, but not forgotten.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Jack.... you will be missed</b></span></span></div></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-35292839559242539542011-08-02T18:57:00.000-07:002011-08-02T18:58:59.873-07:00New Blog. Just Railroad StoriesRecently, I joined an e-list that is railroad oriented and represents men and women who are retired, currently employed by a railroad, or are directly involved in contracting to, or providing services for a railroad somewhere in the world. <br />
<br />
I've been enjoying the exchange of photographs, information and points of view that each member has to offer. I've been filling in with stories about how things work on the railroad. Stories that relate a side of railroading that most people can never know because they did not have an opportunity to experience what I have as a 'boots on the ground' railroader. <br />
<br />
The members have been giving me encouragement to write the stories in a format that can be shared with many more people than our e-list can reach. So...I've launched another blog that will focus on railroad stories only. I'll include stories that will help my readers understand the evolution of railroad's work forces as well as the evolution of technology and market-driven decisions that affect everyone.<br />
<br />
The new blog is called "<b><a href="http://caboosecoffee.blogspot.com/">Caboose Coffee</a></b>". Please click on the link (Caboose Coffee) to see the new blog. Bear in mind, I just set it up today with lots of assistance from my wife, Susan who has been nudging me for years to write the stories I've been sharing with her. My aunt Emily and my mother also have been incredibly supportive along with a number of others. Linda....it's also because of your encouragement that I'm doing this, so remember....you asked for it!Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-78092968580487157452011-06-16T21:08:00.000-07:002011-06-16T21:16:58.172-07:00Vancouver Riot - 2011I find the behaviour demonstrated by so many of the people who came to the streets of Vancouver for game 7 of the Canucks/Bruins Stanley Cup finals absolutely disgusting. This display of civil belligerence blackens the reputation that Vancouver and all of British Columbia has spent so many years and untold resources creating. Vancouver is a beautiful city and BC a beautiful province. As in every corner of Canada, the people generally speaking are gentle, kind and considerate. This does not, however overcome the negative effect created by the lack of discipline that so many of our (mainly) young people continue to demonstrate. British Columbia and in particular, the Lower Mainland (Greater Vancouver) is treated more as a vacation destination rather than a place for its citizens to live, work and raise their families. <br />
<br />
This ‘vacationland’ attitude is promulgated primarily by political and business interests, for obvious reasons and is taken advantage of by the simple-minded folk who turn out en-mass at events like Wednesday, June 15th 2011 Stanley Cup Final.<br />
<br />
It’s common knowledge, and has been for millennia that when large numbers of human beings are called to a central point and fed high levels of excitement … those numbers will become uncontrollable. With this knowledge being readily available to Vancouver’s Mayor and Police Chief, why then was this atrocious demonstration of civil disobedience allowed to get started? Tens of thousands of British Columbians must be thinking that Police, and even Military forces should have been on hand nearby to be called in to quickly control the inevitable reaction by the undisciplined to the terrible performance of the Vancouver Canucks in the seven games of the Stanley Cup Finals. Was nothing learned by<br />
<br />
See the official report that was promulgated following the 1994 Vancouver Riot. (Robert Whitelaw)<br />
<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/06/16/bc-vancouver-riot-whitelaw-1994-report.html">http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/06/16/bc-vancouver-riot-whitelaw-1994-report.html</a><br />
I am ashamed for Vancouver, ashamed for British Columbia and for Canada. Mayor Gregor Robertson and the Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu should accept full responsibility for this disgrace, and perhaps even resign, for their role in this riot cannot be denied.<br />
<br />
Bruce Harvey<br />
Duncan, BCBrucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-10258454376838380482011-04-30T10:15:00.001-07:002012-06-13T22:20:58.980-07:00Stephen Harper caught on film at "Massage Parlour" discussing his experience with a UFO.Today, an un-named (alleged) Toronto Police officer (you know that we can trust ALL of our police officers, right?) has opened his note book to the press (is that legal, or ethical?) to show Canadians what sort of a man Jack Layton really is. Hold on to your hats folks, Jack Layton paid a massage therapist for a back massage many years ago. Yep..., in 1995 (+/-) Mr. Layton visited a "massage parlour". Jack's wife, Olivia Chow has told the press that there was nothing amiss in her husband's back treatment. She also stated that there have been eight elections since that visit and there has never been an issue surrounding this health treatment. Yes....I said "Health Treatment"! Did you know that your publicly funded Health Care Program will pay for you to have "Massage Therapy"? Yes, it's used to reduce stress, to release inflammation that affects muscle and connective tissues in our bodies so that we can begin the healing process after an injury. <br />
<br />
Should Massage Therapy be outlawed in Canada? If so, would that also cause Physio-Therapy to be tarred with the same brush? Rather than rail against our Public Health Care System, perhaps Harper will just find something "sinful" in each of the areas of health care that are included in the system's coverage. Would Canadian women then have to travel to the USA, or to Quebec for Gynecological treatments? If that were to come to pass, Canadian men sure won't be able to have a Digital Rectal Examination performed by their local doctor.<br />
<br />
But you really must decide for yourselves. Please take a couple of minutes and watch your Prime Minister...at least for a few more days... being "massaged". And....at the very end of this video of Stephen Harper is heard talking with his "massage therapist", aka, 'handler' who tries to ensure that the PM says what his other 'handlers' want him to say). He admits that he wants to RAISE TAXES, but will do it without actually mentioning the term "raising taxes". Our Mr. Harper is soooooo clever, isn't he?<br />
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And then, as the camera is being shut down....you will hear him talk about his experience with a UFO!!! This is good stuff.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhlMiCtrr84&feature=player_embedded">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhlMiCtrr84&feature=player_embedded</a><br />
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There are only a few days remaining folks ... Don't you think that all of the 'far-right thinking' people you know should view this video before they head to the polls to vote?<br />
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Oh, if you don't understand where to find the connection between Jack Layton's massage and Stephen Harper's massage, try to recall what Harper did to ex Leader of the Official Opposition Stephan Dion, when Stephan stumbled on a sentence during an interview on CTV News. Harper certainly doesn't want anything like that to happen to him. Too late, I think. Even with the video and sound crew at his side, <b><i>massaging their boss's performance</i></b>, he still couldn't get more than one or two sentences out of his mouth without stumbling. Hence, my reference to Harper being "massaged".<br />
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Have you looked up the word "Despot" yet? Come on....do your homework!Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-79063570434730078042011-04-27T11:12:00.000-07:002011-06-27T11:22:01.731-07:00Another Election Under Our Belts - and we survived intactWell, it's finally come to pass... the Conservatives have come away from our most recent election with a clear majority, based on about 40% of the vote. The Teflon Team fooled the heck out of me ... and fully 60% of the population. All the lying, cheating, stealing and skull-buggery of the last 5 years of Conservative minority government didn't seem to phase the Canadian voters. Apparently, Canadians have a pretty mushy interpretation on the Conservative concept of 'getting tough on crime'.<br />
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The NDP are the Official Opposition, the Bloq Quebecois have been decimated and the Greens now have an elected seat in the House. Who'da thunk that would happen?<br />
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For me, This election had its pros and cons. <br />
<br />
On the plus side, the NDP has long deserved an opportunity to show what it can do Federally. Now they too have a mandate to do just that, and Mr. Layton hasn't wasted a minute getting his message out. "We will not be denied", says he. (my words)<br />
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Secondly, the Bloq has been all but eliminated from the political landscape, at least for a while even though they might show up under a different banner bearing the same message. It piques me that they have taken so much from the Canadian Treasury in the name of Separatism and given so little in return. Perhaps it's time to re-write the history of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham (Britain defeated French forces in Quebec). If we re-write the story of that battle, letting the French have a victory much like all the other victories in their long and illustrious history of armed warfare, then the Quebecers would have to support the rest of Canada instead of the other way round. Novel idea, don't you think?<br />
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And the Liberals??? What of the Liberal Party of Canada? Qu'elle surprise, n'est-ca pas? They have suffered the worst blow in their long and illustrious history. With only 34 seats in the House of Commons, they do not even qualify as Official Opposition. They are in disarray and circling the drain.<br />
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Mr. Ignatieff, who had led the Liberals to this great loss, although not entirely on his own, as party strategists and back room boys and girls had a major hand in the ho-hum, heads in the sand approach that the Liberals were directed to take ... has now resigned and taken a University teaching post in Ontario. You see, Steve...he didn't run back to Harvard just because you wouldn't let him play in our sandbox...<br />
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Adieu, Mr. Ignatieff...and bon chance!<br />
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<br />
And, now for the icing on the cake!!! The Leader of the Canadian Green Party, Elizabeth May<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2elNRIaHtMIYOqtVVq8JidnnoFGdLuuH5zX3Lo-QWwUUKkYhUZwgMtwhq7rULuTpsqQSYaazw4lVUk1ISscQpkehnjtdW4zvdLC9MuxyE7uVgjaLBnU6Doosk-vrB2qHofOfgTWcVSqF/s1600/050107elizabeth_may.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2elNRIaHtMIYOqtVVq8JidnnoFGdLuuH5zX3Lo-QWwUUKkYhUZwgMtwhq7rULuTpsqQSYaazw4lVUk1ISscQpkehnjtdW4zvdLC9MuxyE7uVgjaLBnU6Doosk-vrB2qHofOfgTWcVSqF/s320/050107elizabeth_may.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
crushed a Conservative Cabinet Minister ... Gary Lunn. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVTLKLalPxtDZ_4aSU_GACAubGKg1yOxRmnxUAqlhcURce0FEiREmfJtfUo-JpxZtNklCuPuei6F73shsB_jH1kSWXi0YtYf16XR0H3wI8WcGaCEHt8WWdkS_9FeFB-t5xpeNhG9WBlUP/s1600/lunn-gary070425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVTLKLalPxtDZ_4aSU_GACAubGKg1yOxRmnxUAqlhcURce0FEiREmfJtfUo-JpxZtNklCuPuei6F73shsB_jH1kSWXi0YtYf16XR0H3wI8WcGaCEHt8WWdkS_9FeFB-t5xpeNhG9WBlUP/s200/lunn-gary070425.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
These are interesting times we now live in and only time will tell just how resilient the Harperites will be in the jaws of the little guy in the orange get-up.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-55705421713072051852011-04-18T11:30:00.000-07:002011-04-18T11:53:15.608-07:00FWD: An Open Letter To CanadaSince the latest in a string of short-term snap elections has been called, I've been receiving emails from "well-meaning" friends who are forwarding political junk mail to me via email. In essence, what I'm receiving is more of the negative advertising that Canadians are being force fed by the Conservative Party of Canada. The email that I have received more times than any other is one that is purported to be the 'personal opinion' of some woman in BC. The emails have been almost exactly the same as the one before...with the exception of the name of the person it's attributed to. There is never a last name, or an email address one can use to enter into a good ol' Canadian political debate. This form of communication is just another form of propaganda, similar to that used by Herr Goebels, Hitler's Communications Minister during the '30's and '40's. The theory then, as it is now, is to tell the lie often and direct it at the lowest intellectual level in society. Eventually, when no other side of the story is allowed to surface, the lie will be accepted as 'the truth' ... and the bad guys win!<br />
<br />
The 'friends' who have sent me this propaganda style communication don't offer any other points of view along with their forwarded political statement. There is no responsive argument from the other parties included with the Conservative dogma that would give a balanced study of the issues. As well, when I write back to those who send me the emails in question, their responses vary from "no response" to "well, I'm really concerned about the situation in the Middle East!" Huh??? Where's the connection? The email is a rant against the NDP and the Liberals ... not a heart-felt message about the uprising against the oppressive "despotic" regime that suppresses the freedoms and rights of its citizens. Remember my reference to the word "despot", as I'll come back to it shortly.<br />
<br />
We must remember that the political parties that vie for our votes are just that ... a "party". The 'party's' have us on the ropes. They are only there to take advantage of the Rules of the Game...a game that they developed to take the most out of our country's economy, giving the least in return.<br />
<br />
The system they've developed allows a party to take control of the government while receiving less than a majority of the votes. It's called "First Past the Post" and too often leaves the majority of the country's citizens without fair representation in the House of Commons. I won't even get into the matter of the non-elected Senate and the ultimate control the Senate has over the legislation that makes its way through the House of Commons.<br />
<br />
I encourage open debate. It brings about a balanced view of the issues, whether it be our nation's politics or which NHL hockey team best deserves to win the Stanley Cup. Go Canucks!<br />
<br />
Now, here's a link I'd like to recommend that you take a few minutes to watch. It presents a point of view that, for the most part, provides substantive documentation for the statements that are made in it. As of today, the Conservatives are demanding that the Liberals retract one of their ads which contain a "quote" which says, in part that Harper made a statement that he felt the Canada Health Act should be repealed. (more or less) the source of the supposed quote has today stated that they can't find the source for the quote that they printed. This means that the Liberals have used a quote that their source...the newspaper... said was valid. <br />
<br />
I have grave concerns about the direction that Harper's Conservatives have taken this country. I can't honestly say that any one party is able to make me believe that Canada isn't in a political wasteland. <br />
<br />
Click on this link if you wish to hear a point of view that I find thought provoking.<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/P-1R-Y3tLu0">http://youtu.be/P-1R-Y3tLu0</a><br />
<br />
Oh.... go to your favorite web search engine and type in "DESPOT". Wait for it...... ....... ........,<br />
<br />
The Mirriam-Webster dictionary defines "despot" as, ...<br />
<div class="scnt"><span class="ssens"> <em class="sn">a</em> <strong>:</strong> a ruler with absolute power and authority </span> <span class="ssens"> <span class="break"> </span><em class="sn">b</em> <strong>:</strong> a person exercising power tyrannically </span></div><br />
It's a definition of .... Stephen Harper!<br />
<br />
You gotta watch this youtube video.... it has resulted in a HUGE response from the 'under 25's' in Canada!<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=225Mx6ya7SQ&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=225Mx6ya7SQ&feature=related</a><br />
<br />
I'm voting for RICK MERCER!Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-76618444922822433882010-12-23T19:07:00.000-08:002010-12-23T19:07:03.930-08:00Reaching Out To Old Friends ... while there's still timeI absolutely remember buying a new Daily Planner at Costco a couple of months ago; and I know that I would have put it away somewhere in my office so that it would be ready for ... well, it would be ready for immediate use when I wanted it...like yesterday. <br />
<br />
I couldn't find it yesterday, so I resolved to tidy up my desk today and have a real good look for it, because if you'll recall ... I remember buying it just a couple of months ago. It wasn't on my desk, or in any of the drawers, either. So I looked in all four file cabinets, and then on every shelf in my half acre of book shelves. I checked my clothes closet and...yes, my bedside table and the drawer in the coffee table. No, I didn't look in my workshop because, as you might suspect, I wouldn't take my daytimer to my workshop. That wouldn't be right.<br />
<br />
However, something good did come of the search pattern I was following. I found some old photographs that I had found about six months ago and set aside at that time with the idea that I would get them into a photo album for proper storage. No, they weren't in the photo album yet because I had set them aside and didn't run across them again until today. <br />
<br />
These photos were of my very early days in Jasper, Alberta just weeks after I had left home ... again. It was the dead of winter in 1965 - '66 and I had a little Kodak Instamatic camera. I took roll after roll of film and sent it all back to my parents in Sudbury so they could see what they were missing. You have to admit, a bad day in Jasper beats a good day in Sudbury. No offence to Sudburians, but there <b><u>are</u></b> an awful lot of you living out here on the Wet Coast. Think about it. <br />
<br />
This a good day in Sudbury. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPpPVZI6cJH-fdY5nz7tns9sw2uR9wBba609Q-kOzNC8tt2INfxq_a4j6V2IVjH-p2FN75qPjOBS-PmIyLUoMzVfMc14hlxWmJ0b90NUpCqOJNPrmEsDvGdCsJ4yLhXBEvYFyAAuwBUKc/s1600/DSC01028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPpPVZI6cJH-fdY5nz7tns9sw2uR9wBba609Q-kOzNC8tt2INfxq_a4j6V2IVjH-p2FN75qPjOBS-PmIyLUoMzVfMc14hlxWmJ0b90NUpCqOJNPrmEsDvGdCsJ4yLhXBEvYFyAAuwBUKc/s320/DSC01028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhZ3fZQ7goG28i-K5M8ze4nYUoBLf2JUSg-FpoZTfOPZDdnQQDey0vmrYL5_fCbfWsjFBgrA_Np9NS0P_j7VLJNFaVznLLH4M2VFUhBf3QCp_B_mZw9sEPs7KTklJ5XdPAN3_X_fHlF_0/s1600/VIA+Jasper+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhZ3fZQ7goG28i-K5M8ze4nYUoBLf2JUSg-FpoZTfOPZDdnQQDey0vmrYL5_fCbfWsjFBgrA_Np9NS0P_j7VLJNFaVznLLH4M2VFUhBf3QCp_B_mZw9sEPs7KTklJ5XdPAN3_X_fHlF_0/s320/VIA+Jasper+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And this....is definitely a bad day in Jasper.<br />
<br />
One of the photos in that envelope was of a CNR railway conductor I worked with in the winter of 1965 - 66 on the Albreda Subdivision between Jasper and Blue River. Roy Richards was one of those rare fellows who you remember all your life. He was quiet spoken, easy to get along with, hard working, unselfish in everything and always had a ready smile, even when things weren't looking so good to others. In short, Roy Richards made an impression on me that I never forgot. <br />
<br />
Today I looked up his phone number in an online directory and called the number. A woman answered. I introduced myself and I tentatively asked if Roy Richards might still be living at this address. <br />
<br />
"No," she said, "Roy died five years ago." <br />
<br />
"Oh, how unfortunate", I said. "I'm sorry to have missed him". <br />
<br />
I explained to her how much I had learned from her husband and that he had always treated me with kindness and understanding...even when I was being contrary, which was probably too often. She agreed that Roy had been a wonderful husband and they had enjoyed a great number of years together. Joyce and Roy had married in 1949.<br />
<br />
I told her that I had one photograph of Roy that I had taken at Redsand, BC on the Albreda sub. We had taken the siding there for an eastbound passenger train and the snow had been so deep that we had to dig our way into the siding and then dig our way out once the "Varnish" had gone past. Roy was never one to sit by the fire in the caboose while the tail end brakeman went outside to do whatever work that there was to be done. Roy would take turns with his brakemen and do much of the work himself. I've even known him to walk up to the engine through deep snow to line the switch after the opposing train had gone by and then climb up into the cab and ride the head end to the next meet where he'd dig out the switch and line it up for us to take the siding once more. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDrYOBcCDR8GCBwRHjUpT6-BGW8NzbawAdstWiMJTzZKbvG2VoanALlpK5mHjQbEc39tIXcpSjcXcy2CJqPF5-UyXKTHPSwcSqodaXl3tmPQm0G9aJ-IO-PXKjldfce6hKoMvaLsY2kOD/s1600/DSC01013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDrYOBcCDR8GCBwRHjUpT6-BGW8NzbawAdstWiMJTzZKbvG2VoanALlpK5mHjQbEc39tIXcpSjcXcy2CJqPF5-UyXKTHPSwcSqodaXl3tmPQm0G9aJ-IO-PXKjldfce6hKoMvaLsY2kOD/s320/DSC01013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
If you rode the caboose with Roy, you soon learned how to brew a "good" cup of tea, and you learned all about the birds that lived in the area, and of the history of the land and the people. I loved working with Roy.<br />
<br />
Joyce and I told each other stories for about an hour. I told her about my trips with Roy on the "west end", and she told my about growing up the daughter of a CNR track worker and living in places like Lempriere...just Joyce, her siblings and her parents living in a small house beside the rail way tracks. It was a major event, she said, when the railroad ran a snow plow to clear the track after a great snow storm so that the trains could run again and her father could get out to Blue River for the mail and for groceries and supplies. <br />
<br />
We talked and we laughed while we got to know each other. <br />
<br />
After I had hung up the phone, I sat alone at my desk and, holding Roy's photo in my hand I felt overcome with the fond memories of a time well spent, a time long gone and a time well remembered. I wrote Joyce a small note and, folding it over the little photo of her beloved husband, I slipped it into an envelope and placed a stamp on it. <br />
<br />
It will go into the mailbox tomorrow.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-8409015253453009872010-12-22T03:04:00.000-08:002010-12-22T11:28:10.014-08:00Air Brakes on the Alberta Coal Branch<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">It was nearly 20 below on a cloudless November night, We had picked up our phosphate rock train at the mine and were making about 25 or 30 mph along the undulating track of the <a href="http://www.coalking.ca/industry/historical_3.html">Alberta Coal Branch</a>. The fireman leaned forward and told me to lace up my boots and get my parka and mitts on. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US">"You gotta go back and put up the retainers", he said. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I smiled, and said, "I'll be ready to go when the train stops". </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"You don't understand" he said, "Get your gear on now and get going.” “The train isn't going to<br />
stop". </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"It will stop if there's going to be any retainers put on," I said. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I have done some pretty scary things in my career, but going 'over top' from one cross-hopper to another while putting up retainers ranks among the most frightening things I could imagine. There are no handrails up there…just an eight inch wide, frost-covered steel cap on the side walls of the open top cars that were waddling along in the dark, Rocky Mountain Foothills.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0LrUuD_fOI8Ttce4oaPagKo9Kx30hNlLjo-i_qgHMlJZWoq4hyphenhyphenmcNtmr-fhZD1sQ8aeIVEDOxe9Kd0LezG3qClR-GdmgwKl8tmQGjAqbozrWL1ykS6km2b_zy6OOzHfepMSIxg8p6z07/s1600/DSC00963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0LrUuD_fOI8Ttce4oaPagKo9Kx30hNlLjo-i_qgHMlJZWoq4hyphenhyphenmcNtmr-fhZD1sQ8aeIVEDOxe9Kd0LezG3qClR-GdmgwKl8tmQGjAqbozrWL1ykS6km2b_zy6OOzHfepMSIxg8p6z07/s640/DSC00963.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> Photo courtesy Ray Matthews </span><span lang="EN-US">(see page 41 <a href="http://www.cnlines.ca/">CNLines</a> SIG vol. 10, number 4.)</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US">***The smoke was common on trains descending long grades. The brake shoes got so hot they'd turn the wheels blue. Sometimes, we'd have to stop for twenty minutes to let them cool down so the wheels wouldn't fracture and break up.***</span></div>I soon realized that perhaps I was just being a 'chicken'. If was really true, as the engine crew insisted that brakemen had been putting on retainers 'on the fly' on The Branch for years and not a single fatality had been reported....well, there must be a way to do it alright. I'd figure it out, I thought as<span lang="EN-US"> I stepped out of the warm cab into the frozen night. Flipping the switch on my trusty trainman’s lantern, I stabbed the feeble light into the darkness looking for the best way to get myself from the rear platform of the locomotive and onto the ladder on the end of the car. Shaking off the vision of my body laying between the rails in numerous pieces after I had fallen from the top of one of those bouncing, twisting, rocking cars, I leaned out and grabbed at the nearest hand rail. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">My hand found a hand rail on the car and held on tightly. Swinging across the void between the engine and the car, I planted my boots on a ladder rung and immediately "gave thanks."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I knew how retaining valves, or “retainers” worked….sort of. Lots of railroaders had mentioned them; told stories about using them on steep grades long before the advent of modern brake systems. They always finished their stories with "But, you know...we don't have to use 'em anymore since they got the new 26L brake valves on the engines". Well, here I was trying to keep my balance on the top of a pile of crushed rock in an old steel open-top hopper that was jolting down the track in the middle of nowhere. Where were those old railroaders with their stories now? </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US">Retaining valves are just a little piece of equipment. They’re a small metal valve with a smallish diameter pipe coming out of the bottom and running to somewhere in the brake apparatus within the steel framework that supports the end of the car above the trucks that house the big steel wheels that carry the whole thing on the rails. On the side of the valve, is a small handle that pivots at the top and can be set at “off”, “low” or “high” pressure settings. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0sde-TTBX9CdpoOjxJ9Gj7wohVJiTNu8kqcMPyq5zQbbgX4ddBuz3TsAecxseBvIEVeTnFfcbOpzMJvFlZB-GxbnxD020luk8NFTR7jvqeJeRZMUlMYSOJQVtIIyRhi_PCEQe14bLNzp/s1600/Handbrake+and+Retaining+Valve+on+Boxcar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0sde-TTBX9CdpoOjxJ9Gj7wohVJiTNu8kqcMPyq5zQbbgX4ddBuz3TsAecxseBvIEVeTnFfcbOpzMJvFlZB-GxbnxD020luk8NFTR7jvqeJeRZMUlMYSOJQVtIIyRhi_PCEQe14bLNzp/s320/Handbrake+and+Retaining+Valve+on+Boxcar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9me0oKDh0RmrOXabnBTzWZBXyM7v9T74Ih0NQMS4QAbkUdFdLumcxgFfXP6CRfngAPBomWLsuCxBgAFVBrIS26dOAh1GwCJOW4z_rzy6HS6x1_-54K93hB331LFOD-UoyUw7KV3Vf0aU/s1600/Handbrake+and+Retaining+Valve+on+Boxcar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Its function is to trap a bit of air in the air brake system so that, when the brakes have been applied and then released, a small amount of “brake effort” is retained on that individual cars’ brake system until it's released by returning the valves handle to the "off" position once again. Retainers were used when heavy trains, such as aloaded Rock trains like this one from Cadomin Alberta could be safely brought down long steep grades by maintaining some brake effect on the train all the while recharging the air in the train's brake pipe and reservoirs. The idea is to keep the train speed under control, thus preventing runaways that would result in demerits being handed out to the crew, or worse. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Normally, the train would be stopped a safe distance from the top of the hill prior to descending the grade. At this time, the trainmen would start out from both ends of the train, climbing each ladder to the brake platform and setting the retainers. Generally, this meant a delay of from twenty minutes to three quarters of an hour depending on the length of train, weather conditions, etc. The same thing would happen at the bottom of the hill after safely descending the grade. The train would be stopped and the trainmen would return to their respective ends of the train, all the while replacing the retainers handles to the normal, or “off” position. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">This procedure was what the Uniform Code of Operating Rules called for. This procedure was what any mother would want her son to do under the circumstances. But this was not what this Coal Branch crew did. They “put up” and “took down” retainers “on the fly” no matter what the conditions, the time of day or the season. On the fly!... I have to tell you that I was terrified and was quite sure that I would not survive the night; because I had fallen from the top of a wildly swaying car. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I desperately clung to the frozen steel of those cars with phosphate dust burning my eyes and frost stinging my ears. Fumbling in the dark, and focusing on getting this job done...one car at a time, I eventually came upon the tail end brakeman. He had completed his share of the job and was standing on the drawbars in between the cars, holding onto a grab iron with one hand while he smoked a cigarette with the other. Together, we huddled in silence in the blowing snow and dust, choking on the thick brake smoke while we waited for the train to settle out at the bottom of the hill. Once there, we parted company, that brakeman and I; he headed off through the thick brake smoke toward the caboose, removing retainers from each car as he went. And I headed back toward the engine, doing the same.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
After I put the engine on the shop track in Edson, I gathered my kit from the locomotive cab and headed across the rail yard toward the office. The conductor was waiting for me in the booking-in room at the station. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Leaning a bit in my direction, he said "If you're not goin' to cooperate with me son, you needn't bother takin' a call for the 'Branch' again". “You Jasper boys aren’t welcome here cuz you don’t want to do as you’re told”, he said as he turned his head and spit a long black streak of tobacco juice toward the trash can in the corner. Tobacco juice ran in a jagged track down the papers that had been discarded there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">“I won’t be back if I can help it”, I said, coldly. I felt sure that it would be better to be laid off and taking unemployment benefits than to take a call to join his crew on the Branch again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Snow swirled into the room as the door closed behind him. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I sat down on a long, hard bench in the passenger waiting room of the station to wait for a westbound freight train to take me back to Jasper and my warm bed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-54736986626435052472010-09-25T11:03:00.000-07:002010-09-25T20:37:59.602-07:00TAPS FOR CONNOR<div style="text-align: center;">CONNOR</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You Left Us Too Soon</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Wee Rufkins "Tin Pan Alley"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">MAY 13 1997 - SEPTEMBER 24 2010</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You will be missed...always<br />
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A Dog's Prayer<br />
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Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in the entire world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.<br />
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Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.<br />
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When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.<br />
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Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.<br />
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And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.<br />
--Beth Norman Harris </div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-57571136154463761562010-08-02T16:38:00.000-07:002010-08-07T22:18:00.351-07:00A Twist of FateRecently, a friend emailed me asking where I get all my energy from?<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, I admit it…I do consume a lot of energy every day. But like every one else, there are days when I don’t seem to have the physical energy to work on all the things that need to be done around my 2.25 acre property. My body needs rest, but my mind then takes over and makes up for the physical inactivity.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve learned first-hand that each day I wake up to is the only one I have. So, I get up early; spend a little quiet time pulling my thoughts together while I have my coffee, cereal, and fruit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The rest of my day is spent working hard whether it’s at my “day job”, or in yard and garden work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICok4uWNeaaH_On4AtHUW7Ge9_UVXP07KDt8uwzTCSb4mJOhZ4WK5gW_fDbsdCuHhCbCshQ2-AOEHfDQ0BvuH7EZlDK22l8VJ0VzQOpj-J9oyJYbe1aJHnwzGN0C4yhpBxVk59Q5Scs2O/s1600/IMG_4093.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500963846676353730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICok4uWNeaaH_On4AtHUW7Ge9_UVXP07KDt8uwzTCSb4mJOhZ4WK5gW_fDbsdCuHhCbCshQ2-AOEHfDQ0BvuH7EZlDK22l8VJ0VzQOpj-J9oyJYbe1aJHnwzGN0C4yhpBxVk59Q5Scs2O/s400/IMG_4093.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>Physical labour makes me feel good. The more I hurt at the end of the day, the better I will sleep that night. Pain is good… when I’m hurting I<i> </i>know I’m alive and have been productive.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I take some time out, which I do every day…, I keep up my connections with friends and associates; I work on my new career and make time for my dog.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPUfKmiW3X29CyZpxZbbP2kGpDOLRjMXtvvlLfFexcvVysajV731jwSUeyUZbG9N9-3y601xHNgdqBtThcE3YlETXHqZjojaWOmbs3P-AgjVzZJLx4NYjIKFWQzfwMSx3Rrv-sXTn0Lem/s1600/IMG_4438.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500977662363891106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPUfKmiW3X29CyZpxZbbP2kGpDOLRjMXtvvlLfFexcvVysajV731jwSUeyUZbG9N9-3y601xHNgdqBtThcE3YlETXHqZjojaWOmbs3P-AgjVzZJLx4NYjIKFWQzfwMSx3Rrv-sXTn0Lem/s400/IMG_4438.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 294px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>Evenings are for social time with my wife, my dog and my friends. Time is short and relationships are important.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">We will all die one day…which day is uncertain. But while I live, I give my utmost to show gratitude for the life that has been given to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Many years ago, I had a much different outlook on life. I didn’t appreciate what I had or the good in people, nor the roof over my head or the bird songs in the air. There was a price to pay for this attitude and in time I paid dearly.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then came a time when my life was very troubled. Seeing this, a friend gave me a copy of an audio tape by the health care motivational speaker <a href="http://www.lesbrown.com/">Les Brown. </a><br />
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Mr. Brown gave me something to think about…it was a mantra that went something like this; “Each day when I get up from where I was sleeping, look around…and, if there is no white chalk outline of my body there…it will be a good day, for I have been given another chance to make my life better than it was yesterday.”</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Vincent_Peale">Dr. Norman Vincent Peale</a> led me to the well of the “Power of Positive Thinking” and together, the three of us changed the way I viewed my time on earth and the life I should lead here.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">From this, I developed my own mantra…<b>”Practice Being Positive until you’ve Forgotten How to Be Negative.”</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">This has given me the peace and energy required to carry out whatever might be planned for the rest of my days.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">For most of us, as we get older it becomes harder and harder to do things that we used to perform easily and perhaps, take for granted. However, once in a while we’re introduced to the fact that even the very elderly can do things that younger people can’t seem to do. Men and women in their eighties and nineties run marathons, or swim in polar bear events. The difference boils down to one fundamental thing…assuming there are no valid medical reasons underlying one’s inability to function normally; and that is “one’s mental attitude”. Those who function at a higher level have a great mental attitude and those who can’t seem to function well seem to spend time complaining about not being able to “get a break”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are countless euphemisms (sayings) to describe this such as, “seek and ye shall find”, or “knock and the door shall be opened”, and on and on.</div><div class="MsoNormal">If we take the time to really think about these sayings, and treat them like the parables many of us grew up being taught in Sunday School (I still think about Miss Lillian Wylie, my Sunday School Teacher) we can locate the wisdom that’s hidden within them and ourselves. Like parables, the sayings of the collected wisdom of the ages bears fruit if planted in fertile ground.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_KJ8xNXsS02fhupduVeDfUOv0kLjduPc1_yzd-i_-mPPOU8NfzB2dQPl813lKZPI-0PxVZQXj02cw3PWxJaldTo-vFUjavaAjvKrgpf6VS3fHxsCn7zLbnKYcZ2h8E9eE8AzsrXfD1oO/s1600/St+Albans+Anglican.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500969369682822562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_KJ8xNXsS02fhupduVeDfUOv0kLjduPc1_yzd-i_-mPPOU8NfzB2dQPl813lKZPI-0PxVZQXj02cw3PWxJaldTo-vFUjavaAjvKrgpf6VS3fHxsCn7zLbnKYcZ2h8E9eE8AzsrXfD1oO/s400/St+Albans+Anglican.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 238px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 145px;" /></a></div>The photo above is of St. Alban the Martyr Anglican Church in <a href="http://www.capreolonline.com/">Capreol</a>, Ontario. Does anyone have any idea when this photo might have been taken? This is the church in which Miss Wylie taught Sunday School.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Wolfgang_von_Goethe">Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe </a>once said (perhaps he said it more than once) "Whatever you can do, or dream you can...begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">I’ve experimented with this and found it to be very effective. If I want something to happen, or to appear, I ask for it…I create it in my mind. I act, or behave as if it is happening, or is about to appear. In short…I accept it as if it were already real.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I recently explained this phenomenon to a friend by telling him that I create what I need in the form of a mental “shawl” or “envelope” that I put on and wear. It’s invisible to all, including myself, but I know that it’s there because I created it and I wrapped it around me. It’s not important that no one can see it. It’s not important that “I” can’t see it either; but its power is in the fact that I know it’s there. The simple act of creating the detailed mental image of the “thing” that I want, and wearing it or surrounding my self in it as if it were already manifested actually creates the energy that causes it to take form.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwFyRhncr5msqyny6Q0TY588cSQI8TiWs30AeRXk6SpLRUoCOMTQSOwyBcDkBtcPFY-6fQS06NExsHD0yZZIBk5cryENni_ZBmstmrvDPXIN0czuOIblLacgnKbcWO_myDFh9JNljSYAA/s1600/First+solo+Vaughn+st+1954.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500964241661975026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwFyRhncr5msqyny6Q0TY588cSQI8TiWs30AeRXk6SpLRUoCOMTQSOwyBcDkBtcPFY-6fQS06NExsHD0yZZIBk5cryENni_ZBmstmrvDPXIN0czuOIblLacgnKbcWO_myDFh9JNljSYAA/s400/First+solo+Vaughn+st+1954.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 231px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 397px;" /></a>That's me, making my first solo flight on my aunt Shirley's old bike. It weighed a ton and, well...it was a girl's bike...but I didn't mind...really.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s almost like learning to ride a bike, or to swim. There are certain ‘truths’ that one must accept on blind faith; once you get the bike moving, it will tend to remain upright…, and if you hold your breath, you will float…, if you eat less and exercise, you will lose weight. A similar strategy applies to the practise I describe above. If you practice a thing long enough and with enough conviction, you will master it, given sufficient time and effort.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s not yet a perfect science. For example, On March 24, I left my job as manager of a small, two outlet retail business which sold windows and doors. It was a challenging job, and I was making headway re-organizing the business to bring it out of the red and into the black. But I wasn’t really happy in the job.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1fjGjS6GEH4myRY8ZGiyddSyjA0G2S91odUWYxm4WpDOeSjwoeAuR2uadyZM4viqKB_dCrnbqqwQUoz6rsRMea1Kez_q0kFIDGJ7od_9s-EapwVE5yqgzbFwg8XfAKNhq24bzQJd052e/s1600/PC048431.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500963095067669858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1fjGjS6GEH4myRY8ZGiyddSyjA0G2S91odUWYxm4WpDOeSjwoeAuR2uadyZM4viqKB_dCrnbqqwQUoz6rsRMea1Kez_q0kFIDGJ7od_9s-EapwVE5yqgzbFwg8XfAKNhq24bzQJd052e/s400/PC048431.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>Part of my former sales staff on a Friday afternoon.<br />
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I began to create a mental image of a dream job that would offer much more than my current job, both in personal satisfaction and monetary compensation.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, the opportunity arose when a position became vacant that would offer Susan and I advantages that we didn’t currently enjoy. Phone calls were made, emails flew back and forth and arrangements were made for me to travel to their headquarters in the US where I was given a tour of their plant and met with all of their department managers, Human Resources, Finance, Manufacturing and Distribution, etc.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I left my job in order to take a more challenging and lucrative position with this large international window manufacturer, having been assured that the position would be available within a few weeks and that I was the person they wanted to put into the job.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s make a long story short…they dragged it out for weeks and ultimately, it didn’t happen. I was left without a job.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I decided to take some time to work on our house and property and, to circulate my resume. I made inquiries in places where a man of my experience and knowledge would find work that might fit the model I had built around myself using the ‘visualization’ technique that I’ve described above. After all, I had considered every foreseeable detail and the dream had been set into motion. The little matter of the intended employer backing out of the scenario shouldn’t alter the final result for me. There was a great job taking shape somewhere and I just had to get in front of it when it materialized.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfgBQ55qyXDd4wgXmWmrZJeWb0HLXd5ZU7wLXWky4gFB5-qiX-YsYkpn_IYBeq4rF1xKxrXjl_yN_ulRsm64U1g7y4VzCiitJ8z-wvMCaRsW99-5oKCF2QW9KLrexumnwr0UKXJTg1Z0Z/s1600/IMG_5178.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500962196704069330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfgBQ55qyXDd4wgXmWmrZJeWb0HLXd5ZU7wLXWky4gFB5-qiX-YsYkpn_IYBeq4rF1xKxrXjl_yN_ulRsm64U1g7y4VzCiitJ8z-wvMCaRsW99-5oKCF2QW9KLrexumnwr0UKXJTg1Z0Z/s400/IMG_5178.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>I got a lot done around home while getting no positive responses to my job search. This was a bit discouraging, as I had never been refused a job when I asked for it.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the first time in my life, I had applied for Employment Insurance.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">After talking it over with my wife, the decision was made to wind down the search for high-end work and concentrate on finding something smaller, perhaps part time. The idea was that this would allow me to finish more around the yard and still bring in a little income as well as keep my mind active.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps the advice I had received from a couple of my detractors was correct…that I might be reaching “beyond my station” in life. Perhaps it was my age that was now holding me out of my intended job market…I’ll be 65 next February.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">So that was it! We were letting go of ‘the dream’ and settling into a more relaxed, if not less prosperous lifestyle. We knew this would mean downsizing to a smaller house so that we could maintain a reasonable standard of living while receiving our normal pension income. So be it then.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, on July 12<sup>th</sup>, Susan, Connor and I went to <place st="on"><state st="on">Victoria</state></place> to pick up some supplies at a bead store for Susan’s current weaving project. We parked the van in the shade of some big trees along Government Street and Susan left for the stores<street st="on"></street> a few doors away... saying she might be awhile. Who would have guessed it?!<br />
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Below, you'll see a shawl that Susan has made for her sister. It's made from 100% wood waste called Tencel. </div><address st="on"><br />
</address><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvJRpiLS9p9SdkcQDpniS4Lb5Es_VHic1m5Zg4l9cRpTTZFP5y_7V83gv4WaJHOBi4xijgwrHQg_joqhf3SDhMf74m4zxcYCVIbwSpvq8s1ZxtG2lFURmZpjA0zFox-swzN9OXyicnFso/s1600/Image1+%2810%29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500973323233164530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvJRpiLS9p9SdkcQDpniS4Lb5Es_VHic1m5Zg4l9cRpTTZFP5y_7V83gv4WaJHOBi4xijgwrHQg_joqhf3SDhMf74m4zxcYCVIbwSpvq8s1ZxtG2lFURmZpjA0zFox-swzN9OXyicnFso/s400/Image1+%2810%29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>Susan's Blog Thrums can be found <a href="http://weeverwoman.blogspot.com/">here </a></div><br />
I sat and read while Connor slept. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7KHwJ7uMjZzY3916XYQKyjxsjDF3FRDmuZRsXYCLBGRiwx1yxG-ZLoZgEj6e8wbp81ek8tWwuuXZVgSdFJX-ADOJjMo7QE3YCN3PghmoTf-QoI-bBilxTFRBm5Xap6zJn5KXXle2440m/s1600/IMG_5181.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500974829336262082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7KHwJ7uMjZzY3916XYQKyjxsjDF3FRDmuZRsXYCLBGRiwx1yxG-ZLoZgEj6e8wbp81ek8tWwuuXZVgSdFJX-ADOJjMo7QE3YCN3PghmoTf-QoI-bBilxTFRBm5Xap6zJn5KXXle2440m/s400/IMG_5181.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 381px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Shortly, he awoke and let me know that he would like to get out and stretch his back leg a bit. I put him on his leash and we locked up the van and headed off to see what we could see.</div><div class="MsoNormal">After a half hour of dribbling on every tree, bush and clump of grass that he could access, we turned our attention to a small strip-mall and turned in to look at the merchandise in the store windows. After only a few minutes, I found it to be too hot for window shopping as the thermometer must have been hovering around 35 degrees Celsius, or about 100 degrees American.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I tried to turn Connor towards the van which by now stood in the shade of a large oak tree within a hundred feet of us, he discovered a store with the front door which had been propped open for ventilation. The sign above the entrance said that they sold heating and cooling supplies, fireplaces and ventilation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">He tugged hard on his leash and almost dragged me into the store which was only a few degrees cooler than the blistering hot parking lot outside. Still, it was a relief.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The salesman on duty came out and introduced himself. We struck up a conversation about…you guessed it…”dogs”. Then I noticed a few windows mounted on displays near the back of the store and I asked whether they sold windows and he said “yes”, but that they weren’t doing well enough with window sales and needed someone who was familiar with the products. Uh-huh. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>He asked me to email him my resume and said he’d pass it on to the General Manager. I did…he did…and the GM called me to set up a time that we could meet…”as soon as possible, please”.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I met with him on July 16<sup>th</sup>. He said he was looking for someone who could take the job of ‘outside sales –commercial’ for the <state st="on"><place st="on">Victoria</place></state> area. I didn’t really see that as being all that exciting, but I said, “Sure, I can do that”. I began to ask him questions about his business and, based on his answers, I suggested to him that he think about making some changes that would better place him in a competitive position in the market. I pointed to changes that I believed would generate more business, create a more dynamic business profile, change the layout in the showroom, hire, train and equip new sales people and installers, arrange for a new window supplier that could give him better delivery times, warranty and a broader scope of product line. I suggested strong Marketing and Advertising programs and…and…</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">He listened to me for a few minutes and then said that, rather than have me selling windows, he would rather put me in a position where I could help him re-build the entire enterprise, which included stores in Greater Vancouver as well as Victoria…perhaps as General Sales Manager!</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">We’re still negotiating terms, but it’s looking better and better with each passing day. I do have a very strong job prospect now, and it’s far more exciting and of much broader scope than anything that I might have achieved with the large window manufacturer which dropped me in the middle of my start-up with them back in March.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">And all this because I created the visualization that tapped into the power of the Universe to create the job that I wanted…and…..because Connor dragged me into the fireplace store. <br />
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Now we wait to see what the prospective new employers do with the opportunity that the Universal Power has offered them. <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGENXluh9KpnUkfBrI3k89yVRqLUggPmtSTT3RjI3ybfmhMkjb0xFbpDLkQccPzKvheE2cLKsb0k3k3GdCUWr5n_aZQt5kkW08dRleFptK2tykXH49tUVPScyF5Log8YXK6c3hf0qYstnQ/s1600/Sombrero+Galaxy.bmp" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500976205254009170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGENXluh9KpnUkfBrI3k89yVRqLUggPmtSTT3RjI3ybfmhMkjb0xFbpDLkQccPzKvheE2cLKsb0k3k3GdCUWr5n_aZQt5kkW08dRleFptK2tykXH49tUVPScyF5Log8YXK6c3hf0qYstnQ/s400/Sombrero+Galaxy.bmp" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 224px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-31120888486662175962010-07-04T07:22:00.000-07:002010-07-04T10:03:35.602-07:00Canada's Police Forces - Defenders of the Peace or Purveyors of Fear.The G20 meetings have now broken up and the Heads of State are no longer occupying the headlines. Actually, they never did dominate the headlines. Instead, the world saw the gritty nature of the Canadian socio-political personality... the rioting in the streets of Toronto and the response to that violence by the billion dollar security forces brought to the show by the Federal and Provincial governments.<br /><br /><br />Our beloved county has become one of violence, suppression, dominance and fear...not on the part of the citizens of this great nation, but certainly on the part of the political structure that we have allowed to infiltrate many of our Federal, Provincial and Municipal government offices.<br /><br /><br />There is a very simple pattern that is consistent through almost every example of police action that the public finds offensive. Whether it's the G20 fiasco in Toronto where squads of riot-geared heavily armed police attacked peaceful protestors while the black-hooded criminals wreaked havoc on businesses only a block or two away or a squad of heavily armed RCMP officers attacking and tasering to death a lost, confused, tired and de-hydrated visitor to Vancouver's YVR airport...the method used by "the authorities" is much the same. The heads of the police forces, the elected members of Parliament, Provincial Legislatures, cities and towns stand with the police forces involved, defending their actions and refusing to defend the rights of the citizens who were victimized.<br /><br /><br />I find it appalling that each and every Canadian citizen is continually at risk of being swept up in a police action that may or may not be justified and be unjustly charged, incarcerated, injured or killed. Do you find these words inflammatory? Do you believe that I'm fear-mongering? do you think that it can't happen to you because you're a law-abidiing citizen?<br /><br /><br />Have you ever crossed the street in the middle of the block, or at a place where there was no painted cross-walk? Kelowna RCMP officers scrambled to subdue and arrest an 80 plus year old man who found himself crossing the road in Kelowna, BC. The man was taken away in a police cruiser, hand-cuffed and humiliated. Shame...<br /><br /><br />A youth who had an open beer in his hand after a hockey game was shot to death in a police lock-up in Houston, BC. No charges laid.<br /><br /><br />Monty Robinson, the RCMP officer in charge of the squad responsible for the tasering death of Robert Dziekanski at Vancouver International Airport was later involved in the death of a young man on a motorcycle in Tsawassen, BC. Robinson was found to have alcohol in his blood but again has not been charged for his offence.<br /><br /><br />I haven't always felt this way. I was once proud of my country's national police force. In fact, a number of my family have proudly served in that force. I once had the greatest respect for police work and at one time had contemplated becoming a police officer. But I feel much differently now, having seen countless examples of reasons why the members of our police forces cannot be trusted...and should not be trusted.<br /><br /><br />I'm resentful of the amount of my <a href="http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/rcmp-grc/report-rapport-eng.aspx">tax dollars</a> that are fed to the gluttonous RCMP establishment (4 Billion dollars). I resent the fact that no matter how serious the infractions, no matter how compelling the evidence, no matter how devastating the effects on the victims of RCMP actions...they go free and are paid full wages to boot. And I'm resentful of the fact that police forces are not held to the same laws that they are paid to serve and protect.<br /><br />So far, I've focused on the actions of the RCMP and by extension, other police forces in Canada. But these police forces do not act alone. The act in consort with the various governments in whose jurisdictions they operate. Any elected politician who blindly accepts and defends the actions of a police officer without knowing all of the facts is, defacto complicent in the actions of the police officers and their handlers. We elect these politicos and are responsible for their actions, hence we are also complicent.<br /><br />Wait a minute...!!! I've just had an "Oh, Crap" moment. It's my fault...I'm responsible, not for the horrific actions of the police, but I am responsible for the fact that they get away with it!<br /><br /><br />As a nation, we're not headed in a direction that bodes well for its citizens.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-58726457042171855612010-06-19T15:19:00.000-07:002010-06-19T21:55:49.681-07:00Stopping to catch my breath and cool down.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi934bRAbZzd1Qv4btN8gsPVjVXK7EjAGMDXm3WZsyQFPzxwdAk-W-aE1IB9_nJGXfi_GI_WuV-cA_GjD002nYiJaGloIYYBGcyvegAVNijKfcexC1XjTawHpaO92vFVtkSOWCd0nhHMkN4/s1600/West+Bay+1944.jpg"></a> <div></div><div></div><br /><div>My hands are buzzing from a couple of hours of mowing lawns and whipping weeds. </div><div></div><br /><div>After hosing myself down to remove the plant debris from my legs and arms, I'm now sitting comfortably in the shade with a cold beer at my side. Connor, my little dog is sleeping nearby.</div><div></div><br /><div>The smell of leaves, flowers and fresh soil fills my mind and I close my eyes to soak it all in. </div><div></div><br /><div>It takes me back...the year is now 1956 and I'm standing at the end of the dock watching the waves roll by. The wind is coming from the north-east...straight out of the mouth of the 'north river', hours away in our 15 foot cedar strip boat which is powered by a very old outboard motor of probably 5 or 6 horsepower. The sun is shining brightly on this clear summer day, but the rough water prevents grandad and I from going out to fish for our dinner. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcORbcgtoq1HF-916flzV_aXwc9i5h-XTs09PRUpl6uqJdp9Wo1CWbDQVg506tS-Vx31sXhnl1tm_zsdzjT6xgexSDa3QQWsYVbDrLaoGLvFTQ31jSKcbM_AW-pWeH3OoxxGVLzsTkhax/s1600/E+Harvey+West+Bay+Camps+1956.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 384px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484624401397013010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcORbcgtoq1HF-916flzV_aXwc9i5h-XTs09PRUpl6uqJdp9Wo1CWbDQVg506tS-Vx31sXhnl1tm_zsdzjT6xgexSDa3QQWsYVbDrLaoGLvFTQ31jSKcbM_AW-pWeH3OoxxGVLzsTkhax/s400/E+Harvey+West+Bay+Camps+1956.jpg" /></a> <div>There is only one boat out today and it's moving slowly while it pounds through the big waves sending shots of white spray from its bow as it rises and falls into the troughs between the waves. It doesn't really feel like the wind is blowing that hard, but one glance into the tops of the tall poplar trees that surround our log cabin tell me that it's a good thing that we pulled the boat out of the water last night before going to bed. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktuNW4aHaKxAnGoAUuowyN6rtHwNKUmnGKyGn4lA6ZvJzB_kVG7Eu03gJoNDreVjWpFTLACo2LYKn7PhKS74Tx0oVg9MRkEHUwCtjr6Tl3tIGr-iK-WfkQLn_jkOLTo3EBT53nCuuInw2/s1600/Bruce+%40+West+Bay+ca1950.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 372px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484620873833395986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktuNW4aHaKxAnGoAUuowyN6rtHwNKUmnGKyGn4lA6ZvJzB_kVG7Eu03gJoNDreVjWpFTLACo2LYKn7PhKS74Tx0oVg9MRkEHUwCtjr6Tl3tIGr-iK-WfkQLn_jkOLTo3EBT53nCuuInw2/s400/Bruce+%40+West+Bay+ca1950.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div>This is a good day to find something to do close to the cabin; just hang around and have a lazy day. The logs that the cabin was made from were oiled before I got out of school for the summer, so that chore is out of the way. Grandad and I have already scavenged a number of Mr. Poupore's logs found floating in the lake and turned them into firewood for the summer. The wood is piled high and drying in the summer sun. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>I fill the water pails from the lake and carry them into the cabin while Nana bakes enough bread and buns to keep us through the week. After the bread has cooled, Nana and I carefully place the loaves of bread into floured pillow cases that she keeps for this purpose. The pillow cases are folded neatly around the loaves and gently lowered into a large earthen crock pot that stands on the floor near the kitchen counter. The buns are put into a large tin and placed on a shelf near the table. The cabin smells delicious.</div><div></div><br /><div>Grandad removes the old outboard motor from the boats' transom and hefts it onto a 2 x 4 he has nailed between two poplar trees. He calls to me to bring his tool kit so he can pull the spark plugs for cleaning and take off the fuel lines to blow them out. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNyeL91M6AYmbnF8yj2Rks_xJjC3OXQhuXpmUL4z5D8zzJ7vbkYau3xxutEb9K9BQEdHzQQ5twXx8b8VVIbxbP5EgJDk8tT1hIkorPf2anjItO4h2briQ54eeXZ-3swSTomgCjdePd1oC/s1600/Annual+tune-up+on+outboard+granddad.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484620510950967698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNyeL91M6AYmbnF8yj2Rks_xJjC3OXQhuXpmUL4z5D8zzJ7vbkYau3xxutEb9K9BQEdHzQQ5twXx8b8VVIbxbP5EgJDk8tT1hIkorPf2anjItO4h2briQ54eeXZ-3swSTomgCjdePd1oC/s400/Annual+tune-up+on+outboard+granddad.jpg" /></a> After carefully lighting his cigarette and twisting it into a cigarette holder, he reaches for a small can and unscrews the cap from the top. He pours an inch or two of gasoline into an old tobacco can and dips an oily rag into it. Wadding up the rag, he wipes down the mysterious parts that lie hidden inside the aluminum housing that covers the engine block, spark plugs and a variety of wires and hoses. </div><br /><div></div><div>I watch his hands, the hands I love even today as he deftly works around all the parts with his rag. His skin seems very thin, yet soft. His long finger nails are pressing the gasoline soaked rag into tight places to clean the dirt from there. I know these hands well. I've watched them dance over the keyboard at the piano in the lounge at Walter and Lena Arlt's West Bay Lodge on the island nearby. Those same hands have held the axe handle firmly, threaded a dew worm onto the hook behind a June Bug spinner and have held firm while I pushed an embedded treble hook through the flesh between thumb and forefinger. His hand remained perfectly still as I fumbled with the pliers trying to use my littel boy's muscles to cut the barb from from the hooks so we could remove them from his injured hand.<br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>I crouch on the ground beside him, ready to hand him a wrench, or an old tooth brush he keeps for cleaning motor parts. </div><div></div><br /><div>Roxy, my black labrador curls up in the shade under the birch trees nearby and goes to sleep.</div><div></div><br /><div>I am at peace with the world today...even if the world is not at peace with itself.</div></div></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702982762814654421.post-49969923210432842002010-04-25T22:08:00.000-07:002010-04-25T23:40:14.004-07:00My Dog is Getting Older, and I'm Missing Him Already<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjw-0dQH2LC7rkDUCL8Zzekkd9IHfo7_3WVPAgJavGsZxPUEqIYbsaOc_tt2Kv4kIURNHs8msCbIiPupG_Bn8ULzgcqpQk-8tU8oGChz7GGGMG-w-VwMw3DN8QwAx-Zo1a3lVemfFyG_i/s1600/IMG_4674.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464311713738527250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjw-0dQH2LC7rkDUCL8Zzekkd9IHfo7_3WVPAgJavGsZxPUEqIYbsaOc_tt2Kv4kIURNHs8msCbIiPupG_Bn8ULzgcqpQk-8tU8oGChz7GGGMG-w-VwMw3DN8QwAx-Zo1a3lVemfFyG_i/s400/IMG_4674.jpg" /></a><br />After dropping my wife off at her weaving workshop in Crofton this morning, Connor and I went home to begin our day at the farm. There were several small jobs that had to be done while I'm not working at a day job. Today we opened up the garage and turned the lights on. It had been a while since Connor and I had spent any time around the garage/shop together.<br /><br />Connor stood aside while I rolled the utility trailer out of the garage to make room for the power tools that I would soon pull out from their storage places along the walls. I can't take my eyes off him for more than a moment or two because he has lost his hearing in the past year. He can no longer hear me when I tell him to watch out for danger. As the shop is near the highway, I can only trust that he remembers to stay away from the road when he wanders around the property to pee on all his favourite bushes.<br /><br />But today, rather than making his rounds of the property, he hung around the garage while I sorted through my lumber stash looking for just the right piece of hardwood to turn into a door sill. Measuring, marking and setting up the saw, I watched Connor wander slowly about the shop. Finally, he lay down on a piece of carpet near the open door. He found the only spot that was bathed in sunlight and curled up.<br /><br />For 12 of his 13 years, he would not have laid down so soon. He would have run into the garden area and returned with his soccer ball, pushing it under my feet until I acceed to his demands, setting down my tools and following him into the orchard for a game of soccer that would last until I got tired.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfOxJZ-oQnAfBcPWWVJnpo2JV4GdcXIOf3n3pRbEz1uWBxUpbQt3DZlgd31uc7zuZBVPhqc9rW5A87afanRfAToK34l0myfWrSKMO5qSkR-cD8jNSwb9TIdTVapCC_uKzpy5hcW4AtLjT/s1600/020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464328691036341698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfOxJZ-oQnAfBcPWWVJnpo2JV4GdcXIOf3n3pRbEz1uWBxUpbQt3DZlgd31uc7zuZBVPhqc9rW5A87afanRfAToK34l0myfWrSKMO5qSkR-cD8jNSwb9TIdTVapCC_uKzpy5hcW4AtLjT/s400/020.JPG" /></a><br />This past year though, he hasn't shown much interest in playing soccer. He sleeps much of the day and all night. He has never been what one might call "healthy", and has suffered greatly from an intestinal disorder that has brought him near to death on several occasions. This past winter has been particularly hard on him. Two weeks ago he became so sick that I took him to the vet...one of many vet visits in his life. Connor's "quality of life" had deteriorated to the point that we were considering euthenasia for him. We were taking turns staying up all night with him. The little man was so sick and we were desparate.<br /><br />The vet told me that there was nothing that could be done for him and it was just a matter of time until the "decision" would have to be made. She gave him a couple of injections which would settle his irritated guts for a short term fix. She said that the relief would last only 24 hours and he would most likely be sick again.<br /><br />Well, Connor hs enjoyed a welcome comeback and is eating well and sleeping a lot. But he's lost his energy, his bright eyes and perky ears and tail. We've noticed this happening over the past 12 to 16 months and have told opurselves that it's just his age. After all, he is 13 years old, eh?<br /><br />Back to the shop...<br /><br />Connor got up from his place in the sun and stepped outside and sniffed the air. Without looking back, he slowly walked out to the driveway and turned toward the house. I turned off the saw and put down the piece of wood that I was working on. He walked slowly up the driveway without lookig left of right. He looked tired and dejected. I stood in the middle of the driveway and watched him get farther and farther away from me. He crossed the bridge and walked past the neighbors driveway where it branches off from ours. He didn't stop at the tree where every dog in the neighborhood comes to pee. A deep sadness came over me.<br /><br />Then he stopped and brought his head over his shoulder and stood looking in my direction. I wondered if he could see me, not knowing if he was losing his eyesight in his older years like me.<br /><br />I became aware that I was holding my breath.<br /><br />He turned toward me and began to take a few steps...slowly at first and then...he began to run toward me. I took a deep breath and my heart leapt in my chest. I began to run toward him.<br /><br />We met on the bridge over the creek and he jumped into my arms as I dropped to my knees. I carried him back to the shop and we sat down on a chair for a couple of minutes of joyful cuddling.<br /><br />Too soon, he let himself down and went to the open doorway where he stopped and looked over his shoulder at me. I knew that the time had come. I got up and followed him into the orchard where we found his soccer ball and played until he determined that he had enough and wanted to go home for a nap.<br /><br />I carried him home and made him a lunch of roast chicken with rice and cottage cheese. Then he and I went to the couch for a little afternoon nap.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHnEi9FoDJLnI8gv6aP42gvZZp8xzheBTz8h2irjGJU1RBUt-bsl8YBtH4BHtDS4exXnIhNQxN-fKEKUBb_dPzR6lcoBrJ1s056TwxyEHJ21S8p_zujQqqv6hXPMMGh4l2qvc1y4DK8fT/s1600/DSC00125.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464309630350625794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHnEi9FoDJLnI8gv6aP42gvZZp8xzheBTz8h2irjGJU1RBUt-bsl8YBtH4BHtDS4exXnIhNQxN-fKEKUBb_dPzR6lcoBrJ1s056TwxyEHJ21S8p_zujQqqv6hXPMMGh4l2qvc1y4DK8fT/s400/DSC00125.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807128526453246847noreply@blogger.com2