I know i'm in the minority when i talk about this subject, however i feel strongly that when a person comes to canada they need to adopt our ways of life as well as our laws. If things were reversed we would likely be tossed in jail for crimes against the state, since Prime Minister Truedeau created the multi cultural immigration act he opened the door for the issues we have today.
Premier Jean Charest of Quebec implimented a new law restricting the use of head covers for muslim women in his province it set off a fire storm of contraversy across canada. Just yesterday here in K-W there was a meeting of about 250 muslim women who got together to rail about the new law. I respect their right to protest, however thats as far as i go in agreeing. It's pretty obvious why this was enacted so there is no confusion on the subject.
I firmly believe that it's o.k. to practice anything you wish in the confines of your own home including sacrifying chickens if you wish, but there are limits when out in public. We spend far to much time bickering over religious freedoms as i believe that the countries laws and the will of the people should supperseed everything else, i may be right or i might be wrong , but at least i am taking a position on this subject, so what about you?
It's time we all got off our butts and spoke up about something you support not just things you oppose.
As always let me know what you think, seeyou soon...
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Apo;ogy Are you kidding me!!
I was shocked and dismayed by what i heard and read about what governor general Michaelle Jean is quoted as saying that the government of canada was apoligizing for not stopping the 1994 slaughter of the Tutsi's by the Hutu government. I think i should give you some background as most canadians who only know whats going on out side their windows, you should know that the Hutu were exterminating the Tutsi's in large numbers to the tune of an estimated 800,000men, women and children.
The United Nations stepped in and tried to stop the blood shed (yeah) as only the U.N. can. The mission was led by a canadian commander by the name of General Romeo Dallaire and he tried very hard to intervein but was over ruled by weak leader ship at the U.N. General Dallaire even held press coferences with the world press on numerous occasions to let the world know how his hands were tied. The U.N. grew weary of his publicity that he was replaced as the U.N. commander. He continued to try to bring world support to stop the genocide continuesly for 2 more years when finally the U.S. stepped in, in a meaningful way.
So we move ahead to this week where Governor General Michaelle Jean who is on a diplomatic visit to Rwanda she states at a press briefing that canada was sorry that the canadian lead brigade had not stopped the bloodshed. There is plenty of blame to go around however General Dallaire doesn't diserve any of it. I find it sad that
years later this person seens to be villifying the only true hero during that date and time.
As always let me know what your thoughts are on this or any of the other blogs i've written, seeyou soon...
The United Nations stepped in and tried to stop the blood shed (yeah) as only the U.N. can. The mission was led by a canadian commander by the name of General Romeo Dallaire and he tried very hard to intervein but was over ruled by weak leader ship at the U.N. General Dallaire even held press coferences with the world press on numerous occasions to let the world know how his hands were tied. The U.N. grew weary of his publicity that he was replaced as the U.N. commander. He continued to try to bring world support to stop the genocide continuesly for 2 more years when finally the U.S. stepped in, in a meaningful way.
So we move ahead to this week where Governor General Michaelle Jean who is on a diplomatic visit to Rwanda she states at a press briefing that canada was sorry that the canadian lead brigade had not stopped the bloodshed. There is plenty of blame to go around however General Dallaire doesn't diserve any of it. I find it sad that
years later this person seens to be villifying the only true hero during that date and time.
As always let me know what your thoughts are on this or any of the other blogs i've written, seeyou soon...
Monday, April 26, 2010
Call a doctor, Rangers out
On sunday afternoon the Kitchener Rangers choked big time and yet all the talk on t.v. radio and the record they were being portraid as over acheivers and did quite well considering how young the players are. In the future all people will remember is how the rangers blew a 3-0 lead in a best of seven western final. The winner will get the Barrie Colts in the ohl final and wasn't expected to win as barrie has assembled a all-star team, thats neither here nor there since the rangers had a complete collapse.
The attitude around here is not unusual as most canadians and especially the athletes are by nature complaciant, till this february's olympics we never cared about success as just competing was good enough. I'm mad as hell as i find it intolerable to watch canadians on the world stage explain away their failures as competing hard and being pleased with their effort while finishing 45th out of 50, finally this winters olympics we saw a huge effort by the canadian olympic coccittee pushing the own the podium program. We finally heard grumbling across canada when in the first week we saw failure after failure of the so called canadian favourites.
You know we have to collectively we must demand more from our own and make them more accountable for their results, as the alternative is we remain the nice guys in the world at all things competitive. We need to be more assertive and less complacient.
Let me know what you think on this subject or any of the others, see you soon
The attitude around here is not unusual as most canadians and especially the athletes are by nature complaciant, till this february's olympics we never cared about success as just competing was good enough. I'm mad as hell as i find it intolerable to watch canadians on the world stage explain away their failures as competing hard and being pleased with their effort while finishing 45th out of 50, finally this winters olympics we saw a huge effort by the canadian olympic coccittee pushing the own the podium program. We finally heard grumbling across canada when in the first week we saw failure after failure of the so called canadian favourites.
You know we have to collectively we must demand more from our own and make them more accountable for their results, as the alternative is we remain the nice guys in the world at all things competitive. We need to be more assertive and less complacient.
Let me know what you think on this subject or any of the others, see you soon
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thumbs up! for volunteers
I became a volunteer in 1977 after my midget year of hockey, this was my first year as an assistant coach with a peewee "A" team in clarkson. I move ahead 2 years and in 1979 i became a head coach at the age of 19, and concluded my tenure 22 years later having fofilled all my obligations to the players, parents and organization. The amazing thing is i loved every minute of it, occassionally you run into people who can make things difficult for you however this comes with the territory.
One of the first things i discovered was to give of yourself will cost you money, there is always something that crops up allong the way. Mind you i'm not complaining all i'm saying it's a fact. I have met some incredible people allong the way, who have turned into some awesome friends.
Then you fast forward to today (2010) and the situation is reversed and i require the assistance of volunteers, as i have always believed that what you give you get back tenfold. The volunteers at the hospital are curtious and friendly and always helpful,when ever i call them they're right there right away. I live next door to a nursing home and watch as the volunteers assist the seniors with everything from eating a meal, reading to them and taking them for a walk. The great thing is the average volunteer requests one thing an that is a simple THANK YOU amazingly it costs you nothing except a moment of your time.
So thank you to everyone out there who gives of themselves, please let me know what you think of this or any other subject i've covered so far.
See you sopon.
One of the first things i discovered was to give of yourself will cost you money, there is always something that crops up allong the way. Mind you i'm not complaining all i'm saying it's a fact. I have met some incredible people allong the way, who have turned into some awesome friends.
Then you fast forward to today (2010) and the situation is reversed and i require the assistance of volunteers, as i have always believed that what you give you get back tenfold. The volunteers at the hospital are curtious and friendly and always helpful,when ever i call them they're right there right away. I live next door to a nursing home and watch as the volunteers assist the seniors with everything from eating a meal, reading to them and taking them for a walk. The great thing is the average volunteer requests one thing an that is a simple THANK YOU amazingly it costs you nothing except a moment of your time.
So thank you to everyone out there who gives of themselves, please let me know what you think of this or any other subject i've covered so far.
See you sopon.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
to give or not to give
hi folks i'm sorry for being away so long as i've been busy preparing for saturday may 1st. i have been involved with a u.s. company called SMC which distributes gift products for all occasions and those who have never seen the catolage there are 2000 items available. i have a big day ahead showing actual items and showing off the catolage.
now on to the subject at hand, the federal government pours millions into other countries year after year and the public does the same and church's especially pick locations to pump the parisioneers donations. this is o.k.. with most as the prevailing attitude is i'll right a cheque and just don't ask me to give of my time, i just wish people would tune in to whats happening here in CANADA we have sniors eating cat food because it's all they can afford living on a fixed income, single mothers unable to feed and cloath their children, and homeless people living on small handouts, i saw a story on the news where the families of our troops in afganastan are going to food banks because they can't make ends meet.
i'm fed up with these phone calls and letters from socalled organizations looking for hand outs, the truth is they're professional fundraiser companies whom have as an example paid $100,000to the charity then continuepester us to make money for themselves. the do not call list is a joke so i suggest to everyone be more selective with your donations.
it's more important to take care of our own first and others later.
see you soon.
now on to the subject at hand, the federal government pours millions into other countries year after year and the public does the same and church's especially pick locations to pump the parisioneers donations. this is o.k.. with most as the prevailing attitude is i'll right a cheque and just don't ask me to give of my time, i just wish people would tune in to whats happening here in CANADA we have sniors eating cat food because it's all they can afford living on a fixed income, single mothers unable to feed and cloath their children, and homeless people living on small handouts, i saw a story on the news where the families of our troops in afganastan are going to food banks because they can't make ends meet.
i'm fed up with these phone calls and letters from socalled organizations looking for hand outs, the truth is they're professional fundraiser companies whom have as an example paid $100,000to the charity then continuepester us to make money for themselves. the do not call list is a joke so i suggest to everyone be more selective with your donations.
it's more important to take care of our own first and others later.
see you soon.
Friday, April 9, 2010
not a normal friday
today is april 9th. and just another day for most canadians, however today is a very special day as we celebrate a moment in history that transformed canada into a country on a equal footing with the other powers in the world. sadly we don't teach enough canadian history so future generations can celebrate days such as today.
two words vimy ridge, a turning point in world war one and an even larger turning point for canada. the allies as well as the germen's had suffered enormous losses and lines pretty much had stabilized over a lengthly period. the canadian corp. was asked to attack and thanks to some very brave men we took the ridge. the losses were great but it didn't stop the corp. at the time the canadian planners used some new and unorthadox ideas such as a rolling barage as the men left there trenchs the artillary advanced with them.
the losses were great including about 91% of the newfoundland corp. imagine going over the top and loosing 9 out of 10 men. there are no veterans left alive as the last canadian died last year so it's even more important that we continue to remember. the number of veterans still around from world war two are dwindling so even though we thank the veteranes on rememberance day please take the time everyday when you run into one stop and shake their hand and say thanks,
see you soon
two words vimy ridge, a turning point in world war one and an even larger turning point for canada. the allies as well as the germen's had suffered enormous losses and lines pretty much had stabilized over a lengthly period. the canadian corp. was asked to attack and thanks to some very brave men we took the ridge. the losses were great but it didn't stop the corp. at the time the canadian planners used some new and unorthadox ideas such as a rolling barage as the men left there trenchs the artillary advanced with them.
the losses were great including about 91% of the newfoundland corp. imagine going over the top and loosing 9 out of 10 men. there are no veterans left alive as the last canadian died last year so it's even more important that we continue to remember. the number of veterans still around from world war two are dwindling so even though we thank the veteranes on rememberance day please take the time everyday when you run into one stop and shake their hand and say thanks,
see you soon
Thursday, April 8, 2010
a tribute to mobility plus
when i first leaned of the mobility plus service i was in cambridge and started using it in the fall of 2003 i thought wow what a great service, they come to where i'm staying pick me up and take me to my appointment. a couple hours later they would come back and pick me up and return me to me residence. i got to know the drivers they always made me feel important and always tried to be on time, they don't get enough recognition for their efforts so thanks brenda, john and kevin.
now as of may 2005 i live in kitchener and my usage has grown ten fold, like cambridge the people from parry, kathy, and debbie to tom, and greyson in scheduling to the drivers franz, peter, ed, mike his brother rob, dangerous dan, ron reid and of course those fabulious lady drivers donna, joan, victoria, suzanne,barb,and of course penny. if i left any one out i apoligize because i know i have.
they have an enormous job to do every day trying to fit about 18 thousand riders in to about 600 rides a day kind of like putting a round peg in a square hole. mind you not everyone needs the service every day but you get the picture. i always have a good laugh when i'm on board and some one else gets on and expects to be treated like he's in a taxi and wants to go straight to his destination and even long time riders think it;s part of the service. this group of people deserve our respect and admeration for doing a difficult job yet with a smile on their faces and always a kind word.
i can't thank them enoughm because truth be know on those days to dialysis these people would pick me up and share a joke or just have a conversation and my spirits would be up lifted.
thank you hard working friends.
now as of may 2005 i live in kitchener and my usage has grown ten fold, like cambridge the people from parry, kathy, and debbie to tom, and greyson in scheduling to the drivers franz, peter, ed, mike his brother rob, dangerous dan, ron reid and of course those fabulious lady drivers donna, joan, victoria, suzanne,barb,and of course penny. if i left any one out i apoligize because i know i have.
they have an enormous job to do every day trying to fit about 18 thousand riders in to about 600 rides a day kind of like putting a round peg in a square hole. mind you not everyone needs the service every day but you get the picture. i always have a good laugh when i'm on board and some one else gets on and expects to be treated like he's in a taxi and wants to go straight to his destination and even long time riders think it;s part of the service. this group of people deserve our respect and admeration for doing a difficult job yet with a smile on their faces and always a kind word.
i can't thank them enoughm because truth be know on those days to dialysis these people would pick me up and share a joke or just have a conversation and my spirits would be up lifted.
thank you hard working friends.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
respite eughhhhh
if anyone you know or you are single, living alone and require a hospital stay,listen very carefully because you will likely go to respite at a location where a nurse ot rpn can keep an eye on you. when i was ready to leave cambridge hospital the social worker came to me with a list of locations to go to and recover.
my close friend and i went to the recommended place in blair and when we arrived we found a old victorian house on blair rd. which was not made for wheelchairs and certainly not disabiled and what we found was a facility full of mental and drug addicted young men. the operator showed us around, the bathroom wasn't set up as i couldn't even get though the door. he informed us that they call you to the diningroom for meals at one large diningroom table and the room i would stay in was no bigger than a phone booth.
i started to shake and my friend said "don't say anything now" and as we started to leave 3 young men were smoking a joint while another was cllecting dead cigarettes for another tenant. when we got to the van i started to weep and saud "please don't let them send me here" i also said "if i have to come here i would rather stay on a street corner in a cardboard box".
on a whim we stopped at avonlea around the corner from the hospital and and found new management had taken over and had only 13 residence out of 34 units, the adminitrator and staff were incredible and i thought i was in heaven. i truly enjoyed my 11 month stay and the day i left for my new apartment it was very tearful goodbye for all of us.
all i'm saying is check things out for yourself and don't let anyone send you anywhere till you check it out yourself.
see you soon
my close friend and i went to the recommended place in blair and when we arrived we found a old victorian house on blair rd. which was not made for wheelchairs and certainly not disabiled and what we found was a facility full of mental and drug addicted young men. the operator showed us around, the bathroom wasn't set up as i couldn't even get though the door. he informed us that they call you to the diningroom for meals at one large diningroom table and the room i would stay in was no bigger than a phone booth.
i started to shake and my friend said "don't say anything now" and as we started to leave 3 young men were smoking a joint while another was cllecting dead cigarettes for another tenant. when we got to the van i started to weep and saud "please don't let them send me here" i also said "if i have to come here i would rather stay on a street corner in a cardboard box".
on a whim we stopped at avonlea around the corner from the hospital and and found new management had taken over and had only 13 residence out of 34 units, the adminitrator and staff were incredible and i thought i was in heaven. i truly enjoyed my 11 month stay and the day i left for my new apartment it was very tearful goodbye for all of us.
all i'm saying is check things out for yourself and don't let anyone send you anywhere till you check it out yourself.
see you soon
my rant :if only i had a leg
about 2 weeks ago my best friend celebrated his 51st. birthday and i began to think back to our first encounter. we both worked for a mississauga courier as what is known as a broker which means we cover the cost and they issue the calls and hopefully everbody makes money, well in theory thats the way it works. my friend lived out of town about 45 minuets away with a beautiful wife and 3 great kids and he also was holding down a second job with thw globe and mail.
this chapter of our friendship was to say the least crazy as he talked me into becoming a carrier as well. we spent more time together than a married couple and i know we drove his wife crazy as well. he and i both have what you might say is a whorped sense of humour bit when we get together..... well look out. when i was sick with my left leg they insisted i come and stay at their home as i was experiancing blood poisoning and wasn't thinking straight plus i had a bad case of stupidsm stubborns and just plain old not wanting to go to the hospital.
then after 2 or 3 days he talked me into going to the hospital, we went to cambridge where emerg. did a work up and imformed us that this was serious and requiring admission, since i was already planning a move to windsor away we went. we arrived at hotel-doue at about 10 o'clock and at 11 o'clock the charge nurse told me my wound wasn't serious enough to be admitted and the emerg. doctor told me he would write anote for drugs and might enjoy putting my leg up at home watching t.v. needless to say we're on the road again back to cambridge arriving about 4:30 am and admitted by 6 am and told later that day i was losing my left leg below the knee.
my friemd stuck with me through one of the darkest days of my life and now when he needs my support i can't give it to him, you see he needs a kidney and i would love to give him one except i'm on dialysis as well. when i needed him most he was there and now when he needs me most i can't. i don't get to see him much as we're on oposite days at dialysis and with out his families help he can't get around on his own as he is going blind as well.
so happy birthday my brother and i hope many more!!!!
this chapter of our friendship was to say the least crazy as he talked me into becoming a carrier as well. we spent more time together than a married couple and i know we drove his wife crazy as well. he and i both have what you might say is a whorped sense of humour bit when we get together..... well look out. when i was sick with my left leg they insisted i come and stay at their home as i was experiancing blood poisoning and wasn't thinking straight plus i had a bad case of stupidsm stubborns and just plain old not wanting to go to the hospital.
then after 2 or 3 days he talked me into going to the hospital, we went to cambridge where emerg. did a work up and imformed us that this was serious and requiring admission, since i was already planning a move to windsor away we went. we arrived at hotel-doue at about 10 o'clock and at 11 o'clock the charge nurse told me my wound wasn't serious enough to be admitted and the emerg. doctor told me he would write anote for drugs and might enjoy putting my leg up at home watching t.v. needless to say we're on the road again back to cambridge arriving about 4:30 am and admitted by 6 am and told later that day i was losing my left leg below the knee.
my friemd stuck with me through one of the darkest days of my life and now when he needs my support i can't give it to him, you see he needs a kidney and i would love to give him one except i'm on dialysis as well. when i needed him most he was there and now when he needs me most i can't. i don't get to see him much as we're on oposite days at dialysis and with out his families help he can't get around on his own as he is going blind as well.
so happy birthday my brother and i hope many more!!!!
Monday, April 5, 2010
remembering a neighbor
this past weekend a neighbor past away and he was discovered by his family on sunday in his favorite recliner, he had past away sometime in his sleep. i can't call him friend just my neighbor as he changed over time. when i moved in may 4th 2005 he had already moved in on the second floor and right from the start he was very helpfull with anything i or anyone else needed done. this man was in his 70's but you wouldn't know it as he had the stamina of a 50 year old.
as time went on he got involved with another neighbor and they had a falling out with at least half the building, that neighbor moved out and so he was left on his own. in the fall of 2009 he fell ill and now had a bad heart as well as cancer, which brings me to the point a want to make as i have felt as he did that your all alone and you don't want to step out of your apartment for any reason. i manage to break myself of this however he couldn't and so he died as he lived ALONE.
i wake up every morning thankful i'm alive and live like it's my last day on earth, it would be easy to feel the way he did when you live in a building with sniors all around you and 3 days a week at the hospital with people whom you may not see again.
so farewell don i hope your happy now that you have gone to a better place
as time went on he got involved with another neighbor and they had a falling out with at least half the building, that neighbor moved out and so he was left on his own. in the fall of 2009 he fell ill and now had a bad heart as well as cancer, which brings me to the point a want to make as i have felt as he did that your all alone and you don't want to step out of your apartment for any reason. i manage to break myself of this however he couldn't and so he died as he lived ALONE.
i wake up every morning thankful i'm alive and live like it's my last day on earth, it would be easy to feel the way he did when you live in a building with sniors all around you and 3 days a week at the hospital with people whom you may not see again.
so farewell don i hope your happy now that you have gone to a better place
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