Long Weekend

Well we have a long weekend coming up (first Monday in August is a holiday in most Canadian provinces).. and the weather is supposed to be quite good.... Hooray for that!!!

Saturday afternoon I am helping out at a display at a Moslem SUmmer Festival. I find the prospects of learning more about other faiths greatly enhanced by being exposed to other faiths. I am eagerly awaiting this learning opportunity.

If all goes as planned, having third trip this summer to Upper Canada Village......this time highlight is not 'politics' in the 1860's.. but rather marriage in those times. Attending a 'wedding' on Sunday.

As my bio says I run an income tax preparation business. Despite it being a seasonal business I find there is demand year round (sure the demand is much lower most of the time).. but will be meeting two brand new clients in next few days.

Ramblings (Again)

Hey weather looks nice for a few days.

Heard item on today's news about the famous beer drinking session at WHite House today. Most insightful comment was from lawyer for woman who made famous 911 call. The comment was 'right on'....the three guys who made mistakes in whole episode get to drink beer at the White House...yet the woman who did the good neighbourly thing (and made no racist comments whatsoever) gets left out. She may not like beer but why wasn't she invited to socialize with the President.

Aw.. the multiple murder of three teenager and their stepmother in that car found in Kingston Ontario. I don't know if 'honour killings' are involved but clearly this seems to be a case of domestic violence (ie violence against women). When will all peoples agree violence against women is NEVER ACCEPTABLE. All cultures and communities must learn to stop violence against women.

Islam as well as all other religions severely condemn violence against women. I just wish adherents of various faiths would follow their faith's teachings.

Politics in 1860's

Well...had a chance to see politics as practised in 1860's .. it was election days this weekend at Upper Canada Village. They had two candidates (A Conservative and Liberal Reformer) making speeches and meeting with prospective (male only) electors although they welcomed women to the speech-making events.

Both candidates had 'handlers' who led the cheerleading for their candidate and the 'booing' of the other candidate.

Both sides accused the other of handling out money to bribe voters. THe Liberal Reformer candidate said he would never do such a thing.. but you know he couldn't bind his supporters. I asked if his handler had any spare money.. and you know he gave me $2 (regrettably not in real money).

It was fascinating to watch a political process of almost 150 years old. We really have come a long way...but you know some issues remain .. albeit in different format... taxes, separate schools, relations with the Americans etc.

Really enjoying the visits to Upper Canada Village this summer...we missed one visit because of our crazy rainy weather

Worrisome Episode

When I had the radial surgery procedure all the stuff I read mentioned that the procedure would take time to work...up to 2 years before malformed arteries and veins would be all sealed up. I was told would still have occasional bouts of numbness/tingling...

Well early this morning the advice I received was demonstrated in 'spades'. For about ten minutes (maybe even more) my left hand was 'useless'. Lots of numbness (even had sensation some was into my arm). As has always been the case, after 10-15 minutes was ok...

But at 4:00 AM one is not wide awake and has lots of thoughts going through one's mind...somewhat scary if I do say so myself.

Now feel great.. nothing wrong at all........................

2009 is Special Year

It's a year of significant anniversaries for lots of people and events...today going to a 50th wedding anniversary celebration for a cousin of mine.

2009 is the 40th anniversary of our wedding. Everyone who hears that says 'congratulations' and 'how wonderful'.. being together for this long takes hard work.. but it's worth it.. especially if one considers one's spouse to be one's best friend...I commented on this in an earlier entry.

It's the anniversary of the lunar landing.

Our highlight is a trip to see family and friends.. in less than 3 weeks; plus a wonderful get together with friends and family here in mid August

working away and carrying on!

Hey we may get a few days of dry weather..would't that be nice.

Dealing with Canada Revenue Agency today on some adjustments to earlier years' returns.. it's one of the things tax preparers get to do during the off-season.

Having had an annual physical this week (a highly recommended occurrence for us older folks ((:-)), now the inevitable followup with the pharmacist to renew prescriptions....but you know although I have had several health issues the last few years the effects of any medication I am taking is that I feel great just about all the time......

Goings On

Today I have what has become a semi-annual (hope it will change to annual) visit with cardiologist. I like it that he wants to check with me regularly.. I was diagnosed with coronary aterial disease about three years ago. But I have been taking medication regularly and feel great.

On a very isolated basis and only for very short periods of time I do get chest pains.. but they always pass...

I also just got notice of when I need first bloodwork and MRI late in the 2009 as a followup to my radial surgery in June...tingling hardly ever occurs...and when it does, doesn't last too long (doctors told me I would still get occasional episodes which is normal....it will be two years before we are sure procedure was completely successful).

As always I'm carry on!!

New Visa Policies

While some might argue that the new requirement for Mexicans and Czechs will reduce possibilities of 'abuse' of refugee system, the reality is that legitimate refugees are at risk of being denied protection in Canada.

I don't know all the details of happenings in Mexico and the Czech Republic but in the latter I am aware of widespread discrimination and human rights violations against the Roma minority.

The comparison with the 1930's Canadian attitude towards European Jews trying to flee the Nazis is scary.. but has a ring of truth...

Reality History

You know one of my most interestin pastimes is visiting historic sites/places. This weekend I saw two very interesting places.. been to both before but many years ago.

Yesterday spent an hour or so at Bonnechere Caves near Eganville. Very interesting to see underground limestone tunnels.

Today spent two hours at Fort Henry National Historic Site in Kingston. Fascinating to see how British troops and Canadian militia operated in mid 19th century. Could easily have spent 3 times as much time .. but had another commitment.

We are lucky having so many historic parks/places in Canada

Ideological-based Positions (cont,)

I again heard our current Prime Minister say that his government will never raise taxes. His government's belief that money is best left in people's wallets is a legitimate point of view. As I understand it, the belief is that money available for consumers to spent on goods and services; or to be saved/invested in financial institutions (who invariably invest the money to produce returns for the investors/savers), is better there than in the hands of a public authority like government.

But what if society wishes to re-distribute opportunity (or yes.. re-distribute incomes) to assist less fortunate people. A rigid belief in 'never raising taxes' precludes effective government/societal action to make change in our society. Even those adherents of never raising taxes to (some might say belatedly or reluctantly) do believe and adhere to policies to change society/economy through direct government actions....look at recent stimuluses packages world wide.

Canadians don't like ideologically -based parties

Several years ago I heard a insightful interview on CBC Radio. I wholeheartedly agree with the points made by the interviewee.

I think that parties perceived to be ideologically-based by Canadians won't have any long term electoral success. Canadians are a pragmatic lot who tend to want to do well but have no real strong views on many of the major philosophical issues which may divide our existing political parties.

For most of the past century the party most able to stay 'pragmatic'.. the federal Liberals, have been our 'naturally governing party'. On rare occasions our Conservative Party has managed to win one election or two; but then are turfed out.

I think the 2006 (Sponsorship scandal) and 2008 (The Green Shift) were aberrations. I think Canadian political landscape may very well revert to its usual shape after the next federal election. If Prime Minister Harper does win again it will be because Canadians will feel he has jettisoned his essentially hard nosed Conservative philosophy.

Disappointed

I have heard from a reliable lobby group that our Prime Minister is one of three G8 leaders blocking progress on climate change. I find this disppointing for our government to be taking this position.

Deep down I suspect many of our current federal government political leaders still have reservations about the seriousness of climate change. Nearly all reputable scientists and other professionals tell us we have to do something to reduce our impact on the climate.. yet certain opinion leaders (in public life and yes, on talk radio stations) still have their minds constrained by ideological 'hang ups'......

Such a shame

How It is Going

It's going well... just about 100% recovered from June 26 surgery....very occasional weakness in left hand last week.. none yet this week.

What's going on in China? Cannot people find a way to get along.

Really upset at racial incident in BC? Perpetrators of 'hate' crimes must receive the full brunt of the law and public opinion.....

what's with the weather in July 2009? Had to wear heavy jacket yesterday.. in July.. in Ottawa??

THoughts

What a sad story about those people who drowned when their car ended up in a lock of the Rideau Canal near Kingston Ontario. How horrible!!!

Saw something on a news channel about Sudan not willing to hand over its President to face war crimes charges. Not surprised at this but our world has to respect international law. We need some mechanism to hold perpretrators of grave human rights violations accountable for their actions.

Saw news item about report by Amnesty International on Israel-Hamas battles last winter. My own view is Amnesty has it 'right'. Both sides committed war crimes. Both sides must cease doing that!!!

History Show/Social Networking

Spent a very enjoyable Canada Day visiting a recreated 1866 village on the St. Lawrence River in eastern Ontario.

Best part was 1/2 or so entertainment based on travelling musical group in 1860's. Also one person played part of Sir John A MacDonald.. Canada's First Prime Minister. If you are ever in eastern Ontario the village is a good place to check out.

HOping today to get to a old friend's cottage.. although weather forecasts may be prolematic.

Have spent last week or so developing presence on twitter. What a wonderful way to stay in touch with busy people. Twitter seems not nearly as 'all encompassing' as is Facebook.... but the ability to send out information in less than 140 keystrokes fits in nicely in today's fast-paced world.

National Days

HAPPY CANADA DAY to all my Canadian readers. HAPPY JULY 4 to any American who may be reading this blog.