Last Comments on G8/G20 ofr now + Cell Phones

Yes there should be some type of independent inquiry into events on toronto streets this past weekend.

Heard this morning that Ottawa's City Council approved Lansdowne Park Project. I hope the project's supporters know what they are doing. From when we lived there, I recall significant neighbourhood opposition to the proposed redevelopment.

Lots of articles in media about change in cell phone industry. More competition cannot help but lower prices and improve customer services offered by the Big 3 cell companies. I even saw where one of the Big 3 is working on a plan to compete directly with the new 'upstart' entries in the industry. As cell phone consumers we should win in this situation... but and it may be a big 'but'..will any of the Big 3 allow customers out of 2 and 3 year contracts without penalties.

Time will tell.

Lots One Could Chat About

G8/G20 come and gone.. whew...zillions of things one could chat or even rant about.

Watched bits of whole weekend on media.. seems to be several things happened.

A large group of peaceful protesters made their way along a route on Saturday.

A smaller group of protesters went on other routes

A much smaller group of protesters engaged in 'criminal' behaviour by smashing windows and damaged police cars - you know they call themselves anarchists but I know several philosophical anarchists who would never damage others' property. I am not an anarchist myself but form what I do understand the so-called 'anarchists' this past weekend in Toronto were not anarchists at all - they seemed to be bent on grabbing headlines but all they managed to do was destory property and destory those actions of thousands of peope who really feel the G20 leaders just don't get it in terms of social change.

I don't know if the communique after either G8 or G20 meetings will help alleviate poverty anywhere in the world. The commitment to reduce public sector spending and deficits seems to me to be a commitment NOT to take steps to reduce income and opportunity inequality throughout the world.. such a shame.

I am not a police officer and don't really know the 'ins and outs' of police force 'rules of engagement'. From what I understand some actions on Saturday gave the impression the police were 'allowing' criminal activity to occur. Then on Sunday the police applied maximum police enforcement actions on lots of folks many of whom were guilty of nothing but being at the wrong place at the wrong time. So the police department is in a 'no win' position. People will rightfully criticize them for actions both Saturday and Sunday. I was upset about Saturday's violence and quite disturbed by Sunday's sweeping arrests of many innocent folks.

Our Prime Minister got his summit successes. Achieving consensus among such a disparate group countries is a 'feather in his cap'...but I only wish the consensus meant the world will be a better place...sadly I don't think this is really the case.

The Health System + Earthquake

Our Canadian health system is one of the best in the world. About a year ago I had radial surgery for my arteriovenous malformation. The service I received was exemplary. It reaffirmed my opposition to privatization of our health care system - any more than it is now privatized,.

Part of my procedure a year ago included semi-annual MRI's plus a short session with radiological oncologist (though there is no cancer involved, the radial surgery procedure is done by the cancer specialists) to last for two years after which I would have a final cerebral angiogram.

Well I have had two MRI's so far plus sessions with specialist. Well our relocation has not stopped this procedure. Our Ottawa specialist sent a note to a similar specialist in Regina who asked to see me today. The specialist confirmed the procedure would be the same in our new location, I was impressed with the thoroughness of the specialists in both communities.

Readers of my profile on Facebook and my tweets on Twitter know that I was very directly affected by the earthquake that occurred in central Canada today It isn't often you are talking on the phone to a business client who suddenly says they have to end the call as the building is 'shaking'. That's what happened today. I have never been so 'close' to a natural event like this in my life. The person I spoke with emailed me about an hour later to say all was ok but it had been a frightening experience.

Changes in My Blog + Important Stuff

In order to change email address I am using in my blog I have changed the URL of this blog. It is now www.saskdga.blogspot.com.

I'll put this note on the blog attached to my former email.

I am unsure but I think this is all tied in to the fact I created the blog with a google account that used a 'then' valid email address. With our relocation I could no longer use the former email address.

I think I indicated I was starting a job search earlier this week.. well I have a couple of good leads on some work which I hope would start in eary July.

Tuesday Comments

Well it's now Tuesday morning here in Regina Sask. I wonder how much rain will come today. ANd this is a province where it never rains.. I guess the folks in southwestern Saskatchewan have had more than their share of rains.

This past Saturday did a quick trip to Saskatoon to pick up my son-in-law at the hospital and bring him back home. Ride was uneventful.

However he had to spend a night at the hospital to ensure some broken stitches did not mean he would continue to lose lots of blood. He's home now taking it easy.

Looking forward to continuing to cheer on my grandchildren in their various activities.

Beginning to start up my income tax preparation service in my new location. Will get more active as time goes on.

Also yesterday started search for part time work. Had a wonderful insightful interview with a recruiter yesterday. She made several serious changes to my existing resume to reflect 21st century human resource attitudes. I hope these changes will make my job search somewhat easier.

Father's Day Musings

Well it's 'father's day' which I won't be marking. I am a father and have had a father. But like mother's day five or six weeks ago I find the celebration of both days quite 'corny'. We should respect our mothers and fathers every day of the year. One can argue the second Sunday in May and the third Sunday in June are creations of the greeting card, floral, and chocolate industries.

Had a wonderful experience yesterday. Taking son-in-law from hospital in Saskatoon to home in Regina.

Also am helping our daughter in search for more appropriate accommodation here in town.

So we are in the weekend before the G8/G20. Will see how it unfolds. I heard one person (no idea where) suggest we should do away with in person type leader summits if they have to be so expensive. Also isn't it the case that mosts decisions coming out of these types of things are confirmations of agreements already arrived at?

Electronic communications amongst the G8/G20 leaders would reduce all the concerns about costs.

I am starting a new short term project tomorrow - a search for a part time job.

Also readers of this blog... while I will still be linking this blog to facebook I think I will be changing my business and personal emails one again. My two gmail.com addresses were for transition purposes. I am not a fan of how gmail organizes messages into 'conversations' rather than threads and will be resuiming my traditional email software useage in next day or so.

happenings - First full day in new city + other

Well I guess the highlight of the past 24 hours was watching 'slugger' play ball last evening. Our 7 year old grandson - the one whose dad is unwell - plays baseball here in Regina. He is one of the team's better hitters. Fielding..well that's another issue - I remember years ago when I coached softball that the largest problem for fielders is to 'PAY ATTENTION'.

Hoping to hear of arrival of furniture soon...............

Well there is a furore over comments by a NDP MP over the Middle East. The Middle East is a 'hot potato' no matter what position one takes. I have previously said I support a two state solution with equal access to all religious sites; and end to Israeli settlements on Palestinian lands (i.e, West Bank), internationalization of Jerusalem, compensation (in negotiated form) for all persons who are refugees, ending incitement on both sides etc. etc. Any alterations in borders can occur with the agreement of both parties.

What really is needed is both sides to recognize the legitimacy of the other's narrative. Regrettably those who tend to speak on this issue demonstrate a lack of recognition.

I also believe the vast majority of residents in Israel and Palestine do wish for a real peace. Only a small minority continue to strive for 'victory'.

Day Five is Done - Wrap Up - Good News on Another Front

Reached our destination yesterday. Actually reached it twice as you shall see.

Entered Saskatchewan early yesterday morning.. felt good to be driving in province where we lived for over 3 decades and have made the decision to return.

Drove right through Regina as we decided to make quick trip to Saskatoon to see our son-in-law. Are we ever glad we did....

He appeared in much better condition than we have seen in a long time. He looked vibrant and sounded so. He said his pain was less than before. The attending staff said his condition was improving. They indicated they were considering moving him from the 'observation' part of his ward to a regular hospital bed.

There seemed to be a possibility that he could even return home in a few days...quite uncertain for now.. but it was great to hear that....

Overnighted back in Regina and today start a mulititude of 'settling' in tasks... mind you biggest job won't occur until our furniture arrives... in next day or so.

Saw daughter, her boyfriend, and 3 grandsons last evening.. great to see them all...

Staying with a couple of long-time friends.. we have known for between 30 and 40 years - in fact he is friend we have known the longest of all people in Saskatchewan. Met him at a University of Saskatchewan class in the fall of 1969.

Oh and BTW, we saw another deer on the roadway... I guess this trip as been for a real 'dear' purpose ((:-))

Day Four Is Done

Well finally drove out of Ontario today... we have driven between eastern Ontario and Saskatchewan several times over the years. Ontario is a vast province..so much to traverse the entire province.

Had a short surprise today (a repeat of one we had on day one.. sorry I forgot to mention it)...we saw a deer by the side of the road. So far then two deer, one bear, and one boat trailer incident ((:-)).

Got as far as Brandon Manitoba. Tomorrow arrive back 'home' in the great province of Saskatchewan. Plans are to visit son-in-law at hospital during course of the day.

Our trip is not only thing underway in world ((:-)). Been following some of the FIFA World Cup scores. Don't have a strong team preference... but for no apparent reason I think I'll cheer for Switzerland.

Day Three is Done

Not too interesting day but we did get to see the beauty of the shoreline of Ontario's Lake Superior - by far the largest of the Great Lakes in North America. Did have one surprise today... this morning we slowed down the car suddenly as a black bear was standing by edge of road. One we stopped the bear scampered across the road and into the bush.

We travelled over 700 kilometres (450 miles for US readers) ending the day on the west side of Lake Superior at Thunder Bay.

We keep getting reports on how our son-in-law is doing. We remain hopeful but know he is not 'out of the woods yet'. We have decided to make a detour on our way into Regina - our final destination. Monday morning we will drive from wherever we stay Sunday night to Saskatoon where our son-in-law remains in hospital. We've heard it may be many days until he comes home from the hospital.

Day Two is Done

Well the second day of our trip saw us pass trees, trees, and more trees. But as those who see this blog through its link on facebook or read my status on facebook and twitter know we had an unforseen 'hiccup' in our progress.

Had stopped for coffee this morning at a certain oft frequented place (named after a former hockey player) and just about finished coffee when I noticed a guy closely examining our car. Went out there and found he had accidentally scraped our car with a boat and its trailer. We pleasantly exchanged information about each other - he freely admitted he was responsible.

This 'hiccup' happened in Sudbury.. Found out that community has a unique (at least I did not know it before) system for reporting MV accidents. They have an office (that says it is not part of the police department) that plays the role of a police department in receiving MV accident reports. The staff there were quite pleasant and I imagine if an upset person showed up there, I think the staff would rapidly put them at ease.

Anyways after a two hour delay we motored on...ended up stopping today in Sault Ste Marie - at the easternmost end of Lake Superior.

After yesterday's blog we heard from a friend of our son-in-law. He had surgery yesterday with both good and some worrisome results.... but I remain cautiously optimistic.

Day One is Done

Well an relatively uneventful first day of our travels. Headed out west on Transcanada Highway No. 17 by middle of the afternoon. Most common site along the road is trees.. and trees.. and you now something... more trees. We've taken this road before and we know that trees are always nearby in this part of Canada.

I've heard that trees, rocks and rivers are the dominant landmarks in much of Canada. This is so true of what we saw today and will be true for the next few days.

We got as far as North Bay Ontario.

Anxiously awaiting word from Saskatoon over our son-in-law's surgery...

Day One of Our Journey

It's about a quarter after 9 in the morning. We have 4 people here to load our stuff in a huge moving truck.. told that the truck when full may have up to 9 loads.

Lead driver wants us to think about earlier delivery at destination than originally planned... unsure if we will agree to that....

It's cloudy today in Ottawa. It's the end of a 7 1/2 year residency in the National Capital Area. What an exciting time to spend in this area. In 7 1/2 years so much of my life has changed. Things occurred here and in Saskatchewan that have profoundly affected my life and that of those closest to me.

We lost a daughter during our stay. Our grandsons quadrupled in number.

I began to know what health challenges can arise all of a sudden. One can appreciate the marvels of PUBLIC health care in Canada when one needs to use it. Beginning in 2003 I was diagnosed with a series of 'aging' conditions... but decided very early to not be upset about them....after all there really is no point in being upset at things you cannot change.

I 'changed' in the 7 1/2 years. Had some unique relationships which I will never forget. Befriended a young woman (now deceased) who had multiple complex issues but never lost her sunny disposition.

I was an active volunteer 'visiting' with folks with various 'challenges' in their lives. Always a challenge in these situations between wanting to 'change the world' and 'accepting things as they are'...sometimes got 'into trouble' being too much of a 'advocate' but usually was welcomed into these situations and life situations.

What started out as a temporary job 7 years ago led to the creation of an income tax preparation business which has now operated for 7 years and provides service to over 300 folks. This business will continue in Saskatchewan.

In a few hours we begin the journey... stay tuned for periodic /regular progress updates.

The Journey begins (sort of)

Well bright and early this morning we are up and 'at it'. In a little while a friendly group of people show up who we refer to loosely as 'the packers'. Our residence is a 'mess' and will be for the next day and a half... however we are quite used to it having moved lots of times in past four decades.

A few random comments:

Merger of two political parties on the centre left in Canada... are they serious? I don't really know... maybe a post-election coalition makes more sense in the short term. But if it takes a merger to return Canada's federal politics to a more 'reasonable'attitude on social policy, foreign aid, justice, economic development, then 'so be it'.

We are eagerly awaiting news out of Saskatoon .. likely to come tomorrow or Friday. Many readers of this blog know we have a son-in-law battling cancer. Tomorrow he has surgery in Saskatoon...we are cautiously optimistic.

Journey blogging starts tomorrow.

Good Byes Continue

Had nice visit to Kingston today. Said my goodbyes to members of the Reform Jewish Synagogue in Kingston. Received nice hopes of best wishes. Also spent some time with in-laws and with a long time client who has decided to change his bookkeeper/tax preparer because of my pending relocation.

And speaking of relocation... I think I will try to blog every day of our trip.. so stay tuned.

Friday Musings

I see the political elites in both NDP and Libs are against coalition politics before an election. Egos can be a problem when thinking 'outside the box'....

Unlike our Prime Minister I don't believe coalitions are only for winners and not for 'losers'. Coalitions are arrangements between politial partners to govern a polity according to agreed upon policies/arrangements.

We are concluding our last full week in eastern Ontario tomorrow with a trip to Kingston for a Shabbat morning service and time with my inlaws.

Two nights ago I attended my last condominium board meeting. Those of you who live in condominiums should consider at some time participating in your board. It is a wonderful way of finding out, in detail, what is happening in your condo. Condo board members are a small group of extremely dedicated individuals. Condominium owners/residents need to be thankful that this small group of people continue tirelessly to work on their behalf.

"Coalition Chatter"

My own view is the 'left of centre' political elements in this country may have to do what the right of centre did a few years ago. If Libs; NDP; and to a lesser extent the Greens and BQ stay separate parties, our country will be under an increasingly conservative government.

But I suspect any formal union is some time away. I think current leadership egos would prevent any real progress on some type of interparty agreement at least NOT until after next federal election.