Changing Careers - well sort of ??

It has been a few weeks since my last entry but life keeps rolling along. As always doing one thing or another.....

Continuing to get up very early most mornings to deliver morning newspaper in Regina. A great way to get paid to exercise. Early morning is normally a very pleasant time of day. Hot summer days tend not to be hot early in the morning.

For the past three months have worked part time for Statistics Canada on the 2001 Census and National Householder Survey (NHS). The NHS is what used to be the long form census. Those who followed my previous blog in 2009 and 2010 will know I had quite a bit to say about the government's decision in 2010 to end the mandatory long form census. My experience and knowledge about the NHS reinforces my concern over the cancellation. True some of the questions even on the NHS may be seen by some to be 'intrusive'... but they were not nearly as 'personal' as some proponents of the cancellation would have you believe.

But a few weeks ago I decided to try something new. Earlier today I completed the last of the prerequisites to legally drive a school bus in Saskatchewan. For the past two weeks I have been intensively involved in both classroom and 'behind the wheel' instruction. To successfully learn a 'brand new' skill in one's seventh decade is a wonderful feeling.

Cannot leave a blog post without some comment on current 'goings on ' in our political worlds....want to focus on three today.

Our federal government continues to promote the export of asbestos claiming it is safe to use if handled properly. Yet health groups all over the world claim asbestos is a carcinogen. I as a Canadian am ashamed my federal authorities promote export and use of a known carcinogen. I only can hope those countries that import our asbestos will stop doing so. Maybe then our 'free trade' proponent government will understand nobody wants the stuff!!

As a supporter of a 'Jewish' state in the Middle East, I also support a 'Palestinian' state in the Middle East. Why the United States and its allies (including George Bush lite... oh I mean the government headed by Stephen Harper) cannot support a Palestinian state escapes me. The right wing Israeli government needs to know it cannot 'thumb its nose' at international opinion on the issue of settlements and treatment of Palestinians.

I see we are getting a minimum wage increase in Saskatchewan. I don't know how folks making under $10 a hour can make a living. Even if they work in an industry with tips added to customer bills their incomes are far below what can reasonably be called a 'living wage'. I hope this issue is discussed this fall in our provincial election campaign. I also hope the competing parties discuss social assistance benefit levels.

The Good Old Summertime and Various

Hello again.. it's been a while.. but here goes.. musings on a variety of topics.

I now have a granddaughter!!!!!!! About 3 weeks ago the prettiest little lady ever (and who says I am biased) entered this world. As her Mom is 'between residences' we have had the joys (or hassles) of watching over this little tyke a lot of the last 3 weeks. But usually enjoyed every minute of it....but am sleep deprived much of the time...but that goes with having two little people around (after all her big brother is all of 19 months old now)the

Have had lots of rain and lots of warm weather this summer in Saskatchewan.

Like so many others in Canada I was upset at health news respecting Jack Layton. We did send him a get well message and hope he heals quickly.

Oh those terrible events in Norway. There is not much that can be worse than a 'lunatic' killing innocent children for political reasons. What is almost as disgusting is the attempt by some right wing commentators and talk show hosts (they are often one and the same) to distance their views from the actions of the 'lunatic'. YOu know if you continually bad-mouth certain minorities no matter how 'professional' you may be, someone will quote you when acting out in what can only be describe as a hateful fanaticism.

People decrying multiculturalism both here in NOrth America and in Europe need to understand the impact of their words. Personally I believe we should celebrate the multicultral aspect of our country and community. We should celebrate our differences not criticize them.

Of course we must insist all residents of our community and country respect our legal norms - e.g. gender equity. But in that framework we must acknowledge the richness our diverse community brings to each of us.