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Thursday 31 July 2008

Ubuntu Means "Humanity To Others"


So, my friend has been using this Ubuntu Operating System on his computer. I've been researching it, and I think I'm 90% sold on switching over. You know, I'm a creature of comfort (as we all are) and new environments scare me a little bit, but the philosophy of this Ubuntu company is something I can totally and completely agree with. Software should be free and available to everyone on the planet. Ubuntu is a Zulu word that means "Humanity to others". The creator - Mark Shuttleworth is South African, and this is where he draws from for the theme of his project. There are lots of people in the world who have never seen a computer, let alone used one. The Ubuntu project provides an opportunity for those people to have access to a computer, and the internet, and all the tools available to enhance their knowledge. The Operating System is 100% Free. I think it's a great project. After grilling my friend for answers, I've figured out that you can't use any of the MSN Software on Ubuntu, but there is a host of completely FREE software that can take the place of anything. I'm sure there are lots of frustrated people out there that are annoyed that they have to use the stupid new Vista system. (So glad I didn't switch over - even if the upgrade did come with my computer) Vista has caused more headaches than helped people thus far; and it is not free - not free by any stretch of the imagination. With Vista, you have to upgrade all your other software as well, and that costs another arm and a leg. You also have to update your anti-virus every year. All of that costs money. Not the Ubuntu compatible software - all free. Of course, you can make a donation to the project, and who wouldn't? Well, I wouldn't at the moment, since I have little to no money, but when I do, I will.

I've ordered a CD (for free - no cost of shipping either) with the latest version of Ubuntu on it. It should be here in 4-6 weeks. You can download it to your computer as well, but I think I'd rather remove XP first - because having 2 Operating Systems on my computer at the same time would probably take massive amounts of memory, and slow my computer considerably. So, ok, maybe I'm 95% sold. I'm a little nervous about removing XP and installing Ubuntu though, I've never removed an OS before. Perhaps I'll have to enlist my brother's help. He's a computer geek. So, when I get it all set up, I'll let you know what I think. I'm a little bit excited about the idea of not paying homage to Bill Gates ever again.

Here's a video with Mark Shuttleworth talking about Ubuntu...

Sunday 27 July 2008

Angry Cats Are Adorable

I confess, I think this might be the cutest thing I've ever seen. I know - I'm a freak. But, angry cats are adorable - especially persians. In the words of Steve - "They look like wee royalty". It's true, they do, and this one's angry. Poor little guy, shaved, and then made to wear a sweater. I'd be mad too!



Here's a pic of Moochie when she was shaved - last year. Yes, she had the lion cut. She looks so small without all that fur. This year, they did something weird to her. They shaved her back, and left her underneath fur. Mom and Dad like it; Me - not so much. She seems to not mind it so much though. I think she's just happy to be rid of the mats.

Sunday 20 July 2008

To Pluck Or Not To Pluck?


So, earlier in the week, one of my friends at work pulled me aside, and in a nutshell - pretty much told me that I needed to get my eyebrows done. She was very nice about it, and really was only looking out for my best interests. She said - she had seen how I was looking better and better, and how - giving my eyebrows some shape could give my face a whole new look. So, I mean - that was really nice of her after all - to be honest and up front with me about it, and I appreciate it really. I'm not saying I haven't thought about it before. I mean, I have eyebrows (as you can see), and yes, they are a tad on the bushy side. They're not my Dad's by any stretch of the imagination, but they're pretty - out there. So, all week, I've been thinking about this on and off. One of my other co-workers was going to get her's done, and I asked her to bring me a brochure. They don't have them at the place she was going to, but while on my walk, I stumbled across this "Brow Studio" by Quorra on 17th Ave. Apparently, the eyebrow artists in that place were trained by this fancy schmancy Hollywood Brow Crafter to the stars. They charge $35 for Eyebrow shaping. I'm not the kind of person that is willing to spend $35 on freaking eyebrows. I know that's the high end, but still...

Anyway, after some discussion with friends, and realizing - really - that once someone starts to shape their brows, they must keep it up... (I don't even do my hair in the morning, just wash & brush - I mean how am I expected to keep up eyebrows?) I've decided not to do it. I know - I'm a hippie, but that's me - love me or leave me.

If you want to leave your feedback anonymously about this ever-so-important issue; you can do so in the poll found to the right.

Saturday 19 July 2008

Book Review: Reconciliation - Islam, Democracy, and the West by Benazir Bhutto


This book was finished literally 2 days before Benazir was murdered in cold blood by islamic extremists on December 27th, 2007 just 7 months ago. It was her last message to the world, and a last plea (as I'm sure she knew she had limited time) for peace in the world today. Not only between Islam and the West, but between the 2 divided groups of Muslims that have been at war with each other pretty much since the prophet Muhammad died. What a brave woman Benazir was, and what an incredibly smart woman. Every word of this book has meaning. Benazir was one of those people who doesn't mince words, so if you aren't paying attention for a minute while reading, you'll miss something. The book really opened my eyes. I mean, I understood the basic message of Islam before, but she taught me a lot about the history of Islam, and why things are the way they are now in the world. The reality is - that the extremists who are holding world peace hostage - are not living the prophet's message as he wrote it down in the Qur'an. In fact, they are living according to the lifestyle that the prophet was warning against. They are re-creating the world of tribal warfare that Muhammad escaped in Mecca when he was preaching a new lifestyle of peace, equality (regardless of race, or color, or sex), tolerance, pluralism, and monotheism. That - to me does not sound at all like what Al Quaeda and the Taliban, and other extremists are preaching. Though, this is a common theme among all religions. This is what happens when the philosophies of men mingle with scripture. Men become greedy, and self-centred, and they twist the words of God to turn them into something that serves them. We've seen it in Islam (with extremist groups), in Judaism (Pharisees and Sadducees adding on more to the original law of Moses), in Christianity (the Spanish Inquisition ring any bells?); even in my own religion there have been break-off groups that make Jim Jones seem like he made sense. So, the real issue in world peace has nothing to do with the message of Islam, but the fact that Human beings are greedy, and want to use the power of ideas to obtain power for themselves. They always have.

Benazir goes on to explain how many Islamic nations have tried over the years to form democratic governments (after all, Democracy is an Islamic doctrine). For the better part of the last century, most Islamic nations have had a series of stops and starts that were frustrated by not only Western nations trying to obtain gain (usually to do with oil or other lucrative profits), but also by greedy dictators overthrowing any chance for democracy to thrive, in order - again - to obtain gain, and power. She wrote case studies of each Islamic nation's struggle for democratic reform over the last century. One in particular that stood out to me is the one for Iran. To make a long story short, Iran was on a straight course for democracy with the Mossadegh government in 1953 when the United States initiated Operation Ajax which was a coup designed to remove Mossadegh in an attempt to obtain control of Iranian oil fields and to remove what they saw as a "communist threat". Often, the actions of the west have been inconsistent (to say the least) with what they state are their policies. This has sent some very mixed messages to Islamic nations (heck, all nations), but the truth is that actions really do speak louder than words.

One chapter of Benazir's book is devoted to the Foreign Affairs article written by Samuel Huntington called "The Clash of Civilizations?" Huntington's basic theory is that because of the differences between the culture of Islam and the culture of the west, it is inevitable that in the post-cold war era the two will clash - in a cataclysmicly disastrous war of all out destruction. Huntington believes that more interaction between the west and Islam will just aggravate the conflict and initiate the said clash. This theory is hogwash according to Benazir, and me, and also many scholars of superior intellect to that of Xenophobic - Mr. Huntington. In fact, the theory is dangerous, and could lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more people who read it - in ignorance of Islam - the more will believe it, and they will make the clash happen - with their own xenophobia and ignorance. Not only in the west, but in Islam as well. I get on the train every day with people of all nations, races, cultures, religion. When I interact with them, we do not clash because of our differences, but we respect each other. That's Canada. The world could learn a thing or two by looking at a case study of multi-culturalism in Canada. I'm not saying we don't have xenophobes, or racism, but overall - we have understanding, and tolerance. The whole idea that civilizations will clash because of the differences between them is the very thing that sparks conflict. It is positive interaction, open-mindedness, tolerance, and respect for all cultures that will solve this conflict. As I said - there is a danger in the "Clash" theory. Stephen Walt - who wrote one of the best articles refuting the clash theory as written by Huntington said...

"If we treat all states that are part of some other "civilization" as intrinsically hostile, we are likely to create enemies that might otherwise by neutral or friendly. In fact, a civilizational approach to foreign policy is probably the surest way to get diverse foreign cultures to coordinate their actions and could even bring several civilizations together against us... In this sense, The Clash of Civilizations offers a dangerous, self-fulfilling prophecy: The more we believe it and make it the basis for action, the more likely it is to come true. Huntington would no doubt feel vindicated, but the rest of us would not be happy with the results."

The results would be disastrous to say the least. Benazir's solution for the crisis facing the world with regards to extremism is brilliance in itself. The truth is - that countries look out for their self-interests, and they always have, and it would really be in the best interests of every country in the world to solve this conflict. Extremism is a product of poverty, ignorance, and hopelessness. When the people of Afghanistan were hungry and suffering - who do you think it was that set up tandoor oven bakeries in the streets? The Taliban of course, and each oven had a picture of Osama Bin Laden over it. People knew who was feeding them, and the extremist groups gained popularity. Benazir's plan is that of setting up a Muslim Investment Fund - fashioned after the Marshall Plan. Funding would come from wealthy Muslim countries, as well as western countries to fund mandatory schooling for all children, literacy projects for adults as well (for mothers teach their children), also micro-credit programs to fund small businesses to help people get on their feet, and various other projects to improve living conditions, and awareness in muslim countries. This would be in the best interest of all countries as I said, because it would be getting to the root of the problem. I think it's a brilliant plan, and I really really hope that those who follow in this great woman's footsteps will make it happen. I believe that anything is possible.

Those who murdered this great woman have really done themselves a dis-service. For in doing so, they have made a martyr, (people listen to martyrs) and her words live on past death in this great (and important) book. I believe everyone should read it, as the subject matter of Benazir's last words to the world is something that affects every human on the planet. In closing this blog, I'm going to share with you her very last words written in the book...

"In these writings I have tried to trace the roots, causes, and potential solutions to the crisis within the Muslim world and the crisis between the Muslim world and the West. Theology, history, economics, democracy, and dictatorship have all played significant roles in bringing the world to this crossroads. My premise from the beginning has been that extremism thrives under dictatorship and is fueled by poverty, ignorance, and hopelessness. The extremist threat within the Islamic world and between the Islamic world and the West can be solved, but it will require addressing all the factors that breed it. I appreciate that what I propose - from what the Muslim states must do to what the West must do - is huge and may seem daunting and even impossible. I make these recommendations because the times require something more than business as usual. Much of what is recommended is somewhat out of the box. But staying within the box has brought poverty, ignorance, hopelessness, violence, and dictatorship to far too many Muslims around the world. Staying within the box has set Islam and the West on a dangerous and unnecessary collision course. It is time for new ideas. It is time for creativity. It is time for bold commitment. And it is time for honesty, both among people and between people. That is what I have tried to do in these pages. There has been enough pain. It is time for reconciliation."



In Memory of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto (June 21st, 1953 - December 27th, 2007)

If anyone is interested in reading an excellent article written by James A. Toronto regarding the Latter-Day Saint (me) perspective on Islam, you can find one here...

Tuesday 15 July 2008

I Guess They Looked Hungry...



There I was minding my own business - walking past the "Fat Cats" Statue today, and what did I see? I swear I didn't put it there. Someone thought they looked hungry I guess, so they gave them a box of KD. I had to stop and take a picture.

What could they be saying to each other?

"I know it's the last box, but I found it first"
"Honestly - the blue box was my idea..."
"I think you're becoming a little too dependent on this stuff, I'm taking it away for your own sake"
"Hands off pal, it's mine"

I know, my examples of conversation are lame, but there's some creative people out there reading my blog. Write your own suggestions as to what the fat cats could be saying about their precious KD.

Saturday 12 July 2008

For Something A Little Less Political - Yet Still Globally-minded...

I've been getting too political in my postings lately apparently. (at least that's what Marsha says ;-) The next big blog will be political as well because I'm reading this fantastic book which - yes also has a very political topic. So, for shear simplicity's sake, here's something that made me smile a little bit.....


Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Entitled simply - "Where the Hell is Matt?"

Wednesday 9 July 2008

Firing of Jack and 8 Others - Ed Better Step Up To The Plate!!!

Did you see the news today??????

Calgary Herald

Shocking, Shocking news about the firing of the 9 CEO's of the 9 Health Regions across Alberta. Well, we did expect it, but it still is quite shocking to me. At work today, we read Jack Davis' final farewell - to us - "his people".

I have mixed feelings about this to be really honest with you. But, we the people who work for the CHR - many of us have complained for years and years that we all think Jack was waaaaaaaaaaaaay overpaid. I don't know about you, but I think 1.2 million a year is a wee bit too much for a Health Region CEO. Having said this though, I am really pleased with how he put Ed and the Provincial Government on the line by pointing out - in public - to the newspapers where the flaws were with the Provincial funding - in other words - the non-existent funding. The government has now centralized the Health Regions under one CEO for the entire province. One thing I find that's good about this situation is that we'll now have one overpaid CEO as opposed to 9. But, having said that - will Ed come through, and get funding where it's needed most? To the frontlines - where staff are waaaaaaaaaay underpaid? Where we need more nurses, more clerical staff, more support staff? Forget the beds we need, who is going to work in this new hospital they're building? We need beds, but who's going to take care of the sick? No one wants to work in health care anymore, because they can't make a freaking living off of it. Believe me, I KNOW! A lot of my friends are pretty shocked when they hear how much a Clerk III (that's me) makes working for the Health Region. Many of them make a lot more than me and I do a LOT MORE than they ever do. (you can see - I'm not in it for the money - I honestly enjoy what I do) I suppose this is quite typical of health care jobs all over the world, but alas, I think we're slightly behind in this province. Having said that - WHY ON EARTH? WHEN WE ARE THE WEALTHIEST PROVINCE IN CANADA? Where the heck do you suppose all that money is going? Well, I'll tell you - it's going to the fat cats in the oil and gas industry. Lets make more money for the province, but forget completely about the needs of the people. We suffer in Health Care, and we suffer in Education. Hmmm, last time I checked, those were some pretty flipping essential needs.



A statue in downtown Calgary that I pass most days on my lunch breaks. It's been there forever, and represents 2 Calgary Businessmen. It portrays those Fat Cats in the Oil and Gas industry working that area of the city pretty well. Perhaps they'll change their tune about provincial funding when they need a bed in the hospital?

Having said all this, I really think firing the CEO's may actually be a good thing, but is Ed going to step up to the plate and make something happen for Health Care in Alberta? He better by golly. We're all watching, and we're scrutinizing every move he makes. It gets me hopping mad when I think about all the people who are missing out on some pretty essential services just because the provincial funding isn't there. When my parents ended up in the Emergency room because they had their accident, did I tell you where they had my Mom? On a lazy boy, in a room full of lazy boys and people in them with no privacy discussing their health issues whatsoever. Evidently this is the Emergency staff getting creative and doing what they have to with what small amount of resources they have. They HAVE TO. Where else are they going to put people? All of this due to lack of funding from Ed and his Provincial Government. I'm disgusted to tell you the truth, and something better be done about it. I want to see more people getting angry about this, and actually doing something about it. We all ought to write our MLA's. It's sick to see what they've done with Health Care in this province - the wealthiest province. If Ed doesn't step up to the plate and provide us with more essential services, and more funding, I for one am going to start doing something about it.

Here ends the Health Care tirade - for now.

Tuesday 8 July 2008

Sumo and Stampede Wrestling



This is actually a vintage photograph a lady gave me while I was a missionary in Tucson, AZ of all places. I'm the only one who has it.

A lot of people have no idea (well, unless you've seen my facebook postings, etc) that I am a SERIOUS Sumo Wrestling fan. Yes, I know - yet another quirk revealed. So, about a year and a half ago, I created this Sumo Fan Club on facebook, and now there's 168 people in it from all over the world - some of whom are ACTUAL sumo wrestlers. In fact, I just became friends with a Norwegian sumo wrestler. Apparently sumo is big in Europe. (no pun intended) Lots of people have no idea really how sumo works, and they just think it's a bunch of big guys pushing each other out of a ring. Well, let me tell you - sumo is an art!! The best thing for me - is watching the wrestlers get ready for the match. The preparation for a match often takes a lot longer than the actual match (which could really last seconds). Truly - the match is won or lost in the preparation. Also, there's so much tradition involved - that it's really interesting to me to watch traditions carried on that have existed in the sport for hundreds of years. (Sumo is a relatively young sport in Japan) For instance the tossing of salt in the ring for purification - a shinto religious contribution. Professional Sumo Wrestlers - only found in Japan are required to live in traditional Heya (or training stables) where they are to follow strict Sumo traditions.



My favorite Sumo Wrestler is a Mongolian man who has been given the Japanese Sumo name of Asashoryu. He's a relatively young man - 27. Asashoryu is the first Mongolian to reach the rank of Yokozuna (the highest rank in Sumo) He is the 68th Yokozuna in the history of Sumo practiced in Japan. Asashoryu was born September 27th, 1980 as Dolgorsurengiin Dagvadorj in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. What's really special about Asashoryu is that he's relatively small for a Sumo Wrestler, but he has great power. He is 6 feet tall, and weighs 330 lbs. Yes, this is relatively small for most Sumo Wrestlers. There was some controversy in Asashoryu's career recently because of a football match he played in while he was supposed to be off of Sumo for an injury. As I said before - Sumo is an old sport with lots of traditions, and he unfortunately broke them. This was sad, but at the same time, he is a young guy, and living away from his homeland. I feel that there should be some leniency for him. Anyway, he's still the best in my books. He's broken records over and over again. This you can read about in his wikipedia profile.

Anyway, just thought I'd educate you all a little about Sumo, as it's something special, and worth getting to know a bit more about. To get to know more about the history of the game, and origins, go here...

Here is the official Sumo Federation site.

All this talk about Sumo, has also rekindled my fondness for old fashioned North American wrestling as well. The thing about this though - is - Wrestling is nothing like how it used to be. Nowadays, it's just a sideshow carnival. It's not about the wrestling anymore, and the drama - is just wrong. The drama used to be fantastic. Who can forget Wrestlemania III - sold out crowd Hulk and Andre - yes, Andre was set to lose, but really - he was passing on the torch. He knew he was living on borrowed time. Awww, Andre. Gentle Giant. Well, he didn't live gently, but he had a gentle heart. In Calgary - we were lucky - we had Ed Whalen and Stampede Wrestling. It was local, and it was good. We had all the big names come right here to our little ring. Mostly because of the Hart family. They were all born and raised right here in Calgary. I've seen their house on the side of Signal Hill many times - and it's been there a lot longer than signal hill was ever signal hill. So, I found these old videos of Stampede Wrestling on You Tube, and some of it really brought a tear to my eye. Especially hearing Ed's voice. Watching wrestling also reminds me of my Jamaican Grandpa who died - Speedy. There's lot of good memories associated with watching wrestling. So, in honor of those old days of Stampede Wrestling, here are some classics to watch...



This one's a tribute to old episodes of Stampede Wrestling - some awesome footage. Ignore the cheezy bit in the middle with the music.



Here, here..... This is a classic. Battle Royal in '79 Fight to the last man with Andre the Giant. (my favorite - who doesn't love Andre?) At some points he's fighting off 3 or 4 guys at a time.

Tuesday 1 July 2008

Happy Dominion Day!!!!


If you're American, or even remotely Liberal - I would recommend not reading my blog today because as much as I love my American and Liberal friends, I am not a fan of the country to the south, nor am I a Liberal. (though, by default, I have been known to vote that way once or twice I'm sorry to say) You may notice, that I don't have the traditional Canada Flag on my posting. Well, the reasons for this are many. I have ignorantly adored it for many years, but after catching up on my Canadian History recently, my eyes have been opened, and I realize now how biased, and also politically motivated our current flag is. It was introduced in 1965 by possibly the weakest and also most crooked Prime Minister of our time - Mr. Pearson. The man literally sold his soul to become Prime Minister and changed his policies with every wind of support in order to get into Sussex Drive. Somehow - for many stupid reasons, and also because he complained the loudest - he became Prime Minister. Whilst he was there, he took advantage of the "New Flag" debate, creating this... Now - in the description of the current flag, you will notice - that they mention that King George V approved of Red and White being Canada's Official Colors. This is mere convenience for the Liberals, as those are and have been their colors since the beginning of the Liberal Party. Number 1 - the colors do not represent ALL of Canadians' political beliefs. Perhaps if they threw some blue, maybe a bit of orange in there, some Green too, that would represent almost all of the parties of Canada - not just one. Number 2 - The Maple Leaf - well, I love the maple leaf, I think it really is a great symbol of Canada historically, but Canada is a very big big country, and Maple syrup is really only farmed from Maple trees in certain Eastern Provinces. We have many industries from Sea to Sea TO SEA. Perhaps we could include some Cod in there, perhaps a little wheat, perhaps a B.C. Apple or Peach, and maybe a Polar Bear? I mean Canada is a very big country, and the symbol of the Maple Leaf - when you think about it is only one small part of the big picture of Canada. Number 3 - There's this bit about the Red parts on either end of the flag representing the 2 Oceans on either end of the country. Well, last time I checked, Canada was surrounded by 3 Oceans, not just 2. The North is so often neglected and forgotten, I think it's time they stopped leaving it out. There's a lot of people up there, and an untapped source of resources as well. Plus, there's a whole lot of wildlife there that really requires our attention, as their habitat is disappearing bit by bit a little each day. But that is another debate for another day. Number 4 - In creating the current flag of Canada, they removed the Union Jack. It was suggested at the time that they include the Union Jack, and Perhaps the Fleur-de-lis as well. I would take that one step further, and say - why not include the true founders of this land, and put some Native American lore on the flag? They have a part in our history just as much - if not more than the British, and the French. I've been catching up on my Canadian History as I said - yay for Pierre Berton!!! A friend suggested I read him after I discovered some very interesting facts on a DVD set I bought a few months back called "Canada, A People's History". Now, I know all of the Americans will not believe this - as it's been left out of your history books (along with many other important facts - however), but the U.S. and Canada have actually been at War with each other - many times. Your country has wanted to get it's greedy little mits on ours for well over a century - almost 2. One war in particular - the War of 1812 (yes, the same one that Napolean was involved in - the U.S. being on his side) in my opinion, and also in the opinion of Mr. Berton would never have been won by us had it not been for a genius military commander by the name of Tecumseh. Brock had his contribution as well, but the real reason we won (or didn't lose) is because of Tecumseh and his brave Warriors were there to aid us. Now Tecumseh wasn't actually in it for Canada. Obviously he was in it for his people (and well he should have been) for they had been pushed and pushed out of their lands to the point where they had no where else to go, so they took a stand against the Americans with the British because the Americans were the greater offenders in this pushing out as the British had always been their trading partners, and had always dealt fairly with them up to that point. Americans had no use for the Native Americans at the time. Being an ignorant rebellious lot - they didn't see what powerful allies the tribes were. Big mistake on their part. Tecumseh was a genius, and an incredible leader. I wish we had more Tecumsehs today. I would have loved to meet him, though I'm sure he was quite an intimidating sight. On a side note, he actually fell in love with an English Girl at one time, and asked her to marry him. She consented, except that she would only do so if he gave up his culture and lifestyle and lived as an Englishman. Foolish girl (though typical for the time) - why or how could she think that such a great leader of his people could possibly turn his back on his way of life? Man, she missed out - sad for him and for her. Anyway, the point of my history lesson is this - Had it not been for Tecumseh and his brave, fierce band of multiple-tribe warriors.... Canada would be part of the United States. Americans will look at this and say - so what? We're free, we have democracy. I would say - take a look at history - and see if you really do have freedom. We are free to think the way we like, and have whatever opinions we like. You have been conditioned (not all) to think the way your government wants you to. It is evident in the American school systems, and also in the pop culture. In our High School Social Studies classes - we were taught to think for ourselves, and have opinions, and really learn - actual factual history and come to our own conclusions. A prime example of how much your country hides from you would be what I just shared about the war of 1812. Bet you had no idea. We owe much of our Canadian Freedoms to Tecumseh and his people. Therefore, (among other reasons) it is not unreasonable for me to ask for some representation on the flag of our country in honor of the great people who really founded this land.

So, having said that - the preferential flag I just described would have lots of symbolism on it. Obviously a flag overcrowded is also counter-productive. But, somehow - I'm sure - some genius - somewhere is able to come up with one that represents ALL of Canadians. So, that's my challenge to you my people - come up with a flag that represents all. Not just a small portion - like the current flag. Until that flag is in operation in our country, I will choose to use the pre-1965 flag. As I find it less offensive than the current one. I love my country, and I love my people. And, I am so blessed that my parents chose to come here. There are many like me - children of immigrants - who have made this their home. It is our blessing to be non-hyphenated Canadians. For we are simply - Canadians - whatever our origin or color. Happy Dominion Day.



A hero in Canadian history to which we owe much. Though Tecumseh would never sit down to have his portrait taken by a white man, some artists drew him from memory. He was described as an extremely handsome and striking man with hazel eyes.