Real Talk!

The Madawaska River is 230 km (143 mi) long and originates at Source Lake in Algonquin Park flowing hundreds of kilometers, meandering through one of Canada’s premier rural areas for country living. Listed as one of the top canoe routes in North America, the river builds into a series of beautiful lakes and estuaries as it courses in an east-south-easterly direction until it reaches the majestic Ottawa River. Indeed, it the largest of Ontario tributaries of the Ottawa River. For those seeking solitude, adventure, or simply an experience of nature, it offers a wilderness haven.

The river's name comes from an Algonquin band of the region known as "Matouweskarini", meaning "people of the shallows". The name Madawaska derives from Mata, the forks of a river, and Aushka, the sound of a rippling current. Necessity being the mother of invention, here, the Algonquin natives developed the birch bark canoe. Buoyant, relatively lightweight and extremely durable the birch-bark canoe was designed for life in the changing waters of the Madawaska.

For centuries, the lifeblood for the region’s rich vegetation, aquatic and marshland life, the Madawaska sustained the persons along its shores, whether the peoples of Canada’s First Nation or the early settlers who came to carve out a living. Archaeological discoveries indicate that man has travelled these waters for over 5,000 years.

The Madawaska River eco-system is home to 60 species of birds, 45 species of trees and shrubs and 14 species of mammals. Moore Creek, Conroys Marsh, Griffith Area Wetland, Mud Bay, Black Donald Lake, Norcan Lake, Grassy Bay and the Springtown Marsh are places of particular interest for wildlife enthusiasts, as they remain relatively unscathed by human kind.

The Conroy Marsh consists of some 2,400 hectares, at the confluence of three river systems: the Madawaska, York and Little Mississippi. A “Provincially Significant Class One” wetland, it offers an ideal opportunity for paddlers of all levels of experience. A journey into today’s Conroy Marsh offers a host of natural features, including wild cranberries and wild rice fields. It is one of the best ring-necked duck sites in Ontario.

As early as 1845, a lumbermen cleared a farm at the first rapids past the marsh. Later it became a 600 acre outpost for the hundreds of loggers working upstream, storing supplies, meat and vegetables. The Conroy farm comprised of a house, store, blacksmith shop and barn. The barn was made from 60 foot pine logs.

In the late 1800s, the river was used to transport lumber from the forested areas surrounding the river. Beginning in the 1960s, the river was used to generate hydroelectric power, so there a number of dams along the way. Undammed sections of the river are also used for canoeing, kayaking and recreational fishing. Upstream, from its beginnings at Source Lake in Algonquin Park running east to Whitney, the river offers miles of smooth water paddling

Throughout the 1800’s the Madawaska River was a spectacular route of activity. Here, huge pine trees were felled, trimmed and gathered into groups called “cribs” that could be floated down chutes. Larger assemblies of 25 cribs comprised a “dram” which were floated downriver by men wielding 30 foot long oars.

Featured prominently in several ancient canoe routes between the Ottawa River Watershed and Georgian Bay Watershed, the Madawaska is now the most famous river in Ontario for whitewater. The river crosses many important lakes and at its largest part, it runs through magnificent ravines. Fishing throughout the Madawaska River system provides some of the best fishing in Ontario for Bass, Walleye, Pike and Muskellunge.

It is easy to understand why the famous Canadian Group of Seven artists(who toured the Madawaska River) were captivated by its varied moods and picturesque backwaters. On the Madawaska River, shoreline varies from rock to glorious sand with a back drop of cascading hills and dense forest.

There are many people who believe it is the super rich "elite" Illuminati and their associates who truly decide who will preside over the United States.

Who are they?

The Queen of England, her husband Prince Philip and the Royal House of Windsor, the hierarchy on the board of directors of the Vatican, including the Pope; the Rothschilds, Rockefellers, Morgans, Duponts, Fords, Carnegies, Melons, Bush's are among the names that are often cited as part of the Illuminati.

So, if you'd like to know who is going to win the U.S. Presidential election, just call up super wealthy David Rockefeller and he can tell you today- because, evidently, it's all a "staged event".

& according to those who believe… the Illuminati win very election no matter which Democratic or Republican candidate wins… and if this is true, that means that both Barack Obama and John McCain are being brought to you, live, by the elite.

Did you know there are other parties? Did you know there are other candidates?

Have you heard of the Independent Green Party: Chuck Baldwin and Darrell L. Castle; Libertarian: Bob Barr and Wayne A. Root; Green Party: Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clementa; and Independent Party, Ralph Nader and Matt Gonzalez?

Did you know that Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader, Libertarian Party presidential candidate Bob Barr, and Constitution Party presidential candidate Chuck Baldwin debated, October 30, in Cleveland, Ohio?

Yawning?

It’s pretty obvious that there is manipulation somewhere… and it might be the media that is steering us to recognize two candidates.

A simple google of “United States Presidential” finds these lines (cut and pasted from my search):

Two brave candidates, but the choice for US president seems clear

As election day looms, both candidates have begun to focus on key states

Both campaigns are geared up for the finale.

The Cuban Government has accused both US presidential candidates of engaging in the same old rhetoric about Cuba

Both US presidential candidates have taken their election battle to the crucial state of Florida

Erdogan sent two foreign policy officials to meet the advisors of both US presidential candidates

In fact, both candidates are being given the extraordinary opportunity -- the benefit of the doubt

Both candidates also supported offering options for young people to perform national service to help pay for their college educations

a new cap-and-trade carbon emissions program, which both candidates call for

both candidates to take over in the White House

While both presidential candidates and top Pentagon officials support the call for more troops in Afghanistan

Both candidates have also supported the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act

both candidates answered 14 questions

He has met with dozens of Congress people and governors, and with both presidential candidates.

Both presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama voted for the measure in the US Senate.

Both candidates, Obama and his rival Republican John

It is just one week before the US Presidential elections. We all know all that we want to know about the two candidates

While both presidential nominees say

Both presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama,

Closing Guantanamo will be one of the thorniest tasks facing the next US president, and while both candidates have said it

Both candidates for the presidency have compelling personal narratives

As election day looms, both candidates have begun to focus on key states

Joe Biden himself proposed partitioning Iraq into three parts, and both presidential candidates have

Both candidates have made development assistance

Both US presidential candidates support some form of decoupling.

But each of us has serious concerns about both candidates

Both candidates said guests at the party made critical comments about Israel

election, both presidential candidates are increasing their TV advertising buys in Colorado

Both have expended so many words

Both favor eventual citizenship for illegal immigrants

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan sent two foreign policy officials to meet with advisors of both US presidential candidates
West Wing” president played by Martin Sheen, brings both candidates to the

Both candidates

But while we've been obsessing over markets, both candidates' positions have been overtaken by events in Baghdad

Both candidates gave somewhat vague replies, focusing on the traditionally close relationship between the United States and Israel
president will not get us out by himself.

Both presidential candidates ...

As such, both of the presidential candidates are boxed into a cage of their respective parties' creation

Whoever wins next week's presidential election between Obama, the Democratic candidate, and Republican nominee McCain will

Only slightly better was:
For the first time in America's history, both the main presidential candidates have lived in Asia

which was supported by both mainstream presidential candidates

&

In the presidential election, both major candidates

So, I ask you....who is it that controls the media? Who owns the newspapers, the tv stations? That would fill several blogs… I’ll give you the readers digest version:

"The news and truth are not the same thing."
Walter Lippmann, American journalist, 1889-1974

"We tell the people what they need to know, not what they want to know."
Frank Sesno, CNN News

According to David Icke, author of Children of the Matrix:

an inner-core member of the Bilderberg Group,heads the Hollinger media empire. This includes the London "Daily Telegraph", the "Jerusalem Post", and has owned some 70% of newspapers in Canada. Members of these organizations control three television networks in the United States, NBC, ABC, and CBS. They also control the "Los Angeles Times", "New York Times", "Wall Street Journal", and the empires of Rupert Murdoch, "Time Warner", including "CNN", and the major media operations throughout the world. Even four out of five local newspapers in the UK are now owned by the big media cartels

Really…. So… whoever it is, is telling us that in the current US presidential race, there are really only two candidates.

Tuesday, Peter A. List, editor and chief blogger of EmployerReport.com said, "Depending on the outcome on November 4th, if Democrats win big, the real losers could very easily be American workers. It is very likely that Americans will see more jobs destroyed as a natural economic reaction to the Democrats' payoff to their union backers."

Maybe it is worth looking at the system.

The first two opposing groups in U.S. political history were the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. In the early years the Federalists (representing merchants and manufacturers), dominated in power and were thought of as the "money" party.

The Anti-Federalists (who would gradually become known as the Democratic Republicans, and eventually as just the Democrats) represented artisans and the farmers.

Eventually, the two parties evolved into representing two distinct sets of interests. The Democrats representing agricultural and frontier interests in the South and West and the Federalists (eventually evolving into the Republican party) supported commercial interests in the East.

Thus establishing power based on the exploitation of geographic and financial divisions, in the two-party system of “class politics”, the Republican Party traditionally represents the more financially affluent and the Democratic Party represents the working class and poor.

I had to take a look at the real history of leadership in the United States… and will include the basic data here, in case someone cares to review it:

Interesting side notes:
The United States of America was actually formed on March 1, 1781 with the adoption of The Articles of Confederation by Maryland whose delegates delayed its ratification over a western border dispute with Virginia and New York. Upon the March 1 ratification the President of the Continental Congress officially became President of the United States in Congress Assembled.

To make matters even more perplexing some historians claim that John Hanson was the first President of the United States as he was the first person to serve the full one-year term (1781-82), under the ratified Articles of Confederation. This again is incorrect.

The ratification occurred during the term of Samuel Huntington who served as President from September 28, 1779 to July 6, 1781. Consequently, Samuel Huntington was the first President of the United States in Congress Assembled.

As a matter of interest, I have also researched ties to Freemasonry. Please note: masonic judges and jurors are pledged to protect brother masons, even if it means they must commit perjury to do so.

1.George Washington, 1789-1797
Political Party: Federalist
Confirmed Mason. Initiated: November 4, 1752, Fredericksburgh (Fredericksburg) Lodge No. 4, Fredericksburg, Virginia.

1st Congress (1789-1791)
Majority Party: Pro-Administration (18 seats)
Minority Party: Anti-Administration (8 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 26

2nd Congress (1791-1793)
Majority Party: Pro-Administration (16 seats)
Minority Party: Anti-Administration (13 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Vacant: 1 Total Seats: 30

3rd Congress (1793-1795)
Majority Party: Pro-Administration (16 seats)
Minority Party: Anti-Administration (14 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 30

4th Congress (1795-1797)
Majority Party: Federalist (21 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (11 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 32

Note: The Republican party that emerged in the 1790s is also referred to as the Jeffersonian-Republican party or the Democratic-Republican party, and should not be confused with the modern (GOP) Republican party established in the 1850s.

2.John Adams, 1797-1801
Political Party: Federalist
Said to have condemned masonry
Suspected Illuminati

5th Congress (1797-1799)
Majority Party: Federalist (22 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (10 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 32

3.Thomas Jefferson, 1801-1809
Political Party: Democratic-Republican
MASON: Jefferson may have been a Member of Charlottesville Lodge No. 90, Charlottesville, Va., since his name appears on the Minutes of this Lodge on September 20, 1817. Jefferson was also a member of the Lodge of the Nine Muses in Paris and the Beenan Order (Order of the Bees)

6th Congress (1799-1801)
Majority Party: Federalist (22 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (10 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 32

4.James Madison, 1809-1817
Political Party: Democratic-Republican
Mason, member of Hiram Lodge No. 59, Westmoreland County, Virginia

7th Congress (1801-1803)
Majority Party: Republican (17 seats)
Minority Party: Federalist (15 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Vacant: 2
Total Seats: 34

8th Congress (1803-1805)
Majority Party: Republican (25 seats)
Minority Party: Federalist (9 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 34

9th Congress (1805-1807)
Majority Party: Republican (27 seats)
Minority Party: Federalist (7 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 34

10th Congress (1807-1809)
Majority Party: Republican (28 seats)
Minority Party: Federalist (6 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 34

11th Congress (1809-1811)
Majority Party: Republican (27 seats)
Minority Party: Federalist (7 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 34

12th Congress (1811-1813)
Majority Party: Republican (30 seats)
Minority Party: Federalist (6 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 36

13th Congress (1813-1815)
Majority Party: Republican (28 seats)
Minority Party: Federalist (8 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 36

14th Congress (1815-1817)
Majority Party: Republican (26 seats)
Minority Party: Federalist (12 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 38

5.James Monroe, 1817-1825
Political Party: Democratic-Republican
Initiated: November 9, 1775, St. John's Regimental Lodge in the Continental Army.
Membership in Williamsburg Lodge No. 6, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Also a member of the Knights Of The Garter.

15th Congress (1817-1819)
Majority Party: Republican (30 seats)
Minority Party: Federalist (12 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 42

16th Congress (1819-1821)
Majority Party: Republican (37 seats)
Minority Party: Federalist (9 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 46]

17th Congress (1821-1823)
Majority Party: Republican (44 seats)
Minority Party: Federalist (4 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 48

18th Congress (1823-1825)
Majority Party: Jackson & Crawford Republicans (31)
Minority Party: Adams-Clay Republicans & Federalists (17)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 48

6.John Quincy Adams, 1825-1829
Political Party: Democratic-Republican
(Rumored famous Anti Mason.)

19th Congress (1825-1827)
Majority Party: Jacksonian (26 seats)
Minority Party: Adams (22 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 48

20th Congress (1827-1829)
Majority Party: Jacksonian (27 seats)
Minority Party: Adams (21 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 48

7.Andrew Jackson, 1829-1837
Political Party: Democratic
Mason Status: Member of St. Tammany Lodge No. 1, Nashville, Tennessee,

21st Congress (1829-1831)
Majority Party: Jacksonian (25 seats)
Minority Party: Anti-Jackson (23 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 48

22nd Congress (1831-1833)
Majority Party: Jacksonian (24 seats)
Minority Party: Anti-Jackson (22 seats)
Other Parties: 2 National Republican
Total Seats: 48

23rd Congress (1833-1835)
Majority Party: Anti-Jackson (26 seats)
Minority Party: Jacksonian (20 seats)
Other Parties: 2 National Republican
Total Seats: 48

24th Congress (1835-1837)
Majority Party: Jacksonian (26 seats)
Minority Party: Anti-Jackson (24 seats)
Other Parties: 2 National Republican
Total Seats: 52

8.Martin Van Buren, 1837-1841
Political Party: Democratic
Alleged Mason-I was unable to find information confirming he was a mason, he was, however, a personal friend with known masons, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Clay, and Andrew Jackson

25th Congress (1837-1839)
Majority Party: Democrat (35 seats)
Minority Party: Whig (17 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 52

26th Congress (1839-1841)
Majority Party: Democrat (30 seats)
Minority Party: Whig (22 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 52

9.William Henry Harrison, 1841
Political Party: Whig
Mason Status: Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky and Grand Orator for the G.L.

27th Congress (1841-1843)
Majority Party: Whig (29 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (22 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Vacant: 1
Total Seats: 52

10.John Tyler, 1841-1845
Political Party: Whig
Mason-Confirmed by Jewels of Masonic Eloquence Part 1: V. 1
By Clifford O. Fritz, Charles N. Harmon
Published by Kissinger Publishing, 2003
Page 17:

“There were thirteen other presidents of the United States of America members of our fraternity: Andrew Jackson, James Monroe, James K. Polk, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchannan, Andrew Johnson, James A Garfield, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt and William H. Taft….”

27th Congress (1841-1843)
Majority Party: Whig (29 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (22 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Vacant: 1
Total Seats: 52

28th Congress (1843-1845)
Majority Party: Whig (29 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (23 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 52

11.James Knox Polk, 1845-1849
Political Party: Democratic
Initiated: June 5, 1820, Columbia Lodge No. 31, Columbia, Tennessee.

29th Congress (1845-1847)
Majority Party: Democrat (34 seats)
Minority Party: Whig (22 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Vacant: 2 Total Seats: 58

30th Congress (1847-1849)
Majority Party: Democrat (38 seats)
Minority Party: Whig (21 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Independent Democrat
Total Seats: 60

12.Zachary Taylor, 1849-1850
Political Party: Whig
Mason and member of the Knights Of The Garter
According to:Jewels of Masonic Eloquence Part 1: V. 1
By Clifford O. Fritz, Charles N. Harmon
Published by Kissinger Publishing, 2003

31st Congress (1849-1851)
Majority Party: Democrat (35 seats)
Minority Party: Whig (25 seats)
Other Parties: 2 Free Soiler
Total Seats: 62

13.Millard Fillmore, 1850-1853
Political Party: Whig
An active anti-mason until 1835
after his presidency, attended two masonic cornerstone layings
Jewels of Masonic Eloquence Part 1: V. 1
By Clifford O. Fritz, Charles N. Harmon
Published by Kissinger Publishing, 2003

32nd Congress (1851-1853)
Majority Party: Democrat (36 seats)
Minority Party: Whig (23 seats)
Other Parties: 3 Free Soiler
Total Seats: 62

14.Franklin Pierce, 1853-1857
Political Party: Democrat
Mason and member of the Knights Of The Garter
Jewels of Masonic Eloquence Part 1: V. 1
By Clifford O. Fritz, Charles N. Harmon
Published by Kissinger Publishing, 2003

33rd Congress (1853-1855)
Majority Party: Democrat (38 seats)
Minority Party: Whig (22 seats)
Other Parties: 2 Free Soiler
Total Seats: 62

34th Congress (1855-1857)
Majority Party: Democrat (39 seats)
Minority Party: Opposition (21 seats)
Other Parties: 1 American Party; 1 Republican
Total Seats: 62

15.James Buchanan, 1857-1861
Political Party: Democrat
Initiated: December 1l, 1816, Lodge No. 43, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

35th Congress (1857-1859)
Majority Party: Democrat (41 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (20 seats)
Other Parties: 5 American Party
Total Seats: 66

36th Congress (1859-1861)
Majority Party: Democrat (38 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (26 seats)
Other Parties: 2 American Party
Total Seats: 66

16.Abraham Lincoln, 1861-1865
Political Party: Republican
Rumored Rosicrucian & Wannabe Mason:
In 1860 the Grand Lodge of Illinois recessed their meeting being held during the presidential campaign to call on Mr. Lincoln. During that meeting Lincoln is reported to have told the calling committee "Gentleman, I have always entertained a profound respect for the Masonic fraternity and have long cherished a desire to become a member."

He is oft quoted as saying he felt he was too lazy to be a Mason.
Lincoln's wife Mary Todd was into the occult. Abraham Lincoln was a Rosicrucian and a member of the Order of the Lily's Council of Three along with Paschal Beverly Randolph and General Ethan Allen Hitchcock.

Paschal Beverly Randolph, an early leader of American Rosicrucianism, in 1851, made the acquaintance of Abraham Lincoln. Their friendship was close enough that, when Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, Randolph accompanied Lincoln's funeral procession in a train to Springfield, Illinois.

37th Congress (1861-1863)
Majority Party: Republican (31 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (15 seats)
Other Parties: 3 Unionist
Vacant: 1 Total Seats: 50

38th Congress (1863-1865)
Majority Party: Republican (33 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (10 seats)
Other Parties: 5 Unconditional Unionist; 4 Unionist
Total Seats: 52

17.Andrew Johnson, 1865-1869
Political Party: Democratic
Initiated: May 5, 1851, Greenville Lodge No. 119, Greenville, Tennessee

39th Congress (1865-1867)
Majority Party: Republican (39 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (11 seats)
Other Parties: 3 Unconditional Unionist; 1 Unionist
Total Seats: 54

40th Congress (1867-1869)
Majority Party: Republican (57 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (9 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Vacant: 2 Total Seats: 68

18.Ulysses Simpson Grant, 1869-1877
Political Party: Republican
Nason Status: Lincoln and Ulysses Grant were alleged “Masons in waiting”

His father, Jesse Grant, was involved in politics as a member of the Jacksonian Democrats, serving as Master of the Masonic Lodge.
Wrote, in Chapter XVI of his memoirs: “There was a lodge near my new home, and I was invited to join it. I accepted the invitation; was initiated; attended a meeting just one week later, and never went to another afterwards.”

41st Congress (1869-1871)
Majority Party: Republican (62 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (12 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 74

42nd Congress (1871-1873)
Majority Party: Republican (56 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (17 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Liberal Republican
Total Seats: 74

43rd Congress (1873-1875)
Majority Party: Republican (47 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (19 seats)
Other Parties: 7 Liberal Republican
Vacant: 1 Total Seats: 74

19.Rutherford Birchard Hayes, 1877-1881
Political Party: Republican
Mason Status: According to Jack P. deVise, Historian,
Hayes was nominated to Syrian Temple (Shriners), which was restricted to members of the Masonic Fraternity-Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine

44th Congress (1875-1877)
Majority Party: Republican (46 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (28 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Independent Republican
Vacant: 1 Total Seats: 76

45th Congress (1877-1879)
Majority Party: Republican (40 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (35 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Independent
Total Seats: 76

20.James Abram Garfield, 1881
Political Party: Republican
Initiated: November 19, 1861, Magnolia Lodge, No. 20, Columbus, Ohio.

46th Congress (1879-1881)
Majority Party: Democrat (42 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (33 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Independent
Total Seats: 76

21.Chester Alan Arthur, 1881-1885
Political Party: Republican
Reputed Mason although he had all of his private papers destroyed shortly before his death he was often referred to as a "Mason, brother and worthy member of the craft”

Virginia Freemasonry made another of its great displays before the public on October 18, 1881 when the Grand Lodge laid the cornerstone of the Centennial Monument at Yorktown. President and Brother James A. Garfield had accepted an invitation to attend the ceremony, but an assassin's bullet caused his death on September 19th, and President Chester A. Arthur appeared instead.

Member of Psi Upsilon-the fifth oldest fraternity in the United States

Member of Phi Beta Kappa Society

47th Congress (1881-1883)
Majority Party: Republican (37 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (37 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Independent; 1 Readjuster
Total Seats: 76

48th Congress (1883-1885)
Majority Party: Republican (38 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (36 seats)
Other Parties: 2 Readjuster
Total Seats: 76

22.Grover Cleveland, 1885-1889
Political Party: Democrat
There had been talk of making him a Mason
“at sight” in the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, but it
was never accomplished”.
cousin to President Franklin Pierce (Mason), a cousin to President James Garfield (Mason), and was supported by an Illuminati (Williams Collins Whitney)

49th Congress (1885-1887)
Majority Party: Republican (42 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (34 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 76

50th Congress (1887-1889)
Majority Party: Republican (39 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (37 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 76

23.Benjamin Harrison, 1889-1893
Political Party: Republican
had Masonic connections

51st Congress (1889-1891)
Majority Party: Republican (51 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (37 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 88

52nd Congress (1891-1893)
Majority Party: Republican (47 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (39 seats)
Other Parties: 2 Populist
Total Seats: 88

24.Grover Cleveland, 1893-1897
Political Party: Democrat
Alleged Illuminati Puppet of Williams Collins Whitney (Skull & Bones 1863)

53rd Congress (1893-1895)
Majority Party: Democrat (44 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (40 seats)
Other Parties: 3 Populist; 1 Silver
Total Seats: 88

54th Congress (1895-1897)
Majority Party: Republican (44 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (40 seats)
Other Parties: 4 Populist; 2 Silver
Total Seats: 90

25.William McKinley, 1897-1901
Political Party: Republican
Initiated: May 1, 1865, Hiram Lodge No. 21, Winchester, Virginia.

55th Congress (1897-1899)
Majority Party: Republican (44 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (34 seats)
Other Parties: 5 Populist; 5 Silver Republican; 2 Silver
Total Seats: 90

56th Congress (1899-1901)
Majority Party: Republican (53 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (26 seats)
Other Parties: 5 Populist; 3 Silver Republican; 2 Silver
Vacant: 1
Total Seats: 90

26.Theodore Roosevelt, 1901-1909
Political Party: Republican
Initiated: January 2, 1901, Matinecock Lodge No. 806, Oyster Bay, New York.

57th Congress (1901-1903)
Majority Party: Republican (56 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (32 seats)
Other Parties: 2 Populist
Total Seats: 90

58th Congress (1903-1905)
Majority Party: Republican (57 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (33 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 90

59th Congress (1905-1907)
Majority Party: Republican (58 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (32 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 90

60th Congress (1907-1909)
Majority Party: Republican (61 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (31 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 92

27.William Howard Taft, 1909-1913
Political Party: Republican
Initiated: February 18, 1909. Brother Taft was made a "Mason at Sight" within the Body of Kilwinning Lodge No. 356, Cincinnati, Ohio.

61st Congress (1909-1911)
Majority Party: Republican (60 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (32 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 92

62nd Congress (1911-1913)
Majority Party: Republican (52 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (44 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 96

28.Woodrow Wilson, 1913-1921
Political Party: Democrat

Unknown Mason status however, in 1913 he published "The New Freedom" in which he states: "Since I entered politics, I have chiefly had men's views confided to me privately. Some of the biggest men in the U.S., in the field of commerce and manufacturing, are afraid of somebody, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they had better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it."

New World Order is a phrase that was first used by Woodrow Wilson when he referred to the League of Nations, the predecessor to the U.N.

Rothschild agent, Colonel House ( Edward Mandell House),a 33rd degree Grand Lodge Mason,was Woodrow Wilson's right-hand man, helping start the Federal Reserve.

Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act in 1913- In 1916 he is quoted as saying: “I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country.” “A great industrial Nation is now controlled by its system of credit.”” We are no longer a government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men”

63rd Congress (1913-1915)
Majority Party: Democrat (51 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (44 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Progressive
Total Seats: 96

64th Congress (1915-1917)
Majority Party: Democrat (56 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (40 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 96

65th Congress (1917-1919)
Majority Party: Democrat (54 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (42 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 96

66th Congress (1919-1921)
Majority Party: Republican (49 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (47 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 96

29.Warren Gamaliel Harding, 1921-1923
Political Party: Republican
Initiated: June 28, 1901, Marion Lodge No. 70, Marion, Ohio.

67th Congress (1921-1923)
Majority Party: Republican (59 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (37 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 96

30.Calvin Coolidge, 1923-1929
Political Party: Republican
Mason ties:
In 1898, Coolidge opened a law practice in the Masonic Building, on Main Street in Northampton.

November 1, 1923 at a special communication of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. More than 25,000 persons participated in the procession to the Memorial where the cornerstone was laid using the same trowel employed by Washington in laying the cornerstone of the United States Capitol. Assisting in the ceremonies were President Calvin Coolidge, Chief Justice William H. Taft and the Grand Masters of all the Grand Jurisdictions in the nation.

His wife was a member of the Eastern Star and his son John, became a member of the Wyllys Lodge No. 99 in West Hartford, Conn.

Addressing the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts while Governor of Mass, Coolidge said “It has not been my fortune to know very much of Freemasonry, but I have had the great fortune to know many Freemasons…”

Coolidge sent his personal cheque in 1921, making a $3.00 payment to the Treasurer of the University Club. The University Club was founded as a Mason-related club and counted William H. Taft as one of its most prominent members.

"Civilization and profits go hand in hand."
—Calvin Coolidge, 1928

68th Congress (1923-1925)
Majority Party: Republican (53 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (42 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Farmer-Labor
Total Seats: 96

69th Congress (1925-1927)
Majority Party: Republican (54 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (41 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Farmer-Labor
Total Seats: 96

70th Congress (1927-1929)
Majority Party: Republican (48 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (46 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Farmer-Labor
Vacant: 1
Total Seats: 96

31.Herbert Clark Hoover, 1929-1933
Political Party: Republican
Mason status: disputed
Member of the Bohemian Club
President Herbert Hoover once called this club "the greatest men's party on Earth."

Henry Stimson (Skull and Bones class of 1888 and a Rockefeller lawyer and agent) was President Herbert Hoover’s Secretary of State from 1929 to 1933.

The George Washington Masonic National Memorialist just off the Capitol Beltway, adjacent to Old Town Alexandria, VA and six miles from Washington, D.C. The Masons purchased the 36-acre site and laid the cornerstone in 1923. Assisting in the ceremonies were President Calvin Coolidge, Chief Justice William H. Taft and the Grand Masters of all the Grand Jurisdictions in the nation. The edifice, which has a broad rectangular base and soaring steeple, was completed and officially dedicated in 1932. President Herbert Hoover assisted in the dedication ceremonies.

Hoover associated with many known Masons.

71st Congress (1929-1931)
Majority Party: Republican (56 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (39 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Farmer-Labor
Total Seats: 96

72nd Congress (1931-1933)
Majority Party: Republican (48 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (47 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Farmer-Labor
Total Seats: 96

32.Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1933-1945
Political Party: Democrat
Initiated: October 11, 1911, Holland Lodge No. 8, New York City.

73rd Congress (1933-1935)
Majority Party: Democrat (59 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (36 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Farmer-Labor
Total Seats: 96

74th Congress (1935-1937)
Majority Party: Democrat (69 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (25 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Farmer-Labor; 1 Progressive
Total Seats: 96

75th Congress (1937-1939)
Majority Party: Democrat (76 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (16 seats)
Other Parties: 2 Farmer-Labor; 1 Progressive; 1 Independent
Total Seats: 96

76th Congress (1939-1941)
Majority Party: Democrat (69 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (23 seats)
Other Parties: 2 Farmer-Labor; 1 Progressive; 1 Independent
Total Seats: 96

77th Congress (1941-1943)
Majority Party: Democrat (66 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (28 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Independent; 1 Progressive
Total Seats: 96

78th Congress (1943-1945)
Majority Party: Democrat (57 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (38 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Progressive
Total Seats: 96

33.Harry S. Truman, 1945-1953
Political Party: Democrat
Initiated February 9, 1909, Belton Lodge No. 450, Belton, Missouri.

79th Congress (1945-1947)
Majority Party: Democrat (57 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (38 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Progressive
Total Seats: 96

80th Congress (1947-1949)
Majority Party: Republican (51 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (45 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 96

81st Congress (1949-1951)
Majority Party: Democrat (54 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (42 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 96

82nd Congress (1951-1953)
Majority Party: Democrat (49 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (47 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 96

34.Dwight David Eisenhower 1953-1961
Political Party: Republican

Unknown Mason Status but Knight of Malta (Better known as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), is a Roman Catholic religious order. Its sovereign status is recognized by membership in numerous international bodies and observer status at the United Nations and others. The Grand Master of the Order serves as a Papal Viceroy, providing Vatican diplomats with procedural support for making motions, proposing amendments and requiring votes in the sphere of international diplomacy.)

Eisenhower was sworn into office with his personal West Point Bible, open to Psalm 33:12, at both his 1953 and 1957 inaugural ceremonies. Additionally for 1953, he included the Bible that George Washington had used in 1789 (belonging to St. John's Masonic Lodge No. 1), opened to II Chronicles 7:14.

President Dwight Eisenhower participated in a Masonic ritual on July 4, 1959, laying the cornerstone for the extension of the east front of Capitol.

Milton S. Eisenhower, brother of President Dwight Eisenhower was made a “Mason at Sight” in Pennsylvania, 1951.

Eisenhower took part to the banquet for the 40th anniversary of the A.D.L. (Anti-Defamation League of “B’nai B’rith”), the ‘armed wing’ of the “B’nai B’rith”. Today the members of the “B’nai B’rith” try not to talk about their link with the Freemasonry, but at least four of its founders were Freemasons who gathered in Masonic Temples

83rd Congress (1953-1955)
Majority Party: Republican (48 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (47 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Independent
Total Seats: 96

Note: During the 83rd Congress, nine senators died and one resigned, shifting the party division in the Senate with each new replacement.
1953
January 3:
Senate convenes (party balance: 48R, 47D, 1Ind.)
June 26:
Willis Smith (D-NC) dies (party balance: 48R, 46D, 1Ind., 1 vacancy) -- Replaced by Alton Lennon (D-NC), July 15, 1953
July 15:
Alton Lennon (D-NC) seated (party balance: 48R, 47D, 1Ind.)
July 24:
Charles W. Tobey (R-NH) dies (party balance: 47R, 47D, 1Ind., 1 vacancy) -- Replaced by Robert Upton (R-NH), January 6, 1954
July 31:
Robert A. Taft (R-OH) dies (party balance: 46R, 47D, 1Ind., 2 vacancies) -- Replaced by Thomas A. Burke (D-OH), January 6, 1954
August 3:
Sine die adjournment of first session
1954
January 6:
Second session convenes; Senators Upton (R-NH) and Burke (D-OH) sworn in (party balance: 47R, 48D, 1Ind.)
April 12:
Dwight Griswold (R-NE) dies (party balance: 46R, 48D, 1Ind., 1 vacancy) -- Replaced by Eva Bowring (R-NE), April 26, 1954
April 26:
Eva Bowring (R-NE) seated (party balance: 47R, 48D, 1Ind.)
May 12:
Clyde Hoey (D-NC) dies (party balance: 47R, 47D, 1Ind., 1 vacancy) -- Replaced by Samuel Ervin (D-NC), seated June 11, 1954
June 11:
Samuel Ervin (D-NC) seated (party balance: 47R, 48D, 1Ind.)
June 19:
Lester Hunt (D-WY) commits suicide (party balance: 47R, 47D, 1Ind., 1 vacancy) -- Replaced by Edward Crippa (R-WY), seated June 28
June 28:
Edward Crippa (R-WY) seated (party balance: 48R, 47D, 1Ind.)
July 1:
Hugh Butler (R-NE) dies (party balance: 47R, 47D, 1Ind., 1 vacancy) -- Replaced by Sam Reynolds (R-NE), seated July 7
July 7:
Sam Reynolds (R-NE) seated (party balance: 48R, 47D, 1Ind.)
August 20:
Senate concluded legislative business for the year (party balance: 48R, 47D, 1Ind). House adjourned sine die. Senate returned on November 8 exclusively to consider censure proceedings against Senator Joseph R. McCarthy and met from November 8 to 18 and from November 29-December 2)
September 1:
Burnet Maybank (D-SC) dies (party balance: 48R, 46D, 1Ind., 1 vacancy) -- Replaced by Charles Daniel (D-SC), seated on November 8
September 28:
Pat McCarran (D-NV) dies (party balance: 48R, 45D, 1Ind., 2 vacancies) -- Replaced by Ernest Brown (R-NV), seated November 8
November 2:
Hazel Abel (R-NE) elected to replace appointed Senator Eva Bowring (R-NE); Roman Hruska (R-NE) elected to replace appointed Senator Sam Reynolds (R-NE); Alan Bible (D-NV) elected to replace appointed Senator Ernest Brown (R- NV); Norris Cotton (R-NH) elected to replace appointed Senator Robert Upton (R-NH); W. Kerr Scott (D-NC) elected to replace appointed Senator Alton Lennon (D-NC); Joseph O'Mahoney (D-WY) elected to replace appointed Senator Edward Crippa (R-WY); George Bender (R-OH) elected to replace appointed Senator Thomas Burke (D-OH) [Bender not seated until next Congress]
November 8:
Hazel Abel (R-NE), Ernest Brown (R-NV), Norris Cotton (R-NH), Charles Daniel (D-SC), and Roman Hruska (R-NE) seated (party balance: 49R, 45D, 1Ind., 1 vacancy)
November 9:
W. Kerr Scott (D-NC) seated (party balance: 49R, 46D, 1Ind.)
November 29:
Joseph O'Mahoney (D-WY) seated (party balance: 48R, 47D, 1Ind.)
December 2:
Alan Bible (D-NV) seated (party balance: 47R, 48D, 1Ind.) -- Thomas Burke (D-OH) term expires
December 23:
Charles Daniel (D-SC), appointed to replace Burnet Maybank, resigned (party balance: 47R, 47D, 1Ind., 1 vacancy)
December 24:
J. Strom Thurmond (D-SC) appointed to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Charles Daniel (D-SC) [but Thurmond was not seated until the next Congress] (party balance: 47R, 47D, 1Ind., 1 not yet seated)
December 31:
Hazel Abel (R-NE) resigned (party balance: 46R, 47D, 1Ind., 1 vacancy)
Source: Senate Historical Office

84th Congress (1955-1957)
Majority Party: Democrat (48 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (47 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Independent
Total Seats: 96

Note: Strom Thurmond (SC) was an Independent Democrat during this Congress until his resignation on April 4, 1956. In November of that year he was elected as a Democrat to fill the vacancy created by his resignation. The Independent member listed above was Wayne Morse (OR), who changed from an Independent to a Democrat on February 17, 1955.

85th Congress (1957-1959)
Majority Party: Democrat (49 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (47 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 96

86th Congress (1959-1961)
Majority Party: Democrat (65 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (35 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

35.John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 1961-1963
Political Party: Democrat
First Catholic President
Considered to be a non-Mason
Brooks Hays was a Congressman from Arkansas, a Mason and an assistant to the late President Kennedy was also a Council on Foreign Relations member.

President John F. Kennedy stated before his assassination that there were 17 million members of various quasi-Freemasonic secret societies in the U.S. alone.

Some conspiracy theorists say that Freemasons had JFK killed.

JFK was a member of the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity,Fraternal Order of Eagles,Alfalfa Club,Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks
Rotary International,National Rifle Association

87th Congress (1961-1963)
Majority Party: Democrat (64 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (36 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

36.Lyndon Baines Johnson, 1963-1969
Political Party: Democrat
Confirmed Mason. (New World Order: The Ancient Plan of Secret Societies, William T. Still, pg. 21)

On October 30, 1937, he was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Johnson City, Texas. He never advanced. Masonic law in Texas declares that “Entered Apprentices and Fellow crafts are Masons,” although denied certain rights and privileges, Lyndon B. Johnson was accepted and initiated in a Masonic Lodge, and at that time was addressed as “Brother.”

88th Congress (1963-1965)
Majority Party: Democrat (66 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (34 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

89th Congress (1965-1967)
Majority Party: Democrat (68 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (32 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

90th Congress (1967-1969)
Majority Party: Democrat (64 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (36 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

37.Richard Milhous Nixon, 1969-1974
Political Party: Republican

Mason status:. allegedly a 33rd Mason, member of the Anti-American organization known as the Council of Foreign Relations (CFR). Was also a member of the all-male ultra-exclusive Bohemian Club, had very close ties to Nelson Rockefeller and David Rockefeller. Close friend of Varnum Paul- Varnum joined Mission Masonic Lodge in 1937 and was a member for 71 years. He was on the board of the Mission Masonic Lodge in SF and former general council for Masonic Lodges and Masonic Homes of Northern California. In the 1960 election to choose his successor, Eisenhower endorsed his own Vice President, Republican Richard Nixon against Democrat John F. Kennedy. Richard Nixon’s daughter married Eisenhower's grandson David. Member of the Order of Red Men.

91st Congress (1969-1971)
Majority Party: Democrat (57 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (43 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

92nd Congress (1971-1973)
Majority Party: Democrat (54 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (44 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Conservative; 1 Independent
Total Seats: 100

93rd Congress (1973-1975)
Majority Party: Democrat (56 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (42 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Conservative; 1 Independent
Total Seats: 100

38.Gerald Rudolph Ford, 1974-1977
Political Party: Republican
Initiated: September 30, 1949, Malta Lodge No. 465, Grand Rapids, Michigan

93rd Congress (1973-1975)
Majority Party: Democrat (56 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (42 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Conservative; 1 Independent
Total Seats: 100

94th Congress (1975-1977)
Majority Party: Democrat (60 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (38 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Conservative; 1 Independent
Total Seats: 100

39.James Earl Carter, Jr., 1977-1981
Political Party: Democrat

Mason status: CFR-member, former member of David Rockefeller’s Trilateral Commission, Masonic Nobel Peace Prize 2002 (given only to socialists); insisted on using the Masonic Bible from St. John's Lodge in New York City for the oath of office; renounced Southern Baptist membership because they said Jesus defined Biblical interpretation! Fraternal Order of Eagles

95th Congress (1977-1979)
Majority Party: Democrat (61 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (38 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Independent
Total Seats: 100

96th Congress (1979-1981)
Majority Party: Democrat (58 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (41 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Independent
Total Seats: 100

40.Ronald Wilson Reagan, 1981-1989
Political Party: Republican
Confirmed Mason, in 1988 he was presented a Certificate of Honor by the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C., and was made an honorary member of the Scottish Rite

97th Congress (1981-1983)
Majority Party: Republican (53 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (46 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Independent
Total Seats: 100

98th Congress (1983-1985)
Majority Party: Republican (54 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (46 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

99th Congress (1985-1987)
Majority Party: Republican (53 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (47 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

100th Congress (1987-1989)
Majority Party: Democrat (55 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (45 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

41.George Herbert Walker Bush, 1989-1993
Political Party: Republican
Mason and member of The Order Of The Garter

101st Congress (1989-1991)
Majority Party: Democrat (55 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (45 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

102nd Congress (1991-1993)
Majority Party: Democrat (56 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (44 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

42.William Jefferson Clinton, 1993-2001
Political Party: Democrat
Bilderberger and Senior DeMolay (Freemason Youth),

103rd Congress (1993-1995)
Majority Party: Democrat (57 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (43 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

Note: Party division changed to 56 Democrats and 44 Republicans after the June 5, 1993 election of Kay B. Hutchison (R-TX).

104th Congress (1995-1997)
Majority Party: Republican (52 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (48 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

Note: Party ratio changed to 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats after Richard Shelby of Alabama switched from the Democratic to Republican party on November 9, 1994. It changed again, to 54 Republicans and 46 Democrats, when Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado switched from the Democratic to Republican party on March 3, 1995. When Robert Packwood (R-OR) resigned on October 1, 1995, the Senate divided between 53 Republicans and 46 Democrats with one vacancy. Ron Wyden (D) returned the ratio to 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats when he was elected to fill the vacant Oregon seat.

105th Congress (1997-1999)
Majority Party: Republican (55 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (45 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

106th Congress (1999-2001)
Majority Party: Republican (55 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (45 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100

Note: As the 106th Congress began, the division was 55 Republican seats and 45 Democratic seats, but this changed to 54-45 on July 13, 1999 when Senator Bob Smith of New Hampshire switched from the Republican party to Independent status. On November 1, 1999, Smith announced his return to the Republican party, making the division once more 55 Republicans and 45 Democrats. Following the death of Senator Paul Coverdell (R-GA) on July 18, 2000, the balance shifted again, to 54 Republicans and 46 Democrats, when the governor appointed Zell Miller, a Democrat, to fill the vacancy.

43.George Walker Bush, 2001-
Political Party: Republican
Confirmed Mason

107th Congress (2001-2003)
Majority Party (Jan 3-20, 2001): Democrat (50 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (50 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100
________
Majority Party (Jan 20-June 6, 2001): Republican (50 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (50 seats)
Other Parties: 0
Total Seats: 100
______
Majority Party (June 6, 2001-November 12, 2002 --): Democrat (50 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (49 seats)
Other Parties: 1
Total Seats: 100
_____
Majority Party (November 12, 2002 - January 3, 2003): Republican (50 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (48 seats)
Other Parties: 2
Total Seats: 100

Note: From January 3 to January 20, 2001, with the Senate divided evenly between the two parties, the Democrats held the majority due to the deciding vote of outgoing Democratic Vice President Al Gore. Senator Thomas A. Daschle served as majority leader at that time. Beginning on January 20, 2001, Republican Vice President Richard Cheney held the deciding vote, giving the majority to the Republicans. Senator Trent Lott resumed his position as majority leader on that date. On May 24, 2001, Senator James Jeffords of Vermont announced his switch from Republican to Independent status, effective June 6, 2001. Jeffords announced that he would caucus with the Democrats, giving the Democrats a one-seat advantage, changing control of the Senate from the Republicans back to the Democrats. Senator Thomas A. Daschle again became majority leader on June 6, 2001. Senator Paul D. Wellstone (D-MN) died on October 25, 2002, and Independent Dean Barkley was appointed to fill the vacancy. The November 5, 2002 election brought to office elected Senator James Talent (R-MO), replacing appointed Senator Jean Carnahan (D-MO), shifting balance once again to the Republicans -- but no reorganization was completed at that time since the Senate was out of session.

108th Congress (2003-2005)
Majority Party: Republican (51 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (48 seats)
Other Parties: Independent (1 seat)
Total Seats: 100

109th Congress (2005-2007)
Majority Party: Republican (55 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (44 seats)
Other Parties: Independent (1 seat)
Total Seats: 100

110th Congress (2007-2009)
Majority Party: Democrat (49 seats)
Minority Party: Republican (49 seats)
Other Parties: 1Independent; 1 Independent Democrat
Total Seats: 100

Note: Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut was reelected in 2006 as an Independent, and became an Independent Democrat. Senator Bernard Sanders of Vermont was elected as an Independent.
Rumors circulate about both John McCain and Barack Obama. Obama is allegedly a 32nd degree Prince Hall Freemason loyal to the Craft and devoted to his principle and both are said to be members of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Certainly, there is evidence that Admiral John Sidney McCain, father of candidate John McCain (the Admiral was Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet during the Vietnam War) was a mason initiated at Carrollton Lodge No. 36.

The media would have us believe that vote for a president is a kind of private contract between each voter and his or her preferred choice, however, in a year in which the Democrats are certain to increase their majority in both houses of Congress, an Obama victory would offer the Democrats control of both the legislative and executive branches for the first time since the 90s.

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shakin' hands, sayin', "How do you do?"
They're really saying, "I love you"

I hear babies cryin', I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world

Oh yeah

These beautiful words are the lyrics to WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
Written by: George Weiss & Bob Thiele

It was famously performed by: Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong and it is that version that resonates within me... well... most of the time... because, ya, I'm a hopeless optimistic.

Okay, so it's Halloween, almost.... but it's not the spooky ghosts and goblins, witches and vampires that have me worried... it's the U.S. election.

I can't even understand why there is campaigning... and then, I look around inside my own circle and I see the distrust... AND the rising climate of mistrust...

(Distrust and Mistrust.... these words are worth looking up, if you aren't familiar...there is a real difference between the two)

& speaking of real differences between the two... I shudder to think that anyone would consider voting in the United States without taking at least a quick look at the candidates... I mean, outside of television commercials, sound bites, media conjecture etc....

Today, I thought I'd make it easy for anyone who is too lazy to look for themselves... I did a really quick look at the background of Barack Obama and John McCain... and I took at look at what issues they (or their handlers)have felt important enough to note on their campaign websites.

For what it is worth, I'd like to share that information with you. Please note, I will give you the campaign website addresses. Obama's site has a neat little pdf booklet that outlines issues, you can download it for free, without signing up to anything... you just need to look for the skip signup button.

McCain's Issues:
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/issues/

The Economy
Energy
National Security
Health Care
Iraq
Homeownership
Veterans
Immigration
Education
2nd Amendment
Judicial Philosophy
Homeland Security
Fighting Crime
Natural Heritage
Agricultural Policies
The Sanctity of Life
Climate Change
Ethics Reform
Space Program
National Service
Technology

Obama's Issues
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

Strengthen the Economy
Provide Middle Class Americans Tax Relief
Create Good-Paying Jobs
Create a Regulatory System for the 21st Century
Support American Labor
Change Washington
Make Affordable Accessible Health Care For All
Preserve Social Security and Strengthen the Economic Security of Our Seniors
Give Every Child A World Class Education To Compete In The Global Economy
Plan For A Clean Energy Future
Restore Fiscal Discipline
Support Rural Communities
Reclaim the American Dream for Women and Their Families
Fix The Broken Immigration System
Plan to End the War in Iraq & Other Foreign Issues
Dealing With Terrorism and Extremism
Combat Poverty
Plan For Universal Voluntary Public Service
Plan to Strengthen Civil Rights
Secure America and Restore Our Standing in the World
Keep Our Sacred Trust With Veterans

& I do believe that their backgrounds, tell us much about the men, too:

Barack Obama:

Barack Obama was born to a white American mother, Ann Dunham, and a black Kenyan father, Barack Obama, Sr., who were both young college students at the University of Hawaii.

When his father left for Harvard, she and Barack stayed behind, and his father ultimately returned alone to Kenya, where he worked as a government economist. Barack's mother remarried an Indonesian oil manager and moved to Jakarta when Barack was six.

Barack later recounted Indonesia as simultaneously lush and a harrowing exposure to tropical poverty. He returned to Hawaii, where he was brought-up; largely by his grandparents. The family lived in a small apartment - his grandfather was a furniture salesman and an unsuccessful insurance agent and his grandmother worked in a bank - but Barack managed to get into Punahou School, Hawaii's top prep academy. His father wrote to him regularly but, though he traveled around the world on official business for Kenya, he visited only once, when Barack was ten.

Obama attended Columbia University, but found New York's racial tension inescapable. He became a community organizer for a small Chicago church-based group for three years, helping poor South Side residents cope with a wave of plant closings. He then attended Harvard Law School, and in 1990 became the first African-American editor of the Harvard Law Review.

He turned down a prestigious judicial clerkship, choosing instead to practice civil-rights law back in Chicago, representing victims of housing and employment discrimination and working on voting-rights legislation. He also began teaching at the University of Chicago Law School. Eventually he ran as a Democrat for the state senate seat from his district, which included both Hyde Park and some of the poorest ghettos on the South Side, and won.

John McCain:

John McCain was born in 1936 at Coco Solo Naval Air Station in the Panama Canal Zone, Panama, to naval officer John S. McCain, Jr. (1911–1981) and Roberta (Wright) McCain (b. 1912).[ His father and his paternal grandfather both became four-star United States Navy admirals. A remarkable military family, his older sister Sandy and younger brother Joe, followed his father to various naval postings in the United States and the Pacific.

McCain entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. There, he was a friend and informal leader for many of his classmates, and sometimes stood up for targets of bullying. He also became a lightweight boxer. McCain came into conflict with higher-ranking personnel, he did not always obey the rules, and that contributed to a low class rank (894 of 899), despite a high IQ. He did well in academic subjects that interested him, such as literature and history, but studied only enough to pass subjects he struggled with, such as mathematics. McCain graduated in 1958.

McCain was taken, a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for five and a half years and subjected to severe torture. He was released on March 14, 1973. After being treated for his war injuries, McCain studied at the National War College.

McCain retired from the Navy on April 1, 1981 as a captain. He was designated as disabled and awarded a disability pension. Upon leaving the military, he moved to Arizona. His 17 military awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Navy Commendation Medal, for actions before, during, and after his time as a POW.

In 1982, McCain ran as a Republican for an open seat in Arizona's 1st congressional district. McCain's Senate career began in January 1987.

I'm not going to say much about the VP Candidates...

I'm tired of brewing tensions between Palin and key aides to McCain. Now, frustrated McCain advisers are describing Palin as a "diva" who is "going rogue."

CNN contributor and Republican strategist Ed Rollins said Palin was "mishandled" during the earlier part of the campaign, and as a result, "she's become a target of a lot of ridicule."

But, he said, "She definitely is going to be the most popular Republican in this country when this thing is over."

The media has given us a great deal of insight into Sarah Palin, the family woman. Her family has really become an important part of her political persona. Her speeches include friendly "shout outs" to the students of her school teacher brother and she is a devout supporter of special needs children because her son, Trig Paxson Van Palin was born last April with Down Syndrome.

Palin's husband Todd, also a politico AND champion snowmobile racer; is handsome and her children, Bristol, Piper, Track, Willow and Trig were bestowed with unusual names that Palin says are full of personal meaning.

They are an active, energetic, Christian family... shall we leave it at that?

Ya, I think I might enjoy having Sarah and the gang over for dinner... but honestly, her lack of fundamental understanding of key issues and of real experience is really quite frightening…

and I’m not ready for Caribou Barbie in power. I don’t want a cheerleader to have one foot in the White House. I can’t handle a hockey mom with her finger on the nuke button… even though she really knows how to engage her crowd.

& the thing is, that really, Joe Biden seems to be an all-around nice guy. If you take the time to check it out.

Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania to an Irish Catholic family-he is the son of Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. (1915–2002) and Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Finnegan (born 1918).

Biden's father had been fairly well-off earlier in his life, but had business problems and was having difficulty by the time Biden was born. For several years the family had to live with Biden's maternal grandparents, the Finnegans when the Scranton area went into the 50's economic decline,Biden's father could not find enough work.

Negative impressions of drinking alcohol in the Biden and Finnegan families and in the neighborhood led to Joe Biden's becoming a teetotaler.

In 1953 the Biden family moved to an apartment in Claymont, Delaware, where they lived for a few years before moving to a house in Wilmington, Delaware. Joe Biden Sr. got work as a used car salesman, and the family's circumstances improved.

One of Biden's grandfathers was a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Biden attended the Archmere Academy in Claymont, there he was a standout wide receiver on the high school football team and played on the baseball team as well.

On August 27, 1966, Biden, then a law student, married Neilia Hunter. Neila was was from an affluent background in Skaneateles, New York and had attended Syracuse University. They had met in 1964 while on spring break in the Bahamas, and he had overcome her parents' initial reluctance for her to be dating a Roman Catholic.

Joe and Neila had three children, Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III (born 1969), Robert Hunter (born 1970), and Naomi Christina (born 1971).

Biden began practicing law and then entered into the 1972 Senate Election. Biden's campaign had virtually no money and was given no chance of winning- however, won the November 7, 1972 election in an upset.

A few weeks after the election, Biden's wife and one-year-old daughter were killed in an automobile accident while Christmas shopping in Hockessin, Delaware. Biden's two sons, Beau and Hunter, were critically injured in the accident, but both eventually made full recoveries. Beau, became Delaware Attorney General and an Army Judge Advocate scheduled for service in Iraq and Biden's younger son, Hunter is a Washington attorney.

Biden has since been elected to five additional terms, in most cases with about 60 percent of the vote. He is now the longest-serving senator in Delaware history.

A single father for five years, Biden left standing orders that he be interrupted in the Senate at any time if his sons called. In remembrance of the accident, Biden does not work on December 18th…

What's not to like?

Four days ago, Barbie maker (Mattel) announced their third quarter results and said that they could be "hurt" by the severity of the economic turndown.

I think they're missing a boat... a big boat. A vote boat. Barbie, the world's best selling fashion doll was born in 1959 and has become a world-famous icon. The Barbie label sells everything, including but not limited to dolls, toy cars, eyewear, fashions and cosmetics.

& I have to tell you, I can't look at Sarah Palin without thinking "Barbie". I don't know a single woman of my age that didn't have some kind of Barbie time in her life. & I have to think we are a large percentage of the voting demographic.

In 2000, Mattel launched a "Barbie for President" campaign and introduced a "Barbie for President" doll.

I know, I've done the Barbie shtick before, referring to Governor Palin, but the recent horang about her expensive campaign wardrobe (contributed by the Republican Party and to be donated to charity, after the election), I was reminded of the collection of clothing and accessories that have been available for Barbie dolls; over the last five decades.

Having our Barbie dolls looking good was a very important part of a young girl's life!

and our Barbie's had nice wheels, too....

and lipstick that we would never have put on a pitbull:

Barbie had a little sister doll, Skipper... hmmmm... kinda reminds me of little Piper:

And Barbie did everything, from being in the space program, skating, baton twirling, acrobatics... and had everything.... jeeps, pets, records, friends....

Just like Sarah Palin!

Even a stamp:

Ooooh deja vu!

It's hard not to like Sarah Palin's folksy, barbie ways. I don't know many kids who got a $150,000 allowance for Barbie clothes.

It's just that I don't think any of us ever played "Barbie has her hand on the nuke button".

Like many of us, I've been keeping one eye on the news... things are certainly in an uproar and I'll be glad when the United States is finished their election... mind you... I'm horrified at the thought of what will come next...

I watched the "last debate" the other night and I'm at a loss for words...

instead, I'm going to try to express myself here, with images...

I'm having that deja vu feeling:

And thinking, who will lead the United States out of this?

is it me? or....

div class="image_block">

Back in February, I wrote a couple/few blogs about watching Hillary Clinton & Barak Obama in debate... and more recently, I have watched "the debates"... Canadian and U.S.

& I haven't really changed heart.

These elections feel critically important and yet, there is no substance to what is being said. Okay, I realize that this is a cautious time for candidates... not the best time to ruffle feathers... better to be likeable and engaging...

yup... it's getting scary.

Last evening, I listened as Glenn Beck interviewed Brian Sack and felt an instant kinship. I searched, this morning, for a transcript and will include it here, because it was really something that I could grab hold of....

the only other and perhaps more honest political account I have heard recently; was when a caller on some politico-show said something like: "I've never been a fan of the Republican party, in fact, I've never listened to a thing they had to say... but I watch Sarah Palin when she's speaking, because I'm a 40 something guy and she's attractive."

Here's the Beck transcript:

(Disclaimer: Glenn Beck is American radio and television host, conservative political commentator, and entrepreneur. His nationally syndicated radio show, The Glenn Beck Program, airs throughout the United States on Premiere Radio Networks. Beck also hosts a self-titled television show, which began in May 2006, on CNN's Headline News. Now...
I may not always agree with Glenn, but as he would say "I am a thinker" and he is interesting.)

BECK: Well, last night`s presidential debate was centered around undecided voters. And I was pretty sure I knew who I was going to vote for until last night. And then I decided I hate both these guys.
Joining me once again with his take on the matter is our own public viewer and angry independent, Brian Sack.

BRIAN SACK, AUTHOR: We can agree on things.

BECK: I`m bringing people together. I hate them both.

SACK: Now Glenn, like many Americans, I sat on the sofa and I watched the two debates or the debates -- the second debate, and I`ve got two words for you. One is boring. The other is also boring.

BECK: Yes, yes.

SACK: After a debate now, the question everyone always asks is, who won? All right? But I`d like to ask a different question. Did we win? OK? Let`s take a look at this.

First of all, did we learn anything new? No. We heard the same inaccurate and/or misleading words and numbers as in the last debate. Now, recently most of us watched our stock portfolio disappears like whisky at a Kennedy family picnic. Did the candidates go into debt from that?

No, they didn`t. No. They blame the other party. Aside from McCain saying we`re going to buy up some lousy mortgages, they moved on from that topic.

Now, did the debate change our perception of the candidates? No. Obamans loved Obama. McCainicles loved McCain. I made that up, McCainicles. And as an independent, Glenn, I just wanted to cry into my sushi. But there were a few things I noticed in the debate, not the least of which was the audience.

BECK: What do you mean?

SACK: Well, the audience was hand picked, apparently, after they said yes to any one of these questions. Are you bald? Do you have a mustache? Can you make a weird face?

BECK: That`s a good looking face there.

SACK: Now, as I said, this was a very boring debate. You`ll agree with me, right?

BECK: Insulting more than boring.

SACK: Yes. Insulting and boring.

BECK: Yes.

SACK: So I spent a lot of time watching the audience. But I did watch the candidates every now and then, and I could not help but notice, Obama knows how to sit.

BECK: He`s like Frank Sinatra, don`t you think? He`s suave. He`s like...

SACK: Suave. He absolutely is.

BECK: Yes.

SACK: Now, McCain, on the other hand, I do not like the way John McCain sits on a stool.

BECK: Oh, boy.

SACK: Maybe it`s the maverick thing. But it just didn`t seem presidential. It looks like a gang signal there.

BECK: That`s the way he rolls, you know?

SACK: Yes. I have to say, Obama did deliver two of my favorite lines in the debate. First, real nice right hook.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D-IL), PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: Senator McCain, this is a guy who sang "Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran," who called for the annihilation of North Korea. That, I don`t think, in an example of speaking softly.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SACK: That was a pretty good comeback from Obama.
Now, the other Obama line was a very Bidenesque foot in the mouth kick.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OBAMA: You know, a lot of you remember the tragedy of 9/11.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SACK: A lot of us remember that. No, it doesn`t ring a bell with me.

BECK: I don`t remember that.

SACK: Now, another observation, Glenn, at one point I could have sworn that John McCain was actually leaving the debate out of boredom. Look at this. Wait, he`s giving up.

BECK: There he goes. Maybe I`ll go find some ice cream someplace.

SACK: No, no. It`s not over yet. John, the light`s still green. Come back.

Now, the other thing we noticed is that McCain was taking notes with a sharpie every time he was sitting uncomfortably on his stool.

BECK: Yes.

SACK: Now, I have connections, Glenn. And I managed to get a hold of his legal pad. I have proof that the candidates found the debate as dull as most of us did.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GRAPHIC: Milk, eggs, coffee, Tums.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SACK: Yes.

BECK: Yes, Tums.

Brian Sack, thank you very much, sir. Appreciate it. We`ll see you, what is it, next week we`ve got another debate coming up?

And coming up next, if you watched last night`s debate and you didn`t find it boring, I mean, you did find it insulting, right?…..

…if you saw the debates last night, but it was beneath America and way beneath the times that we`re in. If you`re anything like me, you switched it off. I watched the Comedy Channel. I`m not kidding you. I couldn`t take it anymore.

I think I did that right about the time I realized it wouldn`t be so much of a debate as 90 minutes of politicians reciting lines from their stump speeches while in the general vicinity of each other and pointing fingers at each other. That`s America.

Not surprisingly, you didn`t miss much. In fact, we were able to take 90 minutes of blathering nonsense and boil it down to two minutes that has everything you need to know. Take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TOM BROKAW, NBC NEWS ANCHOR: Gentlemen, we want to get under way immediately, if we can.

SEN. BARACK OBAMA, (D) PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: Tom thank you.

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN, (R) PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: Well, thank you, Tom.

OBAMA: You need somebody working for you.

MCCAIN: I know how to get America working again. Warren Buffett.

OBAMA: Warren Buffett.

MCCAIN: Not you, Tom. I like Meg Whitman.

OBAMA: Look, you`re not interested in hearing politicians pointing fingers. I`ve got to correct a little bit of senator McCain`s history, not surprisingly.

MCCAIN: With the encouragement of Senator Obama and his cronies and his friends in Washington --

OBAMA: Senator McCain -- and Senator McCain -- in fact, Senator McCain`s campaign --

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: How can we trust either of you with our money when both parties got us into this global economic crisis?

MCCAIN: Senator Obama has never --

OBAMA: When George Bush came into office --

MCCAIN: You know that Senator Obama --

OBAMA: When George Bush came into office --

MCCAIN: He voted for nearly $1 billion in pork barrel earmark projects.

OBAMA: George Bush budgets.

BROKAW: We`re operating under rules that you signed off on.

I`m trying to play by the rules that you all established.

I want to just remind you one more time about time.

OBAMA: Just a quick follow-up on this, I think --

MCCAIN: If we`re going to have follow-ups, I will want follow-ups --

BROKAW: I know. I know. I think we`ll get out of it if I can.

MCCAIN: Fine with me.

OBAMA: You can have one.

BROKAW: All right. Let`s have a follow-up.

OBAMA: Just a quick follow-up because I think this is important.

BROKAW: I`m just the hired help here.

MCCAIN: I would like to have the equal time to go.

BROKAW: Gentlemen, you may not have noticed, but we have lights around here.

MCCAIN: Wave like that and I`ll look at you and I`ll stop, Tommy, and you didn`t even wave.

BROKAW: Look, guys, the rules were established by the two campaigns --

OBAMA: Now, we are in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.
We have a half a trillion dollar deficit annually.

MCCAIN: To immediately buy up the bad home loan mortgages in America.

OBAMA: $300 billion --

MCCAIN: Is it expensive? Yes.

OBAMA: An additional $200 billion.

MCCAIN: $3 million for an overhead projector. We are in tough economic times.

OBAMA: I`ve called for an investment of $15 billion a year over ten years.

MCCAIN: $860 billion in new spending.

OBAMA: $4 billion worth.

MCCAIN: $6.8 billion.

OBAMA: $18 billion. $10 billion a month.

MCCAIN: I think what I don`t know is what all of us don`t know.

OBAMA: Senator McCain and I do agree, this is the greatest nation on earth. That`s going to change when I`m president.

BROKAW: You`re in my way of my script there. If you will move -- good night, everyone, from Nashville.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

June 5, 2005-October 6, 2008

I wanted to write something perfect today and I can’t. I realize that language is insufficient to express my emotions. I can’t begin and I know that I won’t be able to bear the ending.

She was a sparkling, spritely, pup. About four pounds of fluff, she seemed oblivious of her diminutive size... except when she needed help getting up on something. She was smart and certain, eager and lively and she listened about as well as she communicated with us.

She was more special than the word special might even suggest.

We called her Billie… or muffy… short for muffin.

She did everything with us. Perching on my shoulder in the car… carrying her little green baby (a furry squeaky toy) around, protecting it… or squeezing it in her lips, teasingly squeaking at us, c’mon play… c'mon throw the ball, please.

Billie was our furry baby.

Billie had to leave us, suddenly yesterday. The Vet said it was a birth defect and there was nothing that could be done. We were fortunate to have her as long as we did.

The loss feels devastating... that little girl was much loved.

It’s early days yet, but I believe that Bancroft’s Chris Drost is doing a wonderful job as “Downtown Revitalization Coordinator”.

The group has recently compiled the results of a Residents Survey and collected information that will be useful in creating an economically stronger community, better prepared to meet the needs of its local residents and visitors. (Details may be obtained by contacting chrisdrost@xplorenet.com)

Drost recently chaired a meeting, bringing together various groups in the region, in order to clarify their mandates and explore opportunities for cooperative relationships. Committed to the project, Drost has announced the next step: “The Design Phase” of the revitalization project and is encouraging public participation.

Statistics gathered from the Residents Survey have been pivotal in determining focus areas for workshops that will be held on: Tues Oct 14 (Maynooth) and Wed Oct 15 (Bancroft) and Thurs Oct 16 (Coe Hill).

While, studies prove that rural communities are crucial to sustainable future development, globally, planners in this area have faced pressure as protectors of natural resources and service providers for residents, while experiencing downsizing and downloading of the responsibilities and governmental support.

It is a difficult job, maintaining activities, caring for the infrastructure and resources of our community. There is a definite regional disparity in economic growth and prosperity between urban and rural centres.

Back in 1961, the feds created ARDA (the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Act)- in order to boost the depressed economic climate in forestry/agricultural areas. Over the years, it grew to include fisheries and included some other non-agricultural programs. They looked at the “worst first”, seeking the most depressed regions in order to institute their plan. Their focus included 18% of Canadians.

Unfortunately, the link between federal and regional programs was weak. Programs designed by urban bureaucrats had few local counterparts that were able to carry the plans forward. The programs were limited in their focus and underestimated needs in social structure of the communities involved. These programs targeted specific communities and failed to respond to the bigger picture.

Pierre Trudeau gave us DREE (the Department of Regional Economic Expansion). DREE abandoned the “worst first” criteria and, instead, focused on areas that were stronger and showed the most future potential. They created initiatives designed to encourage urban growth centres and industrialize others. Their focus grew to include 50% of Canadians.

Canada was divided into “designated areas” and “special areas”. Designated areas were those once thriving, but experiencing economic downturns. Special areas were those considered remote and lacking in basic infrastructure.

This, again, created obvious disparities and in 1973 it was decided that this was a problem far too complex for one federal department. Funding was changed and greater responsibility was handed down to provincial governments. The “special area” designation was eliminated. Provinces would now share the cost with the federal government, with greater federal support to the poorer provinces.

By 1982, DREE was disbanded and its functions were absorbed into the Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce- that then became the Department of Regional and Industrial Expansion. At the same time, The Ministry of State for Economic Development became The Ministry of State for Economic and Regional Development.

Regional consideration became increasingly less significant.

Most provinces created regional planning committees and agencies through their planning acts- that largely serve an advisory role. Ontario divided the province into 10 economic development boards that were charged with creating their own plans.

Programs and plans were started with eager anticipation only to be discarded, abandoned because they were lacking a complete solution. Many believe it is because they did not address the unique social and geographical aspects in regional development- and the way that each unique region is intertwined with the next.

I spoke to Chris Drost about this, recently. I mentioned a town-hall style meeting that took place a number of years ago (maybe 15). Back then, some group/agency/committee in our town had engaged a planner with the purpose of revitalizing our downtown area. They were extremely proactive and came up with a fantastic plan…

It would have been lovely.

At that time, at a meeting, I voiced concern that the plan could be difficult to implement because there were a number of absentee landlords in the commercial section of town. I wondered if leases would allow changes to buildings and thought that the plan might incorporate concepts that would be cost prohibitive to merchants.

I wasn’t being pessimistic, I was trying to be realistic. I suggested we needed to find a designer that could suggest cost-effective ways to enhance the downtown sector, as a stepping-stone, moving toward the final plan. I received a lot of frowns.

That plan must be sitting on a shelf, somewhere.

When I first visited this precious little town, the natural beauty surrounding it overwhelmed me. Over the years, letters to the editor of our local newspapers have complained about the placement, style and colours of new buildings…

Complained about the placement of certain businesses….
Complained about the lack of new business…
Complained about the infrastructure in the business section…

& loads of other things…

and we have committees to beautify, improve, recruit, support, design….

& loads of other things…

The region has been the subject of reports identifying serious poverty and all of the socio-economic effects that accompany this condition. & it’s all true.

Historic fluctuations have occurred as mining, timber and other resource driven industries have come and gone… recent voices claim that our economy is largely tourist driven, seasonal and susceptible to weather, gas prices and other global economic crisis.

For years we have heard that this area was going to “boom”… and right now, we are experiencing, again, all the signs….

Many of our residents are cynical… but our volunteer pool is strong and relentless… we have a number of successful local committees and organizations that do a fine job...

sure, locals may be a little jaded… maybe we are being driven to apathy because, like most rural communities, we are constantly reminded that the socio-economic climate here is a huge obstacle… & the struggles here seem, at times, insurmountable…

Everyone I speak to wants to improve things & we are proud and we ARE a community… we are all good people and even the grumbling shows awareness… and consciousness.

Recently, a Bancroft newspaper article about the revitalization project said, “No matter how statistically valid the results of a survey may be, their real usefulness is determined by how the information is used. Reports that sit on a shelf are a waste of energy and money.”

Chris Drost is making her results as public as possible. She has invited the public to participate in steering this project. Determined to see the project move ahead, we spoke of ways to rally community spirit and reminisced about good old-fashioned barn raisings.

It can be done.

Bancroft will revitalize.

I’ve noticed a recent catch phrase “man up”. The implication is to step up and take responsibility. I think there may be an element of summoning courage, as well.

I think it should become the international creed.

I'd like to bring your attention to Pulitzer Prize winning author, Upton Sinclair. In 1906 his novel The Jungle, Sinclair exposed disgraceful conditions in the U.S. meat packing industry.

Although Sinclair’s book was meant to demonstrate the inhumane conditions of the worker within capitalism, the work contributed to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act.

And, speaking of meat inspection, how about Michael McCain, Chief Executive of Maple Leaf Foods?

McCain has displayed great integrity utilizing radio and television spots in which he takes responsibility for and personally apologizes to the families and victims from the outbreak of listeria connected to one of his plants.

"Tragically, our products have been linked to illness and loss of life. To those people who are ill, and to the families who have lost loved ones, I offer my deepest and sincerest sympathies. Words cannot begin to express our sadness for their pain." says McCain.

Maple Leaf Foods has undertaken a recall of about 200 products and closed a plant. Losses are estimated in the $20 million range. In their media campaign, Maple Leaf Foods has relieved the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of any responsibility.

& now, perhaps Maple Leaf’s explanation for the outbreak, brought with great courage and accountability, will inspire other ready-to-eat meat plants to disassemble their slicing equipment and perform an aggressive cleanings.

For a long while, Canadians have operated with an expectation that goods and services would be quality ensured. Which has translated into an apparent lack of ownership taken by the public at large.

Just recently, there have been warnings about toothpaste, pet foods, powdered milk formulas, plastics, faulty tires and countless other consumer products. & it isn’t really anything new… how about airline fires?

I read somewhere that the reason that long johns were originally dyed red is because cotton didn’t absorb the colour well and the red colouring provided proof that the underwear was the real deal- pure wool.

There have always been snake oil sales.

It’s just time to man up. Our safety should be of primary concern to all citzens, governments and goods & services suppliers.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency does about 3,000 food safety investigations annually. In 2007, the agency issued 50 public advisories in the first six months, alone.

The World Health Organization reports that food-borne disease is a growing problem and that unsafe food will cause illness in at least 2 billion people, this year.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has pledged to conduct a "broad" independent investigation into the listeriosis outbreak. Just what we need… the expense of bringing together a team of legal experts and judges to spend a year or two preparing a several-hundred paged document that will reiterate what we already know. People have died.

As of last Thursday, some 40-odd cases of lysteria have been linked to the Maple Leaf outbreak and the Public Health Agency of Canada says that 19 more are under investigation.

& we all agree it’s way too much…

but before we spend several million dollars investigating pre-packaged sandwiches, let’s think about it. It’s not just about luncheon meat. Listeria is part of the real world, it’s out there, all over the place and there will probably be future cases of listeriosis that may never reach the public’s attention.

& there are things, other than listeria that threaten our well-being.

It’s time to take action. It’s time to man up.

We need to insist: if something is vital to the health and safety of this planet, we need to act responsibly. We need to have geniune concern and we have got to value prevention. We need to think BEFORE things happen.

Noam Chomsky, esteemed American lecturer, activist, author, philosopher and linguist, has urged intellectuals to take responsibility and expose lies, analyze actions according to their causes, motives and hidden intentions.

Martin Heidegger, one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century, often pondered “truth”. He said, "We understand the 'is' we use in speaking," he claims, "although we do not comprehend it conceptually". Heidegger believed that western ideology embraced a forgetfulness of being.

Maybe.

One might think it’s obvious that environmental protection and social responsibility are important priorities for today’s global citizen.

But then,

…maybe we need to listen more closely to Upton Sinclair’s often quoted principle: "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it."

& what's even more scary…

An Ottawa Citizen article on September 11th, said:

“In an advisory issued last week to federally regulated plants, the agency advised them to disassemble and perform a "systematic and thorough aggressive cleaning and sanitation procedure" of all meat slicing equipment, including all internal parts. The directive came immediately after Maple Leaf Foods announced bacteria building up "deep inside" the slicing machines was likely to blame for the deadly outbreak.

But there are many more provincially registered plants in the country that aren't covered by CFIA rules, and they don't have to follow the directive. Provincial officials defend the patchwork inspection system, saying even though their systems are less prescriptive, operators are required to maintain sanitary conditions in their plant.

Christopher Kyte, head of the Food Processors of Canada, says the current situation -- a federal advisory with no teeth -- boosts the group's long-standing position that all domestic plants and imports should be held to the same inspection standards.

Provincially licensed meat plants are barred from interprovincial trade and sale to foreign markets. Federally registered plants follow a different inspection system that gives them access to out-of-province markets; they must follow even more rigid inspection protocols, including daily visits from a CFIA inspector, if they want to ship their products to the United States.

"We just feel that there should be one superior standard for all processing plants for shipping into Canada and shipping across Canada," Mr. Kyte said.

A spokeswoman for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture said the province is in the process of forwarding the advisory on cleaning the meat slicing equipment to the 221 provincially registered ready-to-eat meat plants, and is "encouraging" them to follow it.”

HOW ABOUT THAT?

As Realtors in this Province, we have the Real Estate Council of Ontario "Fostering confidence and upholding integrity in real estate transactions". The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) regulates the activity of trading in real estate in the public interest.

RECO also administers the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 and associated regulations on behalf of the provincial government.

There are all kinds of watchdog type agencies, independent organizations that investigate complaints from people who feel they have been unfairly or unreasonably treated.

Christopher Kyte was quoted as saying, "We just feel that there should be one superior standard..."

There should be no “just” about it!

There SHOULD be one superior standard for all processing plants for shipping into Canada and shipping across Canada

Am I the only person tired of agencies that have no bite?

1998 marked the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations.

An introductory comment to the declaration reads:

"THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction."

THAT WAS SIXTY EIGHT YEARS AGO, FOLKS.

On the anniversary, it was suggested that a Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities be adopted, as well.

The introduction to that declaration reads:

“Globalization of the world economy is matched by global problems, and global problems demand global solutions on the basis of ideas, values and norms respected by all cultures and societies.

Recognition of the equal and inalienable rights of all the people requires a foundation of freedom, justice and peace - but this also demands that rights and responsibilities be given equal importance to establish an ethical base so that all men and women can live peacefully together and fulfill their potential. A better social order both nationally and internationally cannot be achieved by laws, prescriptions and conventions alone, but needs a global ethic.

Human aspirations for progress can only be realized by agreed values and standards applying to all people and institutions at all times.”

The proposed Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities had the endorsement of the following individuals:

Helmut Schmidt (Honorary Chairman), Former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany

Malcom Fraser (Chairman), Former Prime Minister of Australia

Andries A. M. van Agt, Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands

Anand Panyarachun, Former Prime Minister of Thailand

Oscar Arias Sanchez, Former President of Costa Rica

Lord Callaghan of Cardiff, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Jimmy Carter, Former President of the United States

Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado, Former President of Mexico

Kurt Furgler, Former President of Switzerland

Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Former President of France

Felipe Gonzalez Marquez, Former Prime Minister of Spain

Kenneth Kaunda, Former President of Zambia

Lee Kuan Yew, Former Prime Minister of Singapore

Kiichi Miyazawa, Former Prime Minister of Japan

Misael Pastrana Borrero, Former President of Colombia

Shimon Peres, Former Prime Minister of Israel

Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo, Former Prime Minister of Portugal

Jose Sarney, Former President of Brazil

Shin Hyon Hwak, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea

Kalevi Sorsa, Former Prime Minister of Finland

Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Former Prime Minister of Canada

Ola Ullsten, Former Prime Minister of Sweden

George Vassiliou, Former President of Cyprus

Franz Vranitzky, Former President of Austria

Hmmmmmm.....

HOW ABOUT WE MAN UP AND START BY GROWING SOME TEETH?

Financial markets were reeling yesterday as fallout from subprime mortgages continued to wreak havoc in the United States.

The TSX fell more than 500 points, reacting to news of the Lehman bankruptcy in the U.S., AIG’s liquidity crisis and Merrill Lynch’s takeover.

Canada's 5-year bond soared on Monday- & in turn, its yield dropped 27 basis points (0.27%). There hasn’t been a yield drop like that in over 10 years. Historically, plunging bond yields are good news for mortgage rates.

To me, in the big picture, this seems a little insane… like some kind of insurance policy for Canada…but I guess wiser folks than I have things in hand.

The Bank of Canada issued a statement stating it was "closely monitoring global market developments" and that it would "provide liquidity as required to support the stability of the Canadian financial system and the functioning of financial markets."

Apparently, this responsible and measured approach by the Government is certain to ensure Canada’s housing market remains strong and to reduce the risk of a U.S.-style housing bubble developing.

HUH? Wait a minute…

Isn’t that just what the U.S. Federal Reserve is doing?

Sigh.

Isn’t it time we took it on the chin? How else can we dig out of this train wreck?

You might find some comfort in the fact that pretty well every economist in the country is certain that Canadian banks aren’t at risk because they are well financed and haven’t engaged in risky, subprime lending practices like the States.

At the root of the U.S. crisis, they say are simple household mortgages and the problem is that when house prices started to drop in ’07, lenders began offering subprime mortgage rates for a short period, with implemental increases after a year or two…

Unfortunately, rates when up, but home values did not and an extraordinary number of highly leveraged homeowners defaulted. The resulting glut of homes on the market (yes, the old laws of supply and demand) created an increased downward pressure on home prices…

and viola, more people began to default.

&

Mortgages weren’t the only security to falter… Mortgages were packaged into securities that were sold to investors, to raise more funds to lend. Things got really messed up when these newly created mortgage securities were repackaged into new and more complicated instruments- with names like collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) and credit default swaps (CDSs)

"These were exotic financial instruments, and nobody really knows what they're worth," says BMO Capital Markets chief economist, Sherry Cooper. "And the markets are reluctant to trade them. And the problem with these products is they are not transparent, so they are hard to value."

"So what was worth, say, 60 cents on the dollar is now worth 20 cents on the dollar," she said. "And if there is no bid, it's not worth anything - even though some day it may be."

Hmmmm, the U.S. problem has probably been developing for the last five years or more.

Cooper says they need the market to figure out the value of the securities and how much companies holding them are worth. And until that happens "there are going to be further bank failures and there is going to be continued disruption. The longer this goes on, the more nervous the market becomes about it.”

BUT here, in the Great White North "koo-roo-koo-koo-koo-koo-koo-koo"…

Canadian Real Estate Association President, Calvin Lindberg, reminds us that the Canadian housing market is "stable". He says that in 2007, nearly 300,000 individuals or families bought a home for the first time.

"The Canadian market fundamentals are still solid, and mortgage rates are still at near record low levels," he says. "The challenge is for sellers to price their home to meet the local market realities, and for buyers to realize there is no real estate bubble that will burst and send prices to new lows."

"There are and there will be difficulties in the world economy, (but) at the same time Canada is not in the same situation as the United States," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on the campaign trail yesterday.

“The housing, government and financial sectors all have solid economic fundamentals, as does the Canadian economy,” says Harper.

Harper also announced a proposed tax credit for first-time homebuyers that would be “phased” in over four years, over the course of a Conservative government mandate.

He said that closing costs often mean people "have to choose between going beyond your budget or postponing your dream” adding that, "It will make home ownership more affordable, and it will help to create jobs."

The proposed tax credit will apply to fees things like land transfer taxes, inspection fees, appraisal fees, and legal fees- a list of eligible costs would be drafted after consultation with realtors, consumer groups, provinces and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

The experts seem to agree, if real estate values begin to fall in Canada- it will only be because of growing uncertainty and tighter money.

Ya think?

A study, released earlier this month, by Tsur Somerville (professor at the Sauder School of Business, University of BC) found that housing prices in some Canadian cities were overpriced. Places like Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Montreal would have to drop as much as 20 per cent to be in balance. The study showed that only Toronto and Edmonton house prices were not overvalued in the first half of 2008.

"The boom in the housing markets may be over, but just because homes are overpriced doesn't mean the market will plunge to equilibrium", Sommerville said.

"Toronto housing prices are not out of line because they have not had the explosive growth of other cities," says Sommerville. "Some cities look way out of line when you run the numbers, but Toronto is bang on."

"This report underscores the current shift in the Canadian housing market as the tone of activity moves slightly closer to a buyer's market," said Millan Mulraine, economist at TD Securities.

Ah… there it is again… I’ve heard that term a lot lately: BUYER’S Market

& that means only one thing… Five years from now, you don’t want to regret not taking the plunge. It’s time to buy property! RIGHT NOW.

For a while now, you Ontario Buyers have been playing “wait and see”…but the jig is up!

Don’t forget… over the next decade, more 1947-1964 baby boom move into retirement age, more folks will be leaving the workforce and moving away from urban living centres. Rural, retirement, property is likely to be even more “in demand”.

Now here’s the hot tip of the week… if you are planning to borrow, ie/ obtain a mortgage… you need to understand that lenders are being cautious. That’s not a bad thing. But…

Borrowing buyers must prepare. You need to talk to your lender BEFORE YOU BUY. Talk to a lender you know and trust… or one that is recommended by someone you know and trust. Lending institutions are constantly changing their practices and criteria…

& don’t get fooled by being “pre-qualified” by a lender. Pre-qualification is not an exact science and it isn’t a guarantee that you’ll get your financing. More than ever, you will need to give your mortgage lender time to process your application.

Being “pre-qualified” means spending a few minutes on the phone with a lender who will ask you a few questions and give you a ballpark for your budget. The way to make the strongest and safest offer today is to get "pre-approved".

Pre-approval means all pertinent personal information has been checked and verified by the lender. You are actually APPROVED for the loan and the only loose end is that property you choose will have to be approved, too. This usually means simply obtaining an appraisal on the property.

All-in-all, the borrowing process may anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It depends on your situation.

Isn't it nice to be reminded that every cloud has a silver lining?

Bill Clinton recently said “People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power."

Our power. Hmmm... I had to revisit the history of the U.S. powerbase.

Written about 1917 by William Tyler Page (of Friendship Heights, Maryland) an essay entered into a nation-wide contest became the “American Creed”

”I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the People, by the People, for the People; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; A democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many Sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of Freedom, Equality, Justice, and Humanity for which American Patriots sacrificed their Lives and Fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to Love it; to Support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to Respect its Flag; and to defend it against all enemies.”

Not that long ago, Seymour Martin Lipset, one of America’s most distinguished sociologists, has said of the United States: "It is the most religious, optimistic, patriotic, rights-oriented, and individualistic. With respect to crime, it still has the highest rates; with respect to incarceration, it has the most people locked up in jail. . . . It also has close to the lowest percentage of the eligible electorate voting, but the highest rate of participation in voluntary organizations. . . . It is the leader in upward mobility into professional and other high-status and elite occupations, but the least egalitarian among developed nations with respect to income distribution, at the bottom as a provider of welfare benefits, the lowest in savings, the least taxed, close to the top in terms of commitment to work rather than leisure."

And

“Various seemingly contradictory aspects of American society are intimately related. The lack of respect for authority, anti-elitism, and populism contribute to higher crime rates, school indiscipline, and low electoral turnouts. The emphasis on achievement, on meritocracy, is also tied to higher levels of deviant behavior and less support for the underprivileged."

Peter Berkowitz (a senior fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, teacher at George Mason University School of Law, served as an advisor to the Giuliani 2008 campaign) was quoted in a 2007 article, in the New York Post, “The history of Americanism begins in early 17th-century England with the Puritans. In order to practice their faith freely, these devout men and women boarded rickety boats, braved a hazardous 3,000-mile journey on the open seas, landed in a New World and strove to set up model self-governing communities that they hoped would serve as a light to all the nations.”

Interesting side note: Yesterday morning, I reviewed the Declaration of Independence. As a Canadian, I didn’t study it in school. I was surprised at the number of accusations made against King George that were included in the document, in the form of a list.

I dunno... okay, sure- I think that the North American identity is changing. We have flourished in our culture of multi-culture, up ‘til now. Both the United States and Canada have a huge dispersion of people, language and diversity that has been fostered since the 1600’s, when immigrants first set foot on our soil.

& while I think that’s exactly what the founders of our countries sought… things have grown exponentially and something isn’t working right now.

Some might call it “diaspora cultural development”- “diaspora” meaning: the forced or voluntary dispersal of any population sharing common ethnic identity to leave their settled territory, and become residents in areas often far removed from their homeland.

Historically, colonizing migrations were not considered indefinitely as diasporas; over very long periods, migrants would assimilate into the settled area so completely that it became their new homeland.

Maybe it was because they couldn’t maintain the umbilicus. If you consider that the first noted “migration period” was between 500 AD and 900 Ad when slavic tribes resettled in Eastern Europe- it would have been difficult for those people to maintain contact and a connection with their original homelands.

So, for a couple or three centuries now, our scholars and politicians have been influenced by the constant influx of new citizens- some legal and some not. Various groups of these refugees, migrants, exiles etc, play a part in the process that shapes our country. & now we have instant communication with their homeland of origin.

Positively, these people have power-diplomatically. They make contributions to our understanding of other cultures and help enable a unified movement toward peace and reconciliation and provide humanitarian assistance to victims of conflict.

Negatively, they may be able to secure resources that fuel conflicts, providing a network that may facilitate the transfer of money and arms to terrorist groups. American political scientist, Samuel Huntington, warns about a transnationalist threat to American unity. He suggests that persistent kin-country loyalty runs much deeper than assimilationists might admit.

Wikipedia says: “Huntington is credited with coining the phrase Davos Man, referring to global elites who ‘have little need for national loyalty, view national boundaries as obstacles that thankfully are vanishing, and see national governments as residues from the past whose only useful function is to facilitate the elite's global operations’. The phrase refers to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where leaders of the global economy meet.”

Oh boy. You really have to visit the World Economic Forum site: http://www.weforum.org/en/index.htm

I really like the part about 2008 “What is the Programme” the site says “A series of boardroom-style discussions with eminent business leaders and policy-makers will examine “going global” from different regional and industry perspectives. A select group of CEOs from the most respected corporations have also been invited as “Mentors” to engage future global industry leaders and deepen their understanding and commitment to “corporate global citizenship”.

Ah, corporate global citizenship. It’s all starting to make sense now.

& by the way. Huntingdon has also warned that he sees a trend toward the “de-Westernalization of the United States” which he says means “de-Americanization in the democratic sense”. He cites the fact that the U.S. does not compel naturalizing citizens to prove they have renounced their country of origin as leaving space for multiple loyalties…

and furthermore, Huntington believes that if the pillars of the American identity, as formed by its European heritage, are further eroded- the United States might find itself on “the ash heap of history”.

& don’t get me started again, about the politicizing of the Olympics… and moreso, don’t get me going about the people who were grumping because some athletes were competing for their country of origin, even though they grew up someplace else.

The argument is that athletic triumph on the world stage should galvanize the people and build national pride.

OKAY. I thought the Olympics were supposed to honour the althetes rather than their country of origin or their residence... but I forgot it's just the sponsors who are corporate global citizens.

In July, the folks from CERN working on the Large Hadron Collider posted a rap video on YouTube. The video features anonymous, dancing, lab-coated and hard-hatted workers inside the facility. It’s easy to find on a YouTube search, “Hadron Collider” and you’re sure to tap your toe along to this quirky, light-hearted info insight…

Quark rap… hmmm… I really don’t know what to think. I’ve mentioned before, that, for me, this whole LHC thing has comic book overtones. Now, to discover a rap video… I’m really disturbed. You gotta see it to believe it. It’s a bit like calling upon the power of “anti-matter”… For me, it’s sort of on the same wavelength as toy store Ouija Boards.

Is it safe? Is it something we fear, simply because we don’t understand it? Jeepers, those CERN workers sure look happy and fear-free.

I’ve heard people that figure it must be okay, because it’s happening in Switzerland… HUH?

Switzerland has been considered “neutral” since about 1515 but it wasn’t formally recognized until 1815 (after the Napoleonic Wars & the last time they were at war) and the country we know today, really didn’t form until the mid 1800s.

Bordered by Germany, France, Italy, Liechtenstein and Austria, Switzerland is home of many international organizations (Red Cross, The U.N., the World Trade Organization). The country is multlingual with four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romash.

I learned a lot about Switzerland (particularly the Alps region) while researching my family tree.

Occupied, throughout the centuries by various of its neighbouring countries, the Alps region has a rich and colourful history. While there may have been some bitter carry-overs, it appears that the area has stabilized and unified. One of the five goals of Swiss foreign policy is to achieve the peaceful coexistence of all nations.

The Swiss foreign affairs website identifies the education, research, technology and space sectors as “essential cornerstones of prosperity and the efficient operation of a modern society.” http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/topics/scien.html

Sounds like a pretty safe place for some good, old atom-slamming fun…. Doesn’t it?

A lot of people aren’t so sure.

A 16-year-old girl from Madhya Pradesh, India killed herself, afraid of the repercussions from the atom smashing experiments CERN is conducting on the French-Swiss border. Her father said that she was certain the world was going to end on September 10th.

Wow.

I can remember being a little worried about headline predictions of the end, when I was a kid- but not enough to drink pesticide.

This morning I did a “google” on past predictions of end times… I particularly liked the stuff on http://www.bible.ca/pre-date-setters.htm , http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/rapture.html and http://www.abhota.info/end1.htm .

These websites chronicle some 200+ previous predictions of “the end”. None of these pages had rap tunes.

In the 70s, my gang spent a lot of time waiting for California to break away and sink into the ocean.

& some things never change…

Even today, popular thinking today is full of relentless "endism," forecasting the death of everything- the web, mass media, governments, health care, education… you name it. In essence: the end of the world as we know it.

The world as I know it needs to make some radical changes… so there are days that I look forward with much anticipation to that stuff…

Who’s in charge of this madhouse?

Who’s steering this barge?

Oh, there are theories. Like Bilderbergs and Banksters… but nobody knows all of the details of these networks… there are a lot of assumptions… and some, are sure to be incorrect.

In February ’08, the U.S. launched a missile from a location near Hawaii, off a Navy ship, engaging the 1000 pound fuel tank of a wayward satellite some 130 miles away, in space. They claim they did a better job than China- in January ’07, the Chinese used a land-based missile to break up a 2200 pound satellite, orbiting 528 miles out, above the Earth.

But that’s nothing! In 1989, a U.S. jet fighter took down an American satellite, firing a modified air-to-air missile into space, from an altitude of 80,000 feet.

Ya? My dad’s bigger than your dad.

The LHC is a circular tunnel 27 km around, bisected by the Franco-Swiss border. Over 100-billion protons will traverse its pathways at near-light speed, guided by some 9,300 superconducting magnets, each weighing several tons and chilled to temperatures colder than deep space. At four points in the tunnels, the counter-revolving protons are to smash into one another at a rate of nearly one billion per second.

This extraordinary feat of engineering will accelerate two streams of protons to within 0.999999991 per cent of the speed of light, so that they complete 11,125 27km laps in a single second. The two streams will collide, at four points, with the energy of two aircraft carriers sailing into each other at 11 knots.

Two beams about 2mm wide (small enough to pass through the 0 on a 20p piece) around the 27km loop at temperatures of 1.9 kelvin – just above absolute zero. These beams will then be accelerated in opposite directions almost to the speed of light, and made to collide head-on 600 million times a second.

The LHC’s detectors should be calibrated by the end of the year and the collisions will then be ramped up to their maximum energy of 14TeV, generating the conditions that prevailed fractions of a second after the Big Bang.

Can anybody translate for me??

The Large Halon Collider is said to be the most ambitious and expensive civilian science experiment in history. I’ve seen estimates that 20, 40, 60, 80 or 111 nations have been involved in designing, building and testing the equipment. It’s said that Britain has a leading role and the U.S. has invested about $531 million of their dollars, in construction of the European device.

I guess the civilian part means taxpayers.

& what’s it all about? Where does it lead?

CERN says there are advantages in playing a leading role in such a major international project. CERN says that building the LHC has created new expertise, knowledge and technology which will have near-term medical, industrial and consumer uses.

Ummm… am I going to have a home proton smasher anytime soon?

And there'll be longer-term benefits in the training of top-notch scientists and engineers.

Remember HAARP? Started in 1993, the project is proposed to last for a period of twenty years. The project is jointly funded by the United States Air Force, the Navy, the University of Alaska and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) was an investigation project to "understand, simulate and control ionospheric processes that might alter the performance of communication and surveillance systems.

The objectives of the HAARP project became the subject of controversy in the mid-1990s, following claims that the technology could be expanded into use as a weapon.

I hear “HAARP” and have visions most angelic. A weapon, ya think? Just because its funding comes from the Office of Naval Research and the Air Force Research Laboratory… no need to be cynical.

HMMMM… now, the handle “collider” just reeks of negativity.

The acronym "LHC" is so much lighter! & Thank goodness there's a happy, snappy, rap LHC video to watch- it straightens the whole thing out.

& if that isn't enough, visit:

http://www.hasthelhcdestroyedtheearth.com/

The island of Galveston was almost destroyed on September 8th, 1900 by a hurricane that killed some 8000 people and left $30-$40 million in damages.

This is still considered one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.

In July of 1909, Velasco was walloped, killing 41 people and causing some $12 million dollars of damage. August 1915, a hurricane hit Galveston , killing 375 people, destroying crops and leaving $56 million dollars in damages.

In August of 1916, a hurricane hit Corpus Christie, killing 20 and leaving $1.6 million dollars of damage.On September 14, 1919, a hurricane hit just south of Corpus Christie, it left 284 dead and $20.3 million in damage.

August 13, 1932, Velasco was hit again, 40 were killed and damage was about $7.5 million.
In September of 1933, a hurricane lashed Brownsville, killing 40 and causing $16.9 million in damages.

In September of 1961, Hurricane Carla smacked Port-O’Connor/Galveston/Houston killing 34 and causing a whopping $300 million in damage.

In August of 1983, Hurricane Alicia slammed Galveston/Houston killing 21 and leaving $2 billion in damage.

Hurricane Rita smashed the Texas/Louisiana border in September of 2005, killing 100 (many during evacuation) and damage was estimated at $4.7 billion.

This morning, the U.S. National Weather Service warned residents of Galveston Island (off the Texas coast) that they faced “certain death” from flooding if they remained in their small homes.

Hurricane Ike is expected to cause flooding from 15-22 feet above sea level and this will completely cover most buildings on the island.

Right now, Ike is about 500 miles across and rated a Category 2, with winds about 105 miles per hour at the center. Warnings have also been issued for the coastline areas from Corpus Christi to Morgan City, Louisiana.

Ike is expected to make landfall late today and will likely be a Category 3 hurricane, with winds up to 130 miles per hour. Tornados are possible.

We need to say a prayer for Texas.

& for the fully loaded 584-foot-long petroleum coke carrier, with 22 crewmembers on board, that’s stranded without power near the path of Hurricane Ike, because it’s too dangerous for the U.S. Coast Guard to respond right now.

Closer to home, yesterday, the city of Ottawa admitted to dumping nearly a billion litres of raw sewage into the Ottawa River in 2006. YUCK… they said it was caused by faulty equipment…

but I do believe there are smaller centers who dump waste, knowingly, into watercourses.

Oh… I must make an LHC update:
Hackers broke into the systems during the start-up of the experiment! Claiming to be an organization of some 2600, they identified themselves as the Greek Security Team and warned scientists “don’t mess with us”.

Ummm, scientists at CERN said the hackers were one step away from being able to mess with their systems… but everything is great now and they’re moving rapidly ahead with their atom smashing technology.

This sounds like some kind of comic book story… but it isn’t, kids… it’s happening NOW.

& something else….

Is it me or does the name of Palestinian President “Mahmoud Abbas” remind you of Nostradamus' Third Anti-Christ: Mabus ? Some people thought Mabus might be Suddam Hussein: Mabus (sudaM). I just love puzzles and riddles.

Which reminds me… now both Canada and the U.S. are in the throes of election…

I’m glad I live in the forest.

Here it is again, the date that stings our hearts and reminds us of the innocent people who perished and were injured in the unthinkable tragedy that unfolded in the year 2001.

Everyone knows what is meant, by those two, simple words: Nine-eleven. & there’s nothing SIMPLE about it.

Even now, as I type… I feel my throat go tight and my mind fills and empties, over and over. I falter between thoughts of those killed and those who survived and the families, living with a big, empty, quiet hole, now.

Sometimes, I think of the brave men and women who went into those buildings, knowing…. and the ones who rushed the cockpit of that plane… and those who sifted through the rubble and wreckage, hopefully searching…

And the children… the ones who saw it, the ones who lost loved ones, the ones in the buildings and airplanes, the ones unborn…

It’s almost too much for me to bear and yet, what right have I?

I care.

I write about Tsunami Alerts: even today, two powerful earthquakes have struck northeastern Indonesia and Hokkaido (Japan’s northern island). 6.6 and 7.2 magnitudes have been recorded. A warning was issued for a possible tsunami.

& Yesterday, I wrote about the inaugural run of the Alpine proton particle cannon…

it was actually a very gentle beginning to what will eventually become a super, colossal atom-smashing, proton hurtling experiment.

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is said to operate like a humongous, ultra-charged billiard cue that violently thrusts bunches of protons into other protons, smashing them into particles…

Scientists with the “European Organization for Nuclear Research” (somehow called CERN), established in 1954, believe they will be able to recreate the natural phenomena of cosmic rays and study them better.

Veteran research scientist, Professor Otto Rossler (often called the father of Chaos theory) worries that dreaded micro black holes created by the LHC will have the earth for lunch.

& Dissenters worry that exploding hadrons might ram bizarre sub-atomic bits in all directions… but CERN has a whole webpage dedicated to reassuring us.

See :
http://public.web.cern.ch/Public/en/LHC/Safety-en.html

American, Walter L Wagner has created a non-profit organization (Citizens Against the Large Hadron Collider) that is using legal action to attempt to prevent the operation of LHC until more safety tests are conducted.

See: http://www.lhcdefense.com/index.php

Speaking of the legal world:

Yesterday, Canada’s first “community court” opened in Vancouver. The court has teams of social workers, drug counsellors and other professionals standing by in triage teams. The idea is to have people take responsibility for their crimes and provide immediate support for the offenders.

Perhaps this will relieve some of the backlog in the judicial system.

Also in Vancouver, yesterday, a black bear swam across a river, climbed onto a dock and then jumped into a boat to attack a fisherman. Every time I hear one of these stories, I wonder why this happened… there’s got to be something more to this.

The New York Times announced that U.S. President Bush “secretly approved orders in July” allowing commandoes to raid targets in Pakistan. Surprised?

A caregiver working for an “assisted-living facility” organized a bus excursion for some Alzheimer’s patients who wanted to see the Anthony house. (This would be the suburban home of the family of Caylee Anthony who has been missing for several weeks, under suspicious circumstances). Now, this does surprise me.

& now, about Ontario Real Estate…

Economists predict a soft landing for the Canadian Real Estate Market… they cite over pricing in some of the major cities and overheated western markets like Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Apparently, even these markets should correct within the next six months.

The CIBC World Markets senior economists said “slowdowns” in Ontario and Quebec are related to economic weakness, not overpricing of the market. The Wall Street Journal says that while the U.S. real estate market is in the doldrums, sales in Canada are expected to rive over 5% this year.

Housing starts in Ontario are up almost 20 per cent this year, say CMHC analysts but rising mortgage rates and a down-turning economy will likely reduce demand in the coming moths.

We’ve seen some pretty radical changes in the lending practices for mortgages. Buyers should see their lender before they look at making an investment in Real Estate. There is no one-size-fits-all solution any more.

The world spins topsy & gas prices go bump in the night while the U.S. candidates take jabs at each other with quips about lipstick.

There are people who don’t understand that the Georgia in conflict isn’t in North America.

I’ve got friends and family with loyal and long-term employment histories, finding they’re in the midst of changeovers, takeovers and job loss. People are getting their heads cut off on the Greyhound and attacked with hammers on the subway, while they nap.

Yesterday afternoon, a dead man tumbled out of a moving, champagne coloured Lexus on the 401,near Keele Street, in Toronto. The day before, a teenager was shot while standing at a bus stop.

Also yesterday, there was an announcement from the Toronto District (Public) School Board and the Toronto District Catholic Board that Toronto Police Officers will be in 27 high schools in Toronto, beginning next week.

In Edmonton, yesterday, an 81-year-old granny was charged with assaulting a police office. On Monday, a young girl from Hinton, Alberta (289 kms West of Edmonton)
Escaped the clutches of a would-be abductor by jumping out of his moving vehicle.

Today in Geneva, multinational scientists tested the Large Hadron Collider. What’s that, you ask? It’s a gigantic particle accelerator that has been set up in a 5-billion-dollar, 17-mile long tunnel, nearly 330’ underground. Hopes are that the collider will provide information that will give us new insight into the most fundamental aspects of matter.

In fact, they think that this little baby is going to give us the secret of the Higgs boson.

WHA?

Wikipedia says: “The Higgs boson or BEH Mechanism, popularised as the "God Particle", is a hypothetical massive scalar elementary particle predicted to exist by the Standard Model of particle physics; and is the only Standard Model particle not yet observed.”

Now, don’t you feel better?

A 6.1 magnatude quake hit in the epicenter town of Bandar-e-Khamir- Iran today.
The death count has risen to 120 and an unknown number of people remain unaccounted for in the landslides that swept through Central China on Monday.

A report today says the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is pointing fingers at meat-eating peoples for greenhouse emissions. Apparently, worldwide livestock farming generates 18% of the planet's greenhouse gas emissions — while, all the world's cars, trains, planes and boats account for a combined 13% of greenhouse gas emissions. I wonder if they included military vehicles.

They did say that the average person in the industrialized world eats more than 176 lb. of meat annually and about 66 lb. per person by the average resident of the developing world.

Ottawa's third suspected case of listeriosis was announced on Monday. The case has been associated with the recent listeriosis crisis to sweep the country.

The American Society for Microbiology has released a report on an observational study of hand-washing habits. Their findings indicate that 90% of women wash their hands after using a public washroom, only 75% of men wash their hands.

Yesterday, Asif Ali Zardari was sworn in as Pakistan’s new President. He took the oath of office, with a portrait of his assassinated wife Benazir Bhutto on one side and a picture of her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Pakistan's first elected leader) on the other.

Hurricane Ike, currently swirling in the Gulf of Mexico, has been upgraded to a category-2 storm with 85| mile-per-hour-plus winds. Ike has left much damage in the Caribbean and toppled buildings in Cuba. Ike is expected to pick up speed and slam the mid-Texas coast, on Saturday.

San Antonio, Texas has announced plans to harvest methane gas from human waste and convert it to a clean-burning fuel. Apparently, residents of San Antonio produce more than 140,000 tons of bio-solids each year.

Two vans were needed to remove the 20,000+letters a Scottish postman had hidden in his home in Germany- he said he didn’t have enough time to deliver the mail. This past year he was given excessive homework from his night school courses.

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile, today, about 63 miles east of Iquique and in the area of large copper mines.

At least 3 million people have been displaced since the Kosi River burst through a dam in Nepal three weeks ago. Health concerns are grave. Some 250,000 acres of farmland remain submerged in the region that stretches through India, into Bangladesh.

Estimates say that some 60,000 people have taken refuge at temporary camps in Haiti, after the recent hurricane. Conditions are said to be desperate.

In Bancroft, today. So far, so good.

Chee Ying “Jimmy” Lai founder and chairman of Hong Kong’s Next Media, Ltd has recently said "Newspapers are sentimental and emotional products. It’s not the news, it is the emotion behind the story that counts. Media is about life. Life is about drama. Drama is about pain, fear, happiness – all of that. The media has to reflect that. People need media not because they need news, but because they need shared sentiment.”

I have heard many people complain about the fact that China has spent so much money in preparation for the Olympics- money that could have been spent improving living conditions for the Chinese people.

Chinese authorities are desperate to shift attention away from human rights and on to sporting matters. They say that human rights have improved, citing fewer death sentences, an increased number of religious worshippers and lifted travel restrictions for foreign journalists.

Amnesty International estimates that China executes 22 people per day. They claim that the Chinese government will execute 374 people during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Since 1996, they have carried out by executions by lethal injection- although a bullet to the back of the head or to the heart is still the most common method. Often, the family must pay for the bullet.

China's organ transplantation program began during the 1960s. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that executed prisoners are the principal source of supply of body organs for medical transplantation purposes in China.

The extensive use of the death penalty and the country's burgeoning organ trade and transplant program is only one of the socio-political issues in China that has attracted mounting international attention and alarm.

& who will ever forget the 1989 massacre at Tianamen Square?

Such a startling contrast....

The opening ceremony for the 2008 summer Olympics was an extraordinary display of the some of the most powerful, captivating, dynamic, rich aspects of the Chinese culture. They are capable of such beauty.

Just a brief note here... with totals...

seems we went 4240 kilometers and it cost us $172.38 in premium gas

Along with the price of gas, the past 10 days have been filled with intense discussion from a variety of sources... favourite topics included: Real Estate, Real Estate Prices, Mortgage Financing, Mortgage Companies, Bank Failures, Interest Rates, Politics, Race, Religion, Heritage, History, Culture, Motorcycles, Life, Death and a whole lotta stuff in between.

We sampled the North Eastern United States and the Eastern portions of Canada. & we're soon planning to do the same for the Western parts... but that's for future blogs.

I can't help but mention that Mrs. Sampson makes the WORLD'S BEST Carrot Cake. I didn't dare ask for her recipe... and her closest friends and family think she has a secret ingredient that she wouldn't tell about, anyway.

It's okay, because we figured out what it is... and it isn't nutmeg, Marge!

But seriously, her stuff was so good that there was a major cribbage tournament to decide who would get the last of the carrot cake... and it had to be three pieces in one!

The Boss was the Hog...

but that's all I'm going to say about THAT!

Here is the first layer of what I learned last week:

The world is very close to having finally recognized the value of emancipation. The world is very close to having healed a number of wounds.

In spite of the bad... there's a whole lot of good. The world cares about what is happening else where and in their twisted ways are trying to accomplish the same goals. Terrosits are no different than playground bullies... they exist and they are not necessarily representative of the majority...

Essentially, most people want to be part of a good, fair and reasonable society that does not condone violence or slavery. A society in which each life is honoured and respected in solidarity.

We live at a time in which we are being asked to take responsibility. We live at a time where we have the wisdom of generations remind us to never forget the horrors of the planet's past... We live at a time where there are several generations who have experienced the wisdom and expect, not accept, the gift of our forefathers.

I visited Deerfield Massachusetts... and some of my own puritanical history... only 6 generations back... on the other hand... WAY BACK... in 1700... I think Granny Abigail (as she might have been known, had circumstances been different)... was one of the first "women's libbers"- she chose to stay with her native captors... because their way of life was far more gender balanced.

Granny Abigail conveyed property through inheritance in the 1700s... I don't think she would have had the same experience in Deerfield...
so much has happened since then. So much has changed and grown and been invented and been discovered...

Still, we haven't perfected the system. Perhaps a few still hang on to the anger and perhaps a few still hang on to out-dated values... whatever the reason, it is time for us to fully emancipate...

The timing is right. I know my daughter, now aged 16 knows that woman had to fight to get rights... she knows that there were slaves... she knows that there were concentration camps... she knows that there are ongoing atrocities and still, she knows that she will not participate in anything that would perpetuate bullying- of any sort.

My daughter is about a year older than the age that Granny Abigail was when she married Grandpa Josiah. I suppose I should tell them "Nia:wen" which I believe is Mohawk for Thank You and however you would say: "We have learned much in the time since you made your choices." and "We still have much to learn."

While contemplating this, I thought about the current CNN documentary "Black in America"... and I googled a man who became one of my greatest heroes (when I was in grade three) "Martin Luther King" and the word "emancipation"...

I discovered a website: http://www.holidays.net/mlk/emancipation_days_of_respect.htm

The Emancipation Days of Respect

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., three Emancipation Days of Respect have been established to promoting unity, respect and remembrance for those who have struggled and sacrificed to help change America's unjust laws of racial segregation, as well as support and solidarity with victims of slavery and violence.

The Emancipation Days of Respect are ''Humanitarian Day'' (January 15th - MLK's Birthday), ''Victims of Violence Holy Day'' (April 4th - Anniversary of MLK's death) and ''Dream Day Quest and Jubilee'' (August 28th - Anniversary of King's "I Have a Dream" speech)

Humanitarian Day
The first of 3 annual Emancipation Days of Respect honoring the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. Observed on King's birthday (January 15), the wearing of white is encouraged to show respect and remembrance for all those who have helped change America's unjust laws of racial segregation.

Victims of Violence Holy Day
The 2nd of 3 annual Emancipation Days of Respect honoring the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. Observed on the day of King's assasination (April 4), the wearing black is encouraged to show solidarity with victims of slavery and violence.

Dream Day Quest and Jubilee
The third of 3 annual Emancipation Days of Respect honoring the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. Observed on the anniversary of King's "I Have a Dream speech" (August 28). The wearing of black and white is encouraged as a show of respect.

WHY DIDN'T I KNOW ABOUT THIS BEFORE???

I think we need a day of respect we could call it: Emancipation Day, a day of unity, respect and remembrance in honour of those who have struggled and sacrified to help the world achieve peace. Oh wait a minute... that might be "World Peace Day"???

Try googling that!

I suggest the 9th of October

Final Leg of Journey:

gassed up in Little Falls NY: $19.00 Odometer: 10062
gassed up near Kingston Ontario: $29.51 Odometer: 10414

got home: Odometer 10585

Too tired to do the math... see my own bed. I've been emancipated.

Leaving Lake George was easy. I'm afraid I'm not a big fan of wax museums and crowds. We slept through torrential downpours and thunder. That part was good.

Today, we managed to watch the sky and avert pockets of pouring rain. We missed a wicked downpour when we pulled into "Ronnie's", a motorcyle shop, in New Ashford. I noticed my microphone was loose in my helmet. They were awesome. Fixed us up with a new screw... no charge. Much nicer than the Honda dealership we encountered in Panama City, Florida!

We took smaller highway routes and the roads were perfect for biking. We went through the "Green Mountains" riding way way up and then all the way down. The scenery was spectacular.

We paid a visit to the Historic Village of Deerfield Massachusetts. This is the town from which my 6th gr-grandparents were taken captive in 1704 and marched through the January snow, over the mountains, into Montreal.

Deerfield in 1704 was a seriously Puritanical society... it's no wonder that Abigail decided to stay with her adoptive native family in Canada. The native culture treated people with far more equality.

I had Fabian take my picture beside some of the monuments to my ancestors. I looked into the library, but frankly, most of the books seemed to offer the same information that I have been able to find elsewhere, already.

A great number of my ancestors, on both sides, started out in the North-Eastern U.S.... way back in the 1600s.

Still, there is something quite humbling about making the trip through the mountains to Deerfield and knowing that 304 years ago, my ancestors were forced to make the trek on foot, in the winter.

Now, we're in Brattleboro Vermont, packing it in for the day. Odometer: 9792 and $24.50 in fuel.

Mileage Report:

We left St. Andrews by the Sea yesterday morning and stopped at the well and much referred Red Rooster for Breakfast. We stopped at St Stephen for fuel, mileage 8673 and $13.02. Onward to the USA.

We stopped near a place called Fairfield and gassed up $10.01 mileage 8835. Lunched at the Sunday River Breweing Co. and then went for fuel $13.51 mileage was 9049. We had a slight sprinkling of rain but there were clouds all around us. We stopped outside North Conway and the mileage was 9144 and we decided we were really tired. We went on to Lincoln New Hampshire and found a motel. Mileage was 9221.

This morning, we left earlier than usual because it wasn't yet raining and they were calling for torrential downpours throughout the state. We stopped at Wells River and got $16.00 in fuel and read the odometer 9281. On to Ludlow Vermont and breakfast at the Cafe At De Light. The odometer was at 9382.

The next gas up was at Whitehall New York... $13.02 and odometer of 9466 and decided to push on to Lake George, we needed to rest, so we booked into a motel. The odometer reads 9524.

Today we were wet most of the way.

I think Fabian is excited to be in Lake George because it is home of Americade... a big motorcycle event... he would like to attend some time. Next year the event runs from June 1 to June 6th.

Not sure where we will find ourselves tomorrow. We have been trying to dodge severe weather that has come courtesy of tropical storm Cristobal and Hurricane Dolly... not that we're in the most seriously affected areas... however, there is still a lot of wind and weather surrounding us.

I'm finding myself missing Ontario, Bancroft in particular.

Well, I haven't been able to blog... we were out of internet service for the past three nights. After we left Riviere de Loup we headed out toward New Brunswick fill up at lunch time where our mileage read 7463 and spending $19.00.

We stopped again near Lake George mileage 7676 and put in another $20 and then off toward Magnetic Hill where we stopped and topped up with a further $19.02 and read the mileage at 7880 km. We crossed the Confederation Bridge and finished the day at Victoria By the Sea P.E.I. and our mileage was 8026. Total so far 1681 Kms and $147.55 in fuel.

We stayed three nights with Homer Sampson and his lovely wife and fabulous family. We feasted on fresh lobster, collected sea shells and toured the landscape. First stop we had only added slightly to the mileage, reading it at 8032 and the following day to the other side of the Island and back 8101 and then 8219 when we finally returned to Homer's.

Last night we held a cribbage tournament for what was left of the best carrot cake any of us had ever tasted! It was so much fun. It was hard to bid our farewells, this morning... they are such lovely folks and spoiled us rotten. I do hope they let us return the favour and come visit Ontario sometime.

We paid a $16.50 toll (for motorcycles) leaving P.E.I. on the bridge... which is something else... quite a feat of engineering. We got rained on, quite heavily for a while. I found myself nodding off on the back of the bike. Seems that P.E.I. has worn us out with relaxation...

We hemmed and hawwed about going to the Cabot Trail (which had been our planned destination). It seems that a tropical storm is visiting the coast and it is unlikely that we would be able to enjoy the scenery of the trail. We decided to scrub that plan for another time.

Our next stop was Shediac for a fill up: Mileage 8335 and $19.01. Then Breakfast at "Bogarts" which was very nice. We stopped again, just outside of St John's... the boss said he was getting weary. Fuel: $14.80 Mileage: 8502 There was a "Tim Hortons" right there, so we had a cup of coffee and decided to head over to St Andrews By the Sea... mileage reads 8633.

It's fun to see the beautiful Algonquin Hotel, my gr-uncle Tony was the executive chef there, for a number of years. You can see the resemblance with other Fairmount Hotels... like the Royal York and the Banff Springs... historic places, really.

I guess St Andrews is almost a theme park these days. While there is a population of 1400 (which is close to size of Barry's Bay), most of the stores close up in the fall, winter and spring. Thank goodness Barry's Bay stays open.

Touring the countryside, I am reminded that Canada is an absolutely gorgeous country and the people are friendly and helpful. Still, I am ready to go home... even though we have another several days planned... but there's no place like home.

Cottage prices in PEI are eerily similar to Bancroft and Barry's Bay... but closer together and they tell me that getting a good well is a bit of a trick. Plus, many of the folks won't do the winter at their cottages... I guess it gets pretty gusty and white.

I'm sure it's pricier here in St Andrews... when we slip out for a bite, I'll do some research.

When we left the suburbs of Bancroft, last evening, we had about 3/4 of a tank of gas in the Goldwing. The odometer read 6345. Fabian has decided to use premium gasoline for the trip, so we're paying for the finest... less gunk and all that stuff.

The Riders met at the Shell Station in Belleville at 9 a.m. and we topped up our tank for $17.50 and read the odometer... it said 6468. The second stop was Ingleside, another $20.01 and the odemeter read 6706. From there, we went to Moe's Diner for lunch. I had an official Montreal Smoked meat sandwich. It was as good as you can get.

Then on to the station beside Moe's where we gassed up for $11.00 and the odometer read 6825..not quite 500 kms for $48.51. We stopped again in Joly, Quebec and put another $21.00 in the tank and the odometer said 7057. We forged onward stopping at St. Alexandre Kamouraska and put $20.02 in the tank, our reading 7275.

We checked in to the hotel about 8:25 at Riviere du Loup and walked over to the local St. Hubert's for some supper.

The weather was sunny. The scenery, was nothing short of staggering. The names familiar to me, from the paternal side of my family tree. Except for congestion in Montreal, the traffic seems to be heavy there, every time we visit... especially just outside the LaFontayne tunnel... the roads were reasonably quiet and comfortable. I have to say that the people in Montreal are very kind to motorcyclists...

I think Fabian sometimes wishes we had taken our Harley... but I do so appreciate the comfort of my cushy seat on the Goldwing... it is such a smooth riding machine... we've been comparing to the Boss... he's riding a Yamaha Star 1100 and seems to be fueling up with the same dollar as we are... and he's been using bronze.

Now the Star is probably about 850lbs, with the Boss and his stuff loaded on it. The Goldwing is probably closer to 1300lbs with us and all of our stuff... which means we've been getting some pretty impressive mileage from our Honda.

We saw a wild looking machine on the 401... some kind of hot rod version of the CanAm Spider... two guys in it... and I have to admit we may have gone 190 kms an hour, for two or three clicks... to catch up so that I could get a picture of it.... the cheeky guy driving it was taking us on a merry chase. I got the pic and we had a laugh... we really don't promote speeding and we seldom do... but... it was one of those "what the heck was that?" moments.

We also saw a lot of CanAm Spiders on the road... and more scooters than ever... I'm going to continue to take notes of our mileage and gas consumption... it's interesting... in light of current gas prices, I'm beginning to think that biking is going to become more popular than ever.

I have been eyeing the trike kits that our Honda dealer installs- they're pretty cool. Incidentally, the guys at Lindsay Cycle are AWESOME! Fabe tells me that Harley is going to be making trikes in factory in '09 or '10. We met a REALLY senior citizen one day and she was very comfortable touring on her trike... so, there is a future for all of us, in the bike world.

So, having written this and called home to check on pets and family, we are plum tuckered out, as they say.

& tomorrow is another day.

It was with mixed feelings that Fabian and I loaded the Goldwing today. Sadly, yesterday the body of young Brandon Zilney was pulled from local waters. He disappeared on his way to work last week, via boat.

Many of the children here, are raised on the waters. They are taught the dangers of weather and waves. Still, accidents happen. This community is the veritable village that raises a child and in the case of Brandon, he leaves a big hole in the fabric of our world. He also leaves identical twin, Lance, two younger brothers to mourn, loving parents, adoring extended family, neighbours and friends.

Fabian remains at a loss for words... and yesterday, when he met with Brandon's father, Lyle, he offered what he said was the longest hug he has ever given another man. "It is every father's worst nightmare", he says he managed to mutter...

When a child goes missing or passes, they become everybody's son or daughter... but Brandon was a particularly popular boy... a prankster and comic, with a smile that lit the room... and he was always available to lend a hand at community happenings. A sportsman and outdoorsman... the kind of boy you simply loved.

Lyle understood when Fabian explained that our prior commitment to an Ontario Real Estate Association Charity Ride will keep us from attending the wake and services that will commemorate Brandon's life and passing.

Earlier this evening, we left our home in the suburbs of Bancroft and made our way to Belleville where we will hook up with the other riders, in the morning. The weather was beautiful, blue sky, fluffy clouds and the birds were playful in the breeze.

We are off... away on this adventure... but our hearts remain at home, with our community.

Recently, I was asked to describe “my” area… and I hesitated… actually, I halted.

Fabian and I are members of both the Renfrew Real Estate Association and the Bancroft and District Real Estate Board. While we are licensed to work in Ontario, we principally cover quite a bit of central Ontario. "My" area is huge.

Known as Eastern areas 7 & 8, the territory spans from the eastern edges of Haliburton, Huntsville and Lindsay and south toward Belleville, Peterborough and near Kingston, then west to near Pembroke and Renfrew.

How does one succinctly define such a vast expanse of landscape and culture? There are so many lovely towns, villages and hamlets… including:

Arden
Aroch
Arnprior
Bancroft
Bannockburn
Bangor
Baptiste
Barry’s Bay
Beachburg
Bon Echo
Bonnechere
Boulter
Brudenell
Calabogie
Cardiff
Carlow
Cloyne
Cobden
Coe Hill
Combermere
Cormac
Dacre
Deacon
Denbigh
Eganville
Eldorado
Faraday
Foymount
Glen Alda
Griffith
Golden Lake
Gooderham
Haliburton
Harcourt
Hardwood Lake
Herman
Highland Grove
Irondale
Killaloe
L’Amable
Lake Dore
Lake St Peter
Letterkenny
Little Ireland
Madawaska
Madoc
Maple Leaf
Maynooth
Mayo
McArthurs Mills
Millbridge
Murphy’s Corners
Northbrook
Ompah
Ormsby
Packenham
Palmer Rapids
Paudash
Plevna
Purdy
Quadeville
Queensborough
Round Lake
Renfrew
Schutt
Slabtown
Snow Road
St Ola
Tory Hill
Tweed
Vennacher
Weslemkoon
Whitney
Wilberforce
Wilno
Wollaston

Whether you travel by hiking, boat, canoe, kayak, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, airplane or any other form of transport- there is a never-ending list of things “to do” and places “to see” throughout our region.

A varied and eclectic cultural and historical heritage includes our native peoples, pioneers, the voyageurs and fur-traders, timber merchants, miners, old-time gangsters and fine immigrants of many nationalities. Throughout the countryside, one can still see the imprint of these by-gone eras.

Currently, the area is home to people from throughout the world. The pristine beauty has attracted some here, others cherish the clean water and air, and still others, are drawn to the potential healing properties of the abundant minerals located in the region. There are practically as many reasons for loving the pure, Ontario wilderness as there are visitors.

Thousands of rivers and lakes teem with fish and the landscape is rich with wildlife. Towering trees stretch into evening skies where stars flood every velvet night and the horizon is often illuminated by the spectacular Northern Lights.

From the air, the view is mostly blue: testimony to the number of waterways and lakes throughout the region. The landscape- like a quilt- has sections of hills and valleys, forest, lush wetland, sand, rock and well-tended century farmlands.

Old-fashioned general stores, studios and workshops with works from local artists and artisans, serious galleries and local produce markets dot the map. Each village and hamlet has a story to tell and special sites of natural beauty. The larger towns, like Bancroft and Barry’s Bay, have all amenities, including hospitals, restaurants and good shopping.

People have senses; this must have something to do with sensibility. It just seems to me that there are a whole lot of people out there who complain that other people lack common sense.

Not to be confused with logic, which is based on inference, logic includes the analysis of reasoning, demonstration and probability… the whole concept of logic gets a little blurred around context- I guess that’s why the mid 60s brought us the term “Fuzzy Logic”.

Who’d have thunk that common sense would be such a complex subject?

I have always enjoyed puzzles. I like riddles and mysteries.

I think a lot of “stuff” gets complicated because we all have subtly unique articulation. What we say is interpreted by the listener and formulated by their personal understanding/interpretation of the words we have chosen and the intonation we have used, as well as the body language of that moment.

Not to mention the gaping differences in how and what the individual views as humour. There are times that the use of humour is wasted… and other times, when the use of humour is completely misunderstood.

Language, vocabulary, semantics… grammar… linguistics… the English language is constantly evolving. Jargon emerges. Words change… and words change lives. Words can create magic; they also cause serious misunderstandings, too. Imagine this: in days gone by, the word shrewd signified evil or wicked. Today, it signifies sharp awareness.

How about sharp? Sharp could be about having a thin edge or point that is capable of cutting… but Z Z Top sings that “every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man”. Another example is the word gauntlet, Middle English used it to describe a protective glove worn with armour… the Old Norse and Low German version described gauntlet as a trial or ordeal.

I have never hidden my love of language. I subscribe to wordsmith and I own a zillion dictionaries, thesauruses and books of synonyms, antonyms- as well as books on words, word origins, grammar… one can never have enough books.

Just today, I was talking to Donna (our office administrator) about how strange it is to assimilate into a small town. I’ve been here 17 years and still, I feel like a displaced person… no longer at home in the city (Toronto) and not quite a local in Bancroft.

Then, I stumbled on a site: Word Spy (a site devoted to lexpionage: the sleuthing of new words and phrases) and discovered the perfect word to describe my circumstance… apparently it’s a new word. The word is ruralpolitan n. An urban dweller who moves to a rural area. Also: rural-politan. [Blend of rural and metropolitan.] —adj.
—ruralpolitanism n.

I almost like it.

I heard a new one recently: The Sandwich Generation
& I started thinking.

Hillel the Elder, born in Babylon during the 1st century BCE has been credited with making the first sandwich. Renowned as a scholar and sage, Hillel played a pivotal role in the development of the Mishnah and the Talmud.

Hillel’s sandwich recipe:

Enwrap meat from the Paschal lam (a lamb sacraficed at Passover)with matzo and bitter herbs and eat them as one.

Sounds a little like a burrito.

Mrs. Randolph brought us the Oyster loaf sandwich in 1838, New Orleans- it was a variation of the Peace Maker sandwich which was made with a loaf of French bread, split and buttered and filled with fried oysters

The Italians from Philadelphia are credited with bringing us the “Hoagie” in the late teens or early twenties. These are thick sandwich rolls or buns- filled with meats, cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, oil and vinegar- the works!

The New York State Italians lay claim to the first “submarine sandwiches”. This is a king-sized sandwich on an Italian loaf of bread approximately 12 inches long an 3 inches wide, filled with boiled ham, hard salami, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes flavored with garlic and oregano

The recipe, apparently created in the early 1800s calls for a long crusty roll or loaf of Italian bread, filled with cold cuts, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, onions, oil, vinegar, Italian spices, salt, and pepper. The key to this sandwich (to keep the bread from getting soggy) was that a full layer of cheese would be placed on top of the bottom slice of bread and the last layer was another full layer of cheese-before the top piece of bread.

The “Dagwood” sandwich (a variety of fillings, in multiple layers) arrived shortly after Chic Young’s 1930’s cartoon character, Dagwood Bumstead made them chic. The character was known for his late night foraging through the refrigerator for leftovers which he would precariously stack between bread.

I grew up watching Yogi Bear. He made his debut the same year that I did- 1958- as an extra on the Huckleberry Hound show. Yogi (and his little buddy Boo-Boo) had a particular taste for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. By 1961, Yogi had his own show and had graduated to chasing after pic-a-nic baskets, while maintaining his love of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

The US Military are said to be responsible for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, as they were easily made by the troops from the supplies sent in their military rations.

Sandwich cookies have icing in the middle. I love the commercial where the little girl and her grandmother take the top cookie off and race; to see who can lick the icing off faster!

Then, who could forget Jared Fogel? He’s the guy who became a celebrity after 20 commercials for Subway brand sandwiches. Jared claims that Subway assisted him in losing more than half his body weight.

By reducing his intake to two subs a day (one small turkey submarine sandwich and a large veggie sub, along with some baked potato chips, and diet soft drinks) Jared shaved considerable bulk from his 425 lb frame. In fact, he attributes a 245 lb weight loss to the sandwiches.

The famous double-decker, clubhouse sandwich is said to have originated in the late 1800s at a posh, gentlemen only country club cum gambling house in Upstate New York. Apparently it was the favourite of King Edward the VIII of England and his wife, Wallis Simpson.

The Reuben, a grilled sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread was first made about 1914 by Arnold Reuben (1883-1970), the founder of Reuben’s Restaurant and Delicatessen. He claimed to have created it for an actress/friend of Charlie Chaplin who had come to the restaurant being hungry enough to “eat a brick”.

I don’t think Monte Carlo sandwiches started in Monte Carlo. Apparently, they are more connected to their pan-bagnats (a round sort of tuna salad with black olives and oil).

When I was a kid, parties often included trays of colourful pinwheel and finger sandwiches. They often had olive or cherry centers and they usually looked a lot better than they tasted. The modern twist of this old standby uses coloured tortilla wraps and a lot less gooey stuff.

In high school, a lot of my friends existed on “ice cream sandwiches”.

I understand that the grilled cheese sandwich is a modern variation of the open-faced melted cheese sandwich that began in 1920’s France. Ooh La La!

Everybody knows someone that likes some sort of strange sandwich. Donna, my office administrator, keeps suggesting that I try peanut butter and school bus yellow mustard. As a child, I liked peanut butter and bologna (so I’m told). I do like peanut butter and apple or peanut butter and lettuce, still.

One of my ex-husbands was a fan of the “chip butty”, steaming hot French fries, between slices of fresh white bread, slathered in butter. He would throw up if he so much as heard the word mustard.

Weird sandwiches seem to be easier to digest if you make them yourself. Other people’s weird sandwich ideas somehow always sound a little creepy and heaven forbid that anyone hand you a sandwich without detailing the contents!

& Nobody told me that there was a whole other part of being in the sandwich generation.

The part that applies to those of us who are demographically challenged. - You know, the ones who are fighting the aches and pains of middle age while still raising children & also trying to be of help to our aging parents.

I get it. It’s that part where my daughter still needs rides everywhere for now… as does my mother, for the nonce, who is dealing with macular degeneration.

Whatever will I do when Katie completes her G1 requirements and Mom is ready to drive again?

Maybe I’ll invent some wacky new sandwich craze!

Entymologists are warning us that this year, mosquitoes and black flies are particularly aggressive. Weather conditions were absolutely perfect for the breeding the bugs.

A Quebec Entymologist, recently interviewed by CBC, suggested the populations were three times the number. He advised people not to wear dark colours (which attract mosquitoes and black flies) and urged the use of repellent on all exposed skin.

Remember, a mosquito can bite through clothing, a black fly can't. Black flies are day time feeders and generally won't come inside. Mosquitoes, however, seem to love to follow us anywhere, any time.

I've heard everything (such as: dryer sheets, mouthwash, chrysanthemum flowers and garlic) can be used to deter the pests. The best thing, in my experience is a strong electric fan which does the same as a strong breeze and keeps the little monsters from being able to fly!

Local lore says that black flies and mosquitoes can bring down cattle and moose... not having witnessed this, I hesitate to mention it, but they do swarm and one can well imagine that enough bites would cause serious damage. Funny, once you live with them a few yaers, you curtail most outdoor activities for a couple of weeks and mostly ignore them.

I have that other pest... my last post about the stubborn limb on my family tree... I stumbled on something earlier today...

This is the baptismal certificate for Pierre Didier and Mathilde Goudreau's son, Pierre Stanislas Didier. I believe it says that his godfather is Stanislas Galliot. I'm wondering if this Galliot has anything to do with the Gaillard mentioned on the document that I shared in my last post.

I must say, both spelling and handwriting on many of these documents makes the search become quite an adventure.

Again, I would love to have any insight that might help me with this branch of my family tree.

Incidentally, pines and cedars seem to be among the favourites for mosquitoes and black flies.

May stats are out… & the people that I know, in the business, still say that their markets are down about 30%… and our local stats continue to support that theory.

Gas rose last month, a couple of cents and came back down to around $1.27 a litre. The black flies came to visit... but just yesterday, I encountered some dragonflies, a good sign (unless you are a black fly).

Bancroft Board statistics tell us: the total number of listings are up 32% for the month May compared to last years and 7% for the year-to-date. The number of sales are down, 26% for the month compared to last year and 19% for the year. Dollar-wise, sales for the month of May were down 21% from last year and down 28% year-to-date, compared to last year.

I got some mortgage rates in an email today:

NATIONAL MORTGAGE RATES
Term Posted
Rates* Best
Rates*
6 Month 6.80% 6.20%
1 Year 6.95% 4.65%
2 Year 7.00% 5.40%
3 Year 7.00% 5.15%
4 Year 6.85% 5.49%
5 Year 6.99% 5.45%
7 Year 7.40% 5.90%
10 Year 7.75% 6.10%
Variable Rate 4.15%
Prime Rate 4.75%
* last updated: June 02, 2008...

I also thought I'd throw some of my family tree stuff at you... it's my brick wall (as they say). Hopefully the jpg will be readable... it is part of an almost decipherable copy of the registers from Notre Dame in Montreal. It is from 1883, the marriage of Pierre Didier (my gr-gr-grandfather) and Mathilde Gaudreau (my gr-gr-grandmother) on my father's paternal side. I have successfully traced Mathilde's family... Pierre is proving more difficult. From this, it would appear that his parents were Marc Didier & Lucrece? Gaillard de Caiguin? It might say something about Marc being from Jarville... and something about Chambery... both being places in the Lorraine area of France. Family lore says the Didier family was from Savoie.

Anyway: have a look... and if you have any insight that might help me track Marc and his wife, what's her name... I'd be ever so thankful! (I had to do it in halves, I'm afraid, to fit the margins).
Genealogy is so much fun!

Last Night, Featured on Yahoo:

“Greening your sex life”
“Oddball video game takes aim at urinals”
“The best Stanley Cup commercial”
“Canadian Con’s fat sparks sentence cut”
“Another severed foot found on BC coast”
“Did Canadian Bride Sell out the Royals?”

What kind of world is this?

Local Gas Price: over $1.27 a litre.

& This Real Estate Board and some others are reporting what they’re calling “ a major correction” in the market.

Now, from the MLS stats that I can peek at, for my area… and bear in mind that they’re for April 2008 but have the comparative 2007 vs 2008.

Bancroft is down 24% in number of sales for the Month and 17% for the Year, so far… & total dollar value of sales is down 30% for the Month and 31% for the Year, so far .

If we are to believe these stats… and that’s a whole nuther argument…

We have had ½ as many sales in the “under $30K sector”, the “$100-$119K sector”, the “140-159K sector” AND the “200-219K sector”. We have 0 sales in the “$350-399K sector” versus 4 by this time last year and only one in the “$400K-499K sector” versus 3 last year. And, last year we’d reported 2 sales of” $1M+ sector” and this year… a big fat ZERO so far… But, we have sold twice as many properties in the “240-250K sector” , compared to last year. And, we’re reporting 30% more deals in the “$40-$49K” sector”… & about that in the “70K to 79K sector” and the “90K to 99K sector”.

“Ding Ding Ding”

property “between $30K and under $100K” is selling well (if it is appropriately priced), property priced at $120K-$139K remains static (if it’s priced properly) and property about $240-$250K is moving well… and $260K-$349K and $500-$749 are both showing a static number of sales…

The number of listings is pretty well the same as last year, too.

What does it all mean?

For the consumer, so far, I’m sensing an overall 6%

& How about those gas prices?

What would happen if we all boycotted the gas stations on the same day? Let’s say, we all stayed AWAY from the pumps on May 28th? Think we’d get some attention?

Elvis released "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" and "Doncha Think It's Time". Perry Como had a hit with "Magic Moments" and Buddy Holly released "That'll Be The Day". Chuck Berry was belting out "Johnny B. Goode", The Elegants were doo-whoppin "Little Star", Little Richard was squealing "Good Golly, Miss Molly", Eddie Cochrane was picking "Summertime Blues".

Connie Francis' "Who's Sorry Now" reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. The Coasters had us laughing with "Yakety-Yak", The Monotones were writing "The Book of Love" and The Everly Brothers presented ethereal harmony with "All I Have To Do Is Dream".

A mouse was launched in a Thor-Able "Reentry 1" test as the first launch in the Mouse in Able (MIA) project. It was lost when the rocket was destroyed after launch from Cape Canaveral.

Americans were lining up to buy hula-hoops. Popular Mechanics warned that robots were slowly taking over. Ezra Pound was released from a medical asylum, after twelve years after being declared insane. Liz Taylor was filming "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof". Lana Turnerfs daughter stabbed Johnny Stompanato to death. Robin Hood Tales stopped being published. The term "Beatnik" was coined. Lenny Bruce confided: "I'm just like everybody else. I want to be a non- conformist, too!''

On this 50th anniversary of April 16, 1958 I would like to share a couple of oldies but goodies:

WARNING by Jenny Joseph

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Crabbit Old Woman by Phyllis McCormack

What do you see nurse,
What do you see?
What are you thinking
When you look at me?
A crabbit old woman,
Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit
With far away eyes.

Who dribbles her food
And makes no reply;
Then you say in a loud voice,
"I do wish you'd try."
Who seems not to notice
The things that you do,
And forever is losing
A stocking or shoe.

Unresisting or not,
Lets you do as you will;
With bathing or feeding,
The long day to fill.
Is that what you're thinking,
Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes nurse,
You're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am,
As I sit here so still,
As I move at your bidding,
As I eat at your will.

I'm a small child of ten ...
With a father and mother,
And brothers and sisters
Who love one another.

A girl of sixteen,
With wings on her feet;
Dreaming that soon,
A lover she'll meet.

A bride soon at twenty ...
My heart gives a leap;
Remembering the vows
That I promised to keep.

At twenty-five,
I have young of my own,
Who need me to build
A secure and happy home.

A woman of thirty,
My young now grow fast,
Bound together with ties
That forever should last.

At forty, my young ones
Have grown up and gone;
But my man is beside me
To see I don't mourn.

At fifty, once more ...
Babies play 'round my knees;
Again we know children,
My loved ones and me.

Dark days are upon me,
My husband is dead ...
I look at the future,
I shudder with dread;
For my young are all rearing,
Young of their own,
And I think of the years
And the love I have known.

I am an old woman now,
Nature is cruel,
eTis her jest to make old age
Look like a fool.

The body, it crumbles,
Grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone
Where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass,
A young girl still dwells,
And now and again
My battered heart swells.

I remember the joys,
I remember the pain,
And I'm loving and living
Life over again.

I think of the years ...
All too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact
That nothing can last.

So open your eyes nurses,
Open and see ...
Not a "Crabbit Old Woman,"
Look closer ... see "Me."

We’re currently experiencing quite a slushy downfall. Yup, it’s gone from rain to snow. YUCK. Now, the trees are laden with glossy coats of ice and some are so heavy, they are leaning over, desperately. Reminiscent of the ice storm in January of 1998, this is not how I imagined spring.

We have been waiting for horrendously large snow banks and drifts to melt down, to make it easier to show property. Certainly, some brave souls have managed to make their way around enough that there have been sales. Some very significant sales. However, this past week, things began to look far more promising…with bits of grass showing through the white…

This has been a winter that we will remember. This has been a winter of multiplicities. A winter in which some have felt like shut-ins, worried about dangerous walking conditions on accumulated ice. I’ve heard of more fractures than I could count. More people experiencing the seasonal blues, lack of sunlight, vitamin deprivation, trouble sleeping, large heating bills, aching muscles from the shovel.

It also has been a winter that re-inspired winter play- there have been more skiers, more snowmobiles, more snowshoes, ice fishing huts… and the list goes on. It really is quite beautiful, that pristine white, the crisp air, the way it all sparkles.

Then, this, a dreary time of year: when the snow is dirty with mud and remnants from the continuous sanding the roads have gotten, between plows. Nothing quite green, no buds to speak of, just the odd sunny day that smells like spring, the warmer moments that touch the skin and bring a collective sigh- the anticipation of summer: gardening, swimming, motorcycling, sailing, berry picking, rock collecting, hiking…

Perhaps in celebration, the phones have started ringing off the hook, as they say. Properties, dormant for months, are now getting several offers at a time. We are busy with people wanting a break… an escape, from the city. Who can blame them? This winter has brought us a different sort of cabin fever. Or perhaps, different sorts of cabin fever.

We know a cabin can and should be heaven.

& who doesn’t deserve a quiet piece of the country? A place where the voices of birds out-sing the sounds of engines running, a place in the trees, where you can imagine a different kind of world- a simpler world, where messages are written in the tracks that animals leave behind.

Yesterday, Calgary smashed an 88-year-old record, strangely for the same day. The previous 15.2 centimeters of heavy snow was edged out of the record books when a 23-centimeter dumping pounded the city. Worried Calgarians are watching their thermometers today, as the temperature is expected to rise significantly which may lead to intense flooding conditions.

Eastern Canada is reporting that their snowfall this year is more than 150-centimeters over the 30-year norm.

No kidding, they are talking about SNOW RAGE. In one incident, last month, a Quebec man pulled out a 12 gauge shot gun and threatened a snowplow operator who had pushed some snow onto his property. Cities, towns and villages throughout the country have totally blown their snow removal budgets and the cost of heating went through the roof, too.

They tell me that thefts of snow-blowing machines in Ontario and Quebec have reached epidemic proportion. Environment Canada has said New Brunswick will likely have snow, well into May.

Some area schools are considering an extension to the school year, due to the number of “snow days” where buses were cancelled. Last month a number of schools were closed because the burden of snow on their roofs had some wondering if the buildings could support the weight. People have died, unseen by passing plow trucks.

Many of the old-timers suggest that the heavy snow cover will have made for extremely thick ice that will take a long time thawing and may trick the unwary into looking safe enough to pass.

I was surprised; I didn’t think we’d ever be rid of our snow banks. Some of them had reached 10’ or more and were still looking gianormous last week… but they’re down quite a bit… and we’re into the messy, muddy, sandy sort of stuff- although we had a skiff of snow yesterday…

It’s been a rough year for maple syrup, too… not enough dramatic swings in the temperature between daytime and night- the sap didn’t run a whole lot.

I’ve met more people who are suffering from seasonal depression, this year… and since the melt started, it seems like everyone is sneezing… snow mould, I’m told…

The rivers, streams and lakes are looking pretty full. As much as we have cursed the snow this year, we have dreaded the melt… on the bright side, next year should be a piece of cake, comparatively…

that is, if you can still go by the law of averages.

I thought I would take a break today from thinking about the Olympic torch relay. The modern day torch relay started in 1936, in Berlin. Since then, the torch has become a symbol of the opening of the Olympic games. Athens, in 2004, embarked upon the first global relay with the Olympic torch traveling the globe in 65 days.

The Olympic flame is said to represent "The light of knowledge, life and spirit and symbolizes the handing down from generation to generation" and also, “to symbolize peace and unity”. The relay is apparently homage to ancient running races.

Protest and controversy are not new to the Olympics, or the relay. In Sydney, 2000, there was flack when the torch was passed to the young daughter of the International Organizing Committee member. In 2006, Italian protestors (protesting Coca-Cola’s sponsorship) forced the Turin organizers to reorganize the torch run route. The Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, to safeguard the fire 24 hours a day on its 137,000-kilometre, 130-day relay, formed a “flame protection squad” in August ‘07.

This year, the torch relay has descended into a highly publicized and politicized frenzy. Guaranteed an audience, protests and demonstrations have spread from city to city, bent on raising awareness of human rights violations. Olympic organizers, fans and participants are adamant that the games are not meant for the promotion of political causes.

As I said, this blog is meant to be a rest from the relay ranting… I mean, for the love of Pete, there’s concern about worldwide food shortages… melting glaciers…surging energy prices… diminishing supplies…a slow global economy… among so many other problems, near crises.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I like the Olympics & I do understand that they are a great opportunity for world camaraderie… all I am saying is, if it’s going to be a big problem with people trying to snatch the torch, or the torchlight… maybe it’s time for Olympic participants to bring their own torch. Each country could use their torch to join in lighting one flame at the opening ceremony.

Of course, I’m still hoping that we can figure out some form of decent global governance… because I really want world peace.

Some people used to believe that the sportsworld provided a good example of governance, but then lately, there's been an awful lot of scandal brought out about the sports world, too.

This week, there was news that eight Florida girls were arrested when they “allegedly” took video of each other beating the living heck out of a friend, for a YouTube post. A Texas compound was raided and authorities took 133 women and 400 children into custody because they were in danger from the polygamist cult leader.

Over recent months, the level of violence along the U.S.-Mexican border has begun to rise substantially. There are all kinds of immigration tensions. Oh, I could go on.

One website tells me “The United States government has been working with Extraterrestrials and even shares underground bases” with them. & Researchers have discovered that plants have signalling and response systems that could make major contributions to robotics and communications research.

I can believe the thing about plants.

A lot of people point fingers at a Bilderberg group. Formed annually by a steering committee that selects 100 socially exclusive, successful people from Europe and North America, the group is said to have first met in 1954. Gathering, by invitation only, they exclude the media, in order to prevent fallacies in reporting.

The primary intention of the Bilderbergs is said to have been to further the understanding between Western Europe and North America through informal meetings between powerful individuals. A growing number of lower and middle class North Americans believe that this group have manipulated national policies, fixed elections, created wars, recessions, masterminded murders and ousted world leaders.

I’ve been told that the Bilderbergs are playing a giant game in which we are simply pawns, not only expendable, but at times, requiring extermination. All part of their plan to control the world, be the rich, save themselves and enjoy a life that most of us are unable to imagine. Some people believe they are already set up for life on another planet, should the need arise. We are basically the miners of their gold and they get to tax us for that benefit, too.

It’s hard to grasp it all. I realize there is a lot of stuff that we haven’t even contemplated, let alone begun to understand.

The idea of a relay for the Olympics is lovely... I like to imagine the zen possibilities... one man (or woman)running across the world, safe against any political persecution... quietly running through various governments, unrest and the busy world, untouched, pure humanity....

You know, it’s a lot easier to take a rest from all of this when you’re sitting watching the lake… listening to the birds… watching the deer graze. I really do love the country experience.

About five years ago, I worked with a significant number of geo-physicists were looking for recreational property in our area. It was a wonderful experience. While wandering the countryside, I was able to glean a fair amount of useful information. Apparently, they had been part of a “Groundwater Study” for the province.

Bringing together information from various agencies, these specialists conducted a study of groundwater systems. Using land use surveys, geology maps, well water records, communal supply systems and data on known or possible contamination sites, they provided an assessment identifying areas where the aquifer was susceptible to contamination.

Bacteria, pollution or toxic material from the ground surface, from either man-made or natural causes, may contaminate an aquifer. Vulnerability depends on the type of soil and rock that cover an aquifer. An area of land that has surface water that seeps or infiltrates the ground is called a “recharge area”. The most common source of recharge water is rain and snowmelt that percolates down, into the ground.

Recharge water often contains dissolved pollution. An aquifer covered by sand, broken bedrock or gravel is more vulnerable to contamination as the water drains more easily through porous sand, gravel, cracks and fissures. The water may travel a considerable distance before discharging at the surface or into an underwater creek or lake.

Nitrogen, sulfur and carbon emissions from motor vehicles and industry combine with water vapour, rain, mist, fog and snow and load up our atmosphere with sulfuric, nitric and carbonic acid. There is evidence that house fires can leave toxic residue that may leach into the water supply. Livestock manure, sediments, fertilizers and pesticides can contaminate local water bodies. Boaters may dump sewage, leak oil and fuel or use toxic cleaning products that can threaten water quality, especially near the shore.

Some studies indicate that the acid deposits can leach compounds from the soil that enter surface-water and find there way into an aquifer. Although it is unlikely that toxic levels would accumulate, there is some suspicion that some chemicals do enter into our water and food supply. Both lead and aluminum have been considered in this context.

The harmful affects on vegetation and fresh-water ecosystems have been known for years; however, the affect on human beings has been less obvious.

So, that’s the bad news. The good news is that I was told that this region came through the study with flying colours.

Let’s take a moment and thank the Canadian Shield.

This morning, my daughter got her G1, driving permit. First try. She’s already done the classroom portion of her “Driver’s Ed” classes. Standing in the Motor Vehicle office, I remembered the day that I had written my test.

Of course, we called it a “365”, in those days- almost exactly 34 years ago…

You know, in some ways it seems like just last week but now, I can say… for the very first time:

“This evening, my daughter took me for a drive.”

We spent an hour driving through our beautiful little town, on highways 62 and 28, on the side roads. I have to say that she did amazingly well for a first time behind the wheel.

On about the third trip around, we watched a couple of deer meander across South Baptiste Lake Road, near the Y Rd and into the forest. Then, we went up to the Canadian Tire parking lot and practiced 3-point turns and parallel parking.

I had to remind Katie to watch her speed… but I’m glad she was that comfortable behind the wheel. I was pretty comfy in the passenger seat… although I might have raised my voice, slightly, when she went at the driveway a little quickly, coming home.

She gets that from her father and other bad influences (Fabian?). Look… I’m not simply blaming men here. I’m touchin’ wood when I type this… I’ve done 34 years without a ticket… and that’s not just sheer luck. Even Katie said she has a new respect for how I watch the limits…

& I couldn’t help but think of my father, patiently taking me into the industrial areas of north Toronto and snapping on the parking break, halfway up a steep incline, on the ice… all because I was nervous of slipping backward, getting used to using the clutch.

Someday, I’d like Katie to learn to drive a standard transmission. I preferred driving standard, until I cracked my back up and it really is more comfortable not having to use a stick, now. Still, I can’t help but think that learning the finesse of a clutch is something we all need to do- besides, once you can do that, you can pretty well drive anything.

Right?

This past Thursday, our local newspaper reported that Canada has been leading the way in participants for the worldwide effort to reduce consumption of electricity. There has been a call to register at www.earthhour.org to pledge your support and agree to shut off your lights between 8 and 9 p.m. of your own local time on March 29, 2008.

Earth Hour was first conceived by the World Wildlife Fund, last year, in Sydney, Australia and in this year has grown to include over 200 cities around the globe.

Everyone is invited to join in the celebration; meant as a demonstration of how much you care about the planet and are willing to work towards change.

If you sign up at the website, you are to receive useful tools and tips on how to reduce consumption of our valuable resources.

When I visited the site this morning, 288468 people had registered.

I realize that there is still some contention about “climate change” and “global warming” and the role that human beings play in these issues. Some believe it is a natural process and others feel that people and their industries have had a disastrous impact on our planet.

Last year, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported that 4 out of 5 Canadians have experienced the effects of the change, first hand. Warnings about global consequences have become increasingly dramatic.

Some scientists, skeptical that humans have had a major role in the shift, met in New York, earlier this month. The conference, called the “Nongovernmental International Panel of Climate Change (NIPCC)”, presented science from some of world's leading climatologists and scientists in related fields, along with world renowned economists, and policy analysts. The report of their findings was titled “Nature, Not Human Activity, Rules the Climate.”

The gist of the NIPCC’s climate findings: (1) natural forces cause most of climate change. (2) The human contribution is not significant. (3) Solar-activity changes are the main cause of climate change.

I read one comment from a military meteorologist (Elmer Corby) who has been in the industry some 23 years. He called Al Gore and his ilk “corrupt, pathological liars” and suggested they were like “ants looking at a raindrop and screaming flood.”

Whatever your take on the whole thing, I figure it can't hurt to turn out the lights for an hour!

This morning, I received a subscription email of a recent Harris Poll, which gives me a bit of a handle on what people are thinking. Harris interactive conducts online studies with people who have agreed to participate on their panels and no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

Harris does weight their numbers for age, gender, education, region and Internet usage, to bring the numbers into line with actual proportions in the population. Their statements do conform to the guidelines of the National Council on Public Polls and of the British Polling Council.

People from 5 major countries (Italy, Spain, France, Great Britain and the United States) were asked if they were concerned or experiencing any impact from the recent financial crunch. It was interesting that the answer, although varying in degree of impact, was that essentially 30% of people- everywhere- are feeling some sort of affect.

Hmmm.

Okay… so my brain gets this information and I figure if I asked a bunch of people if they liked grapes, I suspect some would say yes, some would say no and some would say they were ambivalent. With three possible answers, it’s quite likely to have a 30% negative response.

I’m not saying we should let go any Utopian dreams of making everybody happy, but maybe some people simply don’t want to be happy.
Maybe some people are happy being unhappy.

Did Harris ask these people if they liked being more vigilant about finances?

The bottom line in everything is that things come at you- big end first. I mean, without some serious plan in mind, any quandary can seem insurmountable. Especially if it comes at you on a bad day!

One thing I do know is that nothing is new. It may look a little different but if you break it down to the crux, it’s the same thing. Everything has a cycle. What goes up, must come down… but then, if it went up once, it will do it again.

Success has a lot to do with timing… add a little patience… with another dash of perseverance… sing a happy little tune and presto change-o… nothing is really all that bad.

Well, maybe 30%… for 30% of the time.

A 2007 study indicated that one in seven Canadians currently own a vacation property of some sort but one in four plan to purchase one in the future. Waterfront real estate is increasing in value thanks to the strong demand from Baby Boomers, stock market and residential real estate wealth and relatively low borrowing costs.

Vacation property may bring the family together for a few weeks of every year, but it can also be a revenue generator. Anyone considering a purchase, whether for personal use or for a return on capital should factor re-sale value and market appreciation into the equation, before they purchase. Buyers should use logic when they buy, remembering that if the need arises to sell, it will likely be a baby boomer buying.

Retiring Baby Boomers are looking at the high-end of the market. They want all the comforts of home, while they are cottaging and they likely plan to retire lakeside. This means, a smart purchase will be one that is fully equipped or one that can be upgraded in the future. Of prime importance: an ample supply of safe water, year round road access and reasonable access to amenities.

Traditionally, the cottage has been a place for families to escape the pressures of work in order to relax and get away from it all, including email, fax, pagers and the telephone. But that seems to be changing. Currently, about a quarter of cottage owners feel that Internet access is important at the cottage and almost half of those planning or considering a cottage purchase feel the same way.

The distance that cottagers drive to reach their second home varies greatly depending on the province in which they live. In the Atlantic provinces, more than 50% of cottage owners say it takes them under one hour to arrive at their cottage, while that number drops significantly in Ontario and Alberta, where the cottage commute is much longer. Prospective buyers in these provinces are realistic about the distance they will have to drive to get to their getaway, with the majority expecting to spend about 3 hours.

There’s no doubt about it, cottage shopping has become a ritual of spring. Once the snow melts and the first robin is spotted, baby boomers begin scouring the countryside looking to buy cottages and recreation properties. Investing in the future - from both a lifestyle perspective and an economic standpoint, baby boomers are expected to influence the cottage country market for another five to ten years.

May your blessings outnumber
The Shamrocks that grow.
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.

Q: What do you call an Irishman that bounces off the walls?
A: Rick O'Shea

*

An American lawyer asked, "Paddy, why is it that whenever you ask an Irishman a question, he answers with another question? "Who told you that?" asked Paddy.

*

Slaney phoned the maternity ward at the hospital. "Quick!" He said. "Send an ambulance, my wife is goin' to have a baby!" "Tell me, is this her first baby?" the intern asked. "No, this is her husband, Kevin, speakin'."

*

Two Irishmen were walking home after a night on the beer when a severed head rolled along the ground. Mick picked it up to his face and said to Paddy "Jez, that look like Sean" to which Paddy replied "No Sean was taller than that"

*

The Doctor was puzzled "I'm very sorry but I can't diagnose your trouble, Mahoney. I think it must be drink. "
"Don't worry about it Dr. Kelley, I'll come back when you're sober."

*

A Kerryman went to London and found himself in the Underground late one night. Seeing a notice "DOGS MUST BE CARRIED ON THE ESCALATOR", he moaned to himself, "And where am I going to find a dog at this hour of the night?"

*

His wife had been killed in an accident and the police were questioning Finnegan.
"Did she say anything before she died?" asked the sergeant.
"She spoke without interruption for about forty years," said the Irishman.

*

Two men were sitting next to each other at a bar. After a while, one guy looks at the other and says, "I can't help but think, from listening to you, that you're from Ireland"

The other guy responds proudly, "Yes, that I am"?

The first guy says, "So am I?

And where about from Ireland might you be?"

The other guy answers, "I'm from Dublin, I am."

The first guy responds, "Sure and begora, and so am I. And what street did you live on in Dublin ?"

The other guy says, "A lovely little area it was, I lived on McCleary Street in the old central part of town."

The first guy says, "Faith & begora it's a small world, so did I. So did I. And to what school would you have been going?"

The other guy answers, "Well now, I went to St. Mary's of course."

The first guy gets really excited and says, "And so did I. Tell me, what year did you graduate?"

The other guy answers, "Well, now, let's see, I graduated in 1964."

The first guy exclaims, "The Good Lord must be smiling down upon us! I can hardly believe our good luck at winding up in the same bar tonight. Can you believe it, I graduated from St. Mary's in 1964 my own self."

About this time, Vicky walks into the bar, sits down, and orders a beer. Brian, the bartender, walks over to Vicky, shaking his head & mutters, "It's going to be a long night tonight"

Vicky asks, "Why do you say that, Brian?"

"The Murphy twins are drunk again."

*

It was Paddy and Seamus giving the motorcycle a ride on a brisk autumn day. After a wee bit, Paddy who was sitt'n behind Seamus on the bike began to holler ..."Seamus ... Seamus ... the wind is cutt'n me chest out!" "Well, Paddy my lad," said Seamus, "why don't you take your jacket off and turn it from front to back ... that'll block the wind for you." So Paddy took Seamus' advice and turned his jacket from front to back and got back on the bike and the two of them were off down the road again. After a bit, Seamus turned to talk to Paddy and was horrified to see that Paddy was not there. Seamus immediately turned the bike around and retraced their route. When after a short time he came to a turn and saw a bunch of farmers standing around Paddy who was sitting on the ground. "T'anks be to heaven, is he alright?" Seamus hailed to the farmers. "Well," said one of the farmers, " he was alright when we found him here .. but since we turned his head back to front .. he hasn't said a word since!"

*

An American tourist travelling in Limerick came across a little antique shop in which he was lucky enough to pick up, for a mere $150, the skull of Saint Patrick.

Included in the price was a certificate of the skull's authenticity, signed by Saint Patrick himself.

Ten years later the tourist returned to Ireland and asked the antique shop owner if he had any more bargains.

"I've got the very thing for you," said the Irishman. "It's the genuine skull of Saint Patrick".

"You swindler," said the American. "You sold me that ten years ago," and, producing the skull, added, "Look, they're not even the same size."

"Ah yes," said the Irishman. "But this is when he was a lad."

*

Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking place. Looking up to heaven he said, 'Lord take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of me life and give up me Irish Whiskey!'
Miraculously, a parking place appeared.
Paddy looked up again and said, 'Never mind, I found one.'

*

An Irish priest is driving down to New York and gets stopped for speeding in Connecticut . The state trooper smells alcohol on the priest's breath and then sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car.
He says, 'Sir, have you been drinking?'
'Just water,' says the priest.
The trooper says, 'Then why do I smell wine?'
The priest looks at the bottle and says, 'Good Lord! He's done it again!'

*

Flynn staggered home very late after another evening with his drinking buddy, Paddy. He took off his shoes to avoid waking his wife, Mary.

He tiptoed as quietly as he could toward the stairs leading to their upstairs bedroom, but misjudged the bottom step. As he caught himself by grabbing the banister, his body swung around and he landed heavily on his rump. A whiskey bottle in each back pocket broke and made the landing especially painful.

Managing not to yell, Flynn sprung up, pulled down his pants, and looked in the hall mirror to see that his butt cheeks were cut and bleeding. He managed to quietly find a full box of Band-Aids and began putting a Band-Aid as best he could on each place he saw blood.

He then hid the now almost empty Band-Aid box and shuffled and stumbled his way to bed.

In the morning, Flynn woke up with searing pain in both his head and butt and Mary staring at him from across the room.

She said, 'You were drunk again last night weren't you?'

Flynn said, 'Why you say such a mean thing?'

'Well,' Mary said, 'it could be the open front door, it could be the broken glass at the bottom of the stairs, it could be the drops of blood trailing through the house, it could be your bloodshot eyes, but mostly.....it's all those Band-Aids stuck on the hall mirror."

*

How many Irishmen does it take to change a light bulb?

At least two. One holds the light bulb steady, everybody else drinks until the room spins

*

Q: Why can't you borrow money from a leprechaun?
A: Because they're always a little short.

*

Paddy was tooling along the road one fine day when the local policeman, a friend of his, pulled him over.

"What's wrong, Seamus?" Paddy asked.

"Well didn't ya know, Paddy, that your wife fell out of the car about five miles back?" said Seamus.

"Ah, praise the Almighty!" Paddy replied with relief. "I thought I'd gone deaf!"

*

Q: What would you get if you crossed Quasimodo with an Irish football player?
A:The Halfback of Notre Dame!

*

Pat and Mick landed themselves a job at a sawmill. Just before morning tea Pat yelled: "Mick! I lost me finger!"
"Have you now?" says Mick. "And how did you do it?"
"I just touched this big spinning thing here like thi...
Darn! There goes another one!"

*

"Well, Mrs. O'Connor, so you want a divorce?" the solicitor questioned his client.

"Tell me about it. Do you have a grudge?"

"Oh, no," replied Mrs. O'Connor. "Shure now, we have a carport."

The solicitor tried again. "Well, does the man beat you up?"

"No, no," said Mrs. O'Connor, looking puzzled. "Oi'm always first out of bed."

Still hopeful, the solicitor tried once again.

"What I'm trying to find out are what grounds you have."

"Bless ye, sor. We live in a flat -- not even a window box, let alone grounds."

"Mrs. O'Connor," the solicitor said in considerable exasperation, "you need a reason that the court can consider.

What is the reason for you seeking this divorce?”

"Ah, well now," said the lady,

"Shure it's because the man can't hold an intelligent conversation."

I have avoided "advertising" my listings in my blog, but every now and then, something special comes along and the best of intentions have to be thrown out the window!

Located in the heart of town, adjacent to the OPP station, the hospital and within walking distance of all Bancroft amenities, this extraordinary property still enjoys a position of distinction in the community.

Commercially zoned, with plenty of room for expansion, this property is serviced Municipally. The state of the art boiler system is also ready to accomodate growth.

Once the private home of the Martin family, famous for establishing local saw mill operations, all facets have lovingly updated with strict attention to quality detail.

There are at least nine bedroom areas that could be easily converted to offices. Each room has been wired for internet and phone lines and there is high speed internet available within the Town limits.

While currently operating as a bed & breakfast, the safety standards far exceed the levels required for use as a senior's residence- including illuminated exit signs, emergency lighting, pull stations, intercoms, hard wired alarms, solid automatic closure doors, steel fire escapes and more.

There are several spacious communal rooms, including a library and dining room. The detailed woodwork is remarkable- obviously hand picked by the Martins from the best this area could offer and helps preserve the historic relevance of this scrupulously maintained home.

There are various types of abbreviations that have been described as “initialisms” or “acronyms”, in which joining the first letters of each word puts a catchy phrase together.

A substantial number of vintage acronyms may be traced to the military, WW II, particularly- these include the term AWOL (Absent WithOut Leave) and SNAFU (Situation Normal, All Fouled Up).

I imagine acronyms grow from jargon and form of shorthand that spins through various organizations or industries and the information highway has brought them to us like clever wordplays, permeating society to extraordinary proportions.

Often, conversations are littered with this sort of reference- they are a brief, convenient sort of slang used to simplify dialogue. Realtors ® use MLS ® (multiple listing service) and sometimes I find it funny to see “MLS® listing” because it seems as redundant as “SIN number” (SIN being a Canadian acronym for social insurance number).

We can choose to see anything from a positive or negative perspective. Sure, there are some people who use acronyms for less noble purposes. Whether to exclude, impress or compete- no matter what, some people just seem to need to have the upper hand. Some even mistake identification for intelligence. I’m sure we’ve all met someone who knows the extended phraseology of an acronym; without having a clue about what it means.

On the other hand, wheeling a patient into the ER (short for emergency room) and hearing someone suggest it could be CHF (short for congestive heart failure) and having the patient sent directly to OR (the operating room) could save precious minutes!

Fashionistas recognize DKNY as Donna Karan New York and RK as Ralph Klein. Most consumers recognize GM as General Motors. We know that UCLA is University of California, Los Angeles. Examples such as these are a sign of good marketing & smart business practice.

I have seen people select business names based on the potential for a witty acronym. I know a couple that formed an acronym from the names of their children and they use everywhere, on everything. There is currently a television commercial that pokes fun at a law firm that is interested in simplifying their lengthy list of partners’ to an acronym that would spell the word DINGBATS a.k.a. (also known as) Dudley- Irwin- Newberg-Gonzales-Brown-Anderson-Taylor & Stein.

Acronyms are all around us. The word blog, for example, is an acronym for ”‘web log”… & who among us hasn’t heard of DOA, URL, ABBA, FBI or MADD ? Canadians love the dreaded GST*

The list is infinite…and growing… unstoppably! Which is how our language develops. Yup, we are major stakeholders in the evolution of communication!

& for people who have had enough acronyms- no problem, just practice “RID”- recognize, ignore, delete.

*
DOA- dead on arrival

URL- Uniform Resource Locator

ABBA- The name of a group of Swedish pop musicians: Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny, and Anni-Frid

FBI- Federal Bureau of Investigation

MADD- Mothers Against Drunk Driving

GST- Goods & Services Tax

Yesterday, I wrote about subliminal manipulation and in particular, the oratory practices of Barack Obama, one of the United States Presidential candidates. In the essence of fair play, I would like to make some other observations.

The official Hillary Clinton website explains, “Hillary was raised in a middle-class family in the middle of America.” She went on to college in the 60s and studied political science. Her journey is inarguably that of a woman of formidable character.

Once describing her self as, “a mind conservative and a heart liberal.” She is later quoted, on the matter of early romance with her husband, as writing, "I chose to follow my heart instead of my head."

The official Whitehouse biography quotes Hillary from 1992 as saying, “"Our lives are a mixture of different roles. Most of us are doing the best we can to find whatever the right balance is . . . For me, that balance is family, work, and service."

All things considered, I believe the lady has handled herself with grace and dignity. I’ve heard it said that Hillary has guts. She is intelligent and well spoken, although there are times in which I wish she’d talk more directly, in a manner that would engage the listener who is less interested in intellectual banter.

Critics sell t-shirts with the slogan, “I’m afraid of Hillary”. Others, like Glenn Beck, have said a lot of mean stuff about her. Glenn griped about her voice, claiming that regardless of what she says, he hears only shrill directives to take the garbage out… or something very much like that.

There are some murmurs that suggest Hillary might be a feminazi.

Look, I’m not for or against anybody. I can’t vote in this process. I’m simply an observer.

& I am just saying it can't be easy being a Clinton.

I think Hillary is one cool woman. I give her thumbs up for the way she continues to serve and embrace a public who love to make jokes, serve up gossip, conspiracy theories and scandals to cast upon the Clinton household.

Believe me, there are stories about all of the candidates… But here are some of the many Clinton based tales...I found these on the internet- some are possibly true.

ABC’s (Alleged Billary Clinton SCANDALS):

ABE LINCOLN: DNC donors were allowed to spend the night in the Lincoln bedroom for a contribution of $150,000. The donations prize for the $50,000 range was a coffee visit. Clinton donations came from a convicted illegal arms dealer, Chinese government agents, and many other drug smugglers. Yup, lots of “donor” scandals.

BARRY SEAL: a murdered cocaine smuggler with alleged links to the Clintons.

CATTLE: a scandal involving Hillary's investment of approximately $1,000 in cattle futures that had a conspicuous return of $100,000- the odds of this kind of luck are said to be one in 250 million.

CHINA: Some insiders believe that Bill Clinton has given military technology to Communist China. Clinton-contributor, Johnny Chung, openly admitted to knowingly taking funds from the communist Chinese government in 1996. Speaking of china, Bill and Hillary Clinton are said to have left the Whitehouse with their pockets full of silverware and expensive furniture, among other things.

CIA: In the 50’s, Bill Clinton worked as a CIA informer. Without visible means of support, he traveled around Europe and the Soviet Union, staying at the ritziest hotel in Moscow.

DAN LASATER: A mobster friend of Bill Clinton’s mother, she met while at the track. At that time, he was breeding racehorses in Kentucky and Florida and had a box at the track next to hers. Mrs. Clinton introduced Lasater to Roger Clinton.

A later DEA report claimed that a famous Arkansas figure and backer of Clinton "smuggles cocaine from Colombia, South America, inside race horses to Hot Springs."

Later Mobster Dan Lasater buys a ski resort in New Mexico for $20 million and uses Clinton's name (with permission) to promote it.

Dan Lasater got a $30 million bond deal for state police radios even as the governor's stepbrother Roger was making a bargain with the US attorney to testify against him in a drug case.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT: Hillary Clinton allegedly hired a "psychic" and attempted to "talk" with Eleanor Roosevelt.

FAMILY: The Clintons are alleged to have fired seven white house travel office employees in order to hire cousins and friends.

GAY: Supposedly, Hillary used the presidential retreat at Camp David for playtime with her gay friends during the Clinton administration. It is alleged that her roommate in college was a lesbian. Hillary wears sensible shoes and “pant suits”. Hillary has "balls".

GENNIFER FLOWERS: In 1992, Gennifer claimed to have had a 12 year affair with Bill Clinton.

GOTTI: The New York Daily News quoted John Gotti as saying that Clinton got away with things a Mafia boss would never have gotten away with.

HELICOPTERS: A Clinton aide used the presidential helicopter to make personal trips.

HILLARY: Upon meeting him, Hillary told Sir Edmund that her mother had named her in his honour. Hillary was born in 1947 and yet, Sir Edmund made his most famous climb in 1953. Hillary Rodham Clinton's father (Hugh Rodham) owned a drapery store and his wife, Hillary's mother (Dorothy), was a homemaker.

HUANG: John Huang, a Clinton crony and former Commerce department official with top level FBI clearance - even for several months after his dismissal - pled guilty to funneling Lippo group and Chinese donations- foreign campaign contributions are illegal.

INDONESIA: Two Indonesian billionaires (Mochtar Riady and Liem Sioe Liong) went to Arkansas to engineer the takeover of the First National Bank of Mena in a town of 5,000 with few major assets beyond a Contra supply base, drug running and money-laundering operations. Riady's teen-age son was later taken on as an intern by Stephens Inc, for which he claimed that he was "sponsored" by Bill Clinton.

JONI MITCHELL: song writer whose song “Chelsea Morning” inspired the Clintons to name their daughter Chelsea. At the age of 22, Chelsea was once spotted staggering outside of a nightclub in London.

JUANITA BROADDRIC: A volunteer in Clinton's gubernatorial campaign, claims she was attacked by Clinton and her lip almost bitten off while he was raping her in the late seventies

KATHLEEN: Democrat Kathleen Willey has directly accused President Clinton of fondling her in the White House.

LARRY PATTERSON: An Arkansas State Trooper claimed Governor Clinton had oral sex with a woman in a car parked outside Chelsea Clinton's elementary school. Two Arkansas state troopers swore under oath that they have seen Clinton "under the influence" of drugs when he was governor.

MONICA LEWINSKY: nuff said.

MUSHROOMS: A White House chef, hired by Hillary, prepared a menu of wild mushrooms and organic flour arranged in pyramids for some visiting east Texas good ol' boys, during the Bush administration. Mrs. Bush, it is claimed, said she would have preferred grits.

NANNYGATE: Clinton links to business relations with illegal immigrants.

NINE HUNDRED FILES: the discovery of over 900 Republican FBI files in the White House that were apparently mistakenly ordered.

ON BEHALF OF HILLARY: Vince Foster asked Jerry Parks to collect detailed data on Bill Clinton's sexual escapades, including pictures and dates.

Jerry Parks was running American Contract Services, the business that supplied bodyguards for Clinton during his presidential campaign. Bill Clinton owed several thousand dollars to the Parks.

Parks’ wife claims that her husband had been meeting Vince Foster at a K-Mart parking lot to deliver large sums of money.

Parks was found dead in his car in Little Rock- 2 months after Foster’s suicide.

PBS: recieved donor lists to solicit directly from the Clinton-Gore 1996 campaign, a violation of federal law.

PAULA JONES: sued Bill Clinton after alleging he exposed himself to her in an Arkansas hotel room

PHONE CALLS: Al Gore made over 75 phone calls to solicit contributions from a location on federal property- an act that is illegal in America.

In the 90s, Hillary Clinton made a $44,000 profit on a $2,000 investment in a cellular phone franchise deal

QUESTIONABLE PARDONS: True to his word, Clinton issued 140 pardons as well as several commutations on his last day of office. He has been seriously criticized for these and other pardons as well as other acts of executive clemency for convitions to do with drugs, mail fraud, conspiracy, false statements, extortion, wire fraud, stolen vehicles and other illegal activities.

Edgar and Vonna Jo Gregory, owners of the carnival company United Shows International, were friends of Hillary’s younger brother who lobbyed for them, over their 1982 conviction of bank fraud.

In another case, convicted drug dealer, Tommy McIntosh, received a pardon. McIntosh’s father had once worked for Bill Clinton who had agreed to pay him $25,000, to help him market his recipe for sweet potato pie and to pardon his son.

Federal prosecutor Mary Jo White was appointed to investigate the numerous pardons. She was later replaced by James Comey. Comey found no grounds to indict Clinton.

ROGER CLINTON: Bill’s Brother, Roger Clinton, developed a four-gram a day cocaine habit.

Roger’s friend, Sharlene Wilson, testified that she witnessed Bill Clinton consuming cocaine and attending toga parties. Supposedly, in the 80s, Bill Clinton ended up in the hospital for a drug overdose.

RICHARD KELLY: Clinton's stepfather is known to be a gun-brandishing alcoholic who lost his Buick franchise through mismanagement and his own pilfering. He physically abused his family, including the young Bill

SALLY PERDUE: a former Miss Arkansas and talk show host who claimed she had an affair with then Governor Bill Clinton. She told the London Sunday Telegraph that he once came over to her house with a bag full of cocaine.

THESIS: After becoming involved in politics, Wellesley graduate Hillary Rodham orders her senior thesis sealed from public view.

UNCLE RAYMOND: Bill Clinton’s uncle Raymond is said to have manipulated to keep young Bill out of the Vietnam draft. Raymond has been linked to organized crime, illegal gambling, drug money laundering and other ventures. Raymond was thought to be a minion of an organized crime overlord.

VANITY: Apparently, Bill Clinton once held up the traffic at LA's international airport, for hours, while having his hair cut- aboard Air Force One.

VINCE FOSTER: Boyhood friend of Bill and law partner/friend of Hillary Clinton with whom many Little Rock insiders believed Hillary Clinton was having an affair.

Vince Foster committed suicide, he was found in Fort Marcy Park, a federal park in Virginia, with a gun in his hand and gunshot residue on that hand. Some conspiracy theorists claim he was killed in Hillary's apartment and moved to the park.

An autopsy determined that he was shot in the mouth and no other wounds were found on his body.

There have been 3 official investigations into his death.

Immediately after hearing of his death, witnesses have testified they saw Clinton aides clearing the supposedly sealed office

Years after they had disappeared from Vince Fosters office, subpoenaed Whitewater billing records were found on a table in the White House. It has been said that Hillary's fingerprints were on the papers.

VIRGINIA KELLY: Bill Clinton’s mother. Virginia is said to be a heavy gambler with mob ties, who hangs out at the racetrack.

WHITEWATER: alleged banking and real estate scandal of Clinton and his friends over some land in the Ozarks.

X-RATED: XXXX XXXXX, alleged prostitute and model for Penthouse magazine. She ran a powerful house of ill-repute in Fordyce with her siste. They are alleged to have blackmailed some of their more powerful clients. She is linked to Governor Bill Clinton.

She cooperated with police in an investigation of Arkansas cocaine trafficking, but was burned to death inside her home (the fire had no determined origin) and she was unable to testify.

Y: see the article by William Jefferson Clinton entitled “My Reasons for the Pardons” at http://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/18/opinion/18CLIN.html?ex=1204261200&en=a9e60c7910b4169f&ei=5070

The reader’s digest version is : “Overwhelmingly, the pardons went to people who had been convicted and served their time, so the impact of the pardon was principally to restore the person's civil rights. Many of these, including some of the more controversial, had vigorous bipartisan support.”

Zzz: At first, said to have been sleeping off the effects of marijuana, a coroner’s report concluded that two boys (Kevin Ives and Don Henry) had been killed and left on a railroad track to be run over by a train. It is believed that they had witnessed a drug drop by an airplane connected to the Mena drug smuggling routes. The Mena drug gang is said to have links to the Clintons. Several people set to testify about Mena drug smuggling have died in grizzly, unusual circumstances.

There you have it. A smattering of the slung.

Hmmmmmmmmmm...

It sure looks like every stage of her life has prepared Hillary for the presidency. Tested by rough politics and personal trials, you have to admit that Hillary has demonstrated immense strength, sturdy determination and great resolve.

The qualities of a commander-in-chief?

Forceful and consistent, it seems that you can count on Hillary to deliver a dignified response- even under the most humiliating circumstances.

ADDENDUM: June 10, 2009

This morning, I received a rather disgruntled email from a woman claiming to be the sister of the woman referred to in this blog: in the segment listed as "X-rated". Not the sister referred to in the segment.

I am not going to publish the entire contents of her comment as it contains personal contact information. In fact, she dares me to contact her, to learn the whole truth about the story.

The truth is, I don't want to know the details- I'm sure it's very sad... but I had been blogging about the nasty stuff that goes on during election campaigns and I hadn't meant to hurt anyone.

Out of respect, I have deleted all references to actual names in the segment "X-rated".

When I wrote this segment, I felt that it was self-explanatory that these were reguritated allegations... allegations made during an election campaign. I had written a series of blogs (some more tongue- in-cheek than others) about the sort of "sound bites" that were being distorted and the muck that was being tossed.

The blog entitled "Fair Play" (extremely tongue-in-cheek) was meant to about how well Mrs. Clinton handles the mud that gets slung in her direction. It was not meant to hurt anyone.

I feel it is important quote the following exerpt from my visitor's comments as I feel that they aptly convey the sentiment behind her message: "I happen to be XXXX XXXX sister and everything you have written is not true. It is a story fabricatied and duplicated by the right wingers trying to discredit Bill Clinton back in the 80's. They took every death in Arkansas and made up a story about it and linked Bill Clinton to the dead."

Point made and taken... although, I feel that we are playing on the same team and the visitor's viewpoint actually supports my suspicions.

SUBLIMINAL

Below the threshold of sensory perception or outside the range of conscious awareness.

In 1898, E.W. Scripture published “The New Psychology” which is generally accepted as first discussing the basic principles of subliminal messages. In the late 50s, a market researcher claimed that inserting a quickly flashing message into a movie had influenced patrons to purchase more food and drinks.

The book, “Subliminal Seduction”, released in the 1970s, suggested that the photographs in print ads were manipulated in order to contain hidden messages. Imbedding certain sexy images and even the word “sex” into ice cubes, seemed to be the rage.

While there isn’t much empirical support for the effectiveness of subliminal messaging, consumers spend millions each year on subliminal self-help products that claim to communicate with the unconscious mind. These include music that is said to contain messages that will assist the listener with losing weight, quitting smoking or other powerful accomplishments.

Philosophical interest in the phenomena that has come to be called “psychology” goes back to ancient civilization, however, it wasn’t until the 1500s that humanists began to embark on the internal journey toward the mind. Verging on the paranormal, spiritual and highly experimental, informal studies continued and hypothesis were formed. It was the mid 1800s before the first accepted textbook of psychology was published.

Psychology remains a contentious study. There are still many who see it as a myriad of concepts with simple, anecdotal evidence, providing little or no basis for real scientific proof. Somewhere in the 60s, the body of knowledge known as psychology found a niche and was included as a behavioural science, along with sociology and anthropology-although, it has been seen as health science, as well.

California in the 70s was a time of social upheaval. A linguistics professor at University of California at Santa Cruz teamed up with a psychology student and developed the “meta-model”- a communication model of human "thinking" and "processing" which became the basis of Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP).

NLP aims to increase behavioral choice by the manipulation of personal state, belief and internal representation. The meta-model intends to help someone develop new choice in thinking and behavior. By listening to and carefully responding to the distortions (generalizations and deletions) in sentences, the listener seeks to respond to the form of the sentence rather than the content itself.

NLP became a strategy for social influence, proposing a number of techniques such as matching and pacing nonverbal behaviour like posture, tone of voice and gestures and matching speech and body rythms. Over the past 25 years, hundreds of techniques using the NLP technology have been combined in a step-by-step processes to produce outstanding results. There are patterns for effecting lasting change with phobias and trauma, for changing long-term habits and for changing traumatic reactions into more comfortable acceptance.

One particular model, known as the “Milton model” has been identified by the NLP originators as being “artfully vague”. In this model, the communicator makes statements using patterns that are intentionally non-specific and metaphoric- in this way, they allow the listener to fill in the gaps and make their own meaning from what is being said. In their book “Introducing NLP”, Joseph O'Connor, John Seymour described it as "a way of using language to induce and maintain trance in order to contact the hidden resources of our personality".

That’s kind of creepy… and it gets kind of creepier:

Recently, while watching a Clinton/Obama debate, I was really watching Obama. He’s been touted as an orator. In fact, I have to include what Mark Adams posted at http://www.rubyan.com/politics/2008/01/obama-what-a-speech.html

Mark said: “The man is an orator without peer. He pulled off that cadence reserved for the pulpit better than anyone I've seen.”

And Annie Rhiannon at
http://annierhiannon.blogspot.com/2008/02/barack-obama-is-wonderful-orator.html said “Barack Obama is a wonderful orator. Hmm. I'd never heard the word 'orator' used in conversation before, and now everybody's saying it. See? He really can change the world.”

I don’t know. I watched that one debate (I mean, really, really watched) and I thought he had a nice voice, a clean, clear presence but said a lot of nothing. Bafflegab. & it kind of bugged me that he closed every segement of speech with something akin to “…when I am President of the United States of America”. NLP or has he seen “The Secret”?

Seems to me that the “Milton model” has three principal aspects: 1/ build and maintain rapport 2/ overload and distract the conscious mind of the listner 3/ allow for interpretation of your words to occur at an unconscious level in the listner.

60s Canadian professor and media guru, Marshall McLuhan has confused generations with his "The Medium is the Message"...

& as Shakespeare said (in Romeo and Juliet) "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

what does it all mean?

There has to be something subliminal going on.

"A new Elon University poll in North Carolina shows Sen. Barack Obama leading Sen. Hillary Clinton in the state's Democratic presidential race, 45% to 31%. In the GOP race, Sen. John McCain is way ahead of Mike Huckabee, 62% to 24%. Caveat: 'The sample is of the population in general and does not restrict respondents by their voter eligibility or their likelihood of voting in an election."

The American election process does go on. I’ve been watching the debates and reading press releases and scouring candidates web pages, with particular emphasis on their views of the “housing crisis”.

In the United States, experts are saying that the value of homes will fall, and even more families could face foreclosure. Blamed is the fact that some homeowners took out adjustable rate mortgages when interest rates were near all-time lows. Then, when the interest rates went up, some of those borrowers were no longer able to make their monthly payments.

Between 10 million and 15 million American homeowners may soon find their homes are worth less than the amount of their loans, according to a leading housing market economist. Nouriel Roubine, a professor at New York University, told the Reuters Housing Summit in New York on Tuesday that many such borrowers may decide to abandon their properties and cut their losses on bad investments.

I stumbled across a fascinating blog by Vernon L Smith called themessthatgreenspanmade.blogspot.com and I would like to quote him here:

“Thank you President Bill Clinton for your 1997 action, applauded by the banks, the realtors and all citizens in search of half-millionaire status from an investment they could understand and self deceptively believe to be low risk; thank you for fueling the mother of all housing bubbles; thank you for enabling so many of us who bought second or third homes, and homes before construction began, which we then sold to someone else who dreamed of riches from owning homes long enough to sell to another fool.”

Thank goodness we haven’t felt the same crunch here, in Canada.

Canadian recession fears are said to be receding and our housing market is still strong. "Despite some global financial instability with regards to the U.S. housing market, Canada continues to experience robust employment levels, ongoing income gains and low mortgage rates," said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist for CMHC. "This has strongly supported Canada's housing markets.

However, housing starts across the country are expected to decrease in 2008 mainly due to recent increases in house prices, which will push mortgage carrying costs higher for home buyers."

The news in this province is particularly optimistic. The Ontario economy is expected to improve slightly during 2008 and this will help sustain housing demand across the province.

I guess the next time I hear someone grumbling about the crazy hoops they have to jump through to get a mortgage, I will have to remind them that it’s because we’re Canadians, eh?

Today, I thought I'd share some of my favourite famous quotes:

There's no money in poetry, but then there's no poetry in money, either.-Robert Graves

"Be who you are and say what you like. Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Theodore Guisel

"Great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly." -Albert Einstein, March 13th, 1940

"Do or do not. There is no 'try'." - Master Yoda

“Boys, I may not know much, but I know the difference between chicken shit and chicken salad”.- Lyndon Johnson

"The truth is more important than the facts." - Frank Lloyd Wright

The trouble with words is that you never know whose mouths they've been
in.
-Dennis Potter

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.- T.S. Eliot

My dad always used to tell me that if they challenge you to an after-school fight, tell them you won't wait-you can kick their ass right now. -Cameron Diaz

Maturity is knowing that just because someone disagrees with you doesn't mean he's a horse's ass. - Harry S. Truman

Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. - Peter De Vries

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none- William Shakespeare

An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises.- Mae West

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.- Margaret Mead

No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it.- H.E. Luccock

”It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”- John Wooden

"I have three things I'd like to say to you tonight. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don't give a s--t. What's worse is that you're more upset with the fact that I said s--t than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night."- Tony Campolo

”If we did all the things we were capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”- Thomas Edison

”We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act, but a habit. ”- Aristotle

”Regardless of the changes in technology, the market for well-crafted messages will always have an audience.”- Steve Burnett

"To solve big problems you have to be willing to do unpopular things."- Lee Iacocca

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. - Sigmund Freud

One who condones evils is just as guilty as the one who perpetrates it. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Remember you are just an extra in everyone else's play. - Franklin Delano Roosevelt

'I may have not got where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.'-Douglas Adams

My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate. - Thornton Niven Wilder

Avoid popularity if you would have peace. - Abraham Lincoln

Is Chickens Birds?- My Bro, 2 1/2 years old

According to couture houses, 2008 is to be the year of rich hues and spicy accents.Ethnic influence will be everywhere, with an emphasis on jewel tone palettes from Asia and India. Elegance and Eco consciousness are important.

Saturated reds and a variety of yellows are expected to lead the fashion trends in home decorating. Jade and turquoise will pop from the neutral and natural tones favoured for the past few years. Contrast in both colour and texture is really hot.

Whether you prefer an eclectic mix of nostalgia with modern or minimalist style- in 2008 the home fashion world suggests you select variations that reflect your personality.

Furniture is solution-oriented and multi-functional. Manufacturers are excited about dining room tables with built-in shelves and ottomans that convert from coffee table tops to cushions. In upholstery, earth-tones (now referred to as “organic” and soft whites (from pearl to ivory) are heavily featured and there is an obvious return to comfortable overstuffed sofas.

The best dressed walls will feature carefully selected framed paintings. Daring decorators will select oversized art as a focal point for their rooms. Watch for metal art pieces or accessories in silver tones, such as brushed nickel.Recycled metals are in.

Design drama brought by giant sized chandeliers, big lamps, extra-large mirrors and accessories are key 2008 trends, while the major elements reflect a spa-like “zen” or feeling of peace and grounding.

2009 is expected to bolster the concept of coexisting contrast. Combinations of simple raw elements of textures like sand, crystal, bamboo and wood will provide the back-drop for bold blasts of multi-coloured, woven, complicated textures.

Next year, nature’s blues will emerge as a continuation of bringing the outdoors in. Watch for an array of finishes, from matte to wet-surface looks and continued homage to metals and cultural ethnic influences.

Comparatively, the real estate market is not as risky as other investments- & the current, unpredictable state of the stock market has brought real estate back to the forefront as one of the best investments.

Property values in this province have risen continuously since the low in 1996- & Analysts predict continued growth- regardless of the bad news emanating from the United States.

Last spring, the average price of a resale home in Canada went over the $300K level for the first time. In Ontario, it was just a smidgen below $300K.

The average investor spends a great deal of time analyzing the possible return when investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc. and yet, they spend money improving their homes, investing money in this tax-free opportunity, without a thought about the potential return on the expenditure. Losses are not tax-deductible.

While the ordinary Canadian can profit (and build substantial wealth) through real estate, the improvements we make may increase our enjoyment of our home but will not automatically increase the value of it.

Whether you are a seasonal real estate investor, or a first time buyer, it pays to do some research before you make changes and improvements to your property- and a Realtor ® can provide you with important information about your area, such as:

· the maximum sale price range for the neighbourhood
· a current comparative market assessment from MLS® statistics
· suggestions for cost-effective details that may make the property more desirable
· maintenance and modernizing strategies

Right now, multi-family investments are a hot commodity in the commercial sector. Investors need to consider the fact that financing for this type of property is quite different than the usual personal/residential mortgage process. Typically, lenders will advance only 65%of the appraised value of the property when it is for investment purposes. There are, however, other borrowing options that your Realtor®, accountant and lenders may advise you about.

& what’s the number one real estate must? All together now: “Location, location, location.” Always choose a good location. You want to make sure that the property provides amenities that will appeal to prospective tenants. Remember, you can ask higher rent for a desirable location.

Do a business plan. Calculate income and approximate expenses. Obvious expenses include principal mortgage payments, interest costs and property taxes. Heating and other utilities may be the responsibility of the tenant or the landlord.

A pre-purchase inspection will alert you to the various systems associated with the property and it is important to include their regular maintenance as part of your investment. Once rented, the tenants will often assume responsibility for much of the maintenance, while you may prefer to keep control yourself.

It is really important to ensure that you have good tenants- people who are prepared to care for the property and capable of paying their rent. If there are already tenants, you will want to have a list of their names and lease information and you should reserve the right to investigate their credit history.

Assessing the risks as well as the rewards of investing will result in a well-made decision. An investor should remain as free of hype and emotion as possible, optimizing earning potential, while allowing their personal preference to determine the type of property most suited for their consideration.

Dec 30th of 2007 would have been the 30th anniversary of my marriage to David John King. I say, “would have” because we were divorced in 1990. Still, you remember those dates.

I was 17 when we met- he was 18. We married too young. Dave was a lot of fun, he liked to party. We grew in different directions. I remarried (a couple of times), Dave never did. He had a girlfriend, a dog, and no children.

Last summer, my sister and brother-in-law ran into Dave at the home show in Toronto. He visited them briefly at their home in Whitby, to talk about eaves trough. They were thrilled to reconnect with Dave and it was nice to know that he was well and happily living in what had been his grandparent’s home, in Toronto.

Today, a crew of guys showed up, totally unexpected, at my sister’s place. They started tearing off her old eaves trough and when she went out to investigate they told her that Dave was dead. He had gotten up for work, gone to the bathroom and dropped dead of a heart attack, mid-December.

Shaken, she called me immediately.

“Weird”, she said… and kept saying. “Yes”, I replied.

& it’s very sad. He had just celebrated his 50th birthday in July.

Our father died suddenly one December, of a heart attack, at 50, too.

Too young. Way too young.

Just a few minutes later, my sister emailed me this obituary, she found it on the Toronto Star newspaper website:

KING, David John- Suddenly passed away on December 11, 2007. Leaving to mourn Deborah, Bullseye, Tim, father Ross, brothers Bill, and Michael, sister Linda and their families. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 18 at the McDougall & Brown Funeral Home located at 1812 Eglinton Ave. W. from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service on Wednesday, December 19 at 2 p.m. Donations will be accepted to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Toronto Humane Society.

Founded in 1953 by an Anglican priest, the iconic, non-religious telephone counselling service known as “Samaritans” has since spread worldwide. With plenty of experience, the organization has identified this as the most depressing time of year.

Of course, Mondays have always had the distinction of being the most unloved day of the week. It is a day when most workers must face the prospects of another week of waking up to the alarm clock, fighting traffic, meeting deadlines, juggling personal life with the demands of their employer… all that fun stuff… and so on.

Today, as many of us complain about bad weather, holiday let-down, incoming holiday bills and failed resolutions, it seems that, in Britain, Samaritans look forward to close to 10,000 calls from the seriously depressed. Referring to this auspicious day, the third Monday in January, as “Blue Monday”.

I remember my grandmother using the term Blue Monday but it had to do with Monday being the traditional laundry day. I would help her pass shirts through the wringer and she would regail me with stories of how fortunate we were that we didn’t have to use washing boards and pots of boiling water any more.

Dr. Cliff Arnall, (according to reader Steve Anderson Arnall is a self-described doctor, clinical psychologist, motivator and lecturer from Cardiff University, Wales) has verfied the Samaritans’ findings, by way of a mathematical equation that uses six identifiable factors: weather, debt, time since Christmas, time since failing our New Year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take action.

Yes, Dr Arnall’s (assuming he is a doctor) calculation reveals: Monday, January 21, 2008 is officially the worst day of the year.

Co-founder, Dr Mike Finnigan, of Advanced Performance (1996, with a mission “…to be the first choice provider in the UK and US of Corporate and Personal Development") warns that, “If you think about January 21 as ‘Blue Monday’ then the part of the brain known as the reticular deactivating system will immediately begin to focus on things that arise during the day.”

Sounds very scientific and therefore, a little scary!

Now, I’m no Einstein, but I do know that the reticular deactivating system (and the activating system, too) are connected to an individual’s memory and emotion brought about by chemical exchanges in the brain and brainstem. (Sort of a reciprocal-interaction of chemical and electrical processes.) There have been a lot of studies concerning the role of the reticular activating system in relation to the perception of external stimuli.

Combined with the diffuse thalamic projection system, the reticular formation plays a significant role in our wakefulness and our sleep. Current studies cite reticular deactivation as the physiological component of sleep. Reducing the amount of light or noise in a room is a simple example of passive reticular deactivating.

Messing with reticular systems, by way of anesthetic, for instance, does not prevent the transmission of sensory messages via the usual pathways. However, an anesthetized patient will not respond to the message in a discriminative manner- this may infer that the reticular system may be particularly important to integrate and expand upon information received, allowing us ‘perception’.

Undoubtedly, the reticular formation is implicated in orienting us and responding to stimuli. It is an important component for perception and the awakening attention and reaction to the external environment.

So, essentially, Dr. Arnall has contrived a method of calculating a cause for being blue AND Dr. Finnigan is saying that if you stop and think about being blue, you will start to feel blue….

Okay, so put away your mathematical equations and your neurological charts…it really isn’t all that scary.

In northern climates, awareness of “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or SAD began some 150 years ago. It is believed that SAD is caused by variations in seasonal light. People who work “night shifts” or in windowless offices are often affected by the disorder, blamed primarily on lack of sunlight. Treatments for SAD include, talking about it, improved nutrition and exercise. In severe cases, light therapy or medication may be suggested.

Here are my own suggestions:

Be your best version of yourself.

1/ don’t spend time thinking about depressing things
2/ go outside for a walk and look for something to smile about
3/ laugh out loud
4/ eat an apple
5/ call a friend
6/ do something nice for your self
7/ do something nice for somebody else
8/ grab every bit of sunshine that you can (sit by a window if you can’t go out)