Book Review: A Mile in My Flip Flops by Melody Carlson.
http://melodycarlson.com/index.shtml
I don't know how this book ended up in my stack of to read. I had finished the Hunger Games Trilogy and need something to read. I wanted something light and the premise seemed fun. A thirtyish women decided to buy a fixer upper and then flip it.
I have never read Melody Carlson and didn't know she was a 'chiristan' writer. I don't mine most christian books usually. I would of enjoyed this book much more if the product placement wasn't so over the top. I am not a big brand person, I wouldn't know a Jimmy Cho to a Payless shoe. I do like quality but prefer quite quality over screaming brand name. Anyway back to the book
Does the publishing industry get paid for product placement like the movie and TV industry? This books name dropping was so over the top that I found it almost laughable. It came to the point were I was counting how many brand names would be mentioned on a single page. The most I counted was 8!
Sentence's like I needed to get more supplies but had maxed out my 'Lowes' credit card so I had to go to 'Homedepot'. Good think I was wearing my 'Target' sandals and not the 'L L Bean' ones as I dropped paint on myself. These are examples not actual sentence from the book
Would I recommend this book to others, if you want something easy and don't mind the product placement then sure. Would I seek out a Melody Carson book to read in the future probably not.
I am interested 'Benchers' is this style of writing (name dropping, product naming) normal in books now? Should I expect more of this?
I am 1/3 the way through David Cassidy's bio now.
Carolin
Showing posts with label Pop Culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pop Culture. Show all posts
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Sunday, May 29, 2011
A STORM is Brewing
What a week of Storms. My heart goes out to all the people in the States who have lost everything to the many Tornadoes this past week. Here in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) we have had our own, "Storm," that has caused its own devastation.
I understand the story of baby Storm has gone viral and is news all over the world. Wow, if I was this babies parents I don't know just what I would do. But I do know that how they have handled the media on slot so far is admiral. They have not exploited their children or had family makeovers, no instant TV stars, no commercial endorsements.
If you are not familiar with the story read the link:http://www.parentcentral.ca/parent/newsfeatures/article/995846--star-readers-rage-about-couple-raising-genderless-infant
I first read the story last weekend and the husband and I had a brief discussion about it. I was intrigued by the concept of not labeling our kids the second they are born (or in many cases even before they are born). This idea of letting the child just be a child and encouraging our kids to follow their own interests.
I have two girls (yes, labeled before they were born) but I am OK with it. But I was and still am a fan of Barbara Coloroso's philosophy of child rearing, Kid's Are Worth It. The husband and I followed a lot of her ideas while raising our kids. "Its not life threatening, Its not morally threatening and it will grow out, wash out, fall out (put what ever you need here) are the words we have lived by for many circumstances. Like a few months ago when the little one wanted two black low lights (streaks) in the front part of her hair. Her hairdresser, Sam, was all for it, but let me tell you the older women in the salon were not happy. "If I let her streak her hair now what will she do when she is 15". Same at school, the vice principal was not impressed but as no dress code had been broken (yes, there is one for hair. Only natural colours are permitted) there was nothing she could do about it. Yes, she had plenty to say about it, What Ever! I would constantly repeat to myself and out loud "Its not life threatening, Its not morally threatening and it will grow out".
But I digress back to Storm. I have thought about this all week and I think the main reason a lot of people have gotten so outraged over this story is not because Storm's older brother has long hair (isn't that the latest fashion statement in the celebrity world of kids). It's not cause Storm's brother likes the colour pink. The child is 5 and unless he has been told by adults not to like it why wouldn't he. The only reason I can see for the anger is because Storm's family knows something and you don't! It's like being back in high school and hating the 'in crowd' just cause you're not in the 'in crowd'. Grow up all of you! What is between Storm's legs really is none of our business. There is no reason for you to know what sex Storm is and why do you have to know?
Todays Toronto Star has a open letter written by the Mother of Storm:http://www.thestar.com/news/article/998960--genderless-baby-s-mother-responds-to-media-frenzy. I commend you Ms. Witterick for trying to set the record straight. And hats off to you and your husband for loving and respecting your children enough to let them make decisions for themselves that are appropriate for their age. When our older daughter was young she would dress herself in layers as she wanted to be prepared for any type of weather. That meant at times she looked like the Michelin Man and at times could not sit because she had on shorts, leggings, track pants, jeans and skirts, all at the same time. But that was her and she eventually learned that having a look outside can be a good indicator on how to dress! Our younger daughter (the artist) loved to wear two different shoes, just because she liked them both. Her most memorable fashion statement was when I cut a leg off of her favourite jeans as the knee was worn through. I told her she could wear them as shorts but she refused so after only cutting the one pant leg off she insisted on having her pants back, (and wore them until she outgrew them) with one long pant leg and one short pant leg. Yes, we got many a second look and yes I would of preferred her not to wear the pants. But what would I be teaching her, "don't think for yourself, don't' express yourself, your ideas are wrong". She will get enough of that line of teaching from well meaning others. It is more important that she know that her parents accept and love her for who she is regardless.
Ms. Witterick let me share some of my experience with you. Raising kids is hard. A lot of the child rearing philosophy we share is great when they are little but it gets very tricky when other people start to have a big influence on your kids. School is a big one (I understand you are homeschooling now but you may not in the future for many different reasons) so be prepared for other adults not to think the same as you. They are not wrong, nor bad but they just have a different way of doing things and for your kids that can be confusing. Letting your kids pick their clothes out and then they go to a school that says girls can only wear pants on Tuesday and Thursdays can be very confusing for them. I remember many a discussion with the older one's teachers because she didn't want to wear her gloves in the winter. She had them in her back pack if she needed them and she had been raised with the thought if your hands get cold you know what to do to make them warm. But teachers would insist she wear them or they wouldn't let her outside. This would drive me crazy but it was a hopeless battle. Why did she not want to wear her gloves: because while having gloves on she could not pick up the pretty stones from the play ground that she wanted to show me at the end of her day.
Ms. Witterick I commend you and your husband for raising your three kids. You have your work cut out for you and kudos to you for standing firm on your convictions. I am sure your three children will grow up in a loving supportive home and hopefully will be strong enough in themselves to reject the negative influence from the outside world. Know you are not alone in your child rearing.
To all the 'in crowd" wannabe's, Storm is not "Genderless". Storm has a gender it's just not any of your business what that gender is!
I understand the story of baby Storm has gone viral and is news all over the world. Wow, if I was this babies parents I don't know just what I would do. But I do know that how they have handled the media on slot so far is admiral. They have not exploited their children or had family makeovers, no instant TV stars, no commercial endorsements.
If you are not familiar with the story read the link:http://www.parentcentral.ca/parent/newsfeatures/article/995846--star-readers-rage-about-couple-raising-genderless-infant
I first read the story last weekend and the husband and I had a brief discussion about it. I was intrigued by the concept of not labeling our kids the second they are born (or in many cases even before they are born). This idea of letting the child just be a child and encouraging our kids to follow their own interests.
I have two girls (yes, labeled before they were born) but I am OK with it. But I was and still am a fan of Barbara Coloroso's philosophy of child rearing, Kid's Are Worth It. The husband and I followed a lot of her ideas while raising our kids. "Its not life threatening, Its not morally threatening and it will grow out, wash out, fall out (put what ever you need here) are the words we have lived by for many circumstances. Like a few months ago when the little one wanted two black low lights (streaks) in the front part of her hair. Her hairdresser, Sam, was all for it, but let me tell you the older women in the salon were not happy. "If I let her streak her hair now what will she do when she is 15". Same at school, the vice principal was not impressed but as no dress code had been broken (yes, there is one for hair. Only natural colours are permitted) there was nothing she could do about it. Yes, she had plenty to say about it, What Ever! I would constantly repeat to myself and out loud "Its not life threatening, Its not morally threatening and it will grow out".
But I digress back to Storm. I have thought about this all week and I think the main reason a lot of people have gotten so outraged over this story is not because Storm's older brother has long hair (isn't that the latest fashion statement in the celebrity world of kids). It's not cause Storm's brother likes the colour pink. The child is 5 and unless he has been told by adults not to like it why wouldn't he. The only reason I can see for the anger is because Storm's family knows something and you don't! It's like being back in high school and hating the 'in crowd' just cause you're not in the 'in crowd'. Grow up all of you! What is between Storm's legs really is none of our business. There is no reason for you to know what sex Storm is and why do you have to know?
Todays Toronto Star has a open letter written by the Mother of Storm:http://www.thestar.com/news/article/998960--genderless-baby-s-mother-responds-to-media-frenzy. I commend you Ms. Witterick for trying to set the record straight. And hats off to you and your husband for loving and respecting your children enough to let them make decisions for themselves that are appropriate for their age. When our older daughter was young she would dress herself in layers as she wanted to be prepared for any type of weather. That meant at times she looked like the Michelin Man and at times could not sit because she had on shorts, leggings, track pants, jeans and skirts, all at the same time. But that was her and she eventually learned that having a look outside can be a good indicator on how to dress! Our younger daughter (the artist) loved to wear two different shoes, just because she liked them both. Her most memorable fashion statement was when I cut a leg off of her favourite jeans as the knee was worn through. I told her she could wear them as shorts but she refused so after only cutting the one pant leg off she insisted on having her pants back, (and wore them until she outgrew them) with one long pant leg and one short pant leg. Yes, we got many a second look and yes I would of preferred her not to wear the pants. But what would I be teaching her, "don't think for yourself, don't' express yourself, your ideas are wrong". She will get enough of that line of teaching from well meaning others. It is more important that she know that her parents accept and love her for who she is regardless.
Ms. Witterick let me share some of my experience with you. Raising kids is hard. A lot of the child rearing philosophy we share is great when they are little but it gets very tricky when other people start to have a big influence on your kids. School is a big one (I understand you are homeschooling now but you may not in the future for many different reasons) so be prepared for other adults not to think the same as you. They are not wrong, nor bad but they just have a different way of doing things and for your kids that can be confusing. Letting your kids pick their clothes out and then they go to a school that says girls can only wear pants on Tuesday and Thursdays can be very confusing for them. I remember many a discussion with the older one's teachers because she didn't want to wear her gloves in the winter. She had them in her back pack if she needed them and she had been raised with the thought if your hands get cold you know what to do to make them warm. But teachers would insist she wear them or they wouldn't let her outside. This would drive me crazy but it was a hopeless battle. Why did she not want to wear her gloves: because while having gloves on she could not pick up the pretty stones from the play ground that she wanted to show me at the end of her day.
Ms. Witterick I commend you and your husband for raising your three kids. You have your work cut out for you and kudos to you for standing firm on your convictions. I am sure your three children will grow up in a loving supportive home and hopefully will be strong enough in themselves to reject the negative influence from the outside world. Know you are not alone in your child rearing.
To all the 'in crowd" wannabe's, Storm is not "Genderless". Storm has a gender it's just not any of your business what that gender is!
Monday, May 23, 2011
House on the Hill
I have been following the story in the Toronto Star this past week about the future of Casa Loma http://www.thestar.com/opinion/article/995018--casa-loma-saving-toronto-s-fabulous-follyhttp:// with mixed feelings. I love history and most important I love the history of Toronto. I have belong in the past to the Toronto Heritage Society and enjoyed with all my extended family the free walking tours they have. Who doesn't find it fascinating to hear the stories of the family who once lived in mansion along Jarvis st. Or the oldest bar still serving in Corktown. How about the beauty of the Annex and if you can look past the frat houses you can still see it. Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown, Kensington Market, The St. Lawrence Market, and don't forget Cabbagtown. Toronto has such a rich heritage and what is great fun for me is to show this fabulous city off to people who haven't seen it before. The husband says I would be such a great tour guide because I love the stories behind the building. I have had fun these past few years as I have been the unofficial tour guide to KD, Albatross and there girls Mac and Cheese. We have been to Center Island, browsed through the Blue Banana in Kensington Market, ate giant chocolate covered strawberries at the St. Lawrence Market. Dreamed what it would be like to live in Casa Loma. We even went as far as looking on line for the house prices in the area. Lets say if we sold our homes, pooled our money we might come up with a nice down payment for a two bedroom townhouse. Needless to say we aren't moving to a castle neighbourhood anytime soon.
Reading this past week about the uncertian future of Casa Loma http://www.casaloma.org/Visitor/has left me feeling sad. I understand the cost of maintaing such a huge piece of history. When Sr Henry Pellatt built the house for his wife, he wasn't thinking 50 - 100 years from now and how the stone would hold up to Canadian climate. As much as I think the man was not the wisest and a tad show offish for my taste, the Castle on the hill is one of the most unique attractions Toronto has. Tourist come to Toronto and marvel at the downtown core, the CN Tower, Our skyline which for the past few years has been a skyline of construction cranes. As condo's are being built everywhere. But if you just go a little further north on Spadina you come to this massive hill and low and behold a castle. Who would of expected it, there are comfortable old family homes surrounding it, Little Italy is just a few blocks away. It is really is breathtaking
What to do the article says tourism is down 5% a year and the cost of upkeep it to much. What can be done to spend taxpayer money wisely. Well I don't know for sure but what I do know is as a working family going to Casa Loma is something we do every few years because not much changes. Yes I get it is history and all but still it is very expensive to get in to the castle and out of the 98 rooms it doesn't feel like more then 1/3 are open to viewing. The gardens are beautiful but again only for a the summer months are they open.
What can you do to increase tourism you ask? LOWER the PRICE of admittance and why are you charging $3.00 per hour to park? Again you are just ripping off your guests. Somebody suggested using the castle as a museum of Toronto, great idea you lots of empty rooms. Open the castle up to more events, yes I know you do Wedding, and Birthdays (been to a few there and they are wonderful) but lets have some more events for the public. How about a fancy High Tea for families, Costume parties, Mystery dinner nights. Why not have actors walk work around the castle as if we are back in the time of the Pellats living there. Have them in period clothing and they are doing, discussing what ever would of been going on, on that particular day in history.
I have had a look on your website and see lots of cool things but how come I have to go to the website why are they not advertised everywhere. Lets take advantage of all aspects of media, print, radio, television, social networks.
The little one and I were at a museum house in Belleville this past summer and what they did for the kids is had a scavenger hunt sorta of. She was given a paper with clues and she had to find the different items in the house as we went along the tour. It kept her entertained and she learned about the house and asked to go to more museums. Change things up a bit, borrow items from other historical homes to show what it was like. How about some kind of reward/game for the returning visitors. And as a food person why is there know kitchen for us to see?
I don't maybe all these things have been done before but all I do know is the reason local tourist don't come back every year is because nothing changes. Lets get some fresh blood running the Castle and think outside of the box. And really the big issue for most families is the price city run tourist sites.
I might be just blowing hot air but it seems such a shame if Toronto loses Casa Loma to some developer. And then when we can look up to the hill and no longer see a unexpected castle but instead the expected construction Crane for another condo.
Reading this past week about the uncertian future of Casa Loma http://www.casaloma.org/Visitor/has left me feeling sad. I understand the cost of maintaing such a huge piece of history. When Sr Henry Pellatt built the house for his wife, he wasn't thinking 50 - 100 years from now and how the stone would hold up to Canadian climate. As much as I think the man was not the wisest and a tad show offish for my taste, the Castle on the hill is one of the most unique attractions Toronto has. Tourist come to Toronto and marvel at the downtown core, the CN Tower, Our skyline which for the past few years has been a skyline of construction cranes. As condo's are being built everywhere. But if you just go a little further north on Spadina you come to this massive hill and low and behold a castle. Who would of expected it, there are comfortable old family homes surrounding it, Little Italy is just a few blocks away. It is really is breathtaking
What to do the article says tourism is down 5% a year and the cost of upkeep it to much. What can be done to spend taxpayer money wisely. Well I don't know for sure but what I do know is as a working family going to Casa Loma is something we do every few years because not much changes. Yes I get it is history and all but still it is very expensive to get in to the castle and out of the 98 rooms it doesn't feel like more then 1/3 are open to viewing. The gardens are beautiful but again only for a the summer months are they open.
What can you do to increase tourism you ask? LOWER the PRICE of admittance and why are you charging $3.00 per hour to park? Again you are just ripping off your guests. Somebody suggested using the castle as a museum of Toronto, great idea you lots of empty rooms. Open the castle up to more events, yes I know you do Wedding, and Birthdays (been to a few there and they are wonderful) but lets have some more events for the public. How about a fancy High Tea for families, Costume parties, Mystery dinner nights. Why not have actors walk work around the castle as if we are back in the time of the Pellats living there. Have them in period clothing and they are doing, discussing what ever would of been going on, on that particular day in history.
I have had a look on your website and see lots of cool things but how come I have to go to the website why are they not advertised everywhere. Lets take advantage of all aspects of media, print, radio, television, social networks.
The little one and I were at a museum house in Belleville this past summer and what they did for the kids is had a scavenger hunt sorta of. She was given a paper with clues and she had to find the different items in the house as we went along the tour. It kept her entertained and she learned about the house and asked to go to more museums. Change things up a bit, borrow items from other historical homes to show what it was like. How about some kind of reward/game for the returning visitors. And as a food person why is there know kitchen for us to see?
I don't maybe all these things have been done before but all I do know is the reason local tourist don't come back every year is because nothing changes. Lets get some fresh blood running the Castle and think outside of the box. And really the big issue for most families is the price city run tourist sites.
I might be just blowing hot air but it seems such a shame if Toronto loses Casa Loma to some developer. And then when we can look up to the hill and no longer see a unexpected castle but instead the expected construction Crane for another condo.
Maybe its just me, perhaps competing with sports events, Wonderland and mega shopping malls (that have some how become tourist sites ???) is just more bang for the buck. Our stories no longer hold $ value to our ever changing population. What I do know is a couple years ago KD and I took a grade nine class to Toronto for the day. On any given day one of the kids from that trip will talk about our trip downtown and how much fun it was. So maybe there is some hope that our past will be preserved by our future.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Dancing With The Stars (she has finally been eliminated)
It was movie week on DWTS and most of the dances were really good. The exception was Kate Gosselin. Unfortunately I just don't think that dancing is her thing.
Jake the bachelor opened his act with the scene from Risky Business, it was a little bit weird but he is up for anything.
Pamela Anderson danced to Dolly Parton's 9 to 5. It was fun and there was a dance step that started on the floor and very fluidly moved to a table top and back down to the floor. It was very impressive and there was nothing sleazy about it. Len of coarse did not like her routine but the other judges did.
I don't know what is going on between Chad and Chery but something happened this week that has appeared to make Cheryl very nervous and upset but she wasn't talking.
My favourite of the night was Nicole from the Pussy Cat Dolls. She was amazing.
The bottom two included Kate and Pamela (why Pamela?).
Eliminated last night was Kate.
Keep Dancing
Jake the bachelor opened his act with the scene from Risky Business, it was a little bit weird but he is up for anything.
Pamela Anderson danced to Dolly Parton's 9 to 5. It was fun and there was a dance step that started on the floor and very fluidly moved to a table top and back down to the floor. It was very impressive and there was nothing sleazy about it. Len of coarse did not like her routine but the other judges did.
I don't know what is going on between Chad and Chery but something happened this week that has appeared to make Cheryl very nervous and upset but she wasn't talking.
My favourite of the night was Nicole from the Pussy Cat Dolls. She was amazing.
The bottom two included Kate and Pamela (why Pamela?).
Eliminated last night was Kate.
Keep Dancing
Thursday, April 8, 2010
American Idol (judges use their save)
Tuesday night on American Idol there were some great performances. It was all about the Beatles legends, John Lennon and Paul Mc Cartney.
Crystal, Casey and Lee were all really good.
On Wednesday night the bottom three consisted of Andrew, Aaron and Big Mike.
Big Mike was eliminated. I was not very surprised but it was sad to see his wife so emotional.
Well, the judges have the ability to save one person for the season and surprisingly, they decided unanimously to save Big Mike. That was a big surprise as I don't feel that Big Mike will win the competition. Oh well, never a dull moment.
Then Rhianna performed her song, "I'm a rock star," and it was a little too bizarre for my taste. It seemed as though she was performing at her own concert rather than on the American Idol stage. Her new style of music is not really my thing I guess.
Click here to view Casey's performance of, "Jealous Guy."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR-p2LuKNTQ&feature=popular
Click below to view Crystal's amazing peformance of, "Come Together."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi4CbpeT6Zc
click below to view Lee's performance of, "Hey Jude."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGMEwjixBKo&feature=related
Enjoy!
Crystal, Casey and Lee were all really good.
On Wednesday night the bottom three consisted of Andrew, Aaron and Big Mike.
Big Mike was eliminated. I was not very surprised but it was sad to see his wife so emotional.
Well, the judges have the ability to save one person for the season and surprisingly, they decided unanimously to save Big Mike. That was a big surprise as I don't feel that Big Mike will win the competition. Oh well, never a dull moment.
Then Rhianna performed her song, "I'm a rock star," and it was a little too bizarre for my taste. It seemed as though she was performing at her own concert rather than on the American Idol stage. Her new style of music is not really my thing I guess.
Click here to view Casey's performance of, "Jealous Guy."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR-p2LuKNTQ&feature=popular
Click below to view Crystal's amazing peformance of, "Come Together."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi4CbpeT6Zc
click below to view Lee's performance of, "Hey Jude."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGMEwjixBKo&feature=related
Enjoy!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Dancing with the stars (season #10) week 2
I am watching the show as I type.
Nicole (Pussy Cat Doll) wow she is amazing! She got two 10.s and one 8.
Pamela Anderson has a Marylin Monroe vibe tonight and I look forward to seeing her dance. Wow, she danced and it was to, "I wanna be kissed by you." It was really good.
Kate Gosselin and her partner are having trouble and he seems to have walked out on her. They have gone to commercial. They are back and oh no they are dancing. I don't understand how she can be so bad. It is actually painful to watch and I feel really bad for her. The positive thing is that she is still trying and she can only get better.
I actually think that Buzz is slightly better then Kate at the moment.
Well elimination night is coming and we (the girls and I) all feel that Kate will be the one eliminated.
We will just have to wait and see.
Nicole (Pussy Cat Doll) wow she is amazing! She got two 10.s and one 8.
Pamela Anderson has a Marylin Monroe vibe tonight and I look forward to seeing her dance. Wow, she danced and it was to, "I wanna be kissed by you." It was really good.
Kate Gosselin and her partner are having trouble and he seems to have walked out on her. They have gone to commercial. They are back and oh no they are dancing. I don't understand how she can be so bad. It is actually painful to watch and I feel really bad for her. The positive thing is that she is still trying and she can only get better.
I actually think that Buzz is slightly better then Kate at the moment.
Well elimination night is coming and we (the girls and I) all feel that Kate will be the one eliminated.
We will just have to wait and see.
The Celebrity Apprentice
Well last night there was another episode of TCA and they had to come up with an editorial about identity theft and how to protect yourself.
The men's team (rock solid) used Curtis Stone as their ambassador and the women (Tenacity) used Sharron Osborne as their ambassador. The women's team produced a better product and won the task.
The board room elimination was different as Darryl Strawberry (MLB baseball player) asked to be fired. We are not sure if he is home sick or something and all of his team mates were trying to talk him out of it. In the end after much talk Strawberry was fired.
It was a bit of a boring show and I don't know if I will be watching the show for the entire season.
The men's team (rock solid) used Curtis Stone as their ambassador and the women (Tenacity) used Sharron Osborne as their ambassador. The women's team produced a better product and won the task.
The board room elimination was different as Darryl Strawberry (MLB baseball player) asked to be fired. We are not sure if he is home sick or something and all of his team mates were trying to talk him out of it. In the end after much talk Strawberry was fired.
It was a bit of a boring show and I don't know if I will be watching the show for the entire season.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Celebrity Apprentice
I am finding the show a little boring so far this season. I forgot how mean Donald Trump is.
I love Cyndi Lauper she is such a colourful character. Eliminated this week was the Sin Bad the comedian. Now who is going to make us laugh?
Curtis is one of my favourites. I use to watch him on Take Home Chef. I would love to run into him at the grocery store. My same 10 or so meals are so boring that even I am tired of them.
The most exciting part of the show so far is seeing all of the sights in New York as we were just there last week. Its cool when they film in spots that you were just standing in.
I love Cyndi Lauper she is such a colourful character. Eliminated this week was the Sin Bad the comedian. Now who is going to make us laugh?
Curtis is one of my favourites. I use to watch him on Take Home Chef. I would love to run into him at the grocery store. My same 10 or so meals are so boring that even I am tired of them.
The most exciting part of the show so far is seeing all of the sights in New York as we were just there last week. Its cool when they film in spots that you were just standing in.
Dancing with the stars (Season #10)
What a premiere! The stars are so diverse and there is something for everyone. Jake the bachelor is back and watching over him is his beloved Vienna and Gia (didn't he already choose between the two of them)?
80 year old Buzz Aldrin, what a career and he is still young at heart. I don't know about his dancing though.
Pamela Anderson, that woman oozes sex appeal from every pore in her body.
Kate Gosselin, I didn't even recognize her. She should be the first one eliminated. Aren't there eight little people who require her undivided attention?
Nicole from the Pussy Cat Dolls, wow she was amazing!
Jessie James , I guess Donald Trump was right about him after all. (Oh, sorry wrong show).
There are many more stars involved but we will talk about them some other time. It should be a fun season.
80 year old Buzz Aldrin, what a career and he is still young at heart. I don't know about his dancing though.
Pamela Anderson, that woman oozes sex appeal from every pore in her body.
Kate Gosselin, I didn't even recognize her. She should be the first one eliminated. Aren't there eight little people who require her undivided attention?
Nicole from the Pussy Cat Dolls, wow she was amazing!
Jessie James , I guess Donald Trump was right about him after all. (Oh, sorry wrong show).
There are many more stars involved but we will talk about them some other time. It should be a fun season.
American Idol
Well everyone American Idol has finally reached its top 10. My favourite of all is Crystal. I love her look and her unique sound. I think that she is in a league of her own. They could end the show right now if they want to because guess what Crystal will be the winner.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Bachelor (flying on the winds of love) Finale
Well I don't have all that much to say except that Jake has made his choice and the final choice is
a big drum roll please
Jake and Vienna Forever
I wish them all the happiness in the world. The proposal was very heart felt and they both really seem to love each other.
a big drum roll please
Jake and Vienna Forever
I wish them all the happiness in the world. The proposal was very heart felt and they both really seem to love each other.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Bachelor (St. Lucia)
Monday night on the Bachelor, Jake and the three remaining girls spent time in St. Lucia.
The first date was with Gia. Jake and Gia seem to really connect and Jake seems to be dazzled by Gia's beauty. He commented on how he really needed to see if he was falling in love with Gia's heart and not just her good looks. At the end of the evening they spent time together in the couples suite. We saw them with their bathing suites in the jacuzzi tub together and then that was it.
The next date was with Jake and Tenley. they went on a plane and toured the island. Then they had a romantic dinner and Tenley told Jake that she was falling in love with him. At the end of the evening Tenley also agreed to spend time in the couples suite.
Lastly was Vienna. Jake and Vienna spent the day together on the same boat that was used in the film, "The Pirates of the Caribbean." They were very playful together. Jake commented on how Vienna was a little immature but it was a quality that he also sees in himself at times. They had a romantic dinner and at this dinner he asked Vienna what kind of engagement ring she prefers (WHAT????) Vienna also told Jake that she was falling in love with him. Jake made it clear to Vienna that he was very interested in her but that there were also two other woman there that he was also falling for.
Before the rose ceremony there was some of the usual drama. Ali called Jake and said that she was miserable and that she had make a mistake and wanted to come back to the show. (NO JAKE, PLEASE DON'T TAKE HER BACK). Well, Jake told her that he had moved on with the other three women and that he could not see who he would send home to be able to bring Ali back (WAY TO GO JAKE, THAT WAS AN EXCELLENT MOVE!). So Ali appeared to be very disappointed and Jake seemed to be stressed out once again.
Finally, it was time for the rose ceremony. Jake never ceases to surprise us all. He gave the first rose to Tenley (she is still my favourite and I think that he should marry her). So now Gia and Vienna are left standing. We all know who Jake is going to pick and we are all happy about it. He is going to give the next rose to Gia of course. Well, to everyone's surprise Jake gives the last rose to Vienna and sends poor Gia home. (WHAT IS HE DOING?). Gia is devastated and at this point we are all throwing things at our tv sets in disbelief. Gia is devastated and none of us can make any sense out of his decision.
Good luck Jake and a word of caution, if you end up with Vienna then you will be the nice guy who finishes last once again.
JAKE YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE TENLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The first date was with Gia. Jake and Gia seem to really connect and Jake seems to be dazzled by Gia's beauty. He commented on how he really needed to see if he was falling in love with Gia's heart and not just her good looks. At the end of the evening they spent time together in the couples suite. We saw them with their bathing suites in the jacuzzi tub together and then that was it.
The next date was with Jake and Tenley. they went on a plane and toured the island. Then they had a romantic dinner and Tenley told Jake that she was falling in love with him. At the end of the evening Tenley also agreed to spend time in the couples suite.
Lastly was Vienna. Jake and Vienna spent the day together on the same boat that was used in the film, "The Pirates of the Caribbean." They were very playful together. Jake commented on how Vienna was a little immature but it was a quality that he also sees in himself at times. They had a romantic dinner and at this dinner he asked Vienna what kind of engagement ring she prefers (WHAT????) Vienna also told Jake that she was falling in love with him. Jake made it clear to Vienna that he was very interested in her but that there were also two other woman there that he was also falling for.
Before the rose ceremony there was some of the usual drama. Ali called Jake and said that she was miserable and that she had make a mistake and wanted to come back to the show. (NO JAKE, PLEASE DON'T TAKE HER BACK). Well, Jake told her that he had moved on with the other three women and that he could not see who he would send home to be able to bring Ali back (WAY TO GO JAKE, THAT WAS AN EXCELLENT MOVE!). So Ali appeared to be very disappointed and Jake seemed to be stressed out once again.
Finally, it was time for the rose ceremony. Jake never ceases to surprise us all. He gave the first rose to Tenley (she is still my favourite and I think that he should marry her). So now Gia and Vienna are left standing. We all know who Jake is going to pick and we are all happy about it. He is going to give the next rose to Gia of course. Well, to everyone's surprise Jake gives the last rose to Vienna and sends poor Gia home. (WHAT IS HE DOING?). Gia is devastated and at this point we are all throwing things at our tv sets in disbelief. Gia is devastated and none of us can make any sense out of his decision.
Good luck Jake and a word of caution, if you end up with Vienna then you will be the nice guy who finishes last once again.
JAKE YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE TENLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Bachelor (flyine on the wings of love) home town dates
Last night on the Bachelor, Jake went to visit the home towns and families of the four remaining girls.
Gia was first. Gia (who I do like) was first and she lives in New York. I found it a little bit strange that they met her family in a restaurant instead of their home. Jake met Gia's mom, step dad, step brother and half brother. They all seemed to like Jake and were concerned that Gia would once again get hurt as she has been so many times in the past. Jake seemed to really like Gia's mom.
Next was Ali (she is my least favourite pick for Jake, yes even more so then Vienna). They visited Ali's late grandma's house (it was very touching). Then they went to her parents house and visited with her mom and sister and brother. It seemed like a good date and Jake seemed to be very impressed by the end of the night. He talked about how he is exactly where he wants to be with Ali at this point in their relationship.
Next was Tenley (my favourite pick for Jake). There is something about Tenley and Jake that makes me feel as though they just fit together. Tenley took Jake to her old dance studio and danced for him a piece that she has choreographed just for him. It was really sweet and Jake seemed to be very touched by the gesture. I think that Tenley is the one for Jake (she just needs to stop talking about her ex husband). Jake met Tenley's mom and Dad and sister. He had an opportunity to speak privately with both her mom and dad and both conversations were very moving. They really love and admire their daughter so much. They were honest in letting him know that she is still healing from her broken marriage but that she is ready to move on. They of all of the families felt to me as though they were not trying to make a sales pitch for how incredible their daughter was. They know that she is wonderful and if it is meant to be for both of them then they will be happy for Tenley and if not then they will still be happy and supportive for Tenley (and I really think that they would wish Jake all of the best).
Well lastly was Vienna. I now know why she is so strange. The apple does not fall fall from the tree. Her family seems nice but her dad (although he does love his daughter very much), well there is just something very odd about him. I felt that his interaction with Vienna was weird. Vienna wears a ring on her finger that her dad gave her that she will one day replace with a wedding ring once she gets married. I thought that it was a little strange but it was more then that, it was a feeling that I got when watching them together.
After all was said and done, Jake was getting ready for the rose ceremony ((I was so sure that Vienna was going to be sent home) when the drama began. Ali asked to speak to him. She was crying and upset. Poor Jake didn't know what was going on. Well Ali said that her work told her that she needed to go back immediately or she would loose her job. She was crying because she didn't know what to do. She expressed that she was being asked to choose between the two biggest loves of her life (well that should have given Jake a clue right there). Well Jake told her that he wanted her to stay and that he wished that she would take a chance on him but that he could not guarantee that he would put a ring on her finger in three weeks time. He did however tell her that she was not in jeopardy of going home tonight. Well without a guarantee, miss drama queen decided that she had to leave. She seemed so upset and Jake of coarse was devastated. I was happy because I do think that this seemingly great guy would make the wrong choice once again and actually pick Ali.
Well because of Ali's disappearing act, there was no need for a rose ceremony and Gia, Tenley and Vienna are still in contention to be his future bride. Personally I really don't think that we have seen the last of Ali, (if she does try to come back, then Jake please say no!!!)
Jake if you are out there and listening. For what its worth I think that you should have Gia and Tenley as your final two girls. Both are amazing women and either would be a great choice in my opinion but for what its worth, if I had to choose one girl for you it would definitely be Tenley.
Good luck Jake!!!
Gia was first. Gia (who I do like) was first and she lives in New York. I found it a little bit strange that they met her family in a restaurant instead of their home. Jake met Gia's mom, step dad, step brother and half brother. They all seemed to like Jake and were concerned that Gia would once again get hurt as she has been so many times in the past. Jake seemed to really like Gia's mom.
Next was Ali (she is my least favourite pick for Jake, yes even more so then Vienna). They visited Ali's late grandma's house (it was very touching). Then they went to her parents house and visited with her mom and sister and brother. It seemed like a good date and Jake seemed to be very impressed by the end of the night. He talked about how he is exactly where he wants to be with Ali at this point in their relationship.
Next was Tenley (my favourite pick for Jake). There is something about Tenley and Jake that makes me feel as though they just fit together. Tenley took Jake to her old dance studio and danced for him a piece that she has choreographed just for him. It was really sweet and Jake seemed to be very touched by the gesture. I think that Tenley is the one for Jake (she just needs to stop talking about her ex husband). Jake met Tenley's mom and Dad and sister. He had an opportunity to speak privately with both her mom and dad and both conversations were very moving. They really love and admire their daughter so much. They were honest in letting him know that she is still healing from her broken marriage but that she is ready to move on. They of all of the families felt to me as though they were not trying to make a sales pitch for how incredible their daughter was. They know that she is wonderful and if it is meant to be for both of them then they will be happy for Tenley and if not then they will still be happy and supportive for Tenley (and I really think that they would wish Jake all of the best).
Well lastly was Vienna. I now know why she is so strange. The apple does not fall fall from the tree. Her family seems nice but her dad (although he does love his daughter very much), well there is just something very odd about him. I felt that his interaction with Vienna was weird. Vienna wears a ring on her finger that her dad gave her that she will one day replace with a wedding ring once she gets married. I thought that it was a little strange but it was more then that, it was a feeling that I got when watching them together.
After all was said and done, Jake was getting ready for the rose ceremony ((I was so sure that Vienna was going to be sent home) when the drama began. Ali asked to speak to him. She was crying and upset. Poor Jake didn't know what was going on. Well Ali said that her work told her that she needed to go back immediately or she would loose her job. She was crying because she didn't know what to do. She expressed that she was being asked to choose between the two biggest loves of her life (well that should have given Jake a clue right there). Well Jake told her that he wanted her to stay and that he wished that she would take a chance on him but that he could not guarantee that he would put a ring on her finger in three weeks time. He did however tell her that she was not in jeopardy of going home tonight. Well without a guarantee, miss drama queen decided that she had to leave. She seemed so upset and Jake of coarse was devastated. I was happy because I do think that this seemingly great guy would make the wrong choice once again and actually pick Ali.
Well because of Ali's disappearing act, there was no need for a rose ceremony and Gia, Tenley and Vienna are still in contention to be his future bride. Personally I really don't think that we have seen the last of Ali, (if she does try to come back, then Jake please say no!!!)
Jake if you are out there and listening. For what its worth I think that you should have Gia and Tenley as your final two girls. Both are amazing women and either would be a great choice in my opinion but for what its worth, if I had to choose one girl for you it would definitely be Tenley.
Good luck Jake!!!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Bachelor - flying on the wings of love
I have been following the bachelor since the very first episode. If you watched the Bachelorette last season Jake the pilot who was a favourite of many of the viewers is now the bachellor. He is now down to 4 women. Tenley, Gia, Vienna and Ali.
My favourite from day 1 has been Tenley. Last night Jake decided to send Corri home. I thought that she was a nice girl but it didn't seem as though she would be the one for him.
Jake is very serious about finding his future wife on this show. In my opinion I feel that he will end up with Tenley. Gia would be a close second.
Ali is a trouble maker and she can be really mean to the other girls but comes across to Jake as being a sweet girl.
Vienna I feel is just too much work for Jake although he does seem to be attracted to her. On last nights episode Vienna went searching for Jake once they had all retired to their rooms and she found him in bed. She climbed on the bed (on top of the covers) and she wanted to hang out and let him know how interested she is in him. Jake sent her back to her room and expressed that it was inappropriate for her to be there and he did not want Gia (who was Vienna's room mate upstairs) to think that anything was going on. Vienna left and felt very unsure of how her decision to visit Jake in his room was perceived by him.
Jake also confronted Ali on his one on one date regarding her displeasure of Vienna still being in the house. Ali has been very vocal to all of the other girls about her displeasure at Vienna being given a rose at each rose ceremony when she was also given a rose. She expresses that she cannot understand how Jake can be interested in Vienna when she is so different from herself. Ali as threatened to tell Jake about her feeling on this subject on every episode so far. Well this week Jake called her on it and she said that the problem was fixed and that she was over it.
Next week will be the home town dates and I am really looking for ward to that.
Good Luck Jake, I really hope that you find the right girl.
My favourite from day 1 has been Tenley. Last night Jake decided to send Corri home. I thought that she was a nice girl but it didn't seem as though she would be the one for him.
Jake is very serious about finding his future wife on this show. In my opinion I feel that he will end up with Tenley. Gia would be a close second.
Ali is a trouble maker and she can be really mean to the other girls but comes across to Jake as being a sweet girl.
Vienna I feel is just too much work for Jake although he does seem to be attracted to her. On last nights episode Vienna went searching for Jake once they had all retired to their rooms and she found him in bed. She climbed on the bed (on top of the covers) and she wanted to hang out and let him know how interested she is in him. Jake sent her back to her room and expressed that it was inappropriate for her to be there and he did not want Gia (who was Vienna's room mate upstairs) to think that anything was going on. Vienna left and felt very unsure of how her decision to visit Jake in his room was perceived by him.
Jake also confronted Ali on his one on one date regarding her displeasure of Vienna still being in the house. Ali has been very vocal to all of the other girls about her displeasure at Vienna being given a rose at each rose ceremony when she was also given a rose. She expresses that she cannot understand how Jake can be interested in Vienna when she is so different from herself. Ali as threatened to tell Jake about her feeling on this subject on every episode so far. Well this week Jake called her on it and she said that the problem was fixed and that she was over it.
Next week will be the home town dates and I am really looking for ward to that.
Good Luck Jake, I really hope that you find the right girl.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Globe and Mail article on new guide to Canadian Citizenship
•Auditor-General sounds alarm on immigration policy
From Tuesday's Globe and Mail
Published on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 3:09PM EST
Last updated on Friday, Dec. 04, 2009 6:33PM EST
The Conservative government will redefine what it means to be Canadian this week by introducing a new guide to citizenship, a rare and significant attempt to reshape the national image.
The new document, which will be the citizenship study guide for the 250,000 immigrants who arrive in Canada each year, instantly becomes one of the country's most widely read and potentially influential pieces of writing. It will replace a document created by the Liberals in 1997 that the Conservatives criticized for its anemic presentation of Canadian history and identity.
No longer will new Canadians be told that Canada is strictly a nation of peacekeepers, for example. The new guide places a much greater emphasis on Canada's military history, from the Great War to the present day. It also tackles other issues of historical significance, from Confederation to Quebec's separatist movement, that were barely mentioned by its predecessor .
“I think there's a growing sense that we need to have a deeper, thicker sense of our common citizenship and where we come from as Canadians,” Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said.
“If all you knew about Canada was from the current guide it would be possible to become a citizen never having heard of Vimy Ridge, Dieppe or Juno Beach and not knowing what the poppy represents, which I think is scandalous.”
The new guide was produced in consultation with a panel of experts that included former governor-general Adrienne Clarkson, historian Jack Granatstein, retired general John de Chastelain and historian Margaret MacMillan. Mr. Kenney said its goal is to foster a sense of cohesion, of a common past, shared values and obligations.
“We've been pretty successful in our approach to diversity, but as we maintain the developed world's highest relative levels of immigration we can't be cavalier about social cohesion. We need to be very deliberate about integration now and in the future, that in part means having a common basis of knowledge about Canadian symbols, values and institutions,” he said.
“We want to ensure that newcomers appreciate that citizenship is not just obtaining legal status, that it confers certain privileges and rights. It's joining the Canadian community and it's joining Canadian history.”
Rudyard Griffiths, co-founder of the Historica-Dominion Institute and a member of the advisory panel, said he expects the new guide to generate debate when it's released on Thursday.
“The Bloc Quebecois will have their own reaction and take on this, which I'm sure is not going to be favourable,” Mr. Griffiths said. “They will not probably like the amount of military history that's in this guide. I think that some of the focus on the institution of the monarchy and the Crown in Canada will probably rankle the BQ and sovereigntists, but I think these are the touchstones of a common Canadian identity. It's okay if that identity is contested but we have to have a common starting place.”
He said it's very rare for a national government to take a comprehensive look at the messages that are being transmitted to its citizens about the country. This new guide, called “Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship,” is a model for what students should be learning in Grade 10 and 11 history and civics classes, he said.
Antonia Maioni, director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, said the new guide fits with a Conservative strategy to redefine itself with regard to immigration, an issue that historically has been closely linked with the Liberal Party.
Mr. Kenney emphasizes that Discover Canada is not a rose-coloured view of the country's history. There are sections on Canada's dark periods, including the Chinese head tax and Exclusion Act, the internment of Japanese and Eastern European immigrants in the world wars, as well as aboriginal residential schools.
It also highlights Canadian sporting heroes, from Terry Fox to Wayne Gretzky, Mark Tewksbury to Chantal Petitclerc, and includes a sidebar explaining Canadian football.
The guide forms part of the minister's broader citizen action plan, which will continue to look at ways to review and update aspects of the citizenship process.
It's expected that new immigrants will begin receiving the new document over the next several months.
Latest Comments
mayincalgary 11/13/2009 4:36:53 PM
Two things:
While it is admirable to teach immmigrants about our sports history, what does that have to being a good Canadian? There are many people out there who are not sports fans.
Second, I wonder how much of what immigrants learn from the new handbook is known by 'ordinary' Canadians? Might be an interesting topic for an on-the-street poll... Or better yet, put the questions on your website and let' s see how many correct answers ordinary Canadians get. 2 0 Report Abuse
Canadiana 11/13/2009 10:43:01 AM
Alot of Canadians say, It's time to take a deep breath, step back and give the immigration Dept. a much needed break. A quarter of a million more liabilities per year for the taxpayers is "abit" much, Jason Kenny, are you listening? Make immigrants wait 20 years before given the citizenship responsibilities. Fair is fair! 1 4Report Abuse
CFML 11/12/2009 11:02:40 PM
High time this happened...only one problem. Aboriginals were the FIRST peoples of this country - not just one of the 3 "founders" 11 5Report Abuse
© Copyright 2010 CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Globe and Mail is a division of CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc., 444 Front St. W., Toronto, ON Canada M5V 2S9
Phillip Crawley, Publisher
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-to-remodel-canadas-image/article1358189/
From Tuesday's Globe and Mail
Published on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 3:09PM EST
Last updated on Friday, Dec. 04, 2009 6:33PM EST
The Conservative government will redefine what it means to be Canadian this week by introducing a new guide to citizenship, a rare and significant attempt to reshape the national image.
The new document, which will be the citizenship study guide for the 250,000 immigrants who arrive in Canada each year, instantly becomes one of the country's most widely read and potentially influential pieces of writing. It will replace a document created by the Liberals in 1997 that the Conservatives criticized for its anemic presentation of Canadian history and identity.
No longer will new Canadians be told that Canada is strictly a nation of peacekeepers, for example. The new guide places a much greater emphasis on Canada's military history, from the Great War to the present day. It also tackles other issues of historical significance, from Confederation to Quebec's separatist movement, that were barely mentioned by its predecessor .
“I think there's a growing sense that we need to have a deeper, thicker sense of our common citizenship and where we come from as Canadians,” Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said.
“If all you knew about Canada was from the current guide it would be possible to become a citizen never having heard of Vimy Ridge, Dieppe or Juno Beach and not knowing what the poppy represents, which I think is scandalous.”
The new guide was produced in consultation with a panel of experts that included former governor-general Adrienne Clarkson, historian Jack Granatstein, retired general John de Chastelain and historian Margaret MacMillan. Mr. Kenney said its goal is to foster a sense of cohesion, of a common past, shared values and obligations.
“We've been pretty successful in our approach to diversity, but as we maintain the developed world's highest relative levels of immigration we can't be cavalier about social cohesion. We need to be very deliberate about integration now and in the future, that in part means having a common basis of knowledge about Canadian symbols, values and institutions,” he said.
“We want to ensure that newcomers appreciate that citizenship is not just obtaining legal status, that it confers certain privileges and rights. It's joining the Canadian community and it's joining Canadian history.”
Rudyard Griffiths, co-founder of the Historica-Dominion Institute and a member of the advisory panel, said he expects the new guide to generate debate when it's released on Thursday.
“The Bloc Quebecois will have their own reaction and take on this, which I'm sure is not going to be favourable,” Mr. Griffiths said. “They will not probably like the amount of military history that's in this guide. I think that some of the focus on the institution of the monarchy and the Crown in Canada will probably rankle the BQ and sovereigntists, but I think these are the touchstones of a common Canadian identity. It's okay if that identity is contested but we have to have a common starting place.”
He said it's very rare for a national government to take a comprehensive look at the messages that are being transmitted to its citizens about the country. This new guide, called “Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship,” is a model for what students should be learning in Grade 10 and 11 history and civics classes, he said.
Antonia Maioni, director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, said the new guide fits with a Conservative strategy to redefine itself with regard to immigration, an issue that historically has been closely linked with the Liberal Party.
Mr. Kenney emphasizes that Discover Canada is not a rose-coloured view of the country's history. There are sections on Canada's dark periods, including the Chinese head tax and Exclusion Act, the internment of Japanese and Eastern European immigrants in the world wars, as well as aboriginal residential schools.
It also highlights Canadian sporting heroes, from Terry Fox to Wayne Gretzky, Mark Tewksbury to Chantal Petitclerc, and includes a sidebar explaining Canadian football.
The guide forms part of the minister's broader citizen action plan, which will continue to look at ways to review and update aspects of the citizenship process.
It's expected that new immigrants will begin receiving the new document over the next several months.
Latest Comments
mayincalgary 11/13/2009 4:36:53 PM
Two things:
While it is admirable to teach immmigrants about our sports history, what does that have to being a good Canadian? There are many people out there who are not sports fans.
Second, I wonder how much of what immigrants learn from the new handbook is known by 'ordinary' Canadians? Might be an interesting topic for an on-the-street poll... Or better yet, put the questions on your website and let' s see how many correct answers ordinary Canadians get. 2 0 Report Abuse
Canadiana 11/13/2009 10:43:01 AM
Alot of Canadians say, It's time to take a deep breath, step back and give the immigration Dept. a much needed break. A quarter of a million more liabilities per year for the taxpayers is "abit" much, Jason Kenny, are you listening? Make immigrants wait 20 years before given the citizenship responsibilities. Fair is fair! 1 4Report Abuse
CFML 11/12/2009 11:02:40 PM
High time this happened...only one problem. Aboriginals were the FIRST peoples of this country - not just one of the 3 "founders" 11 5Report Abuse
© Copyright 2010 CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Globe and Mail is a division of CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc., 444 Front St. W., Toronto, ON Canada M5V 2S9
Phillip Crawley, Publisher
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-to-remodel-canadas-image/article1358189/
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
2010 Olympic Winter Games and Translation of the Canadian National Anthem
It seems to be happening again. It's probably because the 2010 Olympic winter games are due to start in Vancouver in a few weeks. There is an e-mail circulating regarding the desire of a few to translate the Canadian National anthem to a language other than english or french during the games. Naturally, Canadians are up in arms regarding this issue. Once again there are cries for changes to the immigration system; calls for more of a 'melting pot' system as used by the United States of America. Calls for immigrants to learn our language and our ways. I will provide a link to snopes.com which follows the different generations of evolution this particular e-mail has followed. I am finding there are more and more people (Canadians) who are becoming more nationalistic and are trying to preserve our ways.
Just what are our ways? What does it mean to be Canadian?
http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/canadaanthem.asp (see post below for link)
(copied with permission by author)
At risk of being tagged as a red neck I feel the opinion regarding Bruce Allen and our national anthem being translated for the Olympics has some merit.
Like many people of immigrant families born in this country we were brought up to be tolerant and embrace peoples and cultures and that would enrich our lives, and for the some part it has.
The ugly side to this is when our tolerance and generosity is taken advantage of. One such atrocity is the butchering of our national anthem to suit people that cannot / will not learn the language of this country.
In my humble opinion the mosaic model this country has adopted during the Trudeau years is not working. Perhaps we should have adopted the melting pot route, then we wouldn't be having this problem.
I have experienced in Canada a complete take over of what was a nicely balanced community living in harmony and cooperation to what now represents a community from a different part of the world where little English is spoken, stores cater to the immigrant community and every strip mall signage is of a language I do not understand. And this is only going to get worse. Most immigrants no longer want to blend, they only want to re create their homeland in their own community, to be among their own kind.
Go back and review what Trudeau envisioned the mosaic to be, people from all over the world bringing cultures with them to Canada and learning and living our ways while still having a part of the old country here to enjoy. Not the dense pockets of separate communities we see in our larger cities today. Seems to me what we are seeing is an unwillingness or inability to learn our Canadian ways while bringing all the culture, family and problems from the old country here.
Open your eyes people, this has gone too far. In parallel we need to identify to new Canadians what Canadiana is, just as our parents were taught when they arrived to this country a generation ago. (Take a look at the present governments re address of the statement about Canada in the new immigration policy and it helps identify the old school culture and values of this county)
When passing this message on let's please include our ideas of Canadiana so everyone can understand our national passions and icons. These should be explained to the immigrants in your community so they can understand.
-hockey / skiing and CFL football.
-maple syrup
-learning our history instead of US history
-enjoyment of foods and cultures from all over the world (not just your own native food and culture.
-consideration of others including the people born here
- pride in our flag, our anthem and armed forces
-official languages of the two founding countries of this great nation (English and French) without compromise.
- nature
- enjoyment of all 4 seasons
-great Canadian discoveries and ingenuity (RIM, discovery of oil, baseball, telephone, oil sands etc.) please add more when you pass on this email.
Just what are our ways? What does it mean to be Canadian?
http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/canadaanthem.asp (see post below for link)
(copied with permission by author)
At risk of being tagged as a red neck I feel the opinion regarding Bruce Allen and our national anthem being translated for the Olympics has some merit.
Like many people of immigrant families born in this country we were brought up to be tolerant and embrace peoples and cultures and that would enrich our lives, and for the some part it has.
The ugly side to this is when our tolerance and generosity is taken advantage of. One such atrocity is the butchering of our national anthem to suit people that cannot / will not learn the language of this country.
In my humble opinion the mosaic model this country has adopted during the Trudeau years is not working. Perhaps we should have adopted the melting pot route, then we wouldn't be having this problem.
I have experienced in Canada a complete take over of what was a nicely balanced community living in harmony and cooperation to what now represents a community from a different part of the world where little English is spoken, stores cater to the immigrant community and every strip mall signage is of a language I do not understand. And this is only going to get worse. Most immigrants no longer want to blend, they only want to re create their homeland in their own community, to be among their own kind.
Go back and review what Trudeau envisioned the mosaic to be, people from all over the world bringing cultures with them to Canada and learning and living our ways while still having a part of the old country here to enjoy. Not the dense pockets of separate communities we see in our larger cities today. Seems to me what we are seeing is an unwillingness or inability to learn our Canadian ways while bringing all the culture, family and problems from the old country here.
Open your eyes people, this has gone too far. In parallel we need to identify to new Canadians what Canadiana is, just as our parents were taught when they arrived to this country a generation ago. (Take a look at the present governments re address of the statement about Canada in the new immigration policy and it helps identify the old school culture and values of this county)
When passing this message on let's please include our ideas of Canadiana so everyone can understand our national passions and icons. These should be explained to the immigrants in your community so they can understand.
-hockey / skiing and CFL football.
-maple syrup
-learning our history instead of US history
-enjoyment of foods and cultures from all over the world (not just your own native food and culture.
-consideration of others including the people born here
- pride in our flag, our anthem and armed forces
-official languages of the two founding countries of this great nation (English and French) without compromise.
- nature
- enjoyment of all 4 seasons
-great Canadian discoveries and ingenuity (RIM, discovery of oil, baseball, telephone, oil sands etc.) please add more when you pass on this email.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Dancing with the stars season #9 grand finale
Monday night on Dancing with the stars the three remaining contestants danced off for the mirrorball trophy. I felt that they all did well but I was surprised with the free style portion of the night. That is always my favourite part of the year as each couple gets to be original and decide to dance what ever they want. It is usually the most creative portion of the show. Well Mya was ready to pull out all of the stops but her partner convinced her that they should not go too far. Well her routine was very good but also very boring. Kelly's routine was also good but very safe. Donny was last and he had the best routine of the night. At the end of the show I remember thinking that it really didn't matter to me who won. It was any body's game at this point.
Well Tuesday evening came and I watched as Whitney Houston sang and the next thing I knew it was six o'clock in the morning. I fell asleep and missed the whole show. Mr Sunshine was away and when he called int he morning he informed me that (drum roll please) the winner of the Dancing with the stars season #9 is Mr Entertainment himself Donny Osmond (I'm sure that Marie will never hear the end of it).
Congratulations Donny (congratulations Cathy).
Well Tuesday evening came and I watched as Whitney Houston sang and the next thing I knew it was six o'clock in the morning. I fell asleep and missed the whole show. Mr Sunshine was away and when he called int he morning he informed me that (drum roll please) the winner of the Dancing with the stars season #9 is Mr Entertainment himself Donny Osmond (I'm sure that Marie will never hear the end of it).
Congratulations Donny (congratulations Cathy).
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Dancing with the stars semi finals
Monday night on Dancing with the Stars each of the four remaining celebrities performed 3 dances each. Mya and Joanna were both incredible. Donny stumbled on his first number in part due to a wardrobe malfunction and Kelly was a crowd favourite.
Well on Tuesday night the votes were in and to a lot of peoples surprise Joanna was eliminated.
Next week will be the finals so keep watching.
Well on Tuesday night the votes were in and to a lot of peoples surprise Joanna was eliminated.
Next week will be the finals so keep watching.
Monday, November 16, 2009
NEW MOON - COUNT DOWN
The Twilight book series has its second movie sequel premiering this Friday. New Moon is the second book in the Twilight series. A lot of teens are so into the series. I have read them because my daughter was so engrossed in the books that it intrigued me to see what was so fascinating. Well I really loved all of the books. I am clearly an Edward Fan. The books include characters that are vampires and others that are werewolves and then there are also regular human beings living amongst the vampires and werewolves. Bella Swan falls in love with Edward and has very strong feeling for Jacob. Amongst the teen population and some adults too the votes are split between Robert Patterson (Edward) and Taylor Lautner (Jacob). Joining the teem of young and talented actors this week is Dakota Fanning who plays a villain in this movie. I can't wait to see the movie this week.
TEAM EDWARD ALL THE WAY
click below to view the latest new moon trailer.
http://www.twilightthemovie.com/TEAM EDWARD ALL THE WAY
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Dancing with the stars week#7
This week on Dancing With The Stars, each couple had to perform two dances. The first round was ballroom dancing which was very elegant. The second round was Latin dances from different eras. My favourites were Joana and Donny. They were both amazing. Truthfully at this stage of the game they are all doing amazingly well.
Eliminated this week was Aaron Carter. He was so very dedicated and he pushed himself to do well. His attitude was always a little bit off putting.
Its getting close now so stay tuned next week.
Eliminated this week was Aaron Carter. He was so very dedicated and he pushed himself to do well. His attitude was always a little bit off putting.
Its getting close now so stay tuned next week.
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